To build or to buy built?

[SlyBazzle]

Hi guys, I'm an RC newb but I have already fallen in love with flying and my current quad just isn't cutting it anymore (ares shadow 240). So basically I've been cruising around for the last couple of weeks reading whatever I can find as far as fpv copters go and I've noticed that especially on sites like Amazon when I go to read the reviews they are almost all split right down the middle. People seem to be either totally satisfied 5 stars or nothing works right 1 star reviews, not to mention I've read a bunch of "warning reviews" claiming that the people posting the positive ones are basically just talking poop or trying to sell you some poop. That being said, I feel like I'm completely lost in the sauce here lol.

Basically what it boils down to is this: I am in the market for a beginner/intermediate fpv racing setup that is, for the most part, ready to fly after being built or taken out of the box. I do not currently posses the ability to program or even calibrate a quad setup and that is basically my biggest concern. I have no problem building a kit, but like I said, after the build phase I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything that comes next. Now I've seen a couple of posts similar to mine in another group that I frequent on FB and the general consensus seems to be that the Vortex 250 pro BNF is one of the better pre built setups for beginners. Beyond that I haven't really been able to distinguish a front runner and every "top quads for beginners" list doesnt really seem to have much in common.

The vortex is a little more expensive than what I would like it to be especially considering I have to buy a transmitter and fpv setup to go with it, but I understand that quality costs money and I'd rather have a slightly more expensive setup that works than a cheap one that doesn't. That being said, $500 is the tip top of my budget (not including transmitter and fpv setup which from what I gather will run about another $500). I'd like to explore the possibility of a few cheaper options though before I make such a committment so if anyone knows of a something comparable I'd love to hear about it so I can look into it.


Any tips, info sources, pointers, advice, etc... Is all greatly appreciated. I know I've just rolled in here and asked for a ton of information but I'm just not sure where to go at this point in the game and I'll go ahead and thank you for your patience now in advance.

 

[mozquito1]

It's got to be build your own, a crash is inevitable. so you either send it away or fix it yourself. Err no brainer.

 

[mozquito1]

Hi guys, I'm an RC newb but I have already fallen in love with flying and my current quad just isn't cutting it anymore (ares shadow 240). So basically I've been cruising around for the last couple of weeks reading whatever I can find as far as fpv copters go and I've noticed that especially on sites like Amazon when I go to read the reviews they are almost all split right down the middle. People seem to be either totally satisfied 5 stars or nothing works right 1 star reviews, not to mention I've read a bunch of "warning reviews" claiming that the people posting the positive ones are basically just talking poop or trying to sell you some poop. That being said, I feel like I'm completely lost in the sauce here lol.

Basically what it boils down to is this: I am in the market for a beginner/intermediate fpv racing setup that is, for the most part, ready to fly after being built or taken out of the box. I do not currently posses the ability to program or even calibrate a quad setup and that is basically my biggest concern. I have no problem building a kit, but like I said, after the build phase I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything that comes next. Now I've seen a couple of posts similar to mine in another group that I frequent on FB and the general consensus seems to be that the Vortex 250 pro BNF is one of the better pre built setups for beginners. Beyond that I haven't really been able to distinguish a front runner and every "top quads for beginners" list doesnt really seem to have much in common.

The vortex is a little more expensive than what I would like it to be especially considering I have to buy a transmitter and fpv setup to go with it, but I understand that quality costs money and I'd rather have a slightly more expensive setup that works than a cheap one that doesn't. That being said, $500 is the tip top of my budget (not including transmitter and fpv setup which from what I gather will run about another $500). I'd like to explore the possibility of a few cheaper options though before I make such a committment so if anyone knows of a something comparable I'd love to hear about it so I can look into it.


Any tips, info sources, pointers, advice, etc... Is all greatly appreciated. I know I've just rolled in here and asked for a ton of information but I'm just not sure where to go at this point in the game and I'll go ahead and thank you for your patience now in advance.

Start with RC Model reviews on YT
Or Painless360. They have cheap build videos. Step by step.

 

[Jackson]

Buy and Fly. The forums are littered with folks trying to get their builds in the air. I can't imagine how many simply gave up.

Two good ones to get your feet wet.
http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-Fal...ote-Control-5_8G-HD-Camera-RTF-p-1026335.html

Note the solid reviews and you'll find many YouTube vids out there, plus a Facebook group where many fixes are discussed.

There is also the new version that offers a choice of flight controllers.
http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-Fal...700TVL-HD-Camera-5_8G-40CH-VTX-p-1069132.html

Get yourself a boat load of spare props, a few spare arms, a couple batterries, probably a better charger and get to flying.

 

[SlyBazzle]

So I almost pulled the trigger on the Eachine racer the other day but was concerned when I saw a video that showed how off balance it can be because of the way the battery sits.

And after the experience I've had with my first two flyers, I'll go ahead and buy a spare every damn thing right off the bat hahaha.

 

[SlyBazzle]

And if anything I'm definitely leaning more towards bind and fly. I saw your post about the radio link and I think I like it more than the Dx6 I was considering.

 

[Jackson]

Eachine racer

That's old news, the Falcon is in another league.

 

[SlyBazzle]

Glad I made the right decision than.

 

[SlyBazzle]

Leaning towards this one for two reasons over the falcon; First is I don't want to pay $100 for that fly sky transmitter that nobody seems to like just because they don't have in stock the bnf model yet. From what I read the radiolink at9 should serve me well for at least another build or two. Arris not only has good reviews but even their bad ones rave about how amazing their customer service is and how easy it was to fix whatever the issue was. As opposed to Eachine who seems to be known for dragging their ass in the customer service department. Not to mention I can have this on in my hands by Friday from prime instead of waiting two weeks for the falcon and dammit I want to go fast yesterday.

https://www.amazon.com/X-Speed-Quad...&qid=1472098513&sr=1-3&keywords=Arris+speed+b

Having a harder time than I expected trying to figure out the battery setup I would need for the x speed though. Had no idea there were so many different batteries and chargers out their. Some pages say 3s 1500-2200 Mah at 30c while others just say 3s 2200. If I'm understanding this though higher Mah will only add flight time if the battery isn't too heavy and the higher the C rating is the heavier the battery is but the flow of power is a lot better. So it sounds like I have to find the happy medium between mah and C rating for the copter to fly most efficiently. Is this something that people generally have to fool around with to figure out or is there some sort of equation for all of this?

 

[Jackson]

First is I don't want to pay $100 for that fly sky transmitter that nobody seems to like

And what TX is that? If it's this one I totally disagree. And where did you come up with your $100 figure?

Very highly regarded with a rabid fan base.


From Banggood reviews.

From Amazon.

There is also a 67 page thread on RCGroups and also the 3rd party FW and mods project.
https://github.com/benb0jangles/FlySky-i6-Mod-

 

[SlyBazzle]

Well, debate is over. The Arris with at9 last night and it'll be here tomorrow.

But what I was comparing the rtf falcon to was this..... http://m.banggood.com/Eachine-Falco...rger-Camera-VTX-Remote-Control-p-1070147.html

They haven't gotten this one in stock yet though. And even with the the positive reviews on the fly sky I know it's something I would end up replacing even if it was just to place something that felt a little more sturdy in my hands.

And I just noticed that I misread it and it's needs the VTX as well. I've read so many stats and spec sheets that I'm starting to mix them all together in my head. All the variations of the same models are still confusing as hell for me so I was wrong about my $100 statements.

Everyone says the Eachine battery charger breaks after the first few charges so I factored that in with the transmitter that I would replace though it and would still end up being like another $150 just to be content with the falcon.

 

[SlyBazzle]

I know it sounds kind of ridiculous but I'm very particular about the way I like things to feel. I like my watches and my guns to be heavy and made of medal as well, probably why I want a meatier transmitter.

 

[mozquito1]

I use the flysky i6, there is nothing wrong with it. No problems, easy to understand. I have Pwm & ppm Rx & get the full range of our local park. About 600mtr. Although it's hard to see @ about 200mtr LOS.
You will see bad reviews about everything if you look. But honestly I'm finding it OK & everything responds well along with the rx's taking a few knocks. Maybe I don't know what I'm missing compared to a frsky but for a learner getting into the hobby it's doing its job.
For £32 I really can't grumble.

 

[SlyBazzle]

I didn't mean to give the impression that it was a bad product, just wasn't interested in it. And you're absolutely right, everything has bad reviews mixed in but even the bad reviews I was finding on the arris were still halfway decent. Especially when most mentioned that arris customer service took care of them with relative ease.

 

[Jackson]

I use the flysky i6, there is nothing wrong with it.... But honestly I'm finding it OK & everything responds well along with the rx's taking a few knocks. Maybe I don't know what I'm missing compared to a frsky but for a learner getting into the hobby it's doing its job.

When Chad, the Aussie, from RotorRiot first picked one up, he said "These gimbals feel better than the Taranis, are you listening FrSky?"

I just recently discovered the far right switch, by default is set up for Throttle Hold. I now have it set for zero and it's a perfect on/off switch. Too many times while holding the TX and reaching down to pick up my model I'd inadvertently bump the throttle. The far left 'Fly mode' switch is also useful. With it you can you can tweak channels 1, 2 and 4, you can now flip from either Normal or an enhanced Sport mode, effectively doubling your flight modes.

 

[mozquito1]

SWD is my arm SWC is my modes SWA is my dual rate switch. SWB Is unused.
For 30 quid any noob should try it.