Build or Buy?

bbodnyk

bbodnyk

Active Member
Having flown my Hubsan X4 and then my diy 3d printed mico-quad; I posted a thread in the First Build section about it, I'm ready to move up to something larger. I'd like my next multi-rotor to have gps and aerial photography capabilities and am strongly considering the Quanum Nova although the XK Detect X380 looks interesting also, although I'm leaning towards the Quanum Nova due to the open-source flight controller; I haven't been able to find what flight controller the XK Detect uses.

My quandary is deciding whether to build one or buy one. I'm starting with absolutely nothing; I don't have a transmitter, battery charger, etc. It looks like you can get a Quanum Nova for around $300. What isn't clear is whether I can build my own for that price?

Again I'm leaning towards buying because for around $300 I'd be getting a RTF quad and I could use that as a basis on building my own. I have access to a 3d printer so I could easily design and print a frame and then simply transfer the electronics from the Nova to my own frame; upgrading the components at that time as need be.

I'd appreciate any thought people might have!

Thanks!
Bruce
 
Well this an interesting quad.
http://www.banggood.com/HiSKY-HMX28...D-FC-RTF-p-983329.html?p=YL2512105842201212FR

Brushless motors a modified CC3D FC (that can be adjusted) etc.

It also appears to come with a decent transmitter (HK also sells their own Turnigy branded one) that should be able to be used for multiple builds, just need to buy more receivers. Damn cheap too.
http://www.banggood.com/Hisky-2_4Ghz-XY7000S-Receiver-for-Hisky-H-6-Transmitter-p-967280.html

A quick look (there are lots of detailed vids out there.)


There is also this new quad, along the lines of the Nova, but more advanced.

 
Jackson said:
Well this an interesting quad.
http://www.banggood.com/HiSKY-HMX28...D-FC-RTF-p-983329.html?p=YL2512105842201212FR

Brushless motors a modified CC3D FC (that can be adjusted) etc.

It also appears to come with a decent transmitter (HK also sells their own Turnigy branded one) that should be able to be used for multiple builds, just need to buy more receivers. Damn cheap too.
http://www.banggood.com/Hisky-2_4Ghz-XY7000S-Receiver-for-Hisky-H-6-Transmitter-p-967280.html

A quick look (there are lots of detailed vids out there.)


There is also this new quad, along the lines of the Nova, but more advanced.

Click to expand...


The HiSky doesn't have GPS so I'd tend to shy away from that. I have been looking at the XK Detect but haven't found as of yet what flight controller it uses.

Regards,
Bruce
 
I am no expert but I have just finished building my first build and I have really enjoyed it and you also learn so much about them whilst doing it.
Yes an off the shelf will look neater with its casing but a self build for me is better, also you can build the basics if money is limited and then later add GPS and FPV.
 
Zec Richardson said:
I am no expert but I have just finished building my first build and I have really enjoyed it and you also learn so much about them whilst doing it.
Yes an off the shelf will look neater with its casing but a self build for me is better, also you can build the basics if money is limited and then later add GPS and FPV.
Click to expand...

I decided to buy a Cheerson CX-20 from Banggood. At the price they are selling it, it wasn't clear I could build one with the CX-20 features without spending a bunch more.

I could care less about the looks although having wires and components sticking on a frame doesn't look terribly neat. Part of my interest is making parts using my 3d printer and I can envision all kinds of accessories I could print for the Cheerson. Once I get the Cheerson I'll already have a transmitter I can use should I decide in the future to build a larger unit.

Incidentally I already built a micro-quad and fly it multiple times during the day. I posted something to the First Build forum a little while ago about it.
 
Now a 3d printer is something I would like, I downloaded the file for some motor mounts for my X525 but I got a quote for £50 to print them. Very expensive.
 
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