First build-- parts

Hello,
What do you think of this first build? Any missing parts? Or alternatives? General advice?
I know you can load and possibly run the ardupilot source code on arduino uno, but anyone with this experience? And is it worth it? I have the arudino uno so I am interested in going down that path if possible.

Thanks for your help.
 
Welcome to the forum. Wow, that looks pretty complete list.
I can't say anything about the flight controller, as I have heard nothing about it but it looks good and is at a cheap price. Reviews seem positive.
The radio is cheap yes, but it has been known to have shorter range than other full range radios. If you can afford it frysky makes nice modular radios. Spektruim and orange make good ones also. If your budget is tight orange is a good way to go.
You probably should pick up a couple bags of bullett connectors they are two short if you just get one.
If you want to have 8'' props then here are some good motors.
Good camera, if you live in the US get NTSF, Europe get PAL.


Make sure to order from the closest possible warehouse to you, and try to get everything at once.
Make sure you don't forget to get a LiPo charger. '
Note, the props seem to be a little out of balance, I don't balance mine but most people seem to and I think it would be a good idea to pick up a prop balancer.

Do you have a solder iron, or any soldering experience?
As for using your Arduino I'd advise against it as you can buy pre-made Ardupilot or Mutiwii Citrus for cheaper than you can build using your Arduino. See you need the accelerometer and other hardware that cost a little more for you than a company buying in bulk.
 
Also, here is what I did for my frame.

PPick%20Me_zpsch48hpth.jpg

I dropped the spring loaded gear because it was heavy, and the above pic has a little give.

HALFrameNeedswork_zps81351d54.jpg
 
Thanks for the quick reply. This is for a school project, so I (we) are on a tight budget as you might have noticed :) We have a 3D printer at school so I am planning on using that. Your frame is really nice, and it will probably be less heavier if 3D printed. I will see what my team mates come up with and show them this.
I was also wondering about the range of the remote controller. I will look into Orange since it seems to be in the same ballpark in terms of price.
Soldering....I don't have any experience, but my teacher does and hopefully he will be willing to help.

I thought the same thing about doing a custom build with the Arduino: all the extra hardware plus tweaking the code.

Well, thanks again. I will probably be back with more questions pretty soon :)
 
Thanks, holtneil. I like the simplicity of the second one, and it does seem to house the electronics pretty cleanly. I will take a look and update you as we develop the design, hopefully it will come out good.
 
Take a look at this. He made a good design.

Download that frame here. It is a little smaller than you want, but you can lengthen it it you want.


You really don't even have to print this one.

 
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