FIRST BUILD: QAV-R (6")

[dothedr3w]

Hey everyone! I'm new to the hobby and this is my proposed build. I'm hoping you guys can pick holes in my plan, as im not entirely sure if everything here is compatible. I definitely want to stick to a 6" build, and I want a machine geared towards maximum flight time. I'm hoping to quadruple-stack the ESC, PDB, FC, and barometer (in that order from bottom to top) to keep it nice and clean. The plan is to fly with with a TBS Tango controller, with FrSky XJT 16ch transmitter. Thanks for the feedback, I'm open to any and all suggestions!

All in weight with battery will be 590g (rounded up).

Frame
QAV-R Carbon Fiber X Bottom Brace $4.99
QAV-R FPV Racing Quadcopter (6") $114.99
Flight Controller
BrainFPV RE1 F4 Flight Controller w/ OSD $65.00
ESCs
Lumenier BLHeli_S 35A 4-in-1 OPTO ESC DSHOT (6 builds) $59.99
Motors
4 x Brotherhobby Returner R4 2206 2300kv Brushless Motor $99.96
Propellers
Gemfan 6x4.5 Bullnose Nylon Glass Fiber Propeller (Set of 4 - Black) $2.99
FPV Camera
TBS ZeroZeroFPV Camera $49.95
FPV Transmitter
TBS Unify Pro 5G8 HV (SMA) (3 builds) $49.95
Antenna
Lumenier AXII 5.8GHz Antenna (RHCP) (2pcs) (23 builds) $39.99
Receiver
FrSky X4R-SB - 3/16 Channel Receiver with SBUS and CPPM without pins (39 builds) $24.99
Batteries
Lumenier 1900mAh 4s 85c Lipo Battery $42.99
Power Distribution
BrainFPV Mini Power Board (mPB) $24.99
Misc Parts
RE1-BARO $9.00

 

[GJH105775]

You expect us to believe that THIS is your first build?


Either way it is a good looking build, you might desire to go with a bit smaller batteries later on after you get the hang of flying it. Also if you can afford the room you might get a full sized antenna.

You could try some DAL T5045C (DAL 3 blade 5'' cyclones)props that are becoming popular.

 

[dothedr3w]

Hey GJH105775, thanks for the reply!

should this not be my first build? I'm not quite sure I'm following lol

What size batteries would you recommend I look at? And once I get the hang of flying it wouldnt i want bigger batteries to fly longer? Sorry for the dumb questions, theres still alot I dont understand. And which antenna should be replaced? the 2.4 or 5.8?

Definitely going to check out those props!

 

[GJH105775]

Hey GJH105775, thanks for the reply!

should this not be my first build? I'm not quite sure I'm following lol

What size batteries would you recommend I look at? And once I get the hang of flying it wouldnt i want bigger batteries to fly longer? Sorry for the dumb questions, theres still alot I dont understand. And which antenna should be replaced? the 2.4 or 5.8?

Definitely going to check out those props!

Bigger batteries will let you fly longer, which is probably what you need to get started. But at a certain point the weight of the battery exceeds it's usefulness in capacity and it becomes less efficient. Something like a 1500mAh 4S would be more suited as less weight also gives you greater maneuverability.

Usually people buy cheap in their first builds and regret later when they start replacing parts. This is actually a great build. Something I'd expect to see from someone who races quads for fun. I'm not as familiar with these smaller clover leaf antennas (the one with a round top for 5.8GHz), the only way they could be smaller and still achieve resonance at 5.8GHz is if they did less of the wave. Like a quarter wave antenna vs a half wave. The full sized antennas from GetFPV are probably a little nicer as you're not worrying too much about space on this build.

 

[dothedr3w]

Cool man this all makes sense. I was thinking of going as big as a 3300mah battery, what are your thoughts on that?

I should mention I'm currently flying a dinky little $50 HS170 to get the hang of things. I still crash lots but I think I'm picking it up quickly. The plan is to continue learning to fly on this thing, while I slowly purchase parts and build my 6". Should I buy a step-ups drone like a 3" or 4", or just do my one nice 6" build? I have cash to spend, but I'm not made of money if you know what I mean lol.

Could you recommend a good antenna? I chose that one as it seems well received, but like you mentioned I'm not concerned with size and half wave will definitely be better than quarter wave.

Also, do you think the TBS tango controller is a good place to start? I really enjoy it's simplicity and the built in screen. I can continue to fly LOS and push the envelope with an FPS capability...basically goggles are more than I wanna spend right now, plus this will force me to improve my LOS skills. Thanks again!