My First Quadcopter, Looking for advice!

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Kabob

New Member
I am an engineering student getting ready to build my first quadcopter. I have a preliminary parts list and would like someone to just make sure everything will work right together.

Frame:
I have a 3D printer and plan on making my own frame with ABS plastic. SolidWorks estimates my current model will weigh 285 grams, but I can trim that down once I order all the electronics and figure out how small I can make it.
Quadcopter frame.PNG

Motors / ESC's:
http://www.amazon.com/LHI-MT1806-22...=1451434112&sr=8-3&keywords=quadcopter+motors
I'm unsure of what props I should use with these motors as well.

Flight Controller:
http://www.amazon.com/Hobbypower-KK...&sr=8-1&keywords=quadcopter+flight+controller

Radio / Transmitter:
http://www.amazon.com/FS-CT6B-Radio...-4&keywords=6channel+transmitter+and+receiver
I want to have the extra 2 channels for extra stuff later.

Battery:
I really don't know here. How long would say 2000mah or 5000mah fly this thing? LiPo's are better I know, but NiMH are sure cheaper. Anyone have any suggestions?

I plan on using this to experiment and expand on so I want to make sure it is overpowered at first, but I am also on a budget (shooting for under $200). I am going to print 'wings' like attack helicopters have so I can mount extra equipment on board like extra batteries (wired in parallel), bomb releases for water balloons, floats, etc.

Thank you for looking this over!
 
Kabob said:
I am an engineering student getting ready to build my first quadcopter. I have a preliminary parts list and would like someone to just make sure everything will work right together.

Frame:
I have a 3D printer and plan on making my own frame with ABS plastic. SolidWorks estimates my current model will weigh 285 grams, but I can trim that down once I order all the electronics and figure out how small I can make it.
View attachment 1164

Motors / ESC's:
http://www.amazon.com/LHI-MT1806-22...=1451434112&sr=8-3&keywords=quadcopter+motors
I'm unsure of what props I should use with these motors as well.

Flight Controller:
http://www.amazon.com/Hobbypower-KK...&sr=8-1&keywords=quadcopter+flight+controller

Radio / Transmitter:
http://www.amazon.com/FS-CT6B-Radio...-4&keywords=6channel+transmitter+and+receiver
I want to have the extra 2 channels for extra stuff later.
Battery:
I really don't know here. How long would say 2000mah or 5000mah fly this thing? LiPo's are better I know, but NiMH are sure cheaper. Anyone have any suggestions?

I plan on using this to experiment and expand on so I want to make sure it is overpowered at first, but I am also on a budget (shooting for under $200). I am going to print 'wings' like attack helicopters have so I can mount extra equipment on board like extra batteries (wired in parallel), bomb releases for water balloons, floats, etc.

Thank you for looking this over!
Click to expand...


Looks like an unnecessarily heavy frame. In a crash you usually have a bit of forward momentum so unless you are doing a EDF H.A.L frame then there is a lot of unnecessary weight. With those motors there is very little chance of you getting it off the ground with a 5000mAh battery. I suggest you go to at the very least 450 frame and 12'' props (bigger motors and ESCs of course) if you are expected to carry any equipment, or need 15 minute flight times. Given the choice I certainly suggest you get LiPos as they will be cheaper over time, lighter and require a lot less TLC. If you are not carrying anything the, and using the small motors then a 1500mAh is good.


As you stated you wanted to do a bit of lifting, but need it to be under $200 (a REALLY hard task), so I would suggest lower KV motors, a 5200mAh battery, some 30 or 40 amp ESCs depending on your motors, and 12'' - 14'' props.
 
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