Need advice on first build.

[GLRSR]

I’m planning to build my first quadcopter and need advice. I have done some research and the amount of information I found is overwhelming. Looks like a kit is the best way to go. I am considering an Eachine Racer 250 DIY Kit to build and I need advice. Is this a good choice or is there a better way to go. Here is what comes in the package:

Package includes:

4 x frame arm

4 x Simonk 12A ESC

2 x CW 2204 2300KV motor

2 x CCW 2204 2300KV motor

1 x PCB with tail light LED

1 x 1000TVL camera

1 x Naze32 flight controller or CC3D flight controller (optional)

1 x 600MW 5.8G 32CH transmitter built in OSD

1 x mushroom antenna

2 x headlight LED white 3W

2 x black CW propeller

2 x black CCW propeller

2 x white CW propeller

2 x white CCW propeller

1 x carbon fiber up plate

8 x mini carbon fiber board

1 x vibration damper plate

4 x damping ball

1 x red frame head board

1 x cable set

1 x screw set


Should I get the Naze32 flight controller or CC3D flight controller? Will I need anything else for the build?


I also need advice on a transmitter and receiver. I am trying to just get in the air right now but plan to eventually (maybe not with this build but in the future) get into FPV, telemetry, GPS, return to home, follow me video, etc. I’m looking for a transmitter with good range and that won’t have to be replaced as my needs grow.


Any advice will be much appreciated, thanks.

 

[GJH105775]

I’m planning to build my first quadcopter and need advice. I have done some research and the amount of information I found is overwhelming. Looks like a kit is the best way to go. I am considering an Eachine Racer 250 DIY Kit to build and I need advice. Is this a good choice or is there a better way to go. Here is what comes in the package:

Package includes:

4 x frame arm

4 x Simonk 12A ESC

2 x CW 2204 2300KV motor

2 x CCW 2204 2300KV motor

1 x PCB with tail light LED

1 x 1000TVL camera

1 x Naze32 flight controller or CC3D flight controller (optional)

1 x 600MW 5.8G 32CH transmitter built in OSD

1 x mushroom antenna

2 x headlight LED white 3W

2 x black CW propeller

2 x black CCW propeller

2 x white CW propeller

2 x white CCW propeller

1 x carbon fiber up plate

8 x mini carbon fiber board

1 x vibration damper plate

4 x damping ball

1 x red frame head board

1 x cable set

1 x screw set


Should I get the Naze32 flight controller or CC3D flight controller? Will I need anything else for the build?


I also need advice on a transmitter and receiver. I am trying to just get in the air right now but plan to eventually (maybe not with this build but in the future) get into FPV, telemetry, GPS, return to home, follow me video, etc. I’m looking for a transmitter with good range and that won’t have to be replaced as my needs grow.


Any advice will be much appreciated, thanks.

Take a look at the FrSky Taranis, Turnigy 9x, Turnigy 9xr pro. I suggest the Taranis if possible. The CC3D vs Naza would probably depend which receiver you bought.

http://blog.oscarliang.net/naze32-vs-cc3d-better/

Either way this is a little small of a build to try and support GPS and RTH. You won't be getting much more than 5 minute flights per battery pack so you won't get too far away anyways.

 

[Jackson]

Eachine Racer 250 DIY Kit

No reason to buy the kit, the ready to go version is only a few $ more.
http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-Rac...-OSD-With-HD-Camera-BNF-Version-p-995366.html

That said I think you should go with a more traditional, QAV/ZMR 250 frame style and avoid the Racer's somewhat proprietary approach.
http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-Fal...r-with-5_8G-32CH-HD-Camera-BNF-p-1028897.html

As far as transmitters the aging Turnigy/Flysky models are old news. Read some reviews on the Radiolink AT9 one of the most sophisticated transmitters out there with many quadcopter ready tweaks,
http://www.banggood.com/RadioLink-A...ontrol-For-RC-Helicopter-Mode-2-p-933054.html

 

[WLDOR]

I have no experience of the Naze 32, but I can advise that full GPS functionality is not supported/capable on the 'standard' CC3D. For that capability, you need to consider the (more expensive) CC3D 'Revolution' controller - which I don't believe is an option with the kit you are considering (but could be an upgrade at a future point in time)

For your transmitter, consider what your future needs might be. I have an OrangeRX T-Six which is not a bad Tx at all, BUT I'm more interested in Aerial video/photography, so I wish I'd have considered a little more before purchasing… I'd have made sure that my Tx had a dial as one of the aux switches, so that I could adjust the pitch of my gimbal/camera in flight. Could I mod my Tx to support this function? Probably… but it would have been nicer if it came with it 'as standard'.

Don't forget a decent battery charger, and if possible, consider LiPo's for your Tx as well as for your craft.

 

[Jackson]

BUT I'm more interested in Aerial video/photography, so I wish I'd have considered a little more before purchasing… I'd have made sure that my Tx had a dial as one of the aux switches, so that I could adjust the pitch of my gimbal/camera in flight

The AT9 would have suited you well with it's very generous amount of switches + pots.

Also some rear mounted sliders, perfect for controlling gimbals while still keeping your thumbs on the sticks.

And the quad specific menu allows you to quickly turn 3 flight modes into 6.

 

[GJH105775]

Radiolink is fine (I have one), but they lack is QC and are not upgradable in a modular sense, so you are stuck at 2.4gHz, but you do have some telemetry.

If that is all the budget allows then you are fine, but Telemetry and the ability to upgrade to a LRS are very valuable. The telemetry can give you voltage info, GPS data, tell you if you are getting close to going out of range, and a lot of other cool things like altitude. The Long Range System (LRS) is easier to upgrade because you just buy a module, and plug it into the back of your radio.

It all comes down to what you can buy and what you need. If you can buy a 1,000$ setup, but only need a 500$ setup then save the other money for improvements. But if you can afford something that has modularity and scalability you might be better off in the future if you decide you need improvements.

 

[Jackson]

Radiolink is fine (I have one), but they lack is QC

Flysky is known for their QC?

With the Radiolink PRM-01 module you get:

Features: Display flight data on the transmitter screen

Display Information Included: signal strength, receiver voltage, battery voltage, temperature, engine speed, GPS location

And the range at ~2.5 miles seems quite quite acceptable.

 

[RENOV8R]

Flysky is known for their QC?

With the Radiolink PRM-01 module you get:


And the range at ~2.5 miles seems quite quite acceptable.

Got one. Love it. Does everything a $500 Futaba does.

 

[Altsickeness]

Radiolink is fine (I have one), but they lack is QC and are not upgradable in a modular sense, so you are stuck at 2.4gHz, but you do have some telemetry.

If that is all the budget allows then you are fine, but Telemetry and the ability to upgrade to a LRS are very valuable. The telemetry can give you voltage info, GPS data, tell you if you are getting close to going out of range, and a lot of other cool things like altitude. The Long Range System (LRS) is easier to upgrade because you just buy a module, and plug it into the back of your radio.

It all comes down to what you can buy and what you need. If you can buy a 1,000$ setup, but only need a 500$ setup then save the other money for improvements. But if you can afford something that has modularity and scalability you might be better off in the future if you decide you need improvements.

I hesitate to comment and appear to disagree, but im fairly certian the At9 can shut off the interal transmitter and then plug in a different control frequency into the training port. Again, new guy who knows virtually nothing, but i have this transmitter and I believe I learned about that option in a video or someplace. Is that not accurate?

 

[GLRSR]

Wow, thanks for all the good info guys. Appreciate it. I have a lot to think about.