Reptile 500 - First Build - Help Needed!

G

GoProDavidLe

Well-Known Member
Hello all,

I am new to the whole RC scene. Recently I have gained a lot of interest in building my own quadcopter. Instead of purchasing a RTF, I wanted to challenge myself and build my own to be able to learn about quadcopters as I progress.

Wants: To be able to carry a GoPro + Gimbal with a decent flight time of at least 10+ minutes. I may plan to go with a full FPV system in the future when I can afford to add more money to my build. But as of now, I will stick with the GoPro + Gimbal.

Weight: From the weight I have seen, I believe my total weight will be around 1650 grams total with GoPro and Gimbal.

Budget: ABOUT $400.

Parts List (Updated, let me know what you all think)

Frame:
- Reptile 500 V3
- 550 Grams
-Link

Motor (4)
- Turnigy Multistar 2213-980Kv 14Pole Multi-Rotor Outrunner
- 232 Grams (4)
- Link

ESC (4)
- Afro ESC Multi-Rotor Speed Controller (SimonK Firmware)
- 106 Grams
- Link

Flight Control Board
- HobbyKing KK2.1.5 Multi-Rotor LCD Flight Control Board w/6050MPU & Atmel 644PA
- 21 Grams
- Link

Distribution Board
- Hobby King Quadcopter Power Distribution Board
- 4 x 20Amp Max
- 27.3 Grams
- Link

Propeller
- 10x5

Battery
- MultiStar 3S 5200mAh Lipo
- 323 Grams
- Link

Transmitter
Turnigy 9X Transmitter w/ Module and 8 Channel Receiver
- Link

Battery Charger
- IMAX B6 50W Charger/Discharger 1-6 Cells
- Link

Gimbal
- 2 Axis Gimbal for GoPro (cheap one to get me started)
- 240 Grams
Link

Like I mentioned, I am new to this so I apologize for my ignorance. If there are any recommendations out there, please assist me.

Also, what small things do I need to purchase in order to complete my build? (wires, adapters, 3.5mm adapters, etc?)

Thank you all in advance,

- David
 
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Hi mate welcome to the forum , a 50w charger is a little small for a 5000mah battery it will charge it but it will be running max c1 charge rate is 5 amps thats max for this charger .
small parts that you need is male to male servo lead to connect to KK
get the KK flash lead as the code on the KK as from hobby king is not that good
blue lock tight
You may need some wire but that depends on how much wire is on ESC and motors ,i dont use connectors as i had to many fail in flight i just solder the wires this saves weight too
battery strap
heat shrink
zip ties
get 3 metres of wire this will give you spare to play with
 
Holtneil - Thank you sir! Much appreciated. Will this charger be more sufficient? http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__49450__Turnigy_Neutron_80W_DC_Touch_Screen_Charger.html

I think I am going with a different route as far as build. Here is the new parts list. Let me know your opinions please!

Frame:
S500 Glass Fiber Quadcopter Frame
- 480MM
- 405 Grams

Afro ESC Multi Rotor Speed Controller
- SimonK Firmware
-106 Grams

Motor x 4:
SunnySky X2212 980KV Brushless Motor
- 224 Grams

Flight Controller Board:
HobbyKing KK2.1.5 Multi Rotor LCD Flight Controller Board
- 21 Grams

Battery:
Zippy Compact 4500mAh 3S 35C Lipo Pack
- 360 Grams

Transmitter
- Turnigy 9X Transmitter w/ Module and 8 Channel Receiver

Battery Charger
- Charger that can support my LiPo Battery

Gimbal
- 2 Axis Gimbal for GoPro (cheap one to get me started)
- 240 Grams

Propeller
10 x 4.5 (currently looking for them)
 
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Hi mate the charger is better you need a good power pack to run it , i use a 540w power pack and a 400w mega charger but i run 2 chargers at once
go for a 10x4.7 carbon fibre prop gemfan do them , the sunny sky are good motors
the frame will not take a crash as well as the carbon frames ( just dont crash)
 
I know you said you solder the ESC and Motor together. But if I happen to decide not to solder it (for the ease of removing), which connectors are they are HobbyKing?
 
Here is the finalized shopping cart. If there is anything I am missing, please let me know.

Frame: Quantity 1

- S500 Glass Fiber Quadcopter Frame 480MM – Integrated PCB Version
- 405 Grams (1)
- $19.99
- http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...opter_Frame_480mm_Integrated_PCB_Version.html


Motor: Quantity 4
- SunnySky 2212 980KV
- 244 Grams (4)
- $84.42 shipped
- http://www.buddyrc.com/sunnysky-x2212-13-980kv-ii.html


Flight Controller Board: Quantity 1
- HobbyKing KK2.1.5 Multi Rotor LCD Flight Controller Board
- 21 Grams
- $21.99

ESC: Quantity 4
- Afro ESC Multi Rotor Speed Controller
- SimonK Firmware
- 106 Grams (4)
- $56.00

Battery: Quantity 1
- Zippy Compact 4500mAh 3S 35C Lipo Pack
- 360 Grams
- $35.98

Propeller: Quantity 8
- 10x4.7

Transmitter: Quantity 1
- Turnigy 9X Transmitter w/Module & Receiver
- $69.97

Charger: Quantity 1
- Turnigy Neutron 80W DC Touch Screen Charger
- $49.99
- http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__49450__Turnigy_Neutron_80W_DC_Touch_Screen_Charger.html

Power Supply: (For Charger)
- Looking for one


Cables & Accessories

Servo Leads (Male to Male): Quantity 5
- $1.96
- http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=61656

PolyMax 3.5MM Hold Connectors: Quantity 10 Pairs
- $1.83
- http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__68__PolyMax_3_5mm_Gold_Connectors_10_PAIRS_20PC_.html

Male to Male Extension Set
- $1.42
- http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...ean_RC_Male_to_Male_Extension_set_100mm_.html
 
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I'm nervous to order from HobbyKing (I live in the US). I keep reading horror stories on people receiving their package a month and half after they order. Although, all I am ordering is the frame and servo leads from their International Warehouse. Anyone have any experience with shipping across the world?
 
Anyone in the United States has had trouble having their credit card process in HobbyKing? I know they use PayDollar Service for their payments. I wonder if it has something to do with us being in a different time zone from their servers.. My card has never been rejected anywhere else.
 
They are not as good as the sunnysky I have a cheap 450 with them on and first crash bent the shaft and you cant replace it
 
Hi mate No i dont think they are sunnysky, or clones of the sunnysky the shafts are thicker on sunnysky , AGM and EMAX are the same motors so these are always a good swap between , there is a China motor company making loads of these cheap motors to any one that want to brand them , they are not bad whistle when in use and still work after crash with bent shaft , it just makes quad wobble
 
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