You Just Bought a New Drone...

A large net to catch it in when it starts falling from 400 feet.

Let me understand this, you bought a drone and there were no batteries or props? Do you know for sure that it will even fly? Where (or from who) did you buy it from? If a legitimate dealer, they should be able to advise you on all that you'll need.
 
1. Props - You will break them almost constantly at first be prepared to swap them in the field (bring a wrench if using nyloc nuts)
2. A long pole/slingshot some way to get it out of the tree you'll inevitably fly it into
3. Simulator and dongle for said simulator (velocidrone, fpv freerider, lift-off, lots of options just choose one and get a USB receiver for your transmitter)
4. Batteries are a good idea you'll want a handful to get in a few flights when going out and to keep you up in the air more than 3 minutes per session.
5. Any bag will do I use an old Targus backpack, it fits my batteries (in lipo safe bag) transmitter, 210mm quad, props, wrench, and FPV goggles, basically everything I need.
6. Zip-ties, if you plan to DIY or be doing your own wiring/and or setting up the receiver helpful to have zip-ties.

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I don't drive so the fuel isn't a thing to me (I still require lunch), just need a train ticket and/or my shoes to get over to one of the local parks with an underutilized baseball field (electric skateboard if it's nice out and the ground isn't too wet).
 
I meant as spares.
I also meant in rank of necessity.

I broke a few blades the first time I ever tried to fly a quad so I always go for extra blades and batteries when I get a new one.
 
Alan_Hepburn said:
On the topic of replacement props: are the props "generic" or are they specific to a given model?
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There are some standard sizes 3" 4" 5" props but if you get something that is "ready to fly" they often have their own proprietary propellors (for folding props and the like). I fly 5" props with 3 blades most of the time https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BHF5B2V/

Basically you want as big a prop as your motors can swing and not have them running into anything since you get more thrust from the bigger surface area pushing against the air. There are also "pogo" props that have a quick release/install button that locks them in place (can also typically use those props on no pogo prop motors).

More blades on a prop means you get harder stops from descent but you sacrifice the ability of the motor to change speed as quickly (more mass is more inertia and take more force to get to a given acceleration, good ol' Newtons F=ma)

Latest rotor riot they talked about how the altitude difference means they use much higher pitched props than "normal"

Kebab FPV I think does the most in depth prop reviews if you're interested in deep dives and comparisons.
 
AngryHatter said:
...
I broke a few blades the first time I ever tried to fly a quad so I always go for extra blades and batteries when I get a new one.
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It sounds like you know the answer to your own question.

Also, if you tell us what quadcopter you're talking about, you'll probably get a lot more meaningful recommendations. Different models are prone to needing different spare parts.
 
I know what I think is necessary. I wanted to ask those with more experience and therefore teach me something and expand my horizons, so to speak. ;)
I have a Hubsan 501 that I like and fly a bunch.
 
AngryHatter said:
I know what I think is necessary. I wanted to ask those with more experience and therefore teach me something and expand my horizons, so to speak. ;)
I have a Hubsan 501 that I like and fly a bunch.
Click to expand...
Gotcha yah looks like a fun quad, my guess is on that one the props are "proprietary" or rather not the standard size diameter hole for the shaft of the motor to hold it on there, but if you measure the motor shaft diameter and the blade size I imagine you can find generic replacements (maybe try out some different sizes or pitch or number of blades and see how it affects performance)
 
heh
Performance he says. I am lucky to be able to land without damage. My first quad had one button take off and hover and also one button landing RTH.
Today I got in two flights with two crashes. The first put the quad into a roll of chicken wire. No damage.

The second flight, I hit RTH without knowing the drone would go to 20 feet before finding home and descending. I panicked when it shot up so I shut the transmitter down knowing this would force a landing - into a rubbermaid tool shed - cost: three propellers.
$10 for a full set from the OEM.
 
Yah ones I linked are under a dollar a piece so if you are going through a lot of props it's nice if they're somewhat cheap (trade off though you go really cheap and they are flimsy and break easier)
 
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