Multirotor, multicopter and quadcopter discussion - The Drone thread

Narj said:
OK.. so any other recommendations? I have no idea what this kit should be costing!

From what I can tell, I need:

Quadcopter,
Controller,
Video Antenna and Transmitter,
Receiver and Goggles
Micro-HDMI (output from Drift) converter to RF output cable or something for the Video Tx unit?
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If you can compromise on the FPV Goggles and be happy with your WiFi Smart Phone then just wait for the Phantom Vision out very soon if you really can't find the time to build your own, no idea on the HDMI output but there's some adapter the GoPro people use to FPV+Record, that might be the same thing??

There were some RTF FPV Quads on eBay a while back for £500-£2000 some guy had built and was selling so might be worth a look there.
 
Narj said:
OK.. so any other recommendations? I have no idea what this kit should be costing!

From what I can tell, I need:

Quadcopter,
Controller,
Video Antenna and Transmitter,
Receiver and Goggles
Micro-HDMI (output from Drift) converter to RF output cable or something for the Video Tx unit?

???

I'm sure building one from scratch is fun, however I have limited spare time and just want to get going ASAP.
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Add batteries to that list, you'll get one with a RTF kit but you'll want more otherwise you'll only be able to fly about 10 mins before you have to go home.

When you say controller you mean the thing you hold in your hands right? as that's called a transmitter, a RTF kit will have one in the box. A controller is the electronic brain inside the quad that takes your inputs and makes the quad fly, RTF kits will come with one of them too.

The Phantom is pretty good if you're absolutely against building your own. You'll get a better understanding of how to solve problems and rebuild if you build your own though.
 
rhysduck said:
Narj, have you flown one or any other rc vehicles before?

It's a learning curve and by no means a quick hobby to get into.
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Only RC cars and I've had a play around with some of the 2 channel RC helis. My coordination is pretty good so I reckon I'd pick it up quickly (there's simulator software as well, right?)
 
I'd definitely look at significantly cheaper quads to get used to the handling before considering a big FPV setup. If not certainly look into practising on simulators.
 
Think I might order one of these Servos along with some other spare bits and pieces so I can rebuild my setup into a tricoptor for something to do :)
Looks to be pretty much the same spec as the BMS one that RC Explorer recommends, even looks the same.

Pondering over multiple different ways to do the tilt mechanism. Is Lego a bad idea? :p
 
Narj said:
Only RC cars and I've had a play around with some of the 2 channel RC helis. My coordination is pretty good so I reckon I'd pick it up quickly (there's simulator software as well, right?)
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Tri\Quads and even Heli's are a far cry from RC Cars and 2Ch Heli's.
Get something relatively cheap and save the heartache and money until your a bit more accomplished.
Don't want to **** on your chip just some advice :)
PinkFloyd said:
Think I might order one of these Servos along with some other spare bits and pieces so I can rebuild my setup into a tricoptor for something to do :)
Looks to be pretty much the same spec as the BMS one that RC Explorer recommends, even looks the same.

Pondering over multiple different ways to do the tilt mechanism. Is Lego a bad idea? :p
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That's the one I ordered. Small but seems strong enough!
Here's it next to a Lego man :D
 
What I read on rcgroups about that servo is that it is a cheaper version of the bluebird servo, probably just got a higher chance of a duff one turning up then I would think.
 
Cheers guys, will give it a shot, if it turns up and doesn't work I'll just have to return it. I Imagine it's just similar to the NTM motors I have - ie perfectly good just questionable quality control at times.
 
rhysduck said:
Tri\Quads and even Heli's are a far cry from RC Cars and 2Ch Heli's.
Get something relatively cheap and save the heartache and money until your a bit more accomplished.
Don't want to **** on your chip just some advice :)

That's the one I ordered. Small but seems strong enough!
Here's it next to a Lego man :D
Click to expand...

I use that servo on my "sport" tricopter, it is pretty decent :).

Its pretty soft plastic so easy to move where the cables come out for the manual servo mechanism design
 
No prob!

Assuming you are flashing SimonK on the ESC's as you have the heatshrink too? It completely changed the way my first Tricopter felt, so much better.
 
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I've not found the bravery to consider flashing my speed controllers yet. I might by the tool for it that plugs straight over the chip. This method just looks like too much to get wrong to me!

I finally saw a decent before/after simonk video earlier however. Does look a nice improvement - my quad has a clear wobble on changing angles and is nowhere near as sharp and locked in. Not that I'd call it back mind - it makes my flying look smoother :D

Rhys - have you already got the Radio transmitter/receiver and cables to connect that to the KK2? Which props did you go for in the end?
 
I've got a USBasp programming thingybob and an adaptor lead which I got from eBay (130999765740) That's all I need I think?

TX/RX, yeah I've got a Futaba 8FG. Got some male to male servo leads on the way :)

Edit: props, still not decided :( can't seem to make up my mind what's best to get and from where. Looks like I may just have to ordered from Global HobbyKing.
 
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Similar to what I already have (mine doesn't have the case)
The speed controllers won't have the 6 pin connectors like the KK2 has. So you'll need to solder cables onto the esc directly :eek:
I'm tempted to order this socket tool to make it less scary!
 
PinkFloyd said:
Similar to what I already have (mine doesn't have the case)
The speed controllers won't have the 6 pin connectors like the KK2 has. So you'll need to solder cables onto the esc directly :eek:
I'm tempted to order this socket tool to make it less scary!
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So it should be relatively straight forward then with that little usb tool?
The speed controllers won't have the 6 pin connectors like the KK2 has. So you'll need to solder cables onto the esc directly :eek:
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No idea what you're on about. Don't see how or why I'd need to sold cables (aside motor > esc and power wires) to the ESC's. The servo leads on the ESC's will just plug straight into the KK2 board. I don't see 6pin connectors at all on the KK2 board, just a bank of 8x3pin connectors for the motors and 5x3pin connectors for ele,aux etc. :confused:
 
I think he's talking about the USB ASP connector headers on the KK2 board used for reflashing the firmware.

Some ESCs come with the headers all lined up nicely for flashing:


Others need to be foostered with to get the same access to the firmware:


KK2 header looks like this:
 
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