Multirotor, multicopter and quadcopter discussion - The Drone thread

Good point, my mate powered up my x4 when i picked it up to move it (he said accidentally) and even that hurt a bit on not much power.

I imagine 3/4 speed would do some damage even on the small x4

What are props made out of carbon fibre?
 
Narj said:
Cheers matey, I'm looking at an original Phantom as the Phantom II is a bit too pricey for me to consider for a bit of fun and filming. Any alternatives I should consider?

As much fun as building stuff can be, I'm short on spare time and want something that'll just work out of the box rather than involve a lot of swearing and frustration. :)

So for starters, a Phantom 1, Phantom 2 blades, and FatShark Predator v2 setup will be fine to get started on the FPV aspect? I can investigate gimbals and camera setups later on...
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Blade 350qx if its for some fun and filming, they have used it on the Gadget show for their aerial shots and it is £100+ cheaper than a DJI which means you can spend more on FPV, Gimbal, etc.

Cheapest I have seen it for is £318 RTF
 
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I have been looking at the Blade 350qx. I think when I get better at flying the x4 I will get one. I can see this RC helicopter / quad thing getting expensive
 
Rilot said:
Not sure to be honest. The props are 1" longer than the stock props, a lower profile and a different blade shape.
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That'll be the reason, the diameter to pitch ratio will be more efficient for hovering. The downside is a little less responsive throttle, though I doubt you will notice much.
 
The negative wire has broke away from a battery on x4. Does anyone know how to fix this, i.e could I take the battery to pieces and reconnect it?

It was just loose when I disconnected it from the x4

edit, it appears I can just push it back in to charge it. I'll tape it or glue it up
 
You can cut back the shrink wrap and it will have a metal tab on the top which the wire is soldered to. Just make sure you don't let it short as it will make the battery swell and potentially set alight!
 
Next new gadget to update the firmware on kk2.1




All my props, battery connectors and heat shrink tube should be here Friday so planing a first flight if the rain stays away
 
So before my X4 has even arrived, I'm looking around at parts to build my own. I've seen pazza's (#908) and rishy's (#948) posts listing parts that can build a decent machine so that's something to start with but are there any places / stores to avoid when buying bits? I'm not a fan of eBay so I doubt I'll be using that...

My other question is how do you go about programming or flashing the various parts and which parts require it?
 
Mat said:
are there any places / stores to avoid when buying bits? I'm not a fan of eBay so I doubt I'll be using that...
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Not really, Hobby Kings CS is pretty shoddy by all accounts but I've never had to use them myself. If you just order INSTOCK items you should have no bother, I've bought plenty from them. They have a UK Warehouse too now.
My other question is how do you go about programming or flashing the various parts and which parts require it?
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You probably need to update the firmware (fw) on the control board and possibly the ESC's.
The only thing that really requires it would be the control board (specifically the KK2.0), but you'll probably get a KK2.1 now so shouldn't need updating.
ESC isn't really necessary from what I've read.
 
Mat said:
So before my X4 has even arrived, I'm looking around at parts to build my own.
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I would get used to your x4 first if you have never flown an RC. I seem to be picking it up pretty fast. My beginner tips;

Read the manual. All of it - Its not like the standard manuals and is actually useful

Push the battery right in - if not the balance is off

When taking out the battery, push it from the under side instead of pulling it by the wires. The negative has snapped off on mine and I have had to selotape it back in

Get a propellor guard (and prop wrench), it will help you learn much quicker - http://www.wheelspinmodels.co.uk/i/195354/

Get a spare battery - flight time is ~5-7 minutes, charge time ~25 mins

Only fly indoor at first and practice just using pitch, roll and throttle to keep it steady about waist height - its much harder than it sounds

The first time you go into advanced mode (90% sensitivity instead of the default 60) go gentle!

Practice yaw/rudder control (left stick left and right) when you can pitch/roll everywhere without problems
 
rhysduck said:
Are they really that good? Been thinking about one to practice on for when I can't take my Tri out (which should be ready soon)! Good idea?
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Not too sure how good a full size one is, but the x4 very accurate and stable

I can land it on a drink coaster, take it through corridors in my house, under the ironing board etc.

edit - it doesnt have anything fancy like GPS so it can do that return to home thing or hold it in a column but didnt expect it to for £22.50!
 
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I have an old computer power supply knocking around... is there a way I can convert it to supply 12 DC for a lipo charger that only has crocodile clips on it for running off a car battery. Preferably without taking it apart?
 
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