"Low cost" RC miniquad build

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MadEngineer

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#171249 10-Apr-2015 23:27

Based on this video from Bruce Simpson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jbpwqCCVbs I've come up with something of a bill of materials, sans FPV gear:

Description Supplier Each Qty Total
AfroFlight Naze32 Acro AbuseMark FunFly Controller HobbyKing AU32.49 1 AU32.49
FrSky D4R-II 4ch 2.4Ghz ACCST Receiver (w/telemetry) HobbyKing AU27.78 1 AU27.78
Afro ESC 12Amp Ultra Lite Multi-rotor Motor Speed Controller (SimonK Firmware) Version 3 HobbyKing AU12.99 5 AU64.94
High Density Waterproof LED Flexible Strip - RED (1mtr) HobbyKing AU5.68 1 AU5.68
Polyester Velcro Peel-n-stick adhesive side V-STRONG (1mtr) HobbyKing AU3.60 1 AU3.60
DYS BE1806 2300KV Brushless Motor 2-3S for Mini Multicopters BangGood AU12.88 5 NZ64.40
ZMR250 H250 250mm Fiberglass Mini Quadcopter Multicopter Frame Kit BangGood NZ22.35 2 NZ44.70
Gemfan 5x4 5040 Propellers CW/CCW For QAV250 Black & Orange BangGood NZ3.62 6 NZ19.67
160pcs M3 Nylon Black M-F Hex Spacers Screw Nut Assortment Kit BangGood NZ10.81 1 NZ10.81
AKKU TREX 450 RC Helicopter Tie Dowen Strap for 11.1 3S 2200 Battery BangGood NZ1.06 3 NZ3.17
1M 8/10/12/14/16/18/20/22/24/26 AWG Silicone Wire SR Wire BangGood NZ5.71 1 NZ5.71

I'm yet to decide on the battery, charger and RC gear, but I'm looking at:

Turnigy nano-tech 2200mah 3S 35~70C Lipo Pack HobbyKing AU24.69 2 AU49.37
Turnigy Accucel-6 80W 10A Balancer/Charger LiHV Capable HobbyKing AU38.99 1 AU38.99
FrSky 2.4G ACCST Taranis X9D Plus Transmitter With X8R Receiver BangGood NZ340.93 1 NZ340.93

The price of the transmitter is the kicker. I'll have to watch to see if its price drops.

You're not on Atlantis anymore, Duncan Idaho.

Stu

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#1280844 10-Apr-2015 23:53

Interesting project. Will have a better look through tomorrow. Good to see Aardvark still going strong!

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Stu

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#1285213 15-Apr-2015 22:59

Haven't finished viewing all of the clips yet, but have given SWMBO the bad news already. She took it rather well. Maybe because I'm already confined to bed and she felt bad about thumping me while I'm down?

Will hopefully get cracking on the build once I'm back on my feet. Might be a while so might have plenty of time to gather the parts. Looks like a great way to start a DIY RC 'copter hobby.

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geocom

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#1285242 16-Apr-2015 00:02

I think your battery is too large.

The bigger the battery the more you quad will weigh the more power it will take to take off.

Also I have seen that frame and we could only just fit a 1300mah battery in it.

A power distribution board would be a good thing to add to your list as they don't cost much.

The turnigy 9x will accept the frsky JR modules and is a good cheap choice

Geoff E

MadEngineer

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#1285765 16-Apr-2015 17:44

cheers, I simply tried to get the same battery off bruce's video which was difficult as he hasn't listed or specified it while only providing maybe two frames in his whole video series that shows without blur what they are. he's using 3s cells, I went for what seemed to be a battery of similar price yet with a few more mAh, and in stock.

for the power distribution board i'll get a pcb from jaycar and make my own.

edit: youtube comments on video 3 suggest:
http://www.hobbyking.co.uk/hobbyking/store/__18207__Turnigy_nano_tech_1300mAh_3S_45_90C_Lipo_Pack.html
https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idproduct=37542

also, word of warning: visiting banggood.com will fill your geekzone advertisements with dangerous wallet pulling temptations

You're not on Atlantis anymore, Duncan Idaho.

geocom

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#1285774 16-Apr-2015 18:12

His one looks like a 1500mah.

If I was you I would put the battery in the main compartment at the back. It will weigh down the back of your quad more casing your back motors to work harder but will give your battery better protection.

Power Distribution wise I have one of these(http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__27036__Hobby_King_Quadcopter_Power_Distribution_Board_Lite_.html) and it works well. You may want to move the barrel plugs from the sides to back and front just remember you will need to allow for a maximum of 12A per ESC not sure if there will be many options at jaycar that will have a large enough traces.

Geoff E