Quadrocopters :)
 

Having seen Neal Lewis's Quadcopter fly at Batley - I bought one - Thanks for all the info Neal :)

I bought one of these - WLtoys V949 Beetle RC Quadcopter Mini UFO RTF - from Banggood as per Neal's recommendations.

Basically - indoors it's bloody amazing.

So - question is, now i'm getting the hang of flying it, I want a bigger, better one for outdoors, but there is just so much choice and confusion over these things.

Anyone know the 'Durango RTR' of the outdoor Quadrocopter offerings ?
Ideally i'd like to add a camera to one too.

Check out this video of a VERY high end setup :) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELr3U4l5HkQ

Cheers.
Andy

That was a brilliant clip. Is it right they cost $4800 @£3300 in our money if its this one http://extremeaerials.com/buy-a-quadrocopter/ Is he flying that with the glasses because he never looks at it or down to any monitor. I thought for a moment as he went down that track and through the trees he was going to lose his way back as all treetops look the same but that climb he did to see where his shack was, was some hieght.

You can get a similar setup for under a grand or go for more budget equipment and it could be even less.
I got the bug last summer and now have a few mini quads and a big one that can do what you seen in the video. Infact i have had it out to close to a mile and back only being restricted by battery life.
You should look on rc groups they have some great projects and posts on there. Mind you it can be very confusing and mind boggling (what kit , what frequency , radio etc.)but if you read up enough you will get a good idea of whats what.

Andy, I've been doing me research and what you are looking for is available from DJI Innovations. Their Naza flight controllers are the best.
Naza-M: http://www.dji-innovations.com/produ...otor/overview/

Quad kits: http://www.dji-innovations.com/produ...otor/overview/

I explored building one from hobbyking.com parts, with a cheaper KK board flight controller, but decided the dji kit is the way to go.

Got my radio gear, and three batteries, ordering the stuff above next week.


A gopro or similar camera will bolt on, either directly or in a gymbal, fpv setup will bolt on too, you just need to upgrade the props for better lift performance when carrying more payload.

i was going through my stuff to take some piccies , but as youve mentioned i also found dji stuff the way to go.
its reasonable price and solid quality is why i went for there gear.
i will try and dig out some of my fpv videos also done on the gopro.

The kit meets my requirements, but you asked for the rtr...


DJI do the ready to fly Phantom..
http://www.dji-innovations.com/produ...ntom/overview/

which I believe is very good as well.

Hi Neal

I'll check it out - URL sounds familiar as I had a look around :)
Happy to build it myself if I know what to buy :)
Looks like you are putting together the kind of thing I'm interested in;)

Cheers
Andy

Neal, glad you got the 949 fixed! Did banggood sort it or did you buy another?

I left it on the window ledge for two weeks after you saw it at York, came back to it and it's worked perfectly since!?!?

Yes Andy.

Available here: http://www.buildyourowndrone.co.uk/D...-NAZA-s/63.htm

and here: http://quadcopter.heliguy.com/Extras.../Introduction/

I'm going for the F450 quad kit plus Naza-M. Unsure if i'll get the GPS unit now or later?

I've gone for the Turnigy 9X radio gear, and i'll be using the FrSky (JR) plug in module, rather than the Turnigy/Spektrum ones. The FrSky is meant to be the best for range and no interference. The FrSky DHT hack modules also work.
Basic 4 channel gear will get you flying, but 8/9 channel is recommended for proper control. General consensus seems that Spektrum radio gear will give glitches and random interference, especially when using FPV kit.

I ordered 3x Turnigy 3S 3000mAh 40c packs from hobbyking.com UK warehouse, which were delivered next day, rather than in 10 days from the HK store. Cheap enough, but decent quality and seem popular with the flight people.


I got watching the youtube videos from this kid in america...
http://www.youtube.com/feed/UCq2rNse2XX4Rjzmldv9GqrQ/u


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQkzrGMtY14

and has some pretty good narrated FPV vids like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03lBqTlCehI


DJI Naza kit build info and video: http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=365855

another review: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1562544

And this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xvmOEmbyco


enjoy ;-)

Interesting... Wonder if that will work for mine - it's currently sat in a pond. With the red bind led still flashing!

I went to a customers house this morning to measure up for some electrically operated roof blinds in his conservatory , we got chatting about all types of gadgets and eventually got onto all things RC !

Then he unveiled his DJI phantom !!! Complete with the Hero Pro HD camera mounted underneath !

Showed me it flying in the garden in the snow ! It has this GPS function that automatically holds it in hover when you release the sticks !!

Then he pressed a button , let go of the controls and the damn thing landed itself about 1 metre from where it took off !!
Absolutely awesome !!

If I had the money I would get one of those , only downside is the price !

£500 then the cost of a go pro camera too which I think are about £400 too !

If you get one I'll be very jealous indeed !

DJI Phantom is the best allround RTR type quad.

We're all kitted out to film the nationals (if we're allowed) and other big meetings with a quad this year for the oOple reports. Its an expensive job to get decent kit with gimball etc though!

You've prob seen this, a quick, early vid from when I was getting used to the whole thing last year:

You can also do a bit of stunt flying with em!!!!:)
http://vimeo.com/56548217

Yes I was going to link to Warthox's vimeo account. crazy stuff!

Hi James.

What did you end up buying re camera etc - is it a GoPro that you used - also what did you use to stabilise it ?

I'm quite into Video / Filming etc and use a DSLR and After Effects and loads of other stuff for my real work - and quite fancy the idea of combining my 2 fav things (Film/Video & RC !)

Neal - I think i'll hold fire and hopefully have a look at yours when you are sorted as you seem to know what you are doing & what to buy !

Also - anyone know what's involved in getting the video feed from a GoPro to a pair of glasses so you can fly from the Quad's perspective - or is that going to be silly expensive.

Anyway - very tempted to sell all my Nitro gear and 'take the plunge'... Neal, get yours sorted then you can put me a shopping list together :)

Hi Andy, the video I posted was with a 450 quad, quadframe gimbal using the Naza gimbal controller and a Hero 2, no video stabilisation used. I also have an sony NEX 5 for a bigger machine but for a quality gimbal plus dedicated controller and a much bigger quad its the next level and talking a few thousand. The phantom really is the best starting point as you're bound to crash it a few times while you're learning.

The standard type FPV is fatshark but on the budget model the quality if poor and you'll have a delay, if you want to do it properly you'll really need a proper base station, its ideal to learn on though.

If you are looking to buy into the hobby I have lots of stuff that I may look to sell which should save you a fair few quid buying new.
Most of the stuff I have has only been used a couple of times infact I not even used my fatshark goggles yet as once I got all my gear I had a newborn and then winter came early (as usual ).
Get a shopping list together then give me a shout to see if I have what you need.
To give you an idea I have fatshark goggles , ground station in a nice neat case with no blue screen monitor (important) I have uhf radio system (50mile plus range) 5.8 video gear with cloverleaf , patch and standard antennas and also 1.2ghz video with similar antennas as mentioned. (Most of that is unused in packet) lipos loads more .f450 quad dji naza gps and flight control and even an osd so you grt a similar view fightrr jets get on screen.

It lives! Looks like one of the carbon legs broke mid-flight (it's had multiple crashes) which threw it into the pond. Sat on a radiator for 12hrs and flew again - on the same battery!

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps46a82534.jpg

Neal - after some research of my own I've made a shopping list...

KK2 - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...l%5FBoard.html
450 frame - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...e%5F450mm.html
ESC (x4) - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...ontroller.html
Program card for above - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...ng%5FCard.html
props - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...%5FRed%5F.html
Motors (x4) - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...kv%5F250w.html
Motor acc pack (x4) - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...ry%5FPack.html
Distribution board - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...n%5FBoard.html
Cell - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...po%5FPack.html
Various bits inc standoff's, screws, heatshrink, etc - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...5F10pc%5F.html
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...%5Fbag%5F.html
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...%5Fbag%5F.html
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...5F20PC%5F.html
Total = £118.62 (TX yet to be sourced - if anyone knows of any going cheap? Must be at least 5 channel)

Think of anything else I might need (other than tx/rx)?
Alot of hobbyking ownbrand stuff, but the reviews are pretty good on RCG

Col u geek!

Hi Col, I started out with a list like this from hobbyking, but after some deliberation decided to go the DJI Naza Kit way.
I priced up all the bits very similar spec to yours, same frame, same motors, 30A Turnigy Plush ESCs, and all the bits and bobs you've added here.
Hobbyking do make a clone of the DJI F450 quad frame, I think theirs is the Q450. There have been reports of it being very similar, but the quality isn't as good, although other people have said they are the exact same unit. I'll probably order one for spares they are only a few $ compared to the £30 or so for the DJI frame.
I was also looking at the KK v2.0 board, which are good and very hackable. I struggled to find the right information for the correct props to use with my motor, frame and batteries choices. Then there was the issue of changing firmware on ESC's to consider, and lots of different information to take in.

Then I started reading about the NAZA flight controller, and saw videos of it in action compared to the KK, and others, and it appears by far the best, albeit a lot more money. Then I discovered they do a kit with everything you need to get it running, for about the same money as the hobbyking bits to build the same. Plus you get support and backup if its all DJI kit, they say.

When you factor in not all the stuff I wanted was in stock at the same time, or in the same hobbyking warehouse, and you need to ship it on multiple orders to keep it below the customs radar, multiple postages charges, then the 10days+ delivery time for some items, it was easier just to order the DJI F450 kit with the Naza controller I had decided I wanted. it's £302 from heliguy.com up in northumberland. Getting it delivered tomorrow. The baulk of the extra cost is the Naza flight controller, which are a lot more expensive than the KK boards. Take out the flight controller, and the are very similar cost.

Doing my research I also came across the multiwii flight controllers which I think are worth a look as well. Again very hackable and work and fly very well. You can also add in cheap(er than DJI) GPS sensors and there are lots of software settings to play with to get it flying how you like.

I got my battery packs from Hobbyking UK warehouse, they had them in stock and shipped next day. 3S 3000mAh 40C jobbies.


Radio gear.
By far the best pricepoint option is the Turnigy 9X radio gear. it's again from hobbyking, though always shown out of stock, but I've heard to order it anyway and they just send it out soon as they have stock. You want the V2 mode 2 unit, either with the Jr type module and receiver or without any. They are spectrum BNF compatible/clones, and super cheap to buy compared with the big brands 8/9 channel stuff. Mine arrived yesterday after a snow delay, actually really impressed with the quality and feel of it, was expecting something cheaper. Feels like a decent radio.
I'm going to run mine with the FrSky JR Module and FrSky 8 channel receiver, as they offer far far greater range and no interference, unlike the regular 9X or spectrum DSM gear. Read about far too many problems with interference with them. The FrSky plug in modules/receivers are available locally here: http://www.t9hobbysport.com/item.asp...234&prodid=594

The good thing about the 9X transmitter platform is there have been many RC hacker groups that have reworked and modified the firmware to add new features and turn the 9x into a far far more advanced unit. Search for ER9x or Turnigy 9X hacks for lots of info on it, and all teh different projects people have done.
Hobbyking again sell the 9X, but often show out of stock, and had none in the UK warehouse, or from HK. I looked on ebay and found shop RCGeeksUK http://stores.ebay.co.uk/RCGeeksUK sellign them for 69.99 with free next day delivery. I got mine from there.



So I'm hoping for no more snow delays and my kit will arrive tomorrow so i'll have something new to play with over the weekend. I've got my gorpo already, and am looking at gimbal options for it once I've got it up and flying ok. I'll look to get FPV addons later on.

You've gone through all the same thought processes and conclusions I went through when I bought my gear last year! Its the ideal starting point I think, although there's a lot to learn and make sure you fly on gps first lol

Hi Neal.

Great Post - are you leaving out the gps?

James - what does flying on gps give you other than locking the position / hover?

Not sure if I should get the GPS or not?

Cheers guys.

GPS is just an uber flyer aid, makes it really easy, plus if you're a bit too adventurous and lose line of sight you can flick the return to home button..

You don't 'need' gps, a flight controller will do the necessary hard work for you as has been mentioned, running on full manual mode takes some practice and can be especially tricky if its windy.

Cheers James.

I've seen the return to home vids - looks great.
In normal flight is the gps a benefit - you mention flying in wind?

Is it easy to set all this tech up - its a far cry from setting a speedo on a car !

Setting it up is a complete nightmare!! I still don't really know how to do it, going to take a lot more experience!

GPS is just an easy flying mode, you'll have seen the hover youtube vids and similar.

After my last post , and after dropping a few hints !! I received a DJI phantom in the post yesterday !! An early birthday present from a friend of mine,

Anyway , flew it today in a field opposite where I was working today , got the hang of it a bit , used it in GPS mode , the wind was blowing quite strong , it holds itself and adjusts itself accordingly , amazing really , then I plucked up the courage to try the "fly home" function , so ..... Flew it about 150 mtrs away and about 30 mtrs up and switched off the handset , it hovered for a few seconds then started flying towards me , it stopped directly above my head, all with the wind blowing strongly too , then it slowly dropped to about 20 mtrs , hovered again for a few seconds then descended slowly down towards me , by this time I'd put the transmitter on the floor and was waiting for it to land , what astounded me was that I moved my feet about two steps to the right and the thing landed in my hands !!

To say I was blown away was an understatement !!

Can't wait for tomorrow to give it another whirl ,
Anyone got a go pro they want to sell ?

Thanks James for confirming I've made a good choice. Hopefully I'll be bringing it with me to the Spring cup.

Andy, I did leave out the GPS module on my order, but can add it back in for £120. After what James has just said about it, I think it might be best if I order it next week. I figured I'd try it without, knowing that I could add it in later. The money wasn't the issue, I just hadn't considered it might make learning to fly a bit easier!

Col's build will also be excellent, and probably a similar performing and load carrying to the DJI F450. I just figured it was an easier route to get flying for a relative beginner, with a kit package that's tried, tested and going to work out of the box. I gather they are all bit of a hackers toy anyway, in fact I first saw quads flying several years ago at a hacker conference in the Netherlands.


Graham, your Phantom sounds excellent. I can't wait to get mine built and flying now!

My kit has arrived!

James, did you need to balance the DJI props?

Cooool ! Happy building , had my second flight today with the Phantom , it's amazing , considering I've never flown anything before its quite easy to get the hang of ..... Granted I'm flying it in GPS mode but even so it's easy to control

It was even windier today than on my first outing , battery didn't seem to last too long though , I'd guess that's because it's having to make so many adjustments in the wind ?

Does anyone know what the cut off voltage is as it flashed at me to land cos of lack of power, and as I didn't get an instruction manual in the box I'm unsure!

Cheers

G

Phantom instructions here: http://wiki.dji-innovations.com/en/index.php/Phantom

FAQ: http://www.dji-innovations.com/products/phantom/faq/

Downloads and manuals: http://www.dji-innovations.com/produ...tom/downloads/

Changed a couple of items, but pressed the button today...
The wife will go mad

Excellent! Look forward to seeing it.

I've had too much on this weekend to get mine finished and setup, but its getting there.

I'm upgrading to a bigger quad so I might sell my DJI 450 frame, boards, 4xmotors, 4xprops, 4xspeedos.. They retail at £130, anyone interested? Make me an offer?

A chap on here was flogging an AR Parrot but I missed it. :cry:

I went on YouTube to check them out and was gobsmacked! managed to find one locally at the same price and now looking forward to some F1 style arial coverage at our track.:woot:

Just thought....being so stable and with the camera being so good, a fella might offer an inspection service to estate agents? Help to pay for your RC addiction maybe? :thumbsup:

Have to say I was watching one film the east of england regional yesterday. Having flown rc helicopters I was amazed at how well it performed in the strong gusty wind, with a normal cyclic helicopter gusts like that under the rotor would have made things quite sporty and I'm sure no one would be to keen on it hovering 12ft above their heads

Hi Dave

I was the one at holbeach yesterday flying the phantom quad ! It was only my third trial out with it and it also amazed me how well it coped in the wind !

Also when I binned it into the front of the race control hut it still worked perfectly afterwards !! Wish I would of known you had heli experience , I would of got you to fly it instead !!

Great fun though I thought

I've ordered a go pro hero 3 black edition for my DJI Phantom and was wondering if it's worth while investing in one of those anti "jello" mounting plate thingy majigs ?? Anyone used one and which is the best one to get ?

Does the wireless connection option really work on the hero 3 ? I've got an ipad I'd like to link it to

I'm not looking to get too involved in the photographic side of things but I wouldn't mind some half decent results ! Is the standard mounting kit sufficient?

Cheers

G

The wifi works great on the Hero 3. I have the silver edition and have used it with both my iPad mini and iPhone 5 without any problems.

I used to have a Parrot AR Drone a few years back when they came out, they were easy enough to fly with the iPhone, but the camera was rubbish and the ad-hoc wifi network is created to control with the iPhone wasn't that reliable. I think with the new AR Drone 2.0, Parrot have sorted some of the issues, but forget attaching a GoPro to it, the Hero is way to heavy.

I have been looking into a proper r/c quad, something like the DJ or maybe the Storm Drone from helipal, full RTF for about £240 and comes with a reasonable radio which already has all the channels and gyro setup at the factory.

Raymond