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Originally Posted by Col
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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.