im interested in building my own quad-copter, practicly from the ground up.

what im looking for is helpfull tips? or a nice tutorial on frame building.

Im thinking of:

using Carbon Fiber (for strength vs weight)

does the shape impact performance (if i get square tubing and install it at a 45%%d angle instead of flat)

folding arms (for storage)

using quick-connects between all components (for breakage control)

extending the frame past the propellers (to protect against hitting things)

place ?feet? around the center and at near the motors

add pan+tilt+?zoom? camera with life feed (if zoom possible)

use the new APM controller

use 8ch rc gear as backup to computer.

3 sonars: 2 for low flight (ensuring level with ground) and one on the front (for avoidance)

1zigbee (for local communication)

1Xtend modem (http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9411) for long distance (removable)