Replies to This Discussion

3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on March 19, 2011 at 3:11pm

Get a Dynam HawkSky and a APM kit. All the software is free (GCS, Mission Planner, etc)

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DeveloperPermalink Reply by Doug Weibel on March 19, 2011 at 4:10pm

Craig, I think in another thread you said you had RC experience. If that is the case no reason to limit yourself to a HawkSky. You could easily use any electric plane with sufficient interior room for mounting equipment. I would recommend something with ailerons, as it is much easier to get good performance than a rudder only airframe.

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Permalink Reply by Craig Evert on March 19, 2011 at 5:44pm

Doug,I don't have any planes that will work. I took a break from RC for a while. I have a yak 3D foamy, a slow stick, the remnants of a Zagi and an eflite cp with a blown 4in1 (hope to substitute this with a receiver, gyro and two Escs). Being in Australia now makes getting my hands on a Hawksky a bit tough. 
When I bring merchandise from the states, the freight kills me. I would love to be able to buy the ADM kit, plane and anything else from DIYDrones. The small items which I may need after the fact will nickel and dime me in freight. 

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Permalink Reply by bcr on March 19, 2011 at 5:56pm

I like the Easy Glider Pro w/ HobbyKing electronics. Probably costs 2-3X more than a HawkSky but way better quality, higher lift capacity, etc.

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Permalink Reply by Craig Evert on March 22, 2011 at 6:21pm

This discussion started with a grand in my pocket, a desire to learn and no pre-existing biases. I have explored the plane UAV but no-one has mentioned the arducopter. It seems that a ready to fly arducopter could be had for less than a grand and if one was willing to buy it in kit form, one could probably include the xbee telemitry and a cheap radio/receiver, for under a grand.

Would anyone venture to comment on the pros and cons of copter over plane or visa versa?

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DeveloperPermalink Reply by Doug Weibel on March 22, 2011 at 8:50pm

Sure - most of the pros/cons is what do you like.  Beyond that planes can go farther and longer, copters can fly from smaller spaces.  I would say in general you can get by cheaper with a plane than copter.  Price difference is all in the airframe.

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DeveloperPermalink Reply by jasonshort on March 22, 2011 at 10:16pm

Places like RCTimer and Hobby king offer some great deals and ship from HK, not the US. If you build a quad, you can do your own frame, if you feel up to the task. 

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Permalink Reply by Craig Evert on March 30, 2011 at 7:39pm

Thanks for all the help.

Still haven't decided on airframe but took the plunge.

Got the APM Kit from the DIYDrones Store

1 Xbee adapter

1 antenna

Also purchased a good soldering iron locally.

 

 

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