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Hello all,

my name is Alex Collier, a student and member of the recently established Bard College Center for The Drone. As part of a mulch-disciplinary approach to the study of the drone here at the college we have recently acquired funds to build our own quad copter. As such, I have come to this forum to get some advice for a parts-list for a quadcopter. Hopefully you guys will be able to help us out.

First a few questions:

We essentially want to build a drone that can be both controlled traditionally buy a radio controller and be able to be fully autonomous (follow gps enabled way points). The idea is that we will have the drone fly around campus, raising awareness of drones and starting a dialogue amongst students.

- What makes more sense, a 6 rotor "hexacopter" or a 4 rotor "quadcoptor" ? The idea is a more stable platform for a possible camera.

- At the school we have a laser cutter so we are going to fabricate the frame ourselves. What is the best material to do this? We cannot cut metal, so possible options are carbon fiber or some type of plastic composite. I am hesitant to go carbon fiber because it will crack easily.

Here is a possible parts list. I understand this parts list does not have "drone capabilities" and that we will need to buy the 'APM 2.5.' So along with the parts list below, what else do we need to buy? I can sodder, so do all these components work together? Do they make the most sense? We are looking to spend in total $350 dollars.

The best guide I have found thus far is: http://oddcopter.com/2012/12/12/easy-diy-quadcopter-build-part-1-the-parts-list/.

He lists a parts list which is as follows:

Flight Controller:

Hobbyking KK2.0 Multi-rotor LCD Flight Control Board 1x = $30

Battery System:

ZIPPY Compact 4000mAh 3S 25C Lipo Pack 1x = $22
HXT 4mm to 4 X 3.5mm bullet Multistar ESC Power Breakout Cable 1x = $3
Turnigy Battery Strap 330mm 1x = $2

Motors/Props:

D2830-11 1000kv Brushless Motor 4x = $40
- Slow Fly Electric Prop 9047R SF (4 pc Right Hand Rotation) 1x = $3
- Slow Fly Electric Prop 9047SF (4 pc) 1x = $3

Electronic Speed Control:

- Turnigy Multistar 30 Amp Multi-rotor Brushless ESC 2-4S 1x = $12
- Turnigy Multistar 30 Amp Multi-rotor Brushless ESC 2-4S (OPTO) 3x = $30
- Turnigy Multistar ESC Programming Card Optional 1x = $4

Radio:

Hobby King 2.4Ghz 4Ch Tx & Rx V2 (Mode 2) 1x = $23
- 10CM Male to Male Servo Lead (JR) 26AWG (10pcs/set) 1x = $5

(we have a battery charger)

Thanks so much, We really appreciate any input you guys may have to offer!