I find myself instantly hooked on the drone technology after watching a few YouTube videos and really want to create something no one has thought of yet. Before I do that I'd like to get my platform dialed in and looking for help from this forum.
I'd like to build and RC fixed wing plane from scratch and later convert it do a drone. My question is, when building the fixed wing platform what do I need to keep in mind so that I can convert it later, more specifically:
(1) What specific type components, if any, do I need to buy so that I can convert to a drone later?
(a) What type of hand held controller do I need so that it will also work for the drone?
(b) What type of on board control chip and antenna do I need for the aircraft so that I can convert later?
(2) Once I have a functioning RC fixed wing aircraft what components do I need to buy to make it a drone?
Thx for the input, obviously I am new at this.
Replies
If you want to build an airframe from a kit (not ARF) and not have to worry about putting normal RC electronics and later on FPV or drone type equipment I would look at one of the Telemaster's. Big choice of version and the bigger models you will never have to worry about running out of interior room.
Being new to RC I would suggest buying one of the common foam ARF's that people use (many references on this site) and practice while you build the telemaster or any other kit plane you decide on.
I am going to go the way of ExperimentalAirlines and build the Pteros, put a APM 2.5 in it to relearn how to fly after being away from RC for 30 years. Later go on to the Senior Telemaster V2 Kit as I like to build in balsa.
https://www.youtube.com/user/ExperimentalAirlines/videos
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/telemasters_216_ctg.htm
Bottom line have fun, its what it's all about.
It's a learning process with very few moments of instant gratification, so read and learn as much as you can. Find a good ARF like a Bixler and get a decent Tx like a Spektrum and use that to train RC. The transition to an autopilot like Ardupilot will be possible with some experience to build on. It wont take you too long, but a few successful flights and some experience setting up the RC equipment is an essential set of skills needed to successfully advance to a drone. The Bixler and Easystar are great drone platforms used by many. Once you have advanced to installing an Ardupilot into a Bixler, you'll see what differences you might want in your own design.
I learned to fly RC on my own design, but it would have been much quicker to break down and buy an Easystar or Bixler. My design lacks room to advance to FPV but is great for RC and a basic autopilot. I didnt design for FPV, didnt even know what it was but if FPV had been my goal, I would have designed much more fuselage room. These considerations are hard without some hands on experience and that's why I recommend get some experience flying RC on a Bixler or Easystar and then dronify it with an Ardupilot and then design your own.
Good Luck, it just takes some time and perserverence.