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Permalink Reply by Nick on July 21, 2011 at 12:32pm

Your choice of quadcopter is not bad, pretty simple. With Ardupilot there are allot more options with what you can do. You can also use the Ardupilot for planes if you ever wanted to expand. I think if you ever what to expand you should choose Ardupilot. But if your just want the quadcopter and not have any sort of problems setting everything up go ahead. I would highly recommend the Ardupilot, its a great piece of expandable technology.

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Permalink Reply by Hans on July 21, 2011 at 12:52pm

thanks nick for your response..........i have actually been looking over ardu pilot mega (APM)and it has been a big contender (correct me if im wrong) but i found APM soldered and ready to go for only $299. My only issue with APM is that i would have to find and or build a quad copter. Learning how quadcopters work and learning APM at the same time kills my interest right off the bat. So if i were to get APM, do you have ANY suggestions for a frame/motor/esc combo that would go well with this APM that i found, or any other suggestions besides APM (i like all the features of APM so far). Or i could get the x450 now and later get the APM.....that totals around ~$700 in the end but only ~400 today.....thanks again buddy

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Permalink Reply by Nick on July 21, 2011 at 4:33pm

Learning the APM is really easy.  They've made the interface really easy, just pick and click really. The APM will take a little time though because you have to build most of the quadcopter. You could start out with the pre built quadcopter if you want fun now but if your thinking about the future go with APM. The APM will get a little expensive at first but for the capabilities and the various uses its well worth it. Do you have a budget if you were to build your own quadcopter? Will you get any accessories with the APM? GPS, voltage sensor, magnometer, ultra sonic range finder?

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Permalink Reply by Hans on July 23, 2011 at 11:38am

well how about this?.... i can buy just the apm right now and put it on my trex 450, will it still stable on my trex 450? will the flights still be as successful as an quadcopter? or should i not try this out learning it on my heli? i am ready to buy now ...

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Permalink Reply by Hans on July 23, 2011 at 11:41am

what other accessories should i buy to go along with the apm. i plan on buying the apm soldered and ready to go. i have a 10hz gps and a voltage sensor on my current setup on the trex 450, i kinda understand what the magnometer will do, but could you explain how the range finder works or post a link that will help me understand... thanks so much nick, im ready to get flying !!! haha

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Permalink Reply by Nick on July 23, 2011 at 1:06pm

Go ahead and try it out on you 450 heli. For the range finder, from what i know it sends out ultrasonic sounds which bounce off objects like a bat. I think it has a range of something around ten feet and it helps out with stabilization. I don't think it is necessary though for just starting out. Let me see if i can find something a little more helpful. 

 

Keep me updated with you progress.

Regards,

 Nick

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Permalink Reply by Nick on July 23, 2011 at 2:01pm

I found a post about the ultrasonic sensor. Ask around in that post if you want to use the sensor. Also I forgot to mention that for the 450 heli you can use the traditional rotor hardware but I heard that flybarless rotor head is better for control. In another thread I found I believe they talk about a flybarless head but for a larger heli but i think you would be able to find the info relavent, ask around to double check and get personal opinions.

Sensor (http://diydrones.com/forum/topics/sonar-success)

Flybarless Head (http://diydrones.com/forum/topics/600-size-heli?id=705844%3ATopic%3...)

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Permalink Reply by Hans on July 23, 2011 at 4:08pm

ok, i have it narrowed down. this is the plan, i like the idea of having AMP right off the bat, so im going to but it from here

http://www.udrones.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=EXPCK1

Im going to buy all the options: airspeed(not needed i think, but will work on my airplane???), magnetometer soldered on, usb, acm multi rotor code loaded. that totals $382 before shipping. Switching my trex to flybarless is something i been wanting to do but i didnt want to buy all the electronics that go along with it, but since the apm will take care of this then im definately going that route. A flybarless head for the trex 450 is $25-40, so thats no problem. I been playing around in the apm planner and its SICK!! Its time for me to start a project build thread with pics haha, what do you think about this idea nick?

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Permalink Reply by Hans on July 23, 2011 at 4:18pm

one more question to fast forward me on the topic? does the xbee telemetry show data while the plane is flying live? if i dont buy it now, can i add it later? or must i buy it telemetry ready now? seeing live data when the plane is out of sight for a video tx/rx would be AWESOME!

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Permalink Reply by Nick on July 23, 2011 at 9:00pm

Airspeed sensor is not needed until you start working with planes. As for the xbee its not like you wont be able to fly but they are very very helpful. With out the xbees you cannot lode code, data points, or recieve any flight info to or from the APM while the heli is operating. To lode anything you would have to plug in the USB cable every time. If you don't buy the xbees now they are always an open option for later. I was looking at flybarless heads and where are you thinking of getting yours?

BTW check JDrones too just to make sure you getting the best deal.

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Permalink Reply by Hans on July 25, 2011 at 6:38am

whew.. i just read the APM helicopter thread..............dont know if i want to take that route haha

 

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Permalink Reply by Nick on July 25, 2011 at 9:49am

Just take your time and be patient.

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