Seriously considering getting 3DR ArduCopter Quad-C kit with apm, GPS, telemetrics, and a flysky remote. I am a new to "real" quads, how hard will it be to get this thing built, flying, and stable?
I am a Linux system engineer with a fairly analytical mind and have built rovers in the past with arduino and picaxe and have basic electronic knowledge and a decent multimeter.
Would I be better off getting a flamewheel with a naza to get a sense of whats going on in this world and then try an arducopter at a later date? I am just worried it may be really expensive to learn on an arducopter if I don't set things up perfectly and crash it.
Any advice would really be appreciated.
Replies
The 450 is a good platform and I think more than one APM has controlled it.
I scratch built my airframe (3DR 'b') and bought 3DR motors, ESCs, and PDB.
Over 21 flights so far and one broken prop, a couple broken legs. I am very conservative in my flight training.
My 2nd build (scratch also) will use another brand of motor, maybe other ESCs, but definitely APM.
Reach out to some of the folk in your area that are members here.
Some even work for 3DR. You might be able to kick some tires or get a tour.
-=Doug
I would submit that if you are a total newbie to flying things, you will still crash it regardless of make/model.
This community will help you as much as possible with APM.
DJI makes some super products. The Flamewheel quality is superb and the new motors are freakin beautiful. It is a very well integrated product.
But at your current skill level, why pay so much more? If you build/buy everything perfect, you still have to master the eye/hand/3D spatial aspect of flying. Some of the computer sims have a couple quads. It helps to get your fingers in tune with the way the aircraft should fly but... the real hardware is where you face your fears.
If your profile is correct, you have fabulous access to APM resources where you live.
-=Doug