So I've spent the past month or so going through forums looking for information like a blood hound on a hunt and have come to the conclusion that I think i might possibly be ready to buy the parts to start my first build!
To give a little background information, I'm a student at the University of Arizona and I have an extreme interest in UAV's. I'm young so its not like I have a plethora of tools and supplies but I've managed to come up with around $1500 dollars to spend on this project (getting the money was no easy task HA!) I have flown R/C before and am not a unexperienced when it comes to handling the craft but mind you not i'm not ignorant to the reality that its going to crash. I would like to do FPV using a FatShark Predator 2, I want to have some sort of smart system onboard that allows to load a waypoint firmware but i have no idea which system, more than likely it will be the ArduCopter due to the ability to load mission planner. The down side is I have absolutely Zero, zilch experience when it comes to soldering and that worries me greatly. I don't want to buy a RTF because I want the learning experience of building my own and want to completely understand what Im doing and not take it for granted. I also have a GoPro hero 3 and and would like to do some aerial footage etc. So what it basically comes down to is what do you guys recommend? Point me in the right direction! Below is a list of things I would like to accomplish, please keep in mind I cant spend exuberant amounts of money!
What I would like to do.
- 20 min flight time.
- I would like to build a ground station to operate it from remotely.
- Quad set up would be preferable but I'm open to the idea of a hex (what is the real benefit?)
- A strong a sturdy frame that can take a little bit of a beating
- Aerial videography using go pro (can i avoid purchasing a gimbal? they're expensive!)
- Fly using minimal on hand monitoring (Aka mission planner)
- Range about 2-3 miles (i know thats pushing it)
Subjects of question
- Which Transmitter to buy? Dx7, Dx8 etc.
- I have no idea how to connect everything
- I dont have a strong understanding of receiver or antenna arrays.
- Flight controller (WHICH ONE?!)
- Telemetry sensors, sonar etc.
Its pretty late where i'm at and my brain is fried. Im sure there are points im missing and would appreciate any input, I don't want to make to many mistakes! My future is in your hands oh mighty knowledgeable ones!
Replies
Getting 20mins flight time with vid means big battery, means big motors, means big props, means big bills...
re: soldering...unfortunately you're gonna need to do some, if you want to save cash. Gryphon do a 8 port PDB with the attachments, but it's $69. A quad PDB you solder can be got for $15. Some ESC's come with the power gold pin connectors and the female motor connectors, but they're pricey. Then you need motors with the 3.5mm gold pins as well...If cost is a main factor (i imagine it is), then look to a quad. A hex will involve 2 more motors, 2 more ESC's, 2 more props etc.
If you want to go solder-less you need the 3DR power module for the APM, but bear in mind this limits you to 4S batteries. Which limits your choices of motors and props (you should be able to lift a gimbal on 4S no problem, but get 20 minutes...?)