I'm considering getting my son (7 yo) a quadcopter for Christmas. I spend a lot of time working on these things, and so we could do this together. Also it would be fun to see how to develop the program so that "even a child can use it".
I have considered something like the Ladybird, but it seems a bit toy-like to me. I want something that could be flown outside on a calm day. Also, since this is all closed-source, if there's something I don't like about it, I can't do anything about it.
I have also considered building something using an F450 clone frame, but my fear is that it's a little too big and could be dangerous for him.
What small frame could I look at that would fit an APM2?
How about one of these?
Or these:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__22607__Turnigy_Integrated_PCB_Micro_Quad_KIT_.html
Replies
So I was ordering a bunch of stuff from Hobby King last week, and ended up with 200g of weight left over on my order, so I threw an F-330 frame in for $9. (seriously?!?! $9???)
Now, can anybody recommend a build-out for the rest of it?
I'm thinking of going with the F-20A ESC's. These are the best flashable ESC's. Unless they're simply too big?
What about motors? They're recommending 28-26 motors. 1000kv or 1200kv?
I'd like to use my 3S2200 battery packs I have for my little heli unless they're simply too big?
8x4.5 props? They have those cheapys...
This won't make it in time for Christmas, but that's fine.
(yes, I'm addicted to Hobby King)
The WLtoys v929/939/949 series quads are a blast and have the massive added bonus of being able to bind with the default rf modules of 9x series radios. You have to re-bind each time you plug in a new battery but this is far less annoying than it sounds. IMHO this combo rivals rockin' a comparable cose DSM compatible Spectrum radio with the Blade MQx which the WLToys v929 and Walkera Ladybug's are cloned after. And blows the Devo/Walkera combo out of the water because the Devo radios only work with Walkera models and after you flash a 9x with er9x (which is necessary), the firmware then rivals Spektrum.
Banggood has a BNF version of the v929 with everything but the radio: http://www.banggood.com/Wholesale-Wltoys-V929-Beetle-4-axis-Quadcop...
But the LEDs on the v939 & v949 are a surprisingly nice upgrade. And the stock radio can be handy.
All that said, the stock radio that comes with these mini/micro quads might be better for smaller hands though they are also a lot sloppier, especially the yaw/throttle (mode 2) stick.
Either way, these mini/micro quads make a way more sense to learn on than a hobby grade mini. Primarily because you can usually get away with crashing the hell out of them with minimal damage and easily fly them indoors.
Ooops, I thought I had a spare APM2 to put on it, but I don't. So that would make this too expensive. Maybe it will be the Ladybird or Hubsan one.
Once again I'm in a similar boat, my boy is 8 this year and wants a quad.
My missus has a ladybird (yes, she was grateful and yes she can fly it now), my son has played with it a lot, and as 8 year olds do has taken to it like a duck to water. I've gotta agree with Jason it is simply excellent for a small quad.
It's fast, very stable, and not only will it fly outside on calm days, I've had it out in awful gusty swirling winds and you can still keep a hold of it, although it's almost invisible at 50 yards.
It can even do flips etc, but won't smash your TV if it all goes wrong in the lounge.
Ours has been crashed in every way conceivable way, including drops onto concrete from near out of sight, full forward speed into a brick wall, full power into the ceiling, countless times. I have 4 batteries so it's in the air everytime there's a mention of a quad. My parts bills has been one prop, two legs, one main cage oh and at least a bottle of CA. Pennies the lot of it.
The real beauty of it in my opinion is that is it very safe, it's impossible to damage anything with it, and the worst damage it's likely to do to a person is get tangled in their hair (then all you have to do is slide the props off to free it - although don't ask me how i know this...)
You can practice nose-in' sitting on the sofa, I couldn't recommend that with much else.
If you do go this route make sure you get the Devo7 tx with it, there are others available, but the devo is pretty capable for other projects too.
There are cheaper versions coming out, like this one in the video. Very similar to the LB
So anyway, we have a lady bird, so what this year? Well I'm going down the f450 route, only smaller.
I have a f330 frame, it's great if you want something strong, light but still totally capable. I've had mine setup with APM2, full fpv gear including OSD, gopro, the works - if you ever saw that fpv I did over 10 fields, that was that tiny little quad. I can also FPV from the lounge, out the back door, etc etc with it. It fits perfectly with props on into a suitcase.
It's definitely a step up though, even with bendy 8" props on it, it could smart a bit on contact, esp if you run it on 4s like I was :D
By the way, if you end up with a 330, I've tried real and clone DJI frames, the DJI's are better, stronger bases and arms, vibrate less (although still rather a lot) at least with the ones I tried anyway.
I've decided to go the APM route for my youngun this year, I think he's just about ready for it. Although the first thing he's going to do with it is program a calculator, or some traffic light for his scalextrics ;) He'll be practicing circuits on the labybird in his breaks.
The ladybird is an excellent quad and a lot of fun to fly. It has a surprising amount of power for the size. The fatal flaw are the brushed motors which can be damaged easily. If you're careful you can repair the brushes and get it back in working order.