Hi everyone.
I'm interested in building a copter drone as a hobby. However, I'm a total begginer, but I DO NOT want to purchase a "ready-to-fly" parrot, simply because, for starters, I believe I would miss out on most of the fun, and also, because I'm very interested in tinkering around with an autopilot and telemetry. However, I want it exclusively for fun.
However, I have a few restrictions that might make it a little harder. For starters, I have zero knowledge regarding RC, telemetry and arduino controllers (although I'm a fast learner, and learning is one of my main objectives). More importantly, and to make things more complicated, I have a limited budget, and I don't live in the U.S. (I'm from Bogotá, Colombia).
I've been looking at starter kits, but from what I have gathered so far, they are always incomplete, in the sense that you still need to purchase an R/C controller, a battery, etc. etc. Given my limited budget, I can't afford to make learning mistakes that will cost me money. Therefore, I have a few questions and I was hoping someone could help me with them:
1.) Could someone please tell me exactly what are the minimum components I need to start flying, but that can be upgraded later on as I start catching on (as I mentioned, I'm interested in the autopilot, maybe a camera, and telemetry)?
2.) From what I've seen, the RC controller is the most expensive component and most "starter" kits don't include them. What's the difference between a 6,7 or 8 chnl controller? how many channels do I need?
3.) If I start with telemetry from the start, can't I operate my copter without using an RC controller?
4.) A live video feed would be really cool, am I getting way ahead of myself?
5.) What's the overall experience regarding controlls? are the copters really responsive?
I have millions of other questions but I'm going to save them for later, just so I don't ask unecessary ones.
Thanks!
Replies
1: Frame, motors, propellers, APM (Autopilot module), R/C transmitter and receiver - 4-channel will work but you will want more quickly, especially if you add a camera. Battery.
2: I was wisely advised by more than a few people that the R/C system is NOT where you want to save money. I use the Spektrum DX7, but wish that I had purchased the DX-8.
3: Beyond my experience, but not advisable. You should really learn to fly by R/C control first (stick and rudder). If something goes wrong while flying a pre-programmed mission, you will be able to recover manually.
4: Yes, you should learn to fly first.
5: Define "responsive". I prefer mine to be a bit "heavy" in the controls because I want a stable camera platform and to respond to inputs somewhat lazily. Some people prefer a snappy high-performance craft for aerobatics. You can "tune" the response for any type of flying you want.
Hi there, Pablo
Like you, I've developed a curious feeling for multi-rotors. I have no prior RC experience, and I have not flown anything yet.
Like you, I've 'researched' the internet for ideas and inspiration - as well as sound advice for building the first flying machine.
Also like you, I had an idea about 'saving' the money for an RC controller/receiver pair, but I have now binned it again. It's clearly possible to fly without it, but you would need a PC there all the time, and you would probably need to re-write some code. (Not to fly, but to arm the ESCs)
And just like you, I don't have a limitless budget. You and I also share the wish for making things ourselves, to learn during the process, and to create something unique, that flies.
I have come to think a lot more about security than when I first decided to take a closer look - and a dip - in these waters. Of course the security of bystanders and such, but mainly my own. These propellers are like knives, spinning at thousands of RPM - so I will not leave anything to chance.
Your questions, to my ability:
1) On another RC forum, I've made a mind map of all the things needed to make a multi-rotor fly. Take a look, if you're interested, it's at: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1766837
I'm not saying that you should make a mindmap of your own, I'm simply pointing to it to answer your question. (And maybe other questions, who knows?)
2) Channels is another way of saying "number of functions", that you can remote control. To fly a multi-rotor, you need at least 4 channels - but you might want more than the absolute minimum - especially if you would like to - later - add cameras and other functions to your creation. The 4 channels are for:
If you want to turn on or off some lights, or control a camera, etc., you will probably need an additional channel for each function on your RC controller and receiver.
3) In theory, yes. It can be done. But I don't think you should. I'm probably going to buy a 'Turnigy 9x' for starters. That's a cheap, Chinese 8-channel Controller. I will probably get the one without a module, and buy a set of RC transmitter&receiver for it. Oh, and upload some other firmware. This way the controller and a receiver will cost something like 60 US$ - plus shipping and maybe some duty to be paid, when you import it into your country.
4) Yup, but so would a popcorn-machine. Yes, it might be too early.
I didn't go there just yet, so I don't have the experience. But judging by what I can read here and other places, you should first of all learn to fly it on your own. If for nothing else; do it for security.
5) That really only depends on what you choose to build. Like cars, there's no end to the flavors here. There are mighty, docile camera ships out there, as well as thoroughbred, swift racing machines. The only thing they really have in common, is that (most of) their propellers are spinning horizontally.
I've seen 28 grams quadcopters, as well as 4 kilograms octocopters.
Take a look in the video sections of internet forums - or do some searches on youtube.
Happy building, Pablo