My first quad, build and experience

Hey all, this is my first post here.  I've gotten quite a bit of useful information and read many interesting things here, and finally joined.  I've only recently gotten into the RC world, and my first step was to build a quadcopter.  

The first step was to read up on the topic.  I researched the theory behind motor output, power:weight ratios, frame types, flight controllers, prop sizes, batteries, and on.  I decided to build a medium sized quad, aiming for something that'd be stable and able to carry a camera later.  

My build list:

ItemQuantityWeight (g) per UnitWeight (g) TotalDescription
Frame1425425hk s500 glass fiber, use 9-10" props
Motor470280Turnigy D2836, 1100kv, 1.13kg thrust, 7-11 prop
ESC1112112Qbrain 4X25A
Battery1404404Zippy 3S, 20C, 5000mah, 4mm bullet
Flight Controller13244APM 2.6, iso case, 7N GPS
Props (Normal)1171711X4.7 plastic, weight per pair
Props (Reverse)1171711X4.7 plastic, weight per pair
     
   0 
   0 
   0 
Transmitter1 0turnigy 9xr
Transmitter Battery1 0turnigy, 2200mah
TX Module11313FrSky DJT, D8R pair
Battery Charger1 0iMAX B6AC, genuine

YouTube Motor/Prop Test (for data, see the linked google doc in the video description)

I came out with these calculations:

Weight of Itemized Components (g)zip tiesWeight of Zip Tie (g)Velcro (sq. in.)Weight of Vecro (per sq. in., g)
131216162
Total Weight (g)Thrust per Motor (g)Minimum Thrust:WeightSuggest Max Weight (g)Suggested max payload
1340113022260920

It seemed all good, so I ordered parts.

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3691210703?profile=original

3691210754?profile=original

3691210594?profile=original3691210726?profile=original3691210815?profile=originalAssembled:

3691210777?profile=original

First majour (more than prop damage) crash:
3691210828?profile=original3691210798?profile=original

Reassembled, some things moved around:

3691210741?profile=original

Relocated the battery to free up the camera mount, and covered some wiring:

3691210835?profile=original 

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  • It flies fairly stably, though I'm still correcting the drift- I need to save the trims from my radio next time I take him out.  It's fairly responsive, almost twitchy.  My longest cumulative flight time on a charge has been :35, and it dropped from 12.6V resting (3S, 5AH LiPo) to 11V, so there was some time left.  I haven't done any GPS-based activities yet, as my 'ground station' is a desktop.  I'm just getting into photography and acrobatic maneuvers, and will be getting an FPV system very soon.

    As a newcomer, I'd have built a smaller quad if I had it to do over.  I wanted to have the capacity for a camera and whatnot with a larger craft, but I think I would have been happier flying something smaller and more maneuverable to learn on.

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