Hello, My name is Al and I am a computer science graduate. I am very interested in putting together a ArduCopter. I have a few questions before I start buying things:
I am interested in the
DR ArduCopter Hexa-B Frame + Motors + Full Flight Electronics Kit
from your store. I've been doing lots of investigating trying to figure out what else I need after I buy this machine to get it flying. Here is what I came up with:
1. Radio (aka remote control)
2. Receiver (for the copper)
3. Battery
From what I can see the kit comes with all the main parts. I am sure there are connectors and electrical tape I will need, but that's understandable.
I have a pretty good background in programming so I don't think that will be a problem. I also have a pretty good understanding of electronics and circuitry. I just want to see If you guys think this would be to much for this noob?
Thanks for your help.
Replies
With your background you certainly should be able to cobble all the needed bits together without too much trouble. But before you launch any big, expensive and potentially dangerous aircraft you need to learn how to fly, at least well enough to keep things safe and maybe even in one piece in the inevitable moments when manual control suddenly becomes the only option. There are a lot of approaches to doing this, from simulators to playing with conventional r/c airplanes and micro-helicopters. A toy-class muilticopter costing around $100 can be a lot of fun and can teach you the basics. Look for local help via an r/c club or hobby shop. It will cost you less time and less money in the long run to do this than not, and it may help prevent something far more serious.
Al, I am a grad student who decided to use a hexa copter for my capstone project. I bought the fully assembled version (because I am trying to program them and building was out of scope) I got the remote that was suggested with the copter from udrones. but luckily someone else had a spare, because I couldn't get it to work.
I would also spend alot of time looking at "what not to do" on these forums and youtube... a perfect example is this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM1mS_mqiIg
so, now I am just trying to write a Command Line interface for my copter. and I can't really find any documentation besides the API. I am looking for boiler plate code, if you see any let me know.
These things are awesome to fly and especially if you get it outfitted with a camera
Jason
You'll need a radio, battery, and charger to fly. Usually the radio will come with a receiver unless you go looking for one without a receiver. I'd suggest a radio with 7 or 8 channels. I'm a fan of the Hitec Aurora 9 radio but there are lots of good radios out there (Spektrum, Futaba). If you're on a budget the Turnigy 9X is a good radio for the price, it's like $50 (they make a 9XR but it doesn't come with the receiver or transmitter module, look at FrSky if you go that route).