Discussions

Quad From Scratch- Parts List

Posted by Alexander on December 1, 2014 at 9:44am

So, I have compiled this list of what I am considering ordering: this is my first time building a quad. Just curious if anyone wants to take a look and has any better recommendations--or tell me if I am missing anything. From what I can tell, the parts should be compatible with one another. I am still not sure about the strength the motor should be.... I want to make sure I have the right parts before I order- as I will surely do a blog on this website. 

I am trying to make this on a tight budget--so I thought maybe others would be interested in this list. I know its annoying to click all the individual links. If anyone has any feedback I'd be grateful.  

 

Remember that I have never built a UAV before. So parts that I assume are part of the body weight may not actually be part of the body. This is all new to me hahahha. I hope as this list develops it can be used to help other hobbyists starting out. 

 

***Updated Dec. 8th, 2014***

 

BODY

 

Flight Board
http://www.getfpv.com/dji-naza-m-lite-multi-rotor-stabilization-controller.html

    Cost:$70

    Weight: 32g

5V UBEC x2
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__16663__HobbyKing_8482_HKU5_5V_5A_UBEC.html

    Cost:$5.75 x2

    Weight: 11.5g x2

1000uF 16V Capacitor x2
http://www.amazon.com/1000uf-Capacitor-High-Radial-Leads/dp/B004O21PPE

    Cost:$2.67 x2

    Weight: not specified

Splitter cable x8
http://www.helipal.com/product_info.php?currency=CAD&products_id=10449&gclid=CNbmh_y6r8ICFS6ZMgodTkkA4A

    Cost:$4.88

    Weight: not specified

ESC
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__52338__Afro_ESC_30Amp_Multi_rotor_Motor_Speed_Controller_SimonK_Firmware_US_Warehouse_.html

    Cost:$14 x4

    Weight: 26.5g x4

ESC Cable 
http://www.rctimer.com/product-899.html

    Cost:$3.36 x4

    Weight: 27g x4

Motor: (updated)

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__12921__d2830_11_1000kv_brushless_motor.html

Cost : 11.79 x6 (buying 2 extra)

Weight: 52g x4

bolt-19 mm

battery 
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__10306__Turnigy_5000mAh_3S_40C_Lipo_Pack.html

    Cost:$45 x2

    Weight: 443g (x1) -1 lipo is for transmitter/controller 

Battery strap (updated)

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__11736__Turnigy_Battery_Strap_330mm.html

    Cost:$1.59 x4

 

Servo Lead (updated)

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__21758__10CM_Male_to_Male_Servo_Lead_JR_26AWG_10pcs_set_.html

    Cost:$5

   

Props (updated)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__25818__8045_SF_Props_2pc_Standard_Rotation_2_pc_RH_Rotation_Black_.html

    Cost:$2.79 x 2

    Weight: not specified 

Frame (updated)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__36428__Hobbyking_X525_V3_Glass_Fiber_Quadcopter_Frame_600mm_EU_warehouse_.html

    Cost:$21

    Weight: 346g

Specs:
Width: 600mm
Motor Bolt Holes: 14~30mm

Required:
 Multi-Rotor control board
15~25A Brushless ESC x 4
28-XX 1100~1300KV Brushless motor x 4
8x4~9x5 Propeller - 2 standard/2 reverse rotation

OTHERS 

transmitter/receiver (updated Dec. 11)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__28297__Turnigy_9XR_Transmitter_Mode_1_No_Module_.html

 cost: $50.00

Module (updated Dec. 11)

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__14348__FrSky_FF_1_2_4Ghz_Combo_Pack_for_Futaba_w_Module_RX.html

Lipo Battery Charge Pack (updated)

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__4134__Lithium_Polymer_Charge_Pack_18x22cm_Sack.html

Cost: $2.00

I still need to update my parts for compatibility as was given from the last suggestion- will do this later on today. Thus the costs and weights are subject to change. 

 

Total Cost: $440 

Total Body Weight:about <1500g

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Replies

  • Michael Ciurescu December 4, 2014 at 6:14am

    Alex,

    The motor you choose cannot handle the 10 inch props, it goes only up to 9 inch, see "max performance" here:

    http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__8617__Turnigy_2730_Brush...

    Also, the frame you choose looks very big; you probably need motors that are 4 times more powerfull, the one you choose can go up to 470 grams, and that's not much. Remember that the motors has to lift everything including the weight of the battery.

     

    To choose a motor, estimate the total weight of the quad, let's say it is 3 Kg... now you divide that by 4 (since it's a quad), and you get 750 grams...  and that is how much the motor has to pull JUST TO HOVER!! (that's at 50% throttle) so... you need a motor that can lift double that, so just one motor should be able to pull 1500 grams (1.5 Kg).

     

    You will also need one or two 5V BEC to power the flight controller.  DO NOT use the power from the ESCs to power the FC because the ESCs might interfeer with eachother. Most people say to cut the red (positive) wire of the ESC before you plug it in the flight controller, and use a 5V BEC to power the FC. Also put a 1000 uF capacitor at the output of the 5V BEC to make sure you get a smooth voltage.

     

    You will also need a battery splitter cable so that you plug the ESC Cable you selected, and also another plug for the 5V BEC for the FC (and other things)

     

    For Transmitter & receiver; why is it separate? I got the Tunigy 9x, and it comes with a receiver:

    http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__19673__Turnigy_9X_9Ch_Tr...

     

    You will also need a 3S 5000 mAH 40C (this depends on the motors)

    You also need a charger, and power supply for the charger

     

    I would also recommend a prop balancer (this is optional, but if the props are balanced, you get less vibration, and it comes in handy if you plan to put a camera on your quad)

     

    This is what I got so far... good luck on your build!

    • Alexander > Michael Ciurescu December 5, 2014 at 9:21am

      Hey Michael 

      Thanks so much. This is the reason I posted this article: to get valuable advice about my components before build phase. This helps me greatly. I will likely update my list again with your recommendations and post it sometime soon!

      Alex~

  • Alexander December 3, 2014 at 10:45am

    Hey Bob- 

    I believe it was around the 350 dollar range. Somewhat reasonable I think. The knowledge gained from building this thing from scratch will be well worth it. 

  • Rob December 2, 2014 at 2:58pm

    What does it price out to be?

This reply was deleted.

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