Hey Everybody,
I want to start building and flying multi-copter drones and am looking for a bit of advice on which ready-to-fly model I should go with. Looking around it seems like the 3DR is a popular choice (https://store.diydrones.com/product_p/ud-acqrtf01.htm). Am I on the right path?
To give you a little background I have very little experience with RC copters/planes but am an avid programmer. I'd like to stay in the $750-1,250 range if possible.
Also, does anybody know how much weight a 3DR can carry? Sorry if you guys have been inundated with newbie posts like this since the Wired article, thanks in advance for your time!
Evan
Replies
I just built a 3DR, and found it's a great starter kit. Mechanically, it went together fairly easily, though I think some of the holes should be opened up a couple 0.1mm more. Electrically, it went together very easily, the power distribution board is nice. But it is a LOT of soldering.
I uploaded the firmware from MP, didn't even look at the PID tuning stuff, and just flew it. And it flies wonderfully. It's really plug and play. I highly recommend it at this point, and I normally don't pull any punches, tell it like it is.
It can't carry a lot of weight though. I wouldn't want to put much more than a GoPro *without* a camera mount on it, with the little motors (2830). Get the 2836 motors at least.
I'm also working on a conversion kit to make this into an Octo, which should allow it to lift 1kg easily with the 2830 motors.