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Wanting to start a build, but where to I even start?

Posted by Jared Lee on July 7, 2013 at 1:40pm

Quick background: Former infantry Marine with some hands on using the Raven UAV and even some stick time on an EOD bot.

My funds for the project are pretty flexible and I anticipate a cost of roughly 1k. Durability and quality are what I'm looking for, a professional drone capable or roving several miles  out with a live feed is my main focus. I feel a bit overwhelmed in that there are just so many options and my knowledge of this subject is limited, basically I need a shopping list. Just point me in the direction for the best bang for my buck, what has worked best for you? Thanks for all the help gents, I look forward to the build and appreciate all your insight.

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Replies

  • Wessie August 22, 2013 at 1:30pm

    Hey Jared,

    1. Get the Phoenix Simulator, or something similar, and learn to fly there. This will save you thousands in avoided crashes.

    2. Get yourself a Skywalker 1900, still one of the best FPV platforms out there. With the right battery, (10A 4S), you should be able to do 1-hour missions. at an average of 50km/h speed, thats fair distance!

    • you will need a suitable motor, 9Gram Servos, ESC battery and an assortment of leads and connectors.
    • Get a DECENT radio, like the Spektrum DX8, Futaba FG8, Hitec Aurora, or JR XG8. Trust me, I sell these things for a living, do not buy the HobbyCrap radios, I hear DAILY complaints about unexplained crashes from the cheapies.

    3. FLY the thing, and get comfortable with it.

    4. Install an APM, and start with FBW modes and Stabilise before taking on some basic 4 or 5 point missions, then later further. Pilot it via Notebook or Android Tab, test FENCE mode, RTL, AUTO missions.

    5. Once that is all working nicely (There WILL be tuning and fine tuning involved), add a fixed camera and Video feed with a video monitor. Lots of playing with frequencies, power outputs and ANTENNAs here.

    6. Once you have done  a few sorties, install a suitable gimbal and add goggles with head tracking. Now you can either Fly around and look where you are going, or let the APM fly while you 'spot" things. When things go wrong, you can let the APM return the plane to launch automatically.

    7. Once you have reached this point, probably before, you will have the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions about the next add-on or Airframe.

    Good luck!

  • Nathan Kendrick August 22, 2013 at 11:48am

    Just getting started myself.  I ordered a Bixler2 from HobbyKing, still waiting for it to arrive.  I haven't selected a radio yet, but from reading through forums, it seems most guys recommend shelling out for a 7 or 8 channel from Turnigy (if you're willing to upgrade it) or Spektrum.  I've also read good reviews on JR brand radios.  I'm going to get the plane up and running and get some stick time before I start building in the autopilot equipment, so I have the skills to recover it when it goes wacky.  I'll probably get a computer simulator (if I can find one for the mac) so I don't crash the plane too many times.

    I've also been messing around with an Arduino Uno to learn about how to code it, and I picked up an accelerometer and gyro from RadioShack.  My plan is to code a simple IMU/stablizer on my own to learn how that works.

    Since your budget is more than mine, you could probably order a full kit from 3dRobotics and be up and flying right away.

    Can't tell you what's worked for me yet, but I figure one reply is better than none.  Good luck!

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