What do I need to start

Graham Pollock June 24, 2013 at 9:18pm

Buy your stuff from 3D robotics they are awesome

Joe Hupy June 24, 2013 at 9:47am

Hi to all on here. I too am in the same boat, and am coming into this as a geographer with a strong RS/GIS background, but not strong in engineering. I have a friend who is quite good with electronics helping me out with my build of a arducopter Hexacopter kit, but in my research on all these terms, I cannot find much on why you would go with a APM 2.5 with cables entering in from the side vs. one where cables enter from the top.

I plan on using this to mount cameras, using a camera modified to shoot Near IR, so I'm looking for stability and longevity in the air. My research shows I should go with the 3S for motor/battery, but without seeing a comparison of side mount vs. top for the cables on the APM 2.5, I have no idea which configuration to go with. Any comments or thoughts?

Christopher Roberts June 22, 2013 at 2:28am

Hi Michael,

I think I live near you. I am North Sydney.

I have spent the few months building a couple of quads. There is a lot to learn.
I was considering using building a hexa but don't really have a need for one now.

I would be happy to show you what I've learnt.

PM me if you are interested.

Darren Royle June 21, 2013 at 3:48am

hi ,I sounds to me your jumping in at the deep end .

why not get a cheap $20 quad frame 4cheap esc and motors and naza lite along with radio

(I would still get a good radio set ).Learn to fly ,keep reading the forums here and once happy with

your flying and safety .Move on to your Tarot .

I say this not to discourage you but help you stay interested in the hobby .because if you smashed up the tarot with camera

APM etc (and you will crash!!) its a lot of money to replace.

Anyway which ever way you go good luck

Ty June 19, 2013 at 7:06pm

Hey Mitchell-

I got started with 'drones' not too long ago. I remember the first time visiting this site - everything was so overwhelming. GPS, APM, PDB, Mission Planner, ESCs, PID. I didn't have a clue what any of this meant. I did a LOT of reading, mostly here, and feel like I have enough knowledge to make this a fun hobby. I wanted to build my own and understand what everything did, so I bought the 3DR Arducopter Quad kit. I had a few minor issues putting it together, mostly from not understanding the terminology in the instructions. I was able to get it built, complete with GPS and telemetry and was amazed at how cool this thing is. Added a camera and saw my flight times decrease, so bought a hex kit. This one went together very smoothly and flies great.

With that said, I still have lots and lots of questions that I'm looking for answers for. I try to find them here, then check Google, then return here and ask if I can't find the answer. Although some questions i just don't ask because they seem so elementary ;)

Good luck, and like some of the previous posts mentioned, just remember you get what you pay for...

Just my $0.02.

Mitchell Yazdani June 19, 2013 at 3:52pm

Sorry,

These two then

ArduCopter ESC 20 Amp (from 3D Robotics)

Turnigy Multistar 20 Amp Multi-rotor Brushless ESC 2-4S

and what about the battery,

s2 or s3 one?

Do I need any thing else too, so I can order the same time, I do not want to wait 4 more weeks for the rest!

Thanks

T3

Richard Boyhan June 16, 2013 at 12:46pm

Get the telemetry. It's handy if your copter flys away, you can find it.

Tim V June 16, 2013 at 8:16am

That Frame Looks Awesome! You can get most of the other parts form 3D Robotics Store:

- HEXA Power Distribution board

-6X 20 amp ESC

-6X 880KV Motors

-APM 2.5 + Set

-telemetry if u need it

FROM OTHER STORES (HOBBY-KING)

-Flight Batery

RC Gear (remote and receiver)

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