What do I need with the DIY Y6 to get started? (new pilot)

I am a computer programmer gadget guy but have zero RC experience. I stumbled upon DIY drones and have been obsessed with getting into an ArduCopter... but I'm not sure where to begin.

If I get the "3DR Y6 Frame + Electronics Kit" with APM, APM Power Module, and GPS, then what else do I need to get started?

There is a choice between having the APM cables enter "from the top" or "from the side"... does it matter?

Do I need a Radio and Receiver? If so, how many channels? Any recommendations?

How about batteries/extra batteries/chargers?

I'd eventually like to add FPV and mount a GoPro to the frame... is the Y6 a good choice for this?

I apologize for the onslaught of questions, I am simply excited to get in the air!

Amos,

In addition to the kit you specified you would need the following to get flying:

Transmitter

Receiver

Battery

Charger

To that list I would also add the optional telemetry kit: http://store.3drobotics.com/products/3dr-radio-telemetry-kit-915-MHz Yes, it's optional but it adds so many of the features that most of us buy the 3DR products for! :-)

To answer your questions specifically;

1. I prefer the wires coming out to the side. On the copter it's easier to plug and unplug the cables with the APM still in place on the stack.

2. The radio and receiver should have at least 7 inputs. I fly Futaba myself but there are many brands of reliable radios out there at various price points so your budget will largely decide on this. Another thing to consider is how much you'll use your radio in other vehicles. Model memory and programmability are nice features to have.

3. You need a battery and a charger. A decent battery to start with would be a 3S 6000mah. Lots of different brands here so let your budget decide. As far as the charger goes there are lots of brands and price points here too but any modern charger should be programmable.

4. Yes the Y6 is a good choice for hanging a GoPro from and doing FPV from. It has the ability to carry the extra weight of these projects and with the new arm spacing (in contrast to the original Hex frame) there is less of a chance of getting the arms or props in your view.

With all that said, the Y6 would not be my first choice for someone who has never flown an RC helicopter before. My recommendation for anyone just getting started would be to purchase a micro multirotor and learn how to fly that first. They're pretty cheap and parts (for the bigger brands) are relatively easy to obtain. The Y6 is a pretty complex machine that is fairly stable right out of the box it also has 10" and 11" props swinging that can do serious damage to anything they come in contact with.

My 2 cents.

-Mike

Replies

T3

Richard Boyhan August 3, 2013 at 7:31am

I would add to your shopping list a soldering iron, solder, flux, helping hands to hold things as you solder. Assorted tools, like pliers, needle nose pliers, wire cutters, screw drivers in varies sizes, electric tape, etc. Also you should pick up spare parts. These should include 2 extra props both CW and CCW, 1 motor, 1 ESC, 2 arms. I would replace your landing legs with swimming pool noodle pieces until you can land well. Also when you start to fly stay low, 2 to 5 meters. Learn to fly really well in stabilized mode. I mean really well. Then move to alt hold, then loiter, then RTL, then really simple auto missions. I recommend using simple flight mode on all you flight modes. Learn to walk before you run. Always always, disarm your copter before walking towards it.
Have fun and fly safe.
Stone1295 August 2, 2013 at 9:51am

Amos,

In addition to the kit you specified you would need the following to get flying:

Transmitter

Receiver

Battery

Charger

To that list I would also add the optional telemetry kit: http://store.3drobotics.com/products/3dr-radio-telemetry-kit-915-MHz Yes, it's optional but it adds so many of the features that most of us buy the 3DR products for! :-)

To answer your questions specifically;

1. I prefer the wires coming out to the side. On the copter it's easier to plug and unplug the cables with the APM still in place on the stack.

2. The radio and receiver should have at least 7 inputs. I fly Futaba myself but there are many brands of reliable radios out there at various price points so your budget will largely decide on this. Another thing to consider is how much you'll use your radio in other vehicles. Model memory and programmability are nice features to have.

3. You need a battery and a charger. A decent battery to start with would be a 3S 6000mah. Lots of different brands here so let your budget decide. As far as the charger goes there are lots of brands and price points here too but any modern charger should be programmable.

4. Yes the Y6 is a good choice for hanging a GoPro from and doing FPV from. It has the ability to carry the extra weight of these projects and with the new arm spacing (in contrast to the original Hex frame) there is less of a chance of getting the arms or props in your view.

With all that said, the Y6 would not be my first choice for someone who has never flown an RC helicopter before. My recommendation for anyone just getting started would be to purchase a micro multirotor and learn how to fly that first. They're pretty cheap and parts (for the bigger brands) are relatively easy to obtain. The Y6 is a pretty complex machine that is fairly stable right out of the box it also has 10" and 11" props swinging that can do serious damage to anything they come in contact with.

My 2 cents.

-Mike

This reply was deleted.

Discussions

What do I need with the DIY Y6 to get started? (new pilot)

Replies

Activity