Here's the build finally assembled... (I'd say complete but we all know none of these projects are ever complete!)

Included Parts/Accessories:

TBS Discovery frame

APM 2.6 w/ external compass and uBlox GPS

3DR Telemetry Kit 

4x RCTimer HP-2212 1000 kV Motors

4x RCTimer SK-30A SimonK ESCs

Turnigy 9XR

FrSky DJT Combo

4x RCTimer Carbon Fibre 9x4.7 Props

So here it is.. finally! I used my old Flamewheel arms on it as I'm flying without FPV gear for now and I need a reference for the front of the quad; the red arms do this job nicely. As you'll notice, I have a combo wrench set sitting on the front of the quad for counterbalance as I'm in the market for a GoPro and I haven't quite convinced the wife that we need one yet. Ideally, I'd like the Radio Rx at the rear of the quad (where the battery sensor is) but I didn't have long enough servo leads, so it stays where it is for now. 

The placement of the GPS and 3DR Radio Telemetry fit nicely on the top plate. I'm amazed at how well this GPS does at acquiring it's location. Almost instantaneously when I power on the quad. Having the Telemetry as a beginner adds a nice level of reassurance as to what mode I'm in, the GPS is functioning and everything is working like it is supposed too.

Putting everything together was a simple process. The configuration took a little more time and effort but after completing the "Mid Throttle" and "Saved Trim" processes tonight, I've got this thing flying smooth! 

Very impressed... and I'm just getting started.  

I primarily used the ArduCopter webpage for reference and a few 3DR YouTube Videos to assist in the configuration process. Very good job on the compilation of information on there - much cleaner and easier to follow then what was previously available. 

I had to make some adjustments to my Turnigy 9XR during my maiden flight as I had AIL and RUD mixed up. I also had to invert my ELE as it seemed upside down to me. But with the 9XR and er9x, it was no problem at all. Very easy to do... and I have to send a personal thanks to Oliver Sumpton for pointing me in the right direction with that remote. I'll be sure to post my radio settings and helpful hints on its configuration in the future (once I've confirmed I have everything setup like it should be)

I have "Roll and Pitch Tuning" to complete next but I doubt that I'll need much of an adjustment as this sucker is flying pretty damn smooth already. I find it very snappy!

Hello Everyone,

So I finally received my APM 2.6 + accessories. As it's been almost a month since I ordered it so I had a lot of time to consider how I was going to dampen the vibrations. Below in the photos is my solution (not sure if it works yet, as I haven't tried to fly).

1. The Final Product

2. Adding the vibration dampening (silicon fuel tube) to the screws.

3. All the silicon tube has been added (still some thread showing so it makes it through the frame)

4. The view from the bottom. The holes used are already present on the TBS Disco bottom board.

5. The side profile. 

6. The APM upside down with 3M double sided tape, moongel and double sided tape.

Explanation:

- I cut a piece of wafer board just a bit wider then the APM, drilled four holes in it which line up with pre-made holes in the bottom of the TBS Discovery frame.

- I placed 3x10mm screws in the holes then flipped the wafer board upside down. 

- I then placed silicon fuel tube on the thread of the screws then cut about 60% of the tube off the screw (leaving enough thread at the top to get through the frame and attach by nut to the bottom.) 

- I added the nut to the bottom of the board, with some threadlock and just enough pressure so that it was firm but there was still flex if I pushed down on top the board towards the frame. 

- I then attached double sided tape to my APM, followed by Moongel then another square of double sided tape. Then placed that on top of the newly mounted wafer board. 

- Lastly, I secured the APM to the wafer board with two elastic bands.

So in review the dampening is:

APM 2.6

Double Sided Tape (3M)

Moongel

Double Sided Tape (3M)

Mounting Plate

Silicon Fuel Tube 

Frame

I realize that it's not the prettiest setup but I'm pretty confident that it'll do the job. I'd wait to see what the end result is (if it works or not) but I'm too proud of it to wait... 

Shout out to Dany (www.canadadrones.com) for his suggestions/help on this topic and Dennis Baldwin (YouTube) for this videos on vibration dampening. 

Hello everyone,

I am super excited to be back on the board and ready to play with my new incoming APM! I have had some experience with the DJI Naza but I always felt that I was missing out on something. So here I am today about to begin my build.  

Here's the build:

TBS Discovery frame

APM 2.6 w/ external compass and uBlox GPS (Awaiting Shipping)

3DR Telemetry Kit (Awaiting Shipping)

4x RCTimer HP-2212 1000 kV Motors

4x RCTimer SK-30A SimonK ESCs

Turnigy 9XR

FrSky DJT Combo

4x RCTimer Carbon Fibre 9x4.7 Props

I picked the TBS Discovery for a bunch of reasons but I am really concerned about its integrated PCD bottom plate causing havoc with the APM. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I've searched far and wide on the web for similar APM TBS Discovery setups but I have been unable to find any photos or explanations about how to best connect & place everything. So if anyone has similar experience please chime in.

Eventually, I want to FPV but I need to hide some more cash away from the wife before I do that. So in the meantime, I'm looking forward to tinkering with the APM and playing the telemetry. 

I know everyone has a lot of experience here so please help me out with suggestions.

.... Sooooooo excited!

Okay so here’s where I am at:

I’ve never had a helicopter apart from the mini-$50 ones you can purchase anywhere. So this will be my first helicopter/drone.

Short term Goals:

• Buy Quadcopter
• Build Quadcopter
• Fly Quadcopter

Long term Goals:

• Mount a GoPro HD video camera on it. (GoPro Hero 3 Black)
• Eventually do FPV flights (either with the GoPro or by using a separate FPV cam)
• I’d love to mission plan in the future so I do not want to limit myself early by buying parts that don’t allow me to expand. (xBee)

The proposed setup:

• 3DR Arducopter Quad-C
• APM 2.5
• 4x jDrones AC2836-358 880 kV Motors
• 4x 30A ESC
• uBlox 3DR GPS LEA-6
• 10x45 Props (to start, ideally I’ll upgrade these to CF once I learn to fly)

(Purchasing from CanadaDrones.com)

Now… based on my short term goals. I think I’m good to go. Long term goals though, I’d love some feedback. I’m thinking if I need to lift more, I could always convert into a hex setup?

As far as batteries and Remote – I am undecided.

CanadaDrones sells the Turnighy 9X 9ch or the WFT09 remote but I’ve heard wonderful things about the Spekturm DX8.

I would love to hear your feedback. Thanks!