FPV Quadcopter basic parts list (JABcopter)

[plexer]

Also added a bluetooth module as well for computerless configuration

 

Ben

[FragglePete]

@FragglePete just getting it dialled in still only had half a dozen flights on it.

 

This is the controller MultiWii PRO 2.0 Flight Controller w/ GPS Option - Flight Controllers + $9 shipping it was although got done for VAT and collection fee when it landed as the declared value of $25 was about 3 pence over the £15 allowance, lol.

 

Ben

 

Doh!

 

I've got an APM2.5 on mine and it just seemed to be stable out of the box so well chuffed. Using a 433Mhz module for telemetry as well but too scared to take my eyes of the quad and hands off the controller to look at what is showing on my Netbook!

 

Pete

[plexer]

What tx you got?

 

Will get telemtry on mine at some point got a flysky 9x tx so may look at openlrs once I've flashed it.

 

Ben

[FragglePete]

I've got a basic Turnigy 9X - seems to work ok and was cheap to buy, I've already had to replace the Receiver on the Quad after snapping the aerial off during a rather dramatic crash! Only cost about £9 to replace from fleabay.

 

FPV kit is next but I've run out of funds at present, as I've said on here before I want a Fatshark Attitude set but just can't seem to stomach the cost at present. It's on my Christmas list!

 

Pete

[JAB1a]

I was looking at OpenLRS the other day....found it dirt cheap but without antenna...

 

433Mhz HawkEYE openLRS UHF system JR/Turnigy compatible and 433MHz 9Ch Receiver-in Parts & Accessories from Toys & Hobbies on Aliexpress.com

 

That's a 1W! Tx, normal Tx's like the dx6i or 9X are <100mW. looks great.

@FragglePete, you know the attitudes are the best at the moment and if you get anything else you will still be wanting them. I can tell you its one of the finest investments I have made for this hobby, worth every penny for the enjoyment you will get from them.

[FragglePete]

I was looking at OpenLRS the other day....found it dirt cheap but without antenna...

 

433Mhz HawkEYE openLRS UHF system JR/Turnigy compatible and 433MHz 9Ch Receiver-in Parts & Accessories from Toys & Hobbies on Aliexpress.com

 

That's a 1W! Tx, normal Tx's like the dx6i or 9X are <100mW. looks great.

@FragglePete, you know the attitudes are the best at the moment and if you get anything else you will still be wanting them. I can tell you its one of the finest investments I have made for this hobby, worth every penny for the enjoyment you will get from them.

 

Fully appreciate that @JAB1a -and that's what I'm aiming for, just funds are totally depleted at the moment! I took the decision to buy the GoPro before the FPV gear - don't regret it but just wish to push it to the next level. I'll be wanting a Gimbal after that!

 

Pete

[plexer]

The trouble with getting in to FPV for me is that as a blind bugger err I mean spectacles wearer I don't think most are suitable.

 

Although I am short sighted so I don't know whether having the screens so close to my eyes if I'd be able to fly without perhaps I can find someone to let me try.

 

Ben

[pcstru]

You can use 433 Mhz on flying models for telemetry but you cannot use it for control (7t Model Control). I'd need to look up the ofcom specs but I suspect at 1w, the Hawkeye would be out of spec for use in the UK even for telemetry.

[plexer]

The output level can be defined in s/w though.

 

Ben

[JAB1a]

Thanks for the info @pcstru - I am sure anything over 25mW (land to air or air to land) is against the UK rules, I have seen distances of 2miles from a 25mW 5.8Ghz with the right antenna setup. Most FPV setups sold from shops/internet in the UK are WELL above these limits (average 100mW Tx's)... So I know two wrongs don't make a right but I would not stop buying the OpenLRS system just because of the Tx power... also how or who would enforce this say in the middle of Dartmoor? (of course ignoring Dartmoor's byelaws). That aside, I am sure if you did something stupid with your RC model and it got into the authorities hands then if they were inclined then you would probably get the book thrown at you... hopefully common sense will per vale there.

 

"You can use 433 Mhz on flying models for telemetry" I think the rule is if the transmission is from a ground station to another ground station (ground to ground transmission) then that is allowed... all the rules are different from air to ground transmission's (not ground to air). I might have the wrong end of the stick tho

[pcstru]

The output level can be defined in s/w though.

Well, I'm wrong about control, you can use 433Mhz for control at a maximum output of 1mw. For telemetry you are restricted to 10Mw. apparently.

 

The primary designated user for 433Mhz I believe is the MOD (just sayin'!). You also risk (since you will have to buy from abroad) having equipment sized by customs and prosecution under the wireless telegraphy act 2006, in particular they may view simply having such equipment as an offence under section 36.

[JAB1a]

I also hear it is illegal to be drunk in a pub (drunk being defined as 'someone who has drunk more alcohol than is legally allowed to then drive) but you don't see the police enforcing this unless you act an idiot which I think would be in the same situation as your Tx power etc (might be a bad comparison lol).

 

I have seen this conversation happen on MANY FPV/RC forums over the years and many threads get locked just because group A can not see the point that group B are trying to make due to the legalities... many comparisons to driving 35mph in a 30mph zone compared to driving 60mph in a 30mph zone, both are illegal but one is just stupid lol.

 

I'm not saying that the laws should be ignored in anyway and I full agree with the points @pcstru has made, those consequences could very well happen.

[pcstru]

Thanks for the info @pcstru - I am sure anything over 25mW (land to air or air to land) is against the UK rules, I have seen distances of 2miles from a 25mW 5.8Ghz with the right antenna setup. Most FPV setups sold from shops/internet in the UK are WELL above these limits (average 100mW Tx's)... So I know two wrongs don't make a right but I would not stop buying the OpenLRS system just because of the Tx power...

 

I think it should be worth some very careful thought. You should for instance have some insurance if you are operating your model in public or spaces you don't own (which is pretty much anywhere other than your garden), or indeed places where others might have reasonable cause to access (which could be your garden). If you are unlucky and happen to injure someone, you want that insurance to cover your liability. I doubt the insurance company would be very happy if they find you are operating equipment that does not comply with UK law.

 

As always assessing risk requires an appreciation of probability and consequences. Accidents with RC models are rare but if you are the unlucky person that is hit by one, it can be extremely serious. In those circumstances, the model is likely to be scrutinised very closely.

[JAB1a]

True words, and hopefully comman sense for most there @pcstru

[JAB1a]

Just a little update on the OpenLRS system I found for UK use...

 

"In the UK we're limited to 1mW for telemetry on 433MHz. 10mW on 434MHz.

 

For Radio Control we have 35MHz and 2.4GHz as you mentioned but we also have 459MHz up to 100mW available to us and many of us use OpenLRS and EzUHF with special "UK firmware" which changes the frequency from 433MHz to 459MHz at 100mW. OpenLRS using this special firmware has been flown to over 13km which is more than sufficient for most applications (especially considering our Air Law requires that Line Of Sight is maintained at all times).

"

 

I also found this handy table to show what freq. is best to use together on your model...

Here are some sample recommended configurations:¶

 

 

 

RC Telemetry Video

Configuration 1 (US) 2.4Ghz 915 Mhz 5.8 Ghz

Configuration 2 (Europe) 2.4Ghz 433Mhz 5.8 Ghz

Configuration 3 (US) 2.4Ghz 915 Mhz 1.3 Ghz

Configuration 4 (Europe) 2.4Ghz 433Mhz 1.3 Ghz

 

This was handy as I was trying to work out what freq. I could use if I got a APM2.5 with 3DR telemetry like this little gem:

 

3DR Radio 433Mhz Module +APM2.5 +CN-06 Standalone GPS Receiver v2.0 | eBay

[TwoZeroAlpha]

Big thanks to @JAB1a, I've just managed to use that list and get everything I need to get in the air for a basic level for £209 (all delivered & starting with nothing)

Kit (frame, motors, escs, KK FC board) X525 V3 QuadCopter Glass Friber Folding ARF PNP Set KK Flight Board Multicopter | eBay

Controller https://www.rcgeeks.co.uk/Turnigy-9X-9Ch-Transmitter-w-Module-8ch-Receiver-Mode-2-v2-Firmware?gclid=CMft-Kf98LoCFUfkwgodOWAAzQ

Power TURNIGY 2200 mAH 3S 20C 30C BURST LIPO PACK 11.1V | eBay

Charger iMAX B6 RC Lipo NiMh Battery Balance Charger with Power | eBay

 

Plan is to build this one and learn it, then upgrade to better featured FC board, GPC and FPV as future budgets allow.

[JAB1a]

Wow that's a great price @TwoZeroAlpha I wish you all the luck and a fun build, you won't regret it.

 

Can I just suggest something... I see with that frame you get the KKM5.5 board, I have played with this board and its definitely not for beginners!, its a nightmare to flash the right firmware and also does not support Auto-Stability so it will be like flying on other FC's with Auto-Stab turned off which is not for the faint hearted lol...

 

Might I suggest this to begin with...

KK2.0 Multi-rotor Self Level LCD Flight Control Board - BNIB (NEW) UK Seller | eBay

 

I am a great fan of the Rabbit Flight Controller, much more plug and play compared to Naza etc and has some amazing features...I just picked a 2nd one up with GPS for £50..bargin

 

Keep us posted with your build!

[TwoZeroAlpha]

Cheers, an extra £30 still doesn't dent the price too much and I now have a choice of FC boards if required or can re-sell the KKM5.5.

 

I'm looking forward to getting it all. I picked up a chilitech actioncam3 on Amazon's blackfriday last year, so I'm going to use that under slung for some quick and easy remote video.

[JAB1a]

@TwoZeroAlpha I also see there is no power supply cable on the Quadcopter, so you will need some heavy multicore wire and some extra XT60 connectors.

 

I see your Lipo's you linked to are XT60 but the charger you linked to has all the Deans connectors, just in case you didn't spot it then you might want to get one that's got all Xt60 connections instead (but no great hassle if you don't as you will have spare XT60's you can use).

 

I also think you might be in need of these if you want to fly as soon as you get it built....

 

LiPo battery alarm (worth its weight in gold)..

Maxpro Lipo Battery Monitor Alarm 3,4,5 or 6 Cell to choose from (B55) | eBay

 

Turnigy ESC programming card (trying to program all four manually listening to the beeps is a nightmare)...

Turnigy ESC Speed Controller Programming Card *UK* | eBay

 

XT60 connectors...

5 x PAIR Of RC XT60 Lipo Battery Connectors & Heat-Shrink Plane Helicopter Quad | eBay

 

Good wire...

12 AWG Black red Silicone Wire 2m Lipo Battery Cable | eBay

 

I think that's about it

[TwoZeroAlpha]

The LiPo's linked were examples/intended, not yet purchased. I'm considering my local model/hobby shop for that so I can get the right bits in one shot and support a local business. Marginally more expensive, but works out roughly same when shipping is included.

[plexer]

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?sbk=1&nav=SEARCH&itemId=271314515895

 

Or if you buy anything from hobbyking they are about $8 from the uk warehouse.

 

Ben

[TwoZeroAlpha]

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread, the quad got airborne tonight. He'll of a learning curve, and I'm still not clear on a few things, but very happy.

[JAB1a]

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread, the quad got airborne tonight. He'll of a learning curve, and I'm still not clear on a few things, but very happy.

 

That's excellent news!, do you have any photo's or video to share of your build? it would be great to see some.

 

Remember if you have any questions or issues then please do ask, if I don't know the answer then I am sure someone else will know and help.

 

Im starting a new project for over Xmas, I am going to make a mini-hexacopter for some close proximity FPV fun, I am now finding that I am wanting to squeeze the quad into smaller and smaller spaces and being 530mm (644mm with props) that is now becoming an issue... so the mini-hex is born, its from a design called the 'TeslaHex' after the designers username Teslahed.

 

My current Quad will be converted to be a X8 octocopter to become a gimbal and heavy lift ship, that should be fun on its own.

Edited December 9, 2013 by JAB1a

[plexer]

@JAB1a sounds fun

 

@TwoZeroAlpha yay good fun

 

Here's my latest 3d printed aluminium build in progress we call her lil blue.

 

 

Ben

[JAB1a]

That looks a nice and strong frame there @plexer, whats the measurement between the motor shafts and are you going to be using smaller motors or using the same size?