I just realized I came here starting asking questions but never really introduced myself. My name is Tom and I am 24 years old, living in Latvia. Some of you might not know where it is (?) haha.
I've been always keen on doing some film-making and some years ago I had some nice gear and wanted to go to study it in UK. However, then I realized that I won't be able to support myself and get paid for what I do so quick than I would like to.
In the same time, I did knew some basic programming, and decided that programming will give me much better chance to get on my own feet while being still very young. Years later I am currently working in IT company as .NET developer for different solutions with 4 years experience : )
Finally I started seeing these videos from FPV pilots, and it just blew my mind! The shots you can possibly take with a freestyle drone was the thing I was always dreaming of : )
It all started with random facebook feed, where I saw Johnny FPV doing this amazing drift video. Quickly enough I found Mr Steele on youtube and at that point he got me much more interested in this hobby. (thanks Steele).
So thank you guys for all the advices and information that you give us - beginners. Probably I will be only able to start flying next year, since building the first drone and getting all equipment for beginner takes huge time and resources.
Right after September weather in Latvia in my opinion is too bad for flying, rain, snow, cold... My plan is to get some parts every month so somewhere in January I can start to slowly build my drone.
Besides that, I have recently engaged and have a lovely "sausage-dog" puppy which is just the best thing in the world. Family : )
Hoping to get to know you all and possibly have some adventures together! Have a nice day
FPV freestyle is what got me into the hobby too, and you do have some great references there, really inspirational videos, but soon you will realize that everyone as a different pace and style so you will have your own too
I think you do have some EU stores somewhat close to you if that helps.
What kind of budget are you thinking of spending on a first build?
09-Aug-2019, 11:42 AM (This post was last modified: 09-Aug-2019, 12:21 PM by notafraid_fpv.)
(09-Aug-2019, 11:31 AM)brnmd Wrote: Hi and welcome!
FPV freestyle is what got me into the hobby too, and you do have some great references there, really inspirational videos, but soon you will realize that everyone as a different pace and style so you will have your own too
I think you do have some EU stores somewhat close to you if that helps.
What kind of budget are you thinking of spending on a first build?
Hi,
So far haven't found any store that would be close and with good prices / products. Any specific ones you know? : )
Well I still haven't decided yet, I know for a fact that next purchase I have to order some googles. Would like to hook them up to PC to get a feel how it is flying with googles instead of PC screen.
For those I am looking for something that's well appreciated. Most likely will see if I can get some FatSharks on sale. Was thinking of Attitude V5 but turns out (as per Snow post in other thread) they don't have HDMI output. (?)
But about drone itself - well can't really say. Kind of think I might buy some pretty cheap parts to get the idea how it's being built, learn to solder, to wire the things etc.. On the other hand I don't want to break it with first few crashes. Maybe I should buy a good frame, but keep everything else cheap, so later I can use same frame but put in some higher quality products?
I really do like Armattan Marmotte frame. But yes, it's kind of costly.[url=https://www.getfpv.com/armattan-marmotte-5-5-frame.html][/url] Haven't taken look into other things yet. Still trying to learn what's OK what's not OK.
// if we talking cash then quad around $300 mby ? //
09-Aug-2019, 12:20 PM (This post was last modified: 09-Aug-2019, 12:21 PM by SnowLeopardFPV.)
Welcome to the forum
Your theory about a buying a decent frame and sticking in cheap parts then replacing them later is a good thought, but the reality is that it won't happen. If and when you decide to get some better parts you will just get another frame for those parts and end up with two quads (it's also always a good thing to have a spare backup quad if you have that option).
I'm still running a cheap Martian II 220mm frame for my 5" (which was the first ever clone of the original ImpulseRC Alien 5 that Mr Steele still flies today), and while I've had a number of crashes, I haven't yet managed to break any parts on the carbon frame itself. I did break some of the standoff screws and bend some of the standoffs themselves (see HERE), but all the parts of the carbon frame itself have remained intact, as have all the electronics and motors. Maybe I'm just not trying hard enough to break the frame or smoke the electronics I also bought a couple of spare arms for it which are cheap, but I've never needed to use them so they're still just sat in the box. I always had the plan to replace the frame with something better when I managed to properly break it, but after almost a year of flying that still hasn't yet happened so I'm still flying my original build. The build thread for it is HERE.
(09-Aug-2019, 12:20 PM)SnowLeopardFPV Wrote: Welcome to the forum
Your theory about a buying a decent frame and sticking in cheap parts then replacing them later is a good thought, but the reality is that it won't happen. If and when you decide to get some better parts you will just get another frame for those parts and end up with two quads (it's also always a good thing to have a spare backup quad if you have that option).
I'm still running a cheap Martian II 220mm frame for my 5" (which was the first ever clone of the original ImpulseRC Alien 5 that Mr Steele still flies today), and while I've had a number of crashes, I haven't yet managed to break any parts on the carbon frame itself. I did break some of the standoff screws and bend some of the standoffs themselves (see HERE), but all the parts of the carbon frame itself have remained intact, as have all the electronics and motors. Maybe I'm just not trying hard enough to break the frame or smoke the electronics I also bought a couple of spare arms for it which are cheap, but I've never needed to use them so they're still just sat in the box. I always had the plan to replace the frame with something better when I managed to properly break it, but after almost a year of flying that still hasn't yet happened so I'm still flying my original build. The build thread for it is HERE.
Ouh cool thanks for suggestion! It really comes pretty cheap. I will definitely consider this frame as well.
I also got hooked through video's by JohnnyFPV and MrSteele. But Drone Mesh's How To Build a Drone for Beginners-video really convinced me that drone building is for everyone. As a first drone, I'm going to follow his tutorial. Saves me the hassle of accidentally buying wrong parts.
Hi Tom, Welcome from past .NET IT tech and now into quads. Since I fly mostly indoors and had absolutely NO experience with flying or with game controllers (never been a gamer), my first quad was an inexpensive "tiny whoop"; an Eachine E013 complete with goggles (yeah cheap ones, but they work). I learned to fly indoors on these tiny quads and still have a lot of fun when flying outside is not feasible. Being mechanically inclined, I was soon working on them; modifications, upgrades, builds, etc. My first open prop builds were with the brushed motors; basically tiny whoop parts on an open prop frame. I am now getting into the brushless motor scene; both whoops and open prop. To build or not to build that is the question. I certainly have no problem building. The options are many and I do continual research...what to build, what parts, what cost, etc. Many build videos. When I saw and researched the EMAX Tinyhawk Freestyle, I decided to get one. You can't build this thing for what it costs ($105 more or less). For me it is the perfect transition quad...moving on up. It is super, is full on acro, and fun to fly. Although it is a 2S quad, it will takes 1S Lipos doubled up. Still looking to build, but can keep flying both indoors and out. At this point, I will likely stay in the "toothpick" range more or less. I don't want the hassle of the new FAA regulations for quads over 250g so I am keeping the quads under that weight.
Some of my tiny whoop pics are under the "Build a tiny whoop" discussion.
The EMAX is a 2.5 inch. Yeah, my brushed motor build on the right has red 3 inch props.