Hello.

I would like to have a DJI Mavic or Robotics EVO drone, but they are way too expensive for me.

Instead of buying an expensive branded model I could try to build one on my own. 

What parts would you suggest to use? (microcontroller, firmware, sensors, rotors, frame...)

Desired specs:
At least 30min flying time.
5km range.
Max Altitude at least 300m.
Foldable or small size. (like Mavic or less).
Optical stabilizated camera or gimbal.
FPV.
GPS.
Obstacle avoidance sensor .
Followme option.

Is it possible to get one built for a cheaper price than the EVO or Mavick?


I'm completly lost with the huge variety of microcontrollers and firmware (betaflight, raceflight, BLHeli, Ardupilot, Naze32, CC3D, Pixfalcon, Pixhawk, Vector Eagle Tree, Skitzo, Naza...).

Welcome to the forum! No

Welcome. You will never be able to build something as refine as the Mavic for the price. You are better off saving your money and buy the real thing.

If you are a student, you can always get 10% off from DJI directly. And no taxes.

(23-May-2018, 03:58 PM)voodoo614 Wrote: Welcome. You will never be able to build something as refine as the Mavic for the price. You are better off saving your money and buy the real thing.

If you are a student, you can always get 10% off from DJI directly. And no taxes.

Hello.
I think I prefer to wait for the Robotics EVO, maybe some discount appear or some alternative.

The other option is eBay. I've seen Mavic Pro's go for less than $700US if you are patient. But note, even the Mavic can't achieve 30 minutes of flight time and 5 KM range out-of-the-box.

(23-May-2018, 04:31 PM)Sugs Wrote: The other option is eBay.  I've seen Mavic Pro's go for less than $700US if you are patient.  But note, even the Mavic can't achieve 30 minutes of flight time and 5 KM range out-of-the-box.

Yup, what everyone said above.  Also when the new Pro 2 comes out you will be able to find lots of Pros cheap.

As much as I would like a Pro, I won't buy any DJI product after learning they are one of the manufacturers pushing for more and stiffer regulation in the hobby....

If you really want to do this to some degree, this site will help you with ideas and perhaps a starting point.  30 min flights are very possible, and having a true long range quad like the DJI can happen.  You will either spend more than the DJI if you want something with all the bells and whistles of the DJI.  Or, if you want something more of a street rod version rather than a Cadillac (DJI), again look at Rotorbuilds, and pick the minds of the knowledge base here....

From reading around, the general consensus is that you'll never be able to build a DJI equivalent for the same amount of money (especially considering the additional time/work you need to invest in the build). Everyone just says get a DJI and be done with it, but another (cheaper) DJI alternative is the Xiaomi 4K drone, goes around 500$ (even lower with some promotions/discounts).

Of course, if you enjoy tinkering, there's nothing to stop you; just be aware of the additional work you'll need to perform, as it won't be as plug and play.

(24-May-2018, 09:37 AM)vaxxi Wrote: From reading around, the general consensus is that you'll never be able to build a DJI equivalent for the same amount of money (especially considering the additional time/work you need to invest in the build). Everyone just says get a DJI and be done with it, but another (cheaper) DJI alternative is the Xiaomi 4K drone, goes around 500$ (even lower with some promotions/discounts).

Of course, if you enjoy tinkering, there's nothing to stop you; just be aware of the additional work you'll need to perform, as it won't be as plug and play.

Xiaomi Mi was the first I considered, but it's too big and doesn't have followme option nor obstacle avoidance, that's why my aim moved to the Mavic Pro.  But it's much more expensive.
I don't have a car, I need something easy to carry.

You won't find/make anything that light, considering the requirements I know because I wanted the same things and gave up eventually. Camera stability and/or gimbal mean added weight. 30 minutes' flying time means a large battery, which means weight. Additional weight means you'll need low KV motors with large propellers, which means a bigger frame, which means ... additional weight, and so on. I haven't seen a stable, camera platform with long flight times to fall under 750-1000 grams total weight.

If you ever open up or watch a Mavic Teardown, you will understand why it is so difficult to make something similar with off the self hardware.