(01-Mar-2023, 04:19 AM)mstc Wrote: Everyone probably has a different preference, but I think a 3.5" build strikes a nice balance for starting out and my favorite size to fly (not too loud, not heavy enough to do too much damage, not too big for the backyard, easily carry HD cam and digital, good flight times). I see a lot of amazon links, and sure everyone shops differently, but just wanted to mention for drone stuff there are a lot of good online shops as well (like RaceDayQuads and Pyrodrone). Prices tend to be better than Amazon especially if you're getting parts for a complete build, they ship quickly (but does take a few days to arrive), most have decent customer service/support, and more importantly I find it a lot easier to browse/search for parts the way their websites are arranged.

Thats a lot of my thinking when ending up with the smaller frame, initially wanting to build a 7-inch frame, lol. I wanted to be able to fly some inside possibly, but also have some power to do some quick acrobatics, as well as the power to carry a camera if I wanted to explore or take some drone landscape photography/videography. 

I hadn't yet learned of the best places to shop and already spend a decent amount on Amazon for my projects so I had felt safest sticking there for the time being. I'm sure I'll branch out to some of the suggestions you've made as I get more familiar. 

I just ordered some new hardware to meet some of the advice provided from you all so far. Here is what I just bought:

2pcs GNB GANENG 4S 15.2V 650mAh 120C XT30 RC Drone LiPo Battery Packs China Factory Wholesale

iFlight 4pcs XING2 1404 Unibell Motors for FPV Toothpick Ultralight Build Drone Motor (XING2 1404 4600KV)

(This is regarding a potential size issue with those new motors that I mentioned in my last post)

Measure diagonally across two motor holes.

The photo below is an example of an arm that can fit both 9x9 and 12x12 motor mount patterns.

(01-Mar-2023, 04:28 AM)Lemonyleprosy Wrote: (This is regarding a potential issue with those new motors that I mentioned in my last post)

Measure diagonally across two motor holes.

The photo below is an example of an arm that can fit both 9x9 and 12x12 motor mount patterns.

Yessir, you may not have seen the edit yet (and I super appreciate the photographic guidance) but I confirmed the frame supports 9x9 and 12x12

(01-Mar-2023, 04:31 AM)LoganFPV Wrote: Yessir, you may not have seen the edit yet (and I super appreciate the photographic guidance) but I confirmed the frame supports 9x9 and 12x12

Awesome. With the new batteries and the new motors, I’ll think you’ll have a much better (and better flying!) build.

Edit- and as long as you get the soldering down, a build that won’t potentially self destruct.

(01-Mar-2023, 04:34 AM)Lemonyleprosy Wrote: Awesome. With the new batteries and the new motors, I’ll think you’ll have a much better (and better flying!) build.

Thats very reassuring to hear. I've been stressing a bit thinking this project is doomed. Hopefully I will be able to figure out a good build configuration to use the motors and batteries I have otherwise. It seems like from what I've read here that the 6s 1500mah batteries are pretty much out of bounds if im staying legal?

Like Lemony mentioned, 4600kv is a little high for 3.5" on 4S, you may need to set some motor or throttle limits. But if you can still switch 3800kv or is more suitable. Personally I like 2900 kv and fly both 3S/4S with it, but I am a slower flyer.

If you are learning FPV, you may also consider picking up some 3S packs for a lighter/tamer flight.

(01-Mar-2023, 04:37 AM)LoganFPV Wrote: Thats very reassuring to hear. I've been stressing a bit thinking this project is doomed. Hopefully I will be able to figure out a good build configuration to use the motors and batteries I have otherwise. It seems like from what I've read here that the 6s 1500mah batteries are pretty much out of bounds if im staying legal?

Absolutely out of bounds. You’re looking at 200g just in battery, and that would only leave 50g left for the motors, electronics, and frame.

That said, all you need to do to legally fly over 250g at the moment is pay something like $5 to register with the FAA and slap your registration number on it, but soon you’ll also have to put a remoteID module on anything over 250g as well.

Edit: you’ll need to pass the free TRUST test as well, but I believe this is a requirement even sub 250g:
The pilot institute link was a scam, here’s a legit one through the AMA:
https://trust.modelaircraft.org/

(01-Mar-2023, 04:45 AM)Lemonyleprosy Wrote: Absolutely out of bounds. You’re looking at 200g just in battery, and that would only leave 50g left for the motors, electronics, and frame.

That said, all you need to do to legally fly over 250g at the moment is pay something like $5 to register with the FAA and slap your registration number on it, but soon you’ll also have to put a remoteID module on anything over 250g as well.

Edit: you’ll need to pass the free TRUST test as well, but I believe this is a requirement even sub 250g:
https://trust.pilotinstitute.com/?gclid=...gLch_D_BwE

That doesn't sound terrible. If I complete those requirements, I could then put the 6S battery and those motors on another drone, only worrying about 400ft elevation and restricted airspace for the most part?

(01-Mar-2023, 04:44 AM)mstc Wrote: Like Lemony mentioned, 4600kv is a little high for 3.5" on 4S, you may need to set some motor or throttle limits. But if you can still switch 3800kv or is more suitable. Personally I like 2900 kv and fly both 3S/4S with it, but I am a slower flyer.

If you are learning FPV, you may also consider picking up some 3S packs for a lighter/tamer flight.

I'm definitely learning, and I may do that but for now, I think I've gotten pretty deep pretty fast. We'll definitely be adjusting the throttle down to allow us to gradually acclimate to controlling it, hopefully reaching full potential at some point. I understand the ESC is barely capable, but maybe after some testing it's still possible.

(01-Mar-2023, 04:19 AM)mstc Wrote: …not heavy enough to do too much damage…

This was my neighbors fence after I crashed my 3” RoninUAV Sohei through it:
https://intofpv.com/t-3%E2%80%9D-roninua...#pid168506


I felt so bad about that, but he was a good sport and told me to just keep my flying machines on my own property after I helped him fix his fence.

It certainly gave me a proper appreciation for how dangerous even a 3” quad can be.


Logan, here’s an interesting thread about when ph2t put his Rooster build through the rear window of a van (I think this was a 5” 6s quad)
https://intofpv.com/t-have-i-got-a-story-to-share

(01-Mar-2023, 04:59 AM)LoganFPV Wrote: That doesn't sound terrible. If I complete those requirements, I could then put the 6S battery and those motors on another drone, only worrying about 400ft elevation and restricted airspace for the most part?

For the moment, yes. But soon, as I said, anything over 250g will also require a remoteID module.

And see my post above for how quickly things can get damaged when you lose control- the larger the quad, the more damage it can do.

Edit- there are some other operational requirements, like always keeping the quad within visual line of sight of your spotter, flying in a safe manner, etc.

(01-Mar-2023, 05:16 AM)Lemonyleprosy Wrote: For the moment, yes. But soon, as I said, anything over 250g will also require a remoteID module.

And see my post above for how quickly things can get damaged when you lose control- the larger the quad, the more damage it can do.

Edit- there are some other operational requirements, like always keeping the quad within visual line of sight of your spotter, flying in a safe manner, etc.

(01-Mar-2023, 05:14 AM)Lemonyleprosy Wrote: This was my neighbors fence after I crashed my 3” RoninUAV Sohei through it:
https://intofpv.com/t-3%E2%80%9D-roninua...#pid168506


I felt so bad about that, but he was a good sport and told me to just keep my flying machines on my own property after I helped him fix his fence.

It certainly gave me a proper appreciation for how dangerous even a 3” quad can be.


Logan, here’s an interesting thread about when ph2t put his Rooster build through the rear window of a van (I think this was a 5” 6s quad)
https://intofpv.com/t-have-i-got-a-story-to-share

Yikes! I'm hoping I can manage to avoid fences and cars, but I live in the middle of a desert so i think i can find a clear area to fly

(01-Mar-2023, 05:23 AM)LoganFPV Wrote:

Once you’ve finished the quizzes/exam and they show you a digital version of your certificate, take a picture of it with your phone so that you can produce it on demand.

Also keep in mind that those requirements for flying over 250g are for purely recreational flying only.

Edit- and here’s a link to the FAA drone registration page, you want the recreational one. After you’ve registered and receive a registration number, you only need to put in on quads that weigh over 250g (all up weight- including battery and action camera or whatever)
https://www.faaregisterdrone.com/?gclid=...gJ-_vD_BwE

As of September 16th, 2023, any quad over 250g will also require a remoteID module:
https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/...one_pilots

(01-Mar-2023, 06:01 AM)Lemonyleprosy Wrote: Once you’ve finished the quizzes/exam and they show you a digital version of your certificate, take a picture of it with your phone so that you can produce it on demand.

Also keep in mind that those requirements for flying over 250g are for purely recreational flying only.

Edit- and here’s a link to the FAA drone registration page, you want the recreational one. After you’ve registered and receive a registration number, you only need to put in on quads that weigh over 250g (all up weight- including battery and action camera or whatever)

As of September 16th, 2023, any quad over 250g will also require a remoteID module:
https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/...one_pilots

I was just reading about the RemoteID modules. Do you know of any that you can link?