Posts: 12 Threads: 4 Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts Likes Given: 0 Joined: Feb 2024 Reputation: 0 Hello all, I've never built a quadcopter before, but I have been doing some research the last week. I'm an experienced software developer with some electrical engineering exposure (Pi/Arduino). I probably got overzealous, but I ordered these things: Frame: DarwinFPV Darwin240 5inch Long Distance FPV Drone Frame https://www.myfpvstore.com/quadcopter-frames/darwinfpv-darwin240-5inch-long-distance-fpv-drone-frame/ Flight Controller + Electronic Speed Controller Stack: Axisflying Argus ECO Stack - F405 FC + 55A 6S BLHeli_S ESC https://www.getfpv.com/axisflying-argus-eco-stack-f405-fc-55a-6s-blheli-s-esc.html Motors: Bosh V2.3 Unibell FPV Drone Motor 2306.5 Matte Black (Pick your KV) - 1700Kv https://www.myfpvstore.com/motors/bosh-v2-3-unibell-fpv-drone-motor-2306-5-matte-black-pick-your-kv/ ELRS Receiver: RadioMaster RP3 ExpressLRS 2.4GHz ELRS Nano Receiver Long Range Low Latency FPV Receiver for FPV Micro Drone Racing Drone Quadcopter https://www.amazon.com/SoloGood-RadioMaster-RP3-ExpressLRS-Quadcopter/dp/B0BGBKG635 Propellers: Darwinfpv 5 inch 3 blades https://darwinfpv.com/products/darwinfpv-5-inch-3-blades-propeller?variant=41600239468719 Battery: DarwinFPV 6S 1300mAh Lipo Battery https://darwinfpv.com/products/darwinfpv-6s-1300mah-battery Camera: Darwin Caddx Ant Micro FPV Camera https://darwinfpv.com/products/darwin-caddx-ant-micro-fpv-camera Video Transmitter: DarwinFPV VT5804 5.8G 25/50/100/200/400mW VTX https://darwinfpv.com/products/darwinfpv-vt5804-5-8g-25-50-100-200-400mw-vtx Total Approximate Weight: 535g --------------------------------------- Other things: Controller: FLYSKY FS-i6X 10CH 2.4GHz RC Transmitter Controller/W iA10B Receiver https://www.amazon.com/Transmitter-Controller-Receiver-Helicopter-Quadcopter/dp/B07Z9YNP7S Battery Charger: ToolkitRC M7 200W 10A DC Charger https://darwinfpv.com/products/toolkitrc-m7-200w-10a-dc-charger Video Receiver Goggles: FlyFishRC Osprey FLIP G2 Dual-Band 2.4GHz 5.8GHz High-Gain Linear RC FPV Antenna for FPV Goggles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHBB1M44 --------------------------------------- - Will all these things actually play nicely together?
- Am I missing anything? I think I need a capacitor still, so will need to figure that out.
I'm currently trying to figure out how to plug the data in to https://www.ecalc.ch/helicalc.php with some struggles. Thanks for any guidance. ![[-]](https://intofpv.com/images/collapse.png) • Posts: 2,076 Threads: 68 Likes Received: 1,157 in 840 posts Likes Given: 105 Joined: Jan 2023 Reputation: 59 (10-Feb-2024, 04:25 AM)JohnnyCornRocket Wrote: ELRS Receiver:
RadioMaster RP3 ExpressLRS 2.4GHz ELRS Nano Receiver Long Range Low Latency FPV Receiver for FPV Micro Drone Racing Drone Quadcopter
https://www.amazon.com/SoloGood-RadioMaster-RP3-ExpressLRS-Quadcopter/dp/B0BGBKG635
---------------------------------------
Other things:
Controller:
FLYSKY FS-i6X 10CH 2.4GHz RC Transmitter Controller/W iA10B Receiver
https://www.amazon.com/Transmitter-Controller-Receiver-Helicopter-Quadcopter/dp/B07Z9YNP7S
Video Receiver Goggles:
FlyFishRC Osprey FLIP G2 Dual-Band 2.4GHz 5.8GHz High-Gain Linear RC FPV Antenna for FPV Goggles
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHBB1M44 There are some online drone retailers where you can find many of the parts you need in one place and that might be worth considering in the future. Some potential problem with the above items. You selected an ELRS receiver, you would need an ELRS radio or an ELRS TX Module that plugs into the radio. That Flysky radio is not compatible with ELRS (not sure if it would work with a module) but it does comes with its own receiver, you could potentially get that working with your FC. But I believe that is a very old radio/rx and ELRS will perform much better than Flysky. If you have an option to return or exchange that radio for a modern ELRS radio, I would consider that. The FlyFishRC Osprey Flip G2 are only antennas and specifically for the DJI Goggles 2 which are digital and only work with DJI transmitters (the goggles are not included). You would need to select a pair of analog goggles that receive 5.8ghz video transmitted by your analog VTX. For the other equipment I don't fly 6S, but it looks like it would be compatible. Posts: 2,708 Threads: 84 Likes Received: 1,435 in 1,078 posts Likes Given: 859 Joined: Apr 2022 Reputation: 43 10-Feb-2024, 05:09 AM (This post was last modified: 10-Feb-2024, 05:12 AM by Pathfinder075.) No.
Wrong Radio for one. You need an ELRS capable Radio like a Radiomaster Pocket ELRS or Jumper T-Lite v2 ELRS or Radiomaster Boxer ELRS, to run with the EP2. FlySky is an old old protocol that has many problems. Send the radio back to amazon and get something that supports ELRS.
Send back the osprey antennas as you failed to buy any goggles. They look to be digital antennas as well. Buy either BetaFPV VR03 (good), Eachine EV800D (better), or Skyzone Cobra X (best). Eachine EV800D is probably the best choice initially. They won't break the bank and they are good goggles.
I'm unsure if the camera will fit the frame, as in I think it will be too small. But I can't find any info on the camera sizing for that frame.
Capacitor wise. 35V 1000uf Panasonic Ultra Low ESR Capacitor.
Will it fly, yeah probably. Will it fly well, no idea. I expect you are already an accomplished pilot to choose such a super powerful quad as your first build. If not, invest in a Mobula8 or Meteor85 first and go learn to fly. It will be a lot cheaper. You fly a whoop into a wall it will bounce off and probably fly again most of the time. If you break a frame you can glue or tape it. But they are pretty crash resistant. Open prop 6S quads are none of that. You crash into a wall with any speed you will need new props, arms and maybe motors. You crash it really badly, you might need a new quad. Also fly it well away from people.
You need to look into the legal side of it as well, if you haven't. What you do beyond that point is up to you. Try Not, Do or Do Not
- Yoda
Posts: 12 Threads: 4 Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts Likes Given: 0 Joined: Feb 2024 Reputation: 0 (10-Feb-2024, 05:09 AM)Pathfinder075 Wrote: No.
Wrong Radio for one. You need an ELRS capable Radio like a Radiomaster Pocket ELRS or Jumper T-Lite v2 ELRS or Radiomaster Boxer ELRS, to run with the EP2. FlySky is an old old protocol that has many problems. Send the radio back to amazon and get something that supports ELRS.
Send back the osprey antennas as you failed to buy any goggles. They look to be digital antennas as well. Buy either BetaFPV VR03 (good), Eachine EV800D (better), or Skyzone Cobra X (best). Eachine EV800D is probably the best choice initially. They won't break the bank and they are good goggles.
I'm unsure if the camera will fit the frame, as in I think it will be too small. But I can't find any info on the camera sizing for that frame.
Capacitor wise. 35V 1000uf Panasonic Ultra Low ESR Capacitor.
Will it fly, yeah probably. Will it fly well, no idea. I expect you are already an accomplished pilot to choose such a super powerful quad as your first build. If not, invest in a Mobula8 or Meteor85 first and go learn to fly. It will be a lot cheaper. You fly a whoop into a wall it will bounce off and probably fly again most of the time. If you break a frame you can glue or tape it. But they are pretty crash resistant. Open prop 6S quads are none of that. You crash into a wall with any speed you will need new props, arms and maybe motors. You crash it really badly, you might need a new quad. Also fly it well away from people.
You need to look into the legal side of it as well, if you haven't. What you do beyond that point is up to you. My actual objective is for indoor unmanned use cases in other builds, but I was trying to start out for my first time with noob entry level status. Apparently I didn't hit that mark? The good news is it seems like the quadcopter build itsself is probably feasible and it was mostly peripheral choices that were my problem. Even better, they were from Amazon which makes returns EZPZ. LOL @ you're right I only purchased antennas and no goggles - super noob move. Luckily they hadn't shipped yet so I could cancel them. Not so much for the radio, but I'll send it back. Thank you for the recommendation on these: Goggles: https://www.getfpv.com/ev800d-5-8ghz-40c...w-dvr.html Capacitor: https://www.getfpv.com/panasonic-35v-100...citor.html Due to out of stock issues, how's this for a radio replacement? Transmitter: https://www.amazon.com/RadioMaster-Pocke...0CR3ND5ZH/ I have never flown a drone before, but my goal is to gain hands on experience with a basic build before getting in to things like position hold. I have no intentions of going 'full throttle' right off the bat :-) And it does look like I'll probably need to pass a test and pay $5 registration. Not a problem for me. I very much appreciate your input, thank you! • Posts: 12 Threads: 4 Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts Likes Given: 0 Joined: Feb 2024 Reputation: 0 (10-Feb-2024, 05:09 AM)mstc Wrote: There are some online drone retailers where you can find many of the parts you need in one place and that might be worth considering in the future.
Some potential problem with the above items. You selected an ELRS receiver, you would need an ELRS radio or an ELRS TX Module that plugs into the radio. That Flysky radio is not compatible with ELRS (not sure if it would work with a module) but it does comes with its own receiver, you could potentially get that working with your FC. But I believe that is a very old radio/rx and ELRS will perform much better than Flysky. If you have an option to return or exchange that radio for a modern ELRS radio, I would consider that.
The FlyFishRC Osprey Flip G2 are only antennas and specifically for the DJI Goggles 2 which are digital and only work with DJI transmitters (the goggles are not included). You would need to select a pair of analog goggles that receive 5.8ghz video transmitted by your analog VTX.
For the other equipment I don't fly 6S, but it looks like it would be compatible. Awesome, corrections are in the works. Thanks! • Posts: 2,076 Threads: 68 Likes Received: 1,157 in 840 posts Likes Given: 105 Joined: Jan 2023 Reputation: 59 (10-Feb-2024, 06:26 AM)JohnnyCornRocket Wrote: My actual objective is for indoor unmanned use cases in other builds, but I was trying to start out for my first time with noob entry level status. Apparently I didn't hit that mark? Do you have a caged environment and plan to carry a heavy payload? Otherwise as Pathfinder mentioned a 6S 5" drones is an extremely powerful and potentially very dangerous drone to fly indoors especially for someone new to drones. Depending on your use case there may be much more suitable setups that you should consider. Posts: 2,708 Threads: 84 Likes Received: 1,435 in 1,078 posts Likes Given: 859 Joined: Apr 2022 Reputation: 43 10-Feb-2024, 06:40 PM (This post was last modified: 10-Feb-2024, 06:44 PM by Pathfinder075.) So the easiest way to describe taking a 6S 5" inside your house (with zero flight experience) is grab a petrol lawnmower, remove all the safety features from it then run around your house swinging it around like you're Thor. Then spend thousands repairing the damage, assuming you didn't die in the process.  What you want for in the house is. https://betafpv.com/products/meteor75-br...dcopter-1s or https://www.happymodel.cn/index.php/2022...oop-drone/ When you decide to go outside, get something in the 3 inch size until you have your control down to a decent point. Influencers scream buy 6S 5 inch, but they are super expensive to repair when you break them, everything costs a lot when you reach that level. Until you can fly without crashing every 10 secs, you want small and cheap. Something that is hardy, light and costs very little to fix when you break it and you will break it and fix it many times over. Learn on 1-2S, Hone your skills on 2-4S, fly like a pro on 6S. I am not saying you can't start on 6S, but they are not forgiving if you screw up. If you fly into yourself, they can kill you. You have to treat them with a lot of respect, like you are handling a chainsaw or some other machinery that can potentially kill you. This knowledge is honed better by starting at the bottom and working up to that point. This hobby is maybe 25-50% real world flying and the rest is building, repairing, learning the software and how to configure it, learning things in simulators, maybe learning 3D printing for making your own parts, possibly learning CAM/CNC if you decide to delve into frames and the list goes on. I get to fly outside about 2-3 times a month if I'm lucky, through Winter. In summer when it's warm and dry, I will fly 3-4 days for 2-3 hours if I can and sometimes more. Try Not, Do or Do Not
- Yoda
• Posts: 12 Threads: 4 Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts Likes Given: 0 Joined: Feb 2024 Reputation: 0 10-Feb-2024, 09:00 PM (This post was last modified: 10-Feb-2024, 09:11 PM by JohnnyCornRocket.) (10-Feb-2024, 06:17 PM)mstc Wrote: Do you have a caged environment and plan to carry a heavy payload? Otherwise as Pathfinder mentioned a 6S 5" drones is an extremely powerful and potentially very dangerous drone to fly indoors especially for someone new to drones. Depending on your use case there may be much more suitable setups that you should consider. I didn't intend to fly the 6S indoors - but I have taken this advice. While I still have the 6S parts on the way and plan to build it, I'll definitely be starting out with something smaller. My long term objectives would involve autonomous indoor flight capable of carrying a microcontroller, LCD screen, and some small sensors. • Posts: 12 Threads: 4 Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts Likes Given: 0 Joined: Feb 2024 Reputation: 0 10-Feb-2024, 09:07 PM (This post was last modified: 10-Feb-2024, 10:44 PM by JohnnyCornRocket.) (10-Feb-2024, 06:40 PM)Pathfinder075 Wrote: So the easiest way to describe taking a 6S 5" inside your house (with zero flight experience) is grab a petrol lawnmower, remove all the safety features from it then run around your house swinging it around like you're Thor. Then spend thousands repairing the damage, assuming you didn't die in the process.
What you want for in the house is.
https://betafpv.com/products/meteor75-br...dcopter-1s
or
https://www.happymodel.cn/index.php/2022...oop-drone/
When you decide to go outside, get something in the 3 inch size until you have your control down to a decent point. Influencers scream buy 6S 5 inch, but they are super expensive to repair when you break them, everything costs a lot when you reach that level. Until you can fly without crashing every 10 secs, you want small and cheap. Something that is hardy, light and costs very little to fix when you break it and you will break it and fix it many times over. Learn on 1-2S, Hone your skills on 2-4S, fly like a pro on 6S.
I am not saying you can't start on 6S, but they are not forgiving if you screw up. If you fly into yourself, they can kill you. You have to treat them with a lot of respect, like you are handling a chainsaw or some other machinery that can potentially kill you. This knowledge is honed better by starting at the bottom and working up to that point. This hobby is maybe 25-50% real world flying and the rest is building, repairing, learning the software and how to configure it, learning things in simulators, maybe learning 3D printing for making your own parts, possibly learning CAM/CNC if you decide to delve into frames and the list goes on. I get to fly outside about 2-3 times a month if I'm lucky, through Winter. In summer when it's warm and dry, I will fly 3-4 days for 2-3 hours if I can and sometimes more. lol, I guess wasn't clear that I wasn't planning on flying the 6S inside the house. But thank you for the dramatic visual descriptions, that knowledge will stick with me! Also for only about a hundred bucks that Meteor75 looks awesome, so I will be starting out with that. I figured I could just way throttle down the settings on the 6S for less speed for noob training...but good call on starting out small and working my way up. Also I intend to get very familiar with simulators. "This hobby is maybe 25-50% real world flying and the rest is building, repairing, learning the software and how to configure it, learning things in simulators, maybe learning 3D printing for making your own parts" - that is perfect, because that's exactly what I'm looking for.
Thanks for the feedback y'all. This is the updated list of what I've gone inbound: Peripherals: Transmitter: LiteRadio 3 Pro Radio Transmitter - ExpressLRS 2.4G / Mode 2 (Left stick throttle) https://betafpv.com/products/literadio-3...ransmitter Goggles: EV800D 5.8GHz 40CH Diversity FPV Goggles w/ DVR https://www.getfpv.com/ev800d-5-8ghz-40c...w-dvr.html Charger: ToolkitRC M7 200W 10A DC Charger https://darwinfpv.com/products/toolkitrc...dc-charger ------ Actual First Build: Meteor75 Brushless Whoop Quadcopter (2022) https://betafpv.com/products/meteor75-br...dcopter-1s BT2.0 550mAh 1S Battery (4PCS) https://betafpv.com/products/bt2-0-550ma...ttery-4pcs ------ 6S Outdoor Build: DarwinFPV Darwin240 5inch Long Distance FPV Drone Frame https://www.myfpvstore.com/quadcopter-fr...one-frame/ Weight: 137g RadioMaster RP3 ExpressLRS 2.4GHz ELRS Nano Receiver Long Range Low Latency FPV Receiver for FPV Micro Drone Racing Drone Quadcopter https://www.amazon.com/SoloGood-RadioMas...B0BGBKG635 Weight: 4.6g (including both antenna) Axisflying Argus ECO Stack - F405 FC + 55A 6S BLHeli_S ESC https://www.getfpv.com/axisflying-argus-...s-esc.html Weight: 13.5g * 2 = 27g Bosh V2.3 Unibell FPV Drone Motor 2306.5 Matte Black - 1700Kv https://www.myfpvstore.com/motors/bosh-v...k-your-kv/ Weight: 34g * 4 = 136g No. Of Cells: 6s Darwinfpv 5 inch 3 blades propeller https://darwinfpv.com/products/darwinfpv...0239468719 4.2g * 4 = 16.8g DarwinFPV 6S 1300mAh Lipo Battery https://darwinfpv.com/products/darwinfpv...ah-battery Weight: 214g Darwin Caddx Ant Micro FPV Camera (Might not fit, but that's fine I'll figure it out later) https://darwinfpv.com/products/darwin-ca...fpv-camera Weight: 2g DarwinFPV VT5804 5.8G 25/50/100/200/400mW VTX https://darwinfpv.com/products/darwinfpv...-400mw-vtx Weight: 3g Panasonic 35V 1000uF LOW ESR Capacitor https://www.getfpv.com/panasonic-35v-100...citor.html Total Approx Weight: 540g • Posts: 978 Threads: 73 Likes Received: 347 in 260 posts Likes Given: 157 Joined: Dec 2021 Reputation: 19 Most of the advice here is sound, including using an ELRS direct output transmitter, but I do have to react in general to FlySky being called out so brutally as "having many problems".
Amongst my large collection of Tx/Rx I have a FS-i6. Dates from 2018, Used a lot, its been totally reliable with great range. Its used with two 5" freestyle quads, three Fixed wing outdoor, and three fixed wing indoor planes. I repeat, its been totally reliable, not the slightest glitch or issue. AT the time bought it was £30 with a Rx.
Yes, its not able to run the OpenTX/EdgeTX operating systems, and any ELRS or Crossfire module has to be connected to the trainer port, but then so do the base models and even some quite expensive models from a lot of mainstream RC manufacturers, and they are ALL a significantly higher price.
I suggest if you know a junior who's interested in trying RC, its passed that way. Don't waste it or throw it, its useful!! • Posts: 978 Threads: 73 Likes Received: 347 in 260 posts Likes Given: 157 Joined: Dec 2021 Reputation: 19 Re: "I figured I could just way throttle down the settings on the 6S for less speed for noob training.." Well, yes, but you are still needing the power to lift that weight, and 5" props do not take prisoners.  The Meteor 75 and Simulator are EXACTLY the right way to get comfortable and safe!! • Posts: 2,708 Threads: 84 Likes Received: 1,435 in 1,078 posts Likes Given: 859 Joined: Apr 2022 Reputation: 43 (10-Feb-2024, 09:07 PM)JohnnyCornRocke Wrote: lol, I guess wasn't clear that I wasn't planning on flying the 6S inside the house. But thank you for the dramatic visual descriptions, that knowledge will stick with me! Also for only about a hundred bucks that Meteor75 looks awesome, so I will be starting out with that. When i first started out I bought a 2S Meteor85 as I wanted indoor and outdoors. So 2S is not a good choice for indoors. But someone suggested doing some tests like failsafe test before I took it out and flew it. So i was being slack and it was summer and hot so i was shirtless and somewhat inebriated. I did a LoS flight test (as you do) and it took off and hit me in the chest and chewed up a nipple. It hurt like crazy, but being 2S it wasn't going to be fatal or draw blood. I've caught myself on props on a 3S and drawn blood a couple of times as well, but similarly, not going to be fatal, just hurts a bit. but you have to be a bit more careful on open prop. With more cells comes more torque. So on 2-3S you can probably stop a prop with your hand, on 6S it will probably slice through it. Try Not, Do or Do Not
- Yoda
• Posts: 171 Threads: 32 Likes Received: 8 in 8 posts Likes Given: 37 Joined: Apr 2023 Reputation: 0 Motors: Bosh V2.3 Unibell FPV Drone Motor 2306.5 Matte Black (Pick your KV) - 1700Kv https://www.myfpvstore.com/motors/bosh-v2-3-unibell-fpv-drone-motor-2306-5-matte-black-pick-your-kv/ I went with the same but mine are the 1800KV Those are Straight up "Rippers"... Your Quad's gonna F'ing Move Bro... For Sure- GLWB Brah... • Posts: 5,967 Threads: 47 Likes Received: 2,798 in 2,259 posts Likes Given: 7,777 Joined: Jul 2019 Reputation: 97 Hi JohnnyCornRocket, First, I agree with pretty much all of the advice, however, I am going to side with getting a radio transmitter that is not FlySky. Yes, it is a decent starter transmitter and was used a lot back in the day. However, I believe that others are better choices. Is it possible to use ELRS with FlySky? As noted, it can be, but why? Just by an ELRS transmitter and be done with it. Get something that more folks will be familiar with and can help with. Now, let's consider the future. It looks like you will be working with some more-or-less experimental aircraft. Correct? So, you might actually consider a transmitter with more options like a full size JR bay. Why? What you want or need today might well change. Having the JR bay option allows the transmitter to be used with any protocol that has a JR module. Yes, ELRS is the up and coming protocol, but certainly not the only viable option. Personally, I like having options. My next transmitter will be the RadioMaster T16S Mk II (or III or whatever is newest) which is a full size transmitter with a full size JR bay. This model has plenty of options, switches (might be needed for your application), and expandability. You might also need the additional configuration and programmability options. When you start transporting things, you will likely need some additional switches and controls for servos and the like. Plus, you will likely need to fine tune or adjust a lot of different settings. So, I would consider a transmitter with these features. Yes, it does cost a bit more, but worth it in my opinion. For your potential use case scenario, I would strongly consider this option. Also, I like Pathfinders lawnmower analogy. Perfect. Even throttled down a 5 inch quad can do some serious damage. In fact, any open prop quad can tear things up pretty bad. Yeah, get a whoop for indoors. Later, iFly  • |
