Hi guys ! I've been reading the blog for a while now and came up with what I think is a nice build but since I enter the hobbie 4 months ago (not really, just a reader) , I would probably get everything the wrong way , and thats why Im asking for everyones opinion .
Please feel free to add/remove anything and if its not to much to ask please write an argument for why you think is better/worst (so that I and other newbies could understand it clearly)

My main idea for this drone to fulfill is just freestyle . This is what I picked so far (nothing has been bought so anything could be removed)
Please get in mind that since is my first build and the most probable thing to happend is that I screw something up I've picked parts that.. lets say If I bought them the brand wont get any revenue . Im truly sorry if this offends anyone but its an expensive hobbie , im young (not too much capital) and my country adds a 50% of the value on tax (Argentina if anyone wants to visit and experience this fenomenom) and I intend to move to the legit world once I stop burning parts on my learning curve.

SO , HERE IS WHAT I THINK IS A GOOD ASSEMBLE :

Frame : Alien 225mm , $22,04.-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Alien-22...autifyAB=0

Rotors : GARTT QE2204 2300KV , $19,62.- each
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/GARTT-22...autifyAB=0


ESC : FVT LITTLEBEE BLlheli-s SPRING 30A ESC 2-6S , $9,93.-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1804-240...autifyAB=0


FC+PDB+OSD : Matek Systems F405-CTR Flight Controller Built-in PDB OSD 5V/2A BEC Current Sensor , $40,30.-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Matek-Sy...autifyAB=0


VTX : Matek 5.8G 40CH 25/200/500mW switchable Video Transmitter VTX-HV with 5V/1A BEC Output , $30,28.-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Matek-5-...autifyAB=0

RTX : High Quality X4RSB 3/16 Channel Telemetry Receiver Remote Telemetry , $26,86.-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/High-Qua...autifyAB=0


Antenna : TBS TRIUMPH Team Black Sheep BlackSheep 5.8G antenna RP SMA Clover 3 Blade transmitter mushroom antenna , $15,65.-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Rev6-NAZ...autifyAB=0

Lipo's : Here is where I don't trust any of those pseudo-brands , so any recomendations for this setup would be great . Im probably gonna go with 3s and 4s 1500mah and I have no clue about the current since Ive read that everyone lies on this subject .

And just to prove that I intend to keep up with this hobbie I was probably gonna go with a set of Sky02 V+ goggles and a Taranis QX7 or X9D+ Plus .


So.. that would be what i think a nice build but please feel free to make all the suggestions/changes that you think necesary to build an efficent freestylin machinee .


Thx in advance ,

Santos

After a quick glance:

Frame - no way that's a genuine Alien for that price. I'd put money on it being a Martian (an Alien clone), but it's what I use and I've smashed it around quite a lot ;-)
Motors - if you're paying that much for motors there are a tonne of better options. Emax and Brotherhobby spring to mind. If you want to save a bit consider the DYS Samguks, although quality can apparently be a bit up and down.
RX - that price seems high. Especially for a slightly out-dated bit of kit. Look for the R-XSR. Or the XM+ if you want to go a bit cheaper and don't care too much about telemetry.

In terms of batteries, You're going to want over 60C as a discharge rating and I honestly wouldn't even bother with 3S at this point. See if you can hold of CNHL where you are. I've never found somewhere to get them in the UK, but they sound like good bang for your buck. I have used Tattu and they're decent. Because of the risks of shipping lipos a lot of it comes down to what you can get locally. You'll need to think about charging as well, in case you haven't already.

Also, as an alternative to Aliexpress, have a look at Banggood and Gearbest. The customer service is ... variable, and the delivery times range from long to glacial (except once when it arrived in 5 days and confused the hell out of me), but they rarely get beaten on price. I buy from them, but try to pick parts I know I can also get locally in case I break things. Waiting 3 weeks for replacements sucks.

FINALLY, and most importantly. Get the radio first (QX7 is a great choice) and get a simulator. Rates mode will melt your brain and it's better to explode virtually!

Not sure if you have seen my guide, where you can find component recommendations:
https://oscarliang.com/build-racing-dron...uadcopter/

The first things I would change in your list would be the motor and frame.

Thanks guys for those quick responses! BENELLE thx for taking your time , judge this build and giving the advice I was looking for! OSCAR I thought you didnt even have the time to put up with us (the rookies) haha , so thx a lot for ansewring my first post. Really apreciate the critics and tips for getting local parts , Im gonna be serching for lipo's/porps and anything that doesn't get too much overpriced here .


BENELLE

My main idea was to get 2 frames so I can have the spares and yes that frame aint even close to be legit but since it was one of the "most wanted" on aliexpress I thought it was a safe move . It might be called an alien but acording to what you told me bout Martian being the counterfit.. definitly its a martian then .

About the motors.. I dont truly know how to tell if one 2205 2300kv is different for any other brand out there mostly couse of the quality of the components , so thats why I went to the "ignorant safe zone" and pick'em acording to price (higher most likely to be the safe bet) BUT if there isn't any real difference I'll go with Emax RS2205-S 2300kv or simply the Emax RS2205 2300kv .

About the RX.. Im gonna go and study harder on this matter getting in mind what you told me , I didn't do much of a reserch on the subject couse I head it was also a safe bet . Any brand you can recommend ? I wanna be able to display/have/be able to change everything in this little fella .

About the radio.. thx for the pick , I was actually wondering if the X9D was worth it . My main concern is not loosing signal (doubt it would happend) the quality of the sticks and hardwarew/software so it doesnt become obsolete and being able to make certain adjustments to the drone without having to plug it on a computer .

What is your thought on the goggles ? That's another big buck I'll have to spend so I dont wanna get it wrong . I was between those and a fatshark model (i was aiming for the HD3) so that I can "update" them.


OSCAR

I would like to hear a little bit more on why I should change both motors and frame so that I can understand the reason behind and start tunning my rookie eyes . I've read your guide and understand the deal with the frame being reliable , but why change to martian if martian is the copy of the alien i picked ? Im a little confused as you can tell haha.
Although BENELLE already pointed out the deal with the motor/price I would like to get as many opinions as posible , so which motor would you recomend for a new guy trying to do acomplish some flying and tricks ?


Thanks guys again for every answer you gave me . I think of myself as a kind guy and I thought the same of the people on this hobbie . Im glad Im not mistaken (at least on the second part) haha .

Santos

That Alien clone frame isn't even a Martian II (it looks like a clone of a clone) so I would avoid it because the liklihood of getting spare parts for it is probably quite low. You would probably have to buy a whole new frame just for spare parts. At least with a proper Martian II frame you can get replacement arms and all the other parts separately. Not the Martian II Aniversary Edition (215mm) though which you can't get spare arms for so if you go for a proper Martian II frame, get the standard 220mm one.

https://banggood.app.link/O61ewQGhDO

https://banggood.app.link/aaDH2G1hDO

The motors and RX are the only things that really pop out to me.

Absolutely nothing wrong with the X4R-SB as I actually still use one too. My thoughts though, it is much larger and hevier than the more current options out there. If telemetry is your concern I would opt for the R-XSR, if not I absolutely love the XM+ as it is also a very small, full range RX but a bit less expensive.

The motors seem pricey for "off brand" and 2204 is a bit small in my opinion also (although will fly fine). Most modern motors we use for 5 inch builds today are 2206, 2207, 2306 sizes. Even the old school Emax red bottoms are 2205s. Which I still use and love the Emax RS2205S 2300kv for about $17 and they are known performers.

The Maytech FC is great, have heard a lot of good things.

Looking forward to seeing your progress and begin your first build.

So happy to have so many replies on such short time! I was looking for everything on my own and actually a lil bit shy to ask help on the forum , gladly I feel stupid bout that but proud to ask for help .

SNOWLEOPARDFPV
You are absolutly right , the frame is a counterfit but so is the martian LOL . Now back to the subject.. I never really order something from banggood but I presume its the same as aliexpress (customs are a pain in the arse here) , or is it that one is known for better products than the other ? (on drone material) . Im gonna be switching to the martian frame .
This is the aliexpress option :
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/REPTILE-...autifyAB=0

DRONEOFPREY
Glad to have similar opions on this subject , BENELLE already pointed out that I was a little behind on this piece of equipment so Im gonna stick with the R-XSR .
And about the motor , I wanna hear everybodys opinion , so for now you win!!(and BENELLE) probably gonna stick with the Emax RS2205S . I dont want the fastest and epic motors . I just want them to be strong enough for powerloops and that kind of tricks and to have quick response couse Im gonna be trying some crazy stuff once I feel confortable enough .

(17-Jul-2018, 08:40 PM)delusa Wrote: SNOWLEOPARDFPV
You are absolutly right , the frame is a counterfit but so is the martian LOL . Now back to the subject.. I never really order something from banggood but I presume its the same as aliexpress (customs are a pain in the arse here) , or is it that one is known for better products than the other ? (on drone material) . Im gonna be switching to the martian frame .
This is the aliexpress option :
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/REPTILE-...99994.html

Yes, that one is the same frame as the one on Banggood. At least you can get spare parts for it, plus there are loads of already designed 3D printed items for it on Thingiverse HERE and HERE which can be really useful.

I've always found AliExpress to be the cheapest for stuff but delivery times to the UK can be really painful. If I don't mind waiting and want to pay the cheapest price possible I will use them, but I usually end up having to wait at least 3 weeks for anything I order to arrive, with the longest delivery time I have experienced so far being 51 days (which was for a motor nut removal wrench). I've found that Banggood orders generally arrive to the UK  within 2-3 weeks with a few items having arrived in about a week. Maybe things shipped from AliExpress to Argentina are faster. I don't know but something to keep in mind if you've not used AliExpress before (maybe you have).

SNOWLEOPARDFVP
That is actually a solid point ! I used Aliexpress plenty of times and experience the same issue . I thought it was the customs that held the product couse they where too lazy to do the paperwork but Im gonna give it a shot and try banggood for some items and compare shipping times .
I was gonna get 2 frames just for the spare parts , I enter the site you mention and I already want to order some stuff I peaked LOL , but I think the double frame is a solid pick couse it also comes with the screws , standoffs etc .

Another thing thats been on my mind is what little things would I need ? (extra screws, standoffs, screwdrivers or any sort of thing that arent already on other hobbies that i can find localy)
Also Im planing on getting spares of :
Frame
Motors
ESC
Antennas
Is this enough or should I order an extra vtx/rx or anything else?

A tip on ordering from Banggood. Yes the shipping can be painful but you can opt for expedited shipping. It's only an extra 7 or 8 dollars and my orders arrive here in Canada usually in less than a week. Definitely worth it for me.

RENOV8R
Wasn't aware it was THAT fast! So even if it arrives in two weeks im gonna go bananas! I still have a lot to learn (FC config, soldering/battery tutorials and stuff) so this is like wwaaaay too good so I can start building it.. yet it turns itself into the perfect storm-drone crashing scenario haha . BUT I intend to download a simulator to avoid this behaviour.
Its an extra 7-8 bucks per item or does it add it to the total list of items?

I have used the Racerstar br2205 2300kV motors, considering they are one of the cheapest available they seem to be reasonable quality.

Deciding on what spare parts to keep can be a real challenge. The minimum I would keep is :-
spare prop nuts.
spare rx antennas.
spare vtx antenna.
spare battery straps.
spare power cable and xt60's.
By the time you start piling up spares of everything else you may as well build a second quad as a spare, especially if using cheaper components.

I am using Turnigy bolt batteries. They aren't the greatest but they were cheap. For freestyle with a modestly powered quad I would rather have more batteries than better batteries. Having extra batteries means you are less likely to try and squeeze out every last drop every flight, this is better for the batteries and they get longer life.

The extra postage cost RENOV8R mentions is for express post, this is for the whole order provided it all comes from the same warehouse. You can see it on your order when you checkout.

(17-Jul-2018, 08:40 PM)delusa Wrote: DRONEOFPREY
Glad to have similar opions on this subject , BENELLE already pointed out that I was a little behind on this piece of equipment so Im gonna stick with the R-XSR .
And about the motor , I wanna hear everybodys opinion , so for now you win!!(and BENELLE) probably gonna stick with the Emax RS2205S . I dont want the fastest and epic motors . I just want them to be strong enough for powerloops and that kind of tricks and to have quick response couse Im gonna be trying some crazy stuff once I feel confortable enough .

First thing, sorry my reply cane through so late. I had not even seen the previous responses

The Emax motors are great, I started with them in my first build they are very tough as well as perform very well.
The DYS Samguk motors are around $10-12 and perform well if the bearings you get aren't a bit crunchy quality control suffers a bit more with the lower price. I used a set of them for a friends build and they have performed well and handled his abuse too (rougher than I ever was ) So if budget is a concern DYS are a great option in my opinion, just get 5 (which is a good idea no matter the motor)
Either motor will have enough to do a power loop but more powerful motors can recover easier.

(17-Jul-2018, 09:54 PM)delusa Wrote: SNOWLEOPARDFVP
That is actually a solid point ! I used Aliexpress plenty of times and experience the same issue . I thought it was the customs that held the product couse they where too lazy to do the paperwork but Im gonna give it a shot and try banggood for some items and compare shipping times .
I was gonna get 2 frames just for the spare parts , I enter the site you mention and I already want to order some stuff I peaked LOL , but I think the double frame is a solid pick couse it also comes with the screws , standoffs etc .

If you get the Martian II frame I would also advise getting the thicker 2mm top plate for added durability, especially as a beginner. The frame kit comes with a 2mm bottom plate but only a 1.5mm top plate. This is a link to the 2mm top plates...

https://www.banggood.com/1_5mm2mm-Top-Bo...01169.html

(17-Jul-2018, 09:54 PM)delusa Wrote: Another thing thats been on my mind is what little things would I need ? (extra screws, standoffs, screwdrivers or any sort of thing that arent already on other hobbies that i can find localy)
Also Im planing on getting spares of :
Frame
Motors
ESC
Antennas
Is this enough or should I order an extra vtx/rx or anything else?

I haven't bothered getting spare ESCs or motors. My ESCs are BLHeli_32 so with current limiting capabilities of those I'm hoping to negate burning out ESCs or motors. I guess we shall see. There is always the possibility of crash damage but I have some ESC protectors to prevent prop strike damage to those and I also have some motor protectors. Neither guarantee damage prevention but they help to mitigate it to some extent. If I do end up trashing an ESC or motor I guess I will just have to put up with waiting a few weeks for some replacements.

This is a useful high level shopping list I put together and have continued adding to as I was (and still am) buying all the stuff I need...

Quadcopter Items:-

1. Battery Straps
   
2. Buzzer
   
3. ESC Protectors
   
4. ESCs
   
5. Flight Controller (FC)
   
6. FPV Camera
   
7. Frame
   
8. Motor Protectors
   
9. Motors
   
10. Omni Directional Circular Polarised Antenna (for VTX)
    
11. Power Distribution Board (PDB)
    
12. Propellers
    
13. Radio Receiver (RX)
    
14. Video Transmitter (VTX)
    
15. XT60 Battery Connector Pigtails
    

Other Items (Some Are Non-Essential / Optional):-

1. 3157 Automotive Bulb (for Smoke Stopper see this blog post)
   
2. Ammo Box (for LiPo battery storage)
   
3. Battery Balance Plug AB Clips
   
4. Battery Sticky Pad (for top of quad)
   
5. Cable Ties (2.5mm and 3.6mm various colours)
   
6. Directional Circular Polarised Patch Antenna (for FPV goggles)
   
7. Electrical Insulation Tape
   
8. Foam Tape (for soft mounting ESCs and other items)
   
9. FPV Goggles
   
10. FPV Goggles Diopters (if applicable)
    
11. FPV Goggles Diversity Module (if goggles require a module)
    
12. Heat Shrink Tubing Selection (including extra large for ESCs and RX)
    
13. Landing Pads / Skids
    
14. Lead Based Solder
    
15. LiPo Batteries
    
16. LiPo Battery Charger
    
17. LiPo Battery Checker
    
18. LiPo Safe Charging Bags
    
19. M3 Cap Head Screws (various lengths for motors & frame)
    
20. Motor Anti-Vibration Pads
    
21. Motor Grip Pliers
    
22. Motor Nut Wrench
    
23. Nylon Stack Standoff Kit (including nylon spacers & washers)
    
24. Omni Directional Circular Polarised Antenna (for FPV goggles)
    
25. Parallel Charging Board
    
26. Radio Transmitter
    
27. Radio Transmitter Kickstand
    
28. Silicone Insulated Wire 12AWG (red & black)
    
29. Silicone Insulated Wire 28AWG (multiple colours)
    
30. SMA 45 Degree Adapter(s)
    
31. SMA 90 Degree Adapter(s)
    
32. Soft Mount Standoffs (for soft mounting FC if not already supplied)
    
33. Soldering Flux
    
34. Soldering Wick
    
35. Spare Battery for Radio Transmitter
    
36. Spare Frame Arms
    
37. Spare RX Antennas
    
38. Spare Motor Prop Shaft Nuts
    
39. SPST Switch (for Smoke Stopper see this blog post)
    
40. XT60 Connectors (Male & Female)
    

SnowLeopard that is a great and comprehensive list. It is easy to forget about all the sundry items that are required. People who are just starting out probably don't have all this stuff that has accumulated over time. Good post.