Hi,

So a lots of information everywhere, still somethings I need to clarify. so according to what I found it's best to use a 7" frame. cinematic so it would also have a gopro
Since, like any newbie I think, I want to fly the longest time possible and the furtherst away possible, I'm guessing that I'll have to make the lightest build possible with the most efficient electronic system possible.

• Most tutorials I see on the internet use an analog video link, is there a reason for this? I wanted to use the dji digital headset.
  
• The motors, how to choose them? what cacracteristics are the most importants?
  
• The propellers, should I look for some special shaped blades that push more air than other?
  

Any help, redirection toward a tutorial is welcome, I'll keep a build journal here.

Thanks.

Ps : in precipitation I bought this (7" version) frame, which might have been a mistake : https://www.banggood.com/fr/Geprc-MARK4-...&ID=517730

Hi SusBanana,

First, the frame is probably ok.

You know, the times {and the things} they are a changing. 

Due to recent changes in the FAA regulations here in the USA, there is a focus on sub 250 gram All Up Weight {including Battery and Payload}. However, that does not necessarily apply to everyone, but it sure is driving the hobby at this point in time.

Weight is always a consideration, however, once you decide to build a drone with an AUW over 250 grams, then you have less limitations.

If you want to carry a standard GoPro {not a naked one}, the AUW will be greater than 250 grams so a standard build might be a good route to take. If this is your direction, then there are plenty of builds, guides, videos, etc.

This post contains a lot of GOOD member builds in the 7 inch category.  Also, Krohsis it pretty much the Long Range guru.

Ah yes, motors and props...look through the 7 inch builds in the member builds in the link above. 

These builds are pretty much tried-and-true.

The reason that Long Range craft use analog video is for the range which far exceeds that of digital. If you only want to go out a few kilometers, then digital will suffice, however, it just will not go the distance of an analog system. The nice videos come from an action camera such as a "GoPro"...NOT from the FPV feed.


On YouTube, Drone Mesh has some of the BEST build videos regardless of category. It is worth watching some.

I was thinking more or less the same a few months ago - 6-7 inch build, gopro etc... I was wrong. Yes I have built a 6 inch quad as my first build which is now mostly collecting dust, waiting for attention from my part. It is difficult to tune and learn to fly, it is big and requires lots of open spaces, etc. Then I built a 3-inch, converted it into a 4-inch and fly it 95% of time.

So what I have learned:
- On youtube everybody seems to fly and film on big heavy quads with a gopro, so a novice thinks that's what he needs too. That's not true.
- you don't need a gopro if you are not a professional youtuber, a hd recording fpv cam such as Caddx Turtle or Tarsier is enough to enjoy filming and sharing with friends
- if I started again I would definitely start with a 4-inch longrange (flywoo explorer etc) or a light 3-inch freestyle. I spent money and time to build a big drone just to find out it is too big and inconvenient to me
- you can easily fly a 3-4 inch drone in your garden whenever you want. Even neighbors' kids don't pay attention to me )))
- with a 3-4 incher you can easily try and do all the cool stuff of 5-7 inch drones - long range, freestyle, race, cinematic.

I'm not saying 6-7 inchers are bad, they are great but maybe not as the first build. But that's my opinion, maybe you have your own reasons!

10 inch is the way to go.  7 inch is what most use today, and they are a good size.  But everything that makes 7 inch good, 10 inch makes it better.  

Really, it comes down to personal preference.  I've flown 5-10" quads, and they all have their pluses and minuses.  6 inch used to be the LR platform, then the hype lead to  7 inch.  When the FAA rules changed, people and hype lead to sub 250g.  

7 inch is a good staring point.  It will do all you want with good stability and fair maneuverability.  If you want more maneuverability, go smaller.