You also don't pay shipping if you spend enough...

(18-Aug-2022, 11:28 PM)iFly4rotors Wrote: Hi bdrones,

First, get the goggles. Trying to use your phone for FPV is awful.
In theory, this might be a good idea, however, in reality, it is NOT.
Maybe if you are "flying" a DJI drone that basically flies itself and
will likely stay put if you drop the transmitter. FPV is quite the opposite,
if you drop the transmitter, you drone will likely crash since no one is 
controlling it. 

Next, I would reconsider the Radio Remote Control Transmitter.
The one you have chosen only has the FrSky D8 protocol. The
Pro Version does include a few additional protocols including D16.
Do yourself a favor and consider moving up scale here, you will be
glad you did, especially if you decide to go with ELRS. Unless you
get a RadioMaster TX16S II with ELRS built in, you will need to buy
and external module for the Transmitter as well as receivers for the
quad. This is the one place that I would not skimp on. 

Although you did mention cinematic, you didn't say what you expect
from this Build. Do you want fast, furious, and short Fly Times; that
translates to ACRO stunts, Freestyle, and Racing. The other end of 
the scale is endurance with Long Fly Times, smooth flight, stable
flight characteristics...cinematic often falls more in this range. I 
mention the goal or purpose of the build because the components
are quite different for one type over the other. The parts list looks
more like an ACRO, Freestyle, build. 

As for vendors:  

PyroDrone is my number 1, go to vendor.  They have pretty good
inventory, nice website, they ship fast {they are in CA, I am in FL
and I generally get my orders within a few days}, and their customer
support is excellent. I had an order that I did not receive and they
refunded my money...ALL of it. They are only seconded by Amazon.

RDQ is my number 2 vendor. They are also pretty good, however,
I rate their support behind PyroDrone. I have asked for information
in the past and did not receive a satisfactory answer. Odd, considering
that they build and fly drones. The do ship pretty fast, usually I get
my orders within a week.

I have ordered from GetFPV in the past, they are decent and ship 
pretty fast. From my perspective, their inventory is sometimes a little
short and their prices are not any better than other places. I often
find it challenging to collect enough parts from them to place an order.
That said, I generally consider them in 3rd place. I will order from then
if they have something that I need or just can't get anywhere else.

Ah, Amazon. I do still order drone parts from Amazon even though it
may cost a little more. First, I generally get Amazon orders in a day
or two...sometimes on the day that I place the order. Amazing. Next, 
I have FREE shipping so there is that. However, mostly due to Amazon's 
AMAZING return and credit poliy; they are SECOND TO NONE anywhere 
on the planet for any product. They don't hassle you even if it is your mistake. 
I have recently ordered 2 sets of 4 motors (yeah, 8 total) and got them the
next day. Show me another vendor, ANY venor, that has that kind of delivery
for FREE. No, I don't work for Amazon, but we buy tons of stuff from them.

I stay FAR Away from Banggood. They have the worst reputation on the planet.
They might be cheap, but you may wait quite a long time to get your order. I
pay attention to what others have said and I believe them. So, I DO NOT order
from Banggood. 

Thanks for the information! I'm looking to build a drone for a mix of freestyle and cinematics. I want longer flight times (10+ mins), as well as one that can do quick flips / turns / transitions. Something similar to this: https://youtu.be/8hHNm-dFicc?t=594

What controller and goggles would you recommend? I want to stay under $250 for both combined, and I'm fine with going used. One more question: would an 2.4GHz RX and a 5.8GHz VTX go well together?

Most of your higher end goggles go for between $400 and $600. These have been recommended by many for starting out.
"EV800D 5.8GHz 40CH Diversity FPV Goggles w/ DVR".
https://www.getfpv.com/ev800d-5-8ghz-40c...gIDUPD_BwE

My recommendation for the transmitter would be the "RadioMaster TX12 MKII Multi-Protocol EdgeTX 2.4GHz RC Transmitter - ELRS". If and when my QX7 dies, that's what I will be getting...
https://www.racedayquads.com/products/tx...2849&_ss=r

2.4GHz RX and a 5.8GHz VTX is pretty much the standard.

Banggood = NEVER

Banggood = carnival rings game.. get lucky good price and arrives not broken, or receive crushed dead camera and NEVER get service/return.

If motors were $1, I wouldnt risk losing $1.


AMAZON = smoldering pile of junk.

Fake SD cards. Fake reviews. Fake descriptions. After 6 months of repeatedly getting "it will be there next week", and Prime delivery still bot arrived ,

they actually had the gaul to ask for 5* positive feedback. I told the Customer Service in 6 months I could have WALKED barefoot to Florida to pickup the package.

They laughed at me. I wasnt laughing

I can 100% recommend Pyrodrone or Getfpv.
REAL prices.
REAL service.
NEVER used or wrong product.

(18-Aug-2022, 08:00 AM)kafie1980 Wrote: Avoid Bangood like a plague.

HobbyKing is fairly outdated for quads.

GetFPV works great if its local to you. Prices are fairly reasonable IMO. I even bought stuff from them and paid postage all the way to Australia.

The receiver and controller need to be re-considered. Get a ELRS 2.4 GHz system (#not sponsored).

Probably best getting 6S lipos instead of 4S as you can just apply a throttle cut in Betaflight and "Bob's your uncle".

The analog video feed to your phone will have latency and so get goggles instead.

Can I replace the 4s with 6s, or do I have to swap out some other components too?

Most components are 6S compatible these days but best double check the ESC supports 6S and that the motor kv is recommended for 6S. Lower kv is for 6S and higher for 4S on most common 2207 or 2306 motors.

You just need a 65-75 throttle cut in Betaflight to give you a 4S feel using a 6S pack.