Top products from r/Quadcopter

I got an Eachine 250 racer about a month ago. It has been a lot of fun, but there are a lot of details. My next racer will probably be a smaller/lighter 180 frame.

For FPV goggles I have three ideas. One, is get the status quo Fatshark goggles at whatever level you can afford. Two, get the HeadPlay HD goggles I got. Three, get the Avegant Glyph, which has the really nice feature of letting you pop them up and down without a band. I do really like my HeadPlay HDs, but they are big and bulky. I haven't perfected how to adjust the straps to get them to stay on my head well.

Arms, managed to break one without breaking a prop.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B016Y5U1JO/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Capacitors, they pop off very easily. I lost a capacitor at the same time I broke an arm. Or a hot glue gun, I Highly recommend putting hot glue over the caps next to each arm to help avoid the loss in the first place. You want a low temperature hot glue gun to not melt any plastic or traces. I consider the capacitor issue a design defect, but you can work around it with hot glue. The original revision seems to have lacked the capacitors, from pictures I have seen online.

Capacitors for Eachine 250 racer:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00W8YYMZA/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Youtube video exampling how to solder them:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLYVZUpL0K0

Get a Taranis X9D Plus. It is a great transmitter. Also get a X4R-SB receiver, and use SBUS. The D4R won't let you control the lights too, because it can't do PPM and PWM at the same time. You can control them with the X4R-SB, SBUS+PWM. SBUS has great latency, 5-10ms. I was recently talking to a sponsored racer who told me that PPM, which is supposed to be 27ms with the D4R, is really more like 100ms. It averages the four last frames together. This link includes a case and X8R, which I think will work as well as the X4R, but you should do the research. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B014IYSXL6/ref=mp_s_a_1_5

To do SBUS+PWM, requires a special bind procedure. You want channels 1-8 as SBUS, and 9+ as PWM. The most relevant part is "jump S1&S3: SBUS, 9, 10, 11 or jump S2&S3: SBUS, 9, 10, 11 (No telemetry)" Here is a link that talks about it.

http://www.frsky-rc.com/BBS/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=6793

Small tie wraps like the ones already on the arms to hold the ESCs. You break an arm, and you will need to replace the tie wrap.

Soldering iron, solder, etc, because you have to desolder the ESC from the motor to replace an arm, and then resolder it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000BRC2XU/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Qtips and rubbing alcohol for cleaning. Mix the alcohol 50/50 with water. The flying field was muddy after lots of rain.

Carrying case of some kind. You don't want it banged around in transport, and same with the transmitter. It is best to get the X9D with the case, because people price gouge on the case stand alone.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01ABQS7YI/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Batteries, you can burn through them very fast. But watch out for their height. I bought some of the new "Graphene" 4S batteries, and they are really too tall to fit. Some people remove the back LEDs to make battery installation easier.

Battery charging/carrying bags to help with uncontrolled fires started by batteries. I have two, one for charging, and one for carrying.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005HTH78W/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

A battery charger if you want to use 4S batteries. The included charger is 2S/3S only. I have a Hi-tech X1 which will only charge one battery at a time. You can also get the X4 which will do four at once.

Battery charger for 4S batteries:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005LH3392/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

XT60 banana plug cable for charging with the above charger:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00XBSBYCG/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

A V shaped antenna mount to get the receiver antennas up in the air. When over head the carbon fiber body blocks the signal well.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00WV04P62/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

A voltage monitor so you know to land when your battery voltage is low. The video signal includes the battery voltage as part of the OSD, but I prefer LoS while learning to fly. It lets me keep an eye on where I am in relation to trees. On the other hand I have yet to find a good place to mount a voltage monitor. With the length of the balance cable on batteries you are likely going to need a balance cable extension for 3S and another for 4S.

Voltage monitor:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EXPPF80/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

3S balance cable extension:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00XP4IO88/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

4S balance cable extension:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JBP1RGG/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Double sided tape to mount things on the top of the body, like the antenna mount and receiver.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009NP1JQC/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Small x-acto knife to help remove the double sided tape.

Electrical tape to tape down wires for lights and receiver.

Size 2.0 hex wrench for the frame screws. It will be needed to replace arms.

Scale that can measure grams. You want to knowing and control weight.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B010HKEDPK/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Sunglasses to avoid problems seeing on sunny days. Lets say you are flying LoS, and look into the direction of the sun. You can't see the quad well enough to control it, because of glare from the sun.

ESC flashing adapters to change/upgrade the firmware. I am not sure these are the right ones for the ESCs on the Eachine. I think they are, but I haven't tried it yet.

Atmel socket flashing tool:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00V2W467I/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Atmel USB programmer:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0051SRZWC/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

USB cable to use with transmitters and simulators. It is best to learn the basics in a sim, instead of replacing lots of parts.

USB cable for simulators:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DFDTU9G/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Old post of mine on learning in a simulator:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Multicopter/comments/3zr8o0/cheap_fpv_acro_simulator_with_real_transmitters/

Be sure to set a fail-safe, which is very easy with the Taranis. I had a fly away with my first Eachine, because of a defective Spektrum DX6 and lack of fail-safe. After that I switched to the Taranis, which doesn't cost much more and has way more capacity.

I rock the E010 frame and really dig it. it is a little heavier but the bits that connect the fan duct to the motor mount are much larger and stronger. The Rakon I've seen but never used. The problem with that frame is that the metal will bend over time but people seem to really like it. Some CA glue can fix broken frames like a charm as well. I use it on the stock frame and it is able to reconnect completely separated motor mounts with great strength.

Do yourself a favor and master this before diving into building a quadcopter. The hubsan is the best mini quad for the money hands down. Do not bother with the cheerson cx-10, it has unreliable signal in my experience even at very close range among other cons.

I have a hard time believing you'll be able to squeeze a custom build with transmission to your phone out of $300 even if you have a radio controller already.

My advice is maybe a phantom 2 or 3 for ~$500. It will route video straight to the DJI app in your phone. A custom quadcopter is going to be a bit more tricky to get onto your phone and you're more likely to be sending it into FPV goggles.

If you don't go the DJI route you will have to buy an RC controller/vrx/battery charger/figure out a way to view the video feed/etc. The cost can really get out of hand. I bought an Immersion RC Vortex after outgrowing the hubsan and after all the basics I needed I had spent well over $1000.

All in all, until you have 2x/3x as much of a budget go with the hubsan. Good luck!

I really like this comment, and you seem both knowledgeable and kind, so if I might impose on you with two questions, I would be quite grateful.

• Do you (personally) have any recommendations for transmitters? You mention 6 - 9 channel in you post, but it looks like even those run the gamut from cheap to expensive. As someone who isn't made of money, I would prefer not to make a $100 mistake.
  
• Is there simulator software that I can get to give me more "stick time" even while batteries are charging? Bonus points on the transmitter question if it also hooks into a computer to give me more hands on experience.
  
  Thanks for making the internet a nicer place to live!

Welcome to the best and most confusing hobby there is! Haha so dsm2 and the newer dsmx is the protocol that is used by Spektrum radios. The linked radio is a Flysky radio (not to be confused with Frsky) and will NOT bind with the flight controller you are looking at. Something like this radio would bind with any dsm2 protocol receiver. I would definitely suggest sticking with that flight controller, and looking into a Spektrum radio because it is much more popular and there are many more options.

If you're looking for a super budget quad, the Cheerson Cx-10 is super fun!

https://www.amazon.com/Eachine-700TVL-System-Degree-Transmission/dp/B00WHHM6KG/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_2?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1473051565&sr=1-2-fkmr2&keywords=Eachine+700tvl+ET200

And BTW when you fly a quadcopter you have to get good at soldering. Buy a good soldering iron and just practice on wires and connecting them. GREAT SOLDERING IRON-->

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BRC2XU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks again for the help. Went with another battery as suggested. Another commenter suggested this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GF3B5Q7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Perfect flight and stable power output.

That's my second quad. (UDI 818 was first). The camera is not particularly good, but the quad is a decent starter one. It's not really meant for outdoors. I flew mine outside (Christmas Day last year) and saw it go flyaway when the wind picked up a bit.

This one is small, but it is FPV, and in your price range
http://www.amazon.com/Hubsan-Quadcopter-FPV-Camera-Toy/dp/B00GSNWB5K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450561481&sr=8-1&keywords=hubsan+fpv

I've been doing it for a year, and it's great fun.

Depends - does he have any experience flying quads? I think it's a good idea to learn to fly with something cheap. I started with the Hubsan H107L X4 Mini RTF RC Quadcopter. I bought the quadcopter, a crash pack, a prop guard, and some extra batteries for about $100, and it has treated me pretty well. I think Hubsan has a similar model with a camera, but I don't have any experience with it.

If your dad has experience flying and/or you're looking for something a little fancier, I won't be much help. Good luck!

The Blade Nano is way fun and can easily be flown indoors or out (barring strong winds.) I have replaced literally every part on mine (frame, controller, props, engines) as I learned and when one got stuck in a try I was back to flying for $70 to get a BNF (bind and fly- meaning I just bought the quad, not a controller with it.) I bought this charger which lets me juice up 4 batteries at a time for pretty much non-stop flying.

The H107C was my first quadcopter and I was perfectly happy with it, do note though that they have 2 versions of the camera, one is 0.3MP and one is 2MP. The one you linked is the lesser quality one so it will have lower quality video.

The H107C is sort of small so it may not do well outside, I would go with something like the Syma X5C which is bigger and has a decent camera for the price.

As far as accessories go if he is new I would pick up some extra props and some extra batteries .

Honestly, at that price point, you're best off going with the Hubsan x4 H107L


Here's an amazon link if u want:

Hubsan X4 (H107L) 4 Channel 2.4GHz RC Quadcopter, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IZC6C8E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_hVuFybV3D6TR6

I don't know about custom/hobby ones that small, but I have one from Amazon and it flies pretty stable: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KXZC762/

Wow! Great find! /s

Hubsan's site is down atm... It didn't get a Reddit hug, did it?

Amazon link -- $159

Yeah the Hubsan x4s are a lot of fun, and sturdy as hell.

First whats your experience...zero?

Get something like the Syma X5C-1. It's big enough to be stable but small enough to learn on.

Syma Toys X5C-1 Explorers 4 CH Remote Control Quadcopter, 2015 Version https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WH0ITJK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_2GEFwbWXJ23RE

Get yourself a few extra batteries as well

Teenitor 3.7V 600mAh 20C Lipo Battery(4PCS) with 4 In 1 X4 Battery Charger for Syma X5 X5C Parts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LK0DY3O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_rHEFwb3JGZDW0

Once you learn to be smooth with your controls and really know the vehicle movement in and out move up to something that can handle a bigger payload and carry a HD camera like a X8C or even a Cheerson CX-20 with GPS.

This is a little above the price range you mentioned, but it's got EVERYTHING, including the FPV goggles.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/nano-qx-fpv-rtf-with-safe-technology-blh7200

Or, you can get a sightly more fancy Hubsan with integrated camera and view screen.
http://www.amazon.com/Hubsan-H107D-FPV-Mini-Quadcopter/dp/B00GSNWB5K/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1420941353&sr=1-1&keywords=hubsan+fpv

I learned to fly on a Hubsan, great little quads to learn on.

Any old iron will work. I used this $9 iron to fix my Hubsan many times.

I have a Hako now and it is MUCH nicer and easier to use but a pencil iron will get the job done for small projects like the Hubsan. If you plan on doing scratch builds or other projects that require soldering I highly suggest getting a variable temperature iron with integrated thermostat.

I don't have a drone yet but from the ones I've looked at the Syma x5sw has most of what you require. The Hubsan x4 is smaller, more expensive, and doesnt seem to connect to your phone. If you want, you could go with one with a little more lift like the syma x8 or the tarantula and then upgrade with an fpv camera package of your choosing. Theres also lots of options in building your own from the frame up but that can get pricy.
I guess the biggest question is what are you going to be using your drone for?

This is what I use and it's been great so far. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002XKF71C/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1449390936&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=Transmitter+case&dpPl=1&dpID=41zrEqameyL&ref=plSrch

The camera is kinda crappy. Like novelty crappy. It's pretty much unwatchable because there is no gimbal to stabilize the shot.

Have you seen this? It's pretty clever. The resolution is better and you get the advantage of flying with FPV. The price is right. Quality of recordings is so-so because again, no gimbal but otherwise it's not bad.

Yep, those are good to have! I stick my battery in the bag when charging and I also store them in the bag and the bag goes in an ammo can. I don't know if you have read this yet, but if you charge your battery to full, and you are not going to use them for a couple days, make use to use the "battery store" on the B6, it discharges the battery to a safe voltage to be stored. They shouldn't be stored at full charge for more then a couple of days.

Also, look into getting one of these. It lets you check each cells voltage. Sometimes the charger can screw up, so this is a cheap doulbe check to make sure the batteries are balanced. It also doubles as a warning buzzer for your quad. When you are flying, it will start to buzz when your battery gets down to a certain voltage so you do not discharge the battery too much, which also causes damage.

I was looking at this one. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B013HQCK88/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1458673210&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=syma+x5c+fpv+kit&dpPl=1&dpID=41to6J6rd4L&ref=plSrch (sorry about the huge link) it seems to have good overall reviews. Ill look at the onenyou suggested though!

Not going to be the best but very available - Syma X5C-1 - Banggood/Gearbest/Amazon/Aliexpress.

You can get a very basic 5.8ghz FPV setup going with http://amzn.com/B00MNG37C2 and http://amzn.com/B013HQCK88 - Its Toy grade but can get you started on an expensive hobby.

Great! But seriously before you build your QAV, go buy a cheap "beater" quadcopter that you can learn to fly on. Fpv is hard and will be even harder if you begin not knowing how to fly at all. Go buy what everyone recommends: the Hubsand X4. When you can crash on your first flight it'll be with a 40 dollar quad instead of a $300+ build.

Hubsan X4 (H107L) 4 Channel 2.4GHz RC Quadcopter, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IZC6C8E/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_PBRQwbYK710HY

Forget the $20 savings. It could also be a total waste of if it doesn't work. I've looked more into this FY326... and it looks like in early 2015 it had very solid and long range electronics. But that has been switched to a cheaper and unreliable radio system in newer versions. Does not seem worth the risk.

Plus it looks like it's only $10-$15 more for the X5c (at least on amazon). Syma x5C $41:

• http://www.amazon.com/SYMA-Explorers-6-Axis-Quadcopter-Camera/dp/B00MNG37C2/
  
  If cost is that much of an issue...
  
  The Syma X11 is similar in size to the Hubsan x4 for $25. Same batteries as the classic Hubsan x4:
  
  
• http://www.amazon.com/SYMA-Syma-X11-Quadcopter-Red/dp/B00L4OLA7I/
  
  Or $35 for the classic Hubsan x4 with a bit more durability than the X11:
  
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Hubsan-H107L-Channel-2-4GHz-Quadcopter/dp/B00IZC6C8E/
  
  
  When only $20 more gets you a known quality unit don't skimp. OH! Don't forget extra batteries and props when ordering whichever you go with. The flight time on these things is 5-7 minutes per charge. If traveling to a park to fly, you'll want a handful of pre charged batteries.
  
  
• Hubsan x4 / Syma x11 batteries - http://www.amazon.com/Combo-Tenergy-charger-Lithium-batteries/dp/B00YTBERUA/
  
• Syma x5c/x5sw / FY326 batteries - http://www.amazon.com/Combo-Tenergy-5---1-batteries/dp/B00YVT0AE2/
  

I would go with the X8C with this camera http://www.amazon.com/GoolRC-Real-time-Transmission-Display-Quadcopter/dp/B013HQCK88

Hubsan X4 H107L $32

http://www.amazon.com/Hubsan-H107L-Channel-2-4GHz-Quadcopter/dp/B00IZC6C8E/ref=sr_1_4?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1449195469&sr=1-4&keywords=hubsan+x4

is this it?

Or $54.99 without prime: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00N3WQVJ6/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006O2F9E/

These are the ones I keep in stock in my kit bag.

The build...

• Frame printed [http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1223111]
  
• 8x20mm Brushed motors [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SKUJL2K]
  
• Spekturm VA1100 5.8 GHz FPV video [http://www.amazon.com/Spektrum-FPV-Ultra-Micro-Camera/dp/B00N3WQVJ6]
  
• Quantum Pico 32Bit Brushed FC [http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__86503__Quanum_Pico_32bit_Brushed_Flight_Control_Board.html]
  
• CleanFlight 10 (LuxFloat)
  
• Walkera Props [http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__64751__Propellers_2_standard_2_reverse_rotation_QR_Ladybird_Micro_Quad_Q_Bot_AR_Warehouse_.html]
  
  Weight with 1S 350 mha battery 64 grams.

Under $100 for indoor use, https://www.amazon.com/Hubsan-Quadcopter-FPV-Camera-Toy/dp/B00GSNWB5K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480608736&sr=8-1&keywords=Husband+fpv

Less in price, few YouTube reviews. Need to buy the Cable to do the programming they talk about. May need to get receiver.

Spektrum DXe Transmitter

Is this the quadcopter you are refering too? Because it looks in stock and available to arrive before xmas.


I wan't it too!

This one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00MNG37C2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1452280696&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=syma&dpPl=1&dpID=31F80tz4ENL&ref=plSrch

So this is considered the new X5C-1?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013HQCK88/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_ncPoxbEN0SCGV

This: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IZC6C8E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Kx3lybYSS9XG9

Awesome little quadcopter for what it is. About the size of your palm so you can fly it indoors or out, durable so you can crash a few times and not worry too much about breaking it, and cheap enough you won't have a heart attack if you do. You're gonna crash a lot learning to fly so don't go for anything crazy to begin with. Get a bunch of extra propellers and a pack of 5 extra batteries and he can fly for about an hour straight, and you're still only around $60. If you want to upgrade from this, there's another version of this same thing with a camera and screen for first person flying that comes in around $100

You're going to need this power cord for the imax b6 charger, for whatever reason they don't sell the power cord with the charger. http://amzn.com/B009VDPNXQ

You should also get this battery for your transmitter http://amzn.com/B00JERJZSS

Definitely invest in a voltage checker, this thing is invaluable in the field, if you discharge your batteries beyond a certain point they go bad, I've had two die on me so far because I let the voltage get too low. http://amzn.com/B00EXPPF80

You need some kind of power distribution board, to distribute power from your battery to the rest of the craft, something like this http://amzn.com/B00GQOZZUY

You will need these servo wires to connect your receiver to the kk2 http://amzn.com/B00P6JJFIS

These nylon standoffs will be really handy when you mount your flight controller and PDB (power distribution board) to the frame http://amzn.com/B00LGB2N1Q

Random stuff from the hardware store: Liquid tape, electric tape, big zip ties, little zip ties, velcro

That's probably not everything but you will be flying a lot sooner with all of this stuff

There are 4 models, the h107c has two versions
H107L - no camera
H107C - two versions - vga and HD/720p
H107D - fpv version with display on remote
there are also hubsan-specific add-on goggles for the H107D that plug into the remote

:'(

they had these to me within 3 days

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006O2F9E?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00