High-Performance Quadcopter for $120 – Part 1: The Shopping List
We’re giving you a step-by-step guide on building your own $120 high-performance super-stable quadcopter! This is part 1 of a new series, so dive in!
Part 1: The Shopping List
Part 2: The Build
Part 3: Flashing and Setup
So you want to build your first quadcopter, but have no idea where to start? Or you want a high-performance quadcopter but you don’t want a toy, you want something that can actually do rolls and flips, carry a GoPro and fly for more than just 5 minutes? If your answer was yes to either of these two questions, then this series is for you!
UPDATE: This article has been updated with a better motor and prop choice. After several tests we found this combination to be more efficient and also more fun to fly!
We’re going to build a small 330-sized Quadcopter that combines agility and performance, one that’s easy to repair after crashes, while offering rock-solid stability. This guide will give you all the settings you need to get up and running. We’re only going to use commonly available parts that are easy to get and replace if needed.
This is Part 1 in a series that will start from purchasing the neccessary parts, building the quad, setting up the flight controller and get you airborne for your first flight.
First let’s start with the shopping list:
| Quantity | Product description | Price | Weight | |
| XT60 to 4 X 3.5mm bullet Multistar ESC Power Cable | $3.36 | 26 | ||
| HKz20A – HobbyKing 20A BlueSeries Brushless ESC | $39.96 | 156 | ||
| Hobbyking KK2.0 Multi-rotor LCD Flight Controller | $27.95 | 55 | ||
| Counter Rotating Three Blade 7×4.5 Propeller | $3.98 | 49 | ||
| D2822/17 Brushless Outrunner 1100kv | $33.76 | 212 | ||
| F330 Glass Fiber Mini Quadcopter Frame | $8.99 | 193 | ||
| PolyMax 3.5mm Gold Connectors 10 PAIRS (20PC) | $1.59 | 30 | ||
| WHS-4MM-RED – Turnigy 4mm Heat Shrink Tube – RED | $0.35 | 19 | ||
| WH-5MM-BLACK – Turnigy 5mm Heat Shrink Tube – BLACK | $0.36 | 19 | ||
| 10CM Servo Lead (JR) 32AWG Ultra Light (10pcs/bag) | $4.75 | 19 | ||
| TOTAL: $125.05 | 964g | |||
The 330 size frame is made of glass fiber plates and polyamide arms that are both cheap to replace, and even be easily repaired with 5-minute epoxy glue.
The KK 2.0 Flight Controller is currently the best system on the market considering the price. You not only get a user friendly menu system right on the controller, but it’s both easy to set up and flies exceptionally well – especially with the new 1.5 Firmware.
The HK 20A ESC, and the HK line in general is one of the most popular ESC lines for Quadcopters. They have excellent compatibility and performance, and they can even be flashed with a special high-performance firmware optimized for Quadrotor craft
These 7×4.5 tri-blade props come in pairs of two, and are a good fit for the chosen motor and the size of the quadcopter.
We’re also going to need bullet connectors for both the ESC power connectors, and the brushless motors. Some Motors already come with these. When in doubt, order more of these bullet connectors, they’re always good to have around.
Power distribution is done via this cable. We could use a power distribution board as well, in the end it’s up to you what you prefer. Do note that the F330 frame is a bit smaller than regular 400-size frames.
Heatshrink tubing! We’re ordering both 4mm and 5mm heatshrink tubes because they’re cheap and nothing sucks more than not having the right size of heatshrink to fit your cable.
Four of these outrunner motors will power our quad, each sporting 1100kV and producing more than enough thrust to carry a GoPro and do wild maneuvers. They even come with a mount set and prop spinner.
What else will you need? Basically, any 3S LiPo Battery pack that offers at least 40C discharge rate and 1800-2200mAh. In addition, you will need a 5-channel receiver and a compatible transmitter. Need a Radio? The Turnigy 9xR with a Futaba module is a good choice. Alternatively, the OrangeRX T-Six transmitter can be had for a little over 60 bucks, and a matching DSM2-compatible OrangeRX 5-Channel receiver costs just 6 dollars! If you opt for the OrangeRX DSM2 system and add a 2200mAh Turnigy Nanotech LiPo for about 20 bucks, add a LiPo charger for about $30, then we’re talking $240 for the entire Package.
You will also need basic things like screwdrivers, a soldering iron, doublesided sticky tape and zip-ties. It also helps to get a helping hand, and we mean a mechanical one with two crocodile clamps, to help with soldering.
Ok, now you have a lot of nifty parts, but where to go from here? It’s simple, join us for Part 2, where we’ll put everything together and finish the wiring and installation of all the parts. Lateron we’ll also discuss low-cost options for upgrading to a GPS-capable quadcopter with return-home and waypoint functionality.
Let’s not forget the male-2-male servo wire. . .
Not being able to connect your KK2 to your receiver probably sucks worse than no heat shrink.
You are right, thanks! Added!
Didn’t you make a mistake with these in the shopping list ? Those you put in the list haven’t the same pins on each ends. Shouldn’t we buy these instead ? http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=21758&aff=588847
Gaaah! You are absolutely correct! Sorry for that mistake x.x Thanks for notifying us!
You’re welcome ! But I can now confirm that not being able to connect my board to my receiver sucks much more than not having shrink tube ! :p
When will part two come out? I’m very curious 😀
In the next few days!
Great post man. This is what ive been looking for in the internet. im new to quads and want to ask this, is it ok to use this ESC instead?
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=2164
And also if this setup is ok for this frame
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__22800__Hobbyking_X525_V3_Glass_Fiber_Quadcopter_Frame_600mm.html
Thanks man.
James from Philippines
The ESC is fine if a bit large for a 300-size quad.
The X525 frame is quite a bit heavier so we’d recommend slightly larger motors. The 30A ESC should be fine for that frame.
I have two remarks about the list:
– the motors mounting holes on the F330 frame will not match the FC28-12 mounting holes (so you will need to drill),
– the Alloy E-Prop Spinners AC375 2.3mm will not fit on the 3mm FC28-12 shaft
Thanks
You are correct. We did lots of flight tests and found that the D2822/17 works much better AND has screw holes at the right spot. They also come with a spinner so there’s no need for extra order parts. With that motor, smaller props work better too.
The article has been updated accordingly.
What props were you using with the FC28-12 motor? The reason I ask is because I like this build overall, but would love to use the Emax CF28-12 motors (which seems to be what the FC28-12 is copying) as that would allow me to use the same motors I already use for my Assassin wing and thus allow for sharing spare parts.
Hi! I’m new to Quadcopters and I’m wondering if we can change up and put a larger mAh batt instead in here? Plus what voltage do I need and what kind of C do I need? (35C or 60C) Thanks a lot!
I’d stick to 3S, but you can go for a higher capacity like 3000mAh of course! At some point the battery will become to heavy though, so I’d say 3000mAh is probably the limit.
If you get a bigger battery 35C is probably enough, though you will get the best flight performance if you stick to 1800mAh-2200mAh with about 35-40C.
Do you need to use a Nano tech battery? or is just a regular lipoly okay??????
No you can use a normal one too of couse. Just make sure it supports 35C (or more) discharge current.
Hi,
At the end of part one you said ” Later on we’ll also discuss low-cost options for upgrading to a GPS-capable quadcopter with return-home and waypoint functionality.” I don’t see this discussion anywhere in any of the 3 parts of the article. Have you written that part yet, and if so, where can I find it. Thanks.
There will be a special chapter just for that topic. But if you’re itching for GPS flight right away we recommend either the Crius AIO, APM 2.6, or the new Pixhawk flight controller.
Your list of parts only has two props on it. Is that right?
You get two props per bag, so this is correct. That said, it’s a good idea to order more, so ordering 3 or 4 bags of 2 props each will give you plenty spares.
FPVCentral, any chance I can get an answer to my 12/9/13 question posted above? Thanks.
What other motor options are available? Hobby King is out of stock on the D2822/17 motors right now. At least in the States. Thanks!
You could try this one: http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__32003__Turnigy_Aerodrive_SK3_2822_1090kv_Brushless_Outrunner_Motor_USA_Warehouse_.html
Note it’s a bit less powerful, so you could save some weight with smaller ESCs and a smaller battery. You could also try a motor with slightly different kV. Less kV with bigger props will give you less agility but longer flight time. This is a small frame though so do not buy big, heavy motors for this one.
im new to this n i need help with the whole radio part of it could you list the things i need? i want to go the turnigy route but dont exactly know what things i need to buy
If you want a turnigy transmitter you will want the following:
9XR Transmitter: http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__31544__Turnigy_9XR_Transmitter_Mode_2_No_Module_.html
9XR Transmitter battery: http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__31315__Turnigy_9XR_Safety_Protected_11_1v_3s_2200mAh_1_5C_Transmitter_Pack.html?strSearch=turnigy%209xr%20battery
DSMX transmitter module: http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__24656__OrangeRX_DSMX_DSM2_2_4Ghz_Transmitter_Module_JR_Turnigy_compatible_.html?strSearch=orange%20dsmx
8 channel DSMX receiver: http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__47553__OrangeRx_R800X_Spektrum_Compatible_DSMX_8Ch_2_4Ghz_TwinPort_Rx_AUS_Warehouse_.html?strSearch=orange%20dsmx
You’re welcome ! But I can now confirm that not being able to connect my board to my receiver sucks much more than not haven shrink tube ! :p
Ok everyone, need a little help. Quad is built. Motors turn the right directions and props are on for the correct rotation. Using the parts you listed with a fly-sky fs-tg tx. When I spool it up everything looks fine, but when I give it some throttle, the quad just wants to flip over backward. Any suggestions? PLease help! Thanks!
Hey there! Did you connect the motors to the correct outputs?
So i just finished my quad, and the motors turn the right direction and all the props are turning the correct direction. If i disarm and give a little throttle it will begin to stand up on two of the legs and if i give it a bit more it will flip!! However if i give it a large throttle input it will lift off at a slight angle and fly off in that direction…….couldn’t balance it out and it crashed into a large tree root and broke off two of the legs:( got frames and props on order, but i need to know how the other people get theirs to lift straight up! Thanks in advanced -Parker
double check all motors turn in the right directions and props are also turning the right way. The shouldn’t be any airflow blowing up. Same thing happened to me and double check motors. one was spinning wrong, problem solved, flies like a dream!
Dear Parker,
I have the same issue after rebuild. Spinning, hard, not taking off, but standing on the front legs and flipping over.
Did you ever resolve it ?, and if so how ?
Thanks ? BR Marcel
Also, what two bladed props would work well for this setup? -Parker again
Is there anyway to figure out the lift capacity of this thing? It flies great and lifts my kodak playsport no problem, just curious.
Thanks for these instructions! so much better than store bought!
Is there any specific reason why you use a powerdistribution cable instead of the powerdistibution plate in the frame?
It’s a bit easier to repair things after a crash. But a board works just as well. So, no, there’s no specific reason. Go with what you prefer!
Will the quad with kk2 board be able to do this?
http://youtu.be/bFCQrzMUsTs?t=2m40s
Damn that is one ugly beast. Any way to shorten the wires? To make it a bit esthetic?
As far as I know you can shorten any wire you want. just keep in mind the longer the wires the easier it is to replace parts. perhaps you can use some “Wire Mesh Guard” to make it a bit more pretty or “masking tape” around the wires.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__9552__Wire_Mesh_Guard_Black_6mm_1mtr_.html
https://simplydutch.com/useruploads/images/art/3464/1355687100_Masking%20Tape%20Rood%20Hartjes%202.jpg
Hi, awesome article. Adding to cart
I have a question regarding props, I thought you have to have 2 cc rotating and 2 cw rotating blades?
unsure?
Thanks John
Correct. Each bag comes with one CW and one CCW prop.
just for the record. you need more bullet connectors. most motors will come with connectors allready attached but you need 3 female and 2 male bullet connectors per ESC. that is 3x 4 ESC’s = 12 female connectors. the bag only contains 10 male and 10 female. just a heads up I had everything set to build but unfortunately I need to wait another 2 weeks for just 2 bullet connectors.
and for anyone like me who went for the Turnigy 9xR, you need something like this to charge the 9xr lipo
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=18868
Good point! Note that you can also just solder the cables. This will also save quite some weight.
True! but when you’re a noob as me and first connect the motors so that they all turn the same way it’s gonna suck when you’re just done soldering them all without connectors 🙂
But I got it running fabulously! I also bought this 3300 I get a bit more flight time but I’m thinking I might have overdone it a bit considering the weight:
https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__32656__Turnigy_nano_tech_3300mah_3S_45_90C_Lipo_Pack_EU_warehouse_.html?strSearch=3300%203s
this awesome ledstrip is on it’s way can’t wait to try it! https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=31716
this is the maiden flight vid btw:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7VSgM6R_wc
the quad vibrates pretty much, I see that when I hover very close. It doesnt really bother the flying but just to get it perfect I ordered a dubro prop balancer to try and get rid of the vibrations.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/300905454552?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
thanks for great guide!
Hi,
First of all, thanks for all these information !!
I’m going to build my first quad and I’looking for a part list that will suit basic needs for a good first quad.
The frame you recommend is 330. Any pro and cons versus a 450 frame often recommended in beginner quads ? Are the other parts powerful enough for a bigger frame ?
Thinking about future upgrades, is Afro ESC 30A compatible with the other parts ?
Thanks 🙂
Frank
There’s no reason why you shouldn’t get a 450 if you prefer a bigger size. The motors should still be ok for a 450 size quad, though you might slightly bigger ones if you want more punch. We simply did a 330 version here because smaller quads are less intimidating and the whole thing is lighter and packs more punch for zooming around.
The Afro 30A ESC is an excellent choice and perfectly ok in this setup, or most others for that matter.
Thanks !
I’ll go with 330 frame (ordered 2 🙂
I will also receive KK2.1.5, Afro ESC 30A, power breakout cable, strap, M to M servo lead, props…
Still missing :
– Motors : After reading a lot I have still not decided which motors to buy. Too much choices ! I’ll certainly stick with yours
– Radio : Nearly bought a 9X (but lots of problems posts in forums), then OrangeRX T-SIX. Orange is now backorder. Would like to stay under 100$/150$max
– Battery & charger
i ordered all the parts and built the quad according to your directions. the only difference between mine and yours is that i used the following hobby king controller…
HobbyKing Multi-Rotor Control Board V3.0 (Atmega328 PA)
overall it works well and i have the propeller direction, gyro reversing, and adjustment pots trimmed right. i even bought the USBasp programming tool so that i could upload the latest firmware for the board.
here’s the issue:
i can get it to lift off and maintain a stable hover. but then after having it in the air for say 30 to 40 seconds the motors just stop, it does a 180 degree flip and crashes upside down into the ground. this happens consistently ever time i have tried to fly it. here’s the weird part…when i take off the propellers and test it out inside, i run the throttle up, exercise all the controls and the motors run perfect with no problem. they don’t cut out at all and everything seems fine. so this issue only happens when the motors are under a load.
any idea what might be going on? in troubleshooting the issue i have checked to make sure the battery voltage isn’t too low to rule out low voltage protection. i’ve checked cable connections to ensure they are all good and i’ve even installed a ferrite ring on the ESC’s throttle cables to make sure the throttle signal isn’t being lost (one ring with all the throttle cables going around and through it).
any help or advice you could give would be appreciated.
Have you calibrated the throttle range for your ESCs?
Yes I have.
Decided to just go ahead and get the Hobbyking KK2.1.5 Multi-rotor LCD Flight Control Board. Hopefully this will solve the problem. If not I’m really not sure where to go from here.
Keep us updated please!
Well finally got the Hobbyking KK2.1.5 Multi-rotor LCD Flight Control Board in the mail today. Had some shipping issues so it took a month to get here. Unfortunately I have to report it does the exact same thing as with the other board. I can take the quad off, it flies good, I can put it in a stable hover but then out of no where it just flips over and crashes. Thankfully I anticipate this so I don’t fly too high but I have no idea where to go from here. Could it be the gain or limit settings? I’m using the default settings that came with the board so I’m at a loss for what to do.
Hello FPV Central.
I’ve currently ordered all the parts for the making of the F330 Quadcopter.
I looked on Hobbyking and eBay for some 7×4 as well as 7×4.5 propellers that are CW and CCW. I have yet to find some.
Could you give me a link on where to buy them from.
I’m from the United Kingdom.
Yeah they seem to be out of stock atm. You could try some 8×4.5 standard props like these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Multicopter-Props-8-x-4-5-Strong-Nylon-Counter-Rotating-Props-x-Pair-CW-CCW-/161125816619?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item2583d8d92b
Hi, cheers for the build, very informative 🙂
In the final stages of putting an order together, re. radios – can you tell me of any reason not to get one of these please?
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__8992__Turnigy_9X_9Ch_Transmitter_w_Module_8ch_Receiver_Mode_2_v2_Firmware_.html?strSearch=turnigy 9x
Well, the 9XR looks a lot better than the old 9X. Also do not forget to get a DSMX or FrSky transmitter module. The module in the 9X is outdated and less safe because it doesn’t do frequency hopping.
Wow, thanks for the quick response. More food for thought there then, cheers.
Thanks for the guide! Which motor/prop combo you would recommend for a HK’s Q450 frame?
I’d go with a 2830:
https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__18116__Turnigy_Aerodrive_SK3_2830_1130kv_Brushless_Outrunner_Motor.html?strSearch=2830
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__12921__d2830_11_1000kv_brushless_motor.html
If you want to go with a 4S LiPo instead of 3S, use a lower KV value.
Prop: 10×4.5 or similar. Smaller if you use 4S again.
Well after much pain and frustration I have decided to give up on this project. Hope it works for the rest of you but for me it never seemed to fly right. I could put it in a stable hover and within a few seconds it would always flip over. Every. Single. Time.
So I have decided to put all my parts up for sale. Here are the links to some items that might help others with their build…
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301173311515?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2648
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301173312407?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2648
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301173313052?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2648
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301173313970?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2648
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301173314913?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2648
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301173315488?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2648
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301173317654?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2648
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301173320017?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2648
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301173322672?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2648
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301173326076?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2648
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301173330662?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2648
Enjoy!
Todd, don’t give up on it! I think you have a bad ESC. It’s OK without the propellor, but under load it heats up after 40 seconds and shuts down. Try this: put all the props back on, strap the quad down onto something heavy and run it up to 1/2 throttle. make a note of which motor stops and check the ESC temp. it’s probably hot. change the ESC and you’re problems will go away. Good luck!
Just thought I’d share a photo of my quad using the motors, KK2 board, and initially the props prescribed in this article. For ESC’s I got the Afro 30A with SimonK FW. The frame is wood sticks and liteply. Landing gear is music wire and carbon tube. Motor cowlings are plastic easter eggs! They give me something a bit more substantial to look at to maintain orientation. I pulled the KK2 board from my tired little Turnigy micro quad. I didn’t change any of the settings and my quad flies great! Just this past weekend I doubled the stick scaling and added 70% expo to the bank/pitch channels and now she does flips effortlessly. Thanks for putting out this article. It really pointed the way for me. The photo shows the original props as detailed in the article. Recently I’ve changed over to 10×4.5’s to get snappier vertical response. https://flic.kr/p/nrtk9v
Correction: my current props are 9×4.7 2-blade. Flying with 2200mAh 3S1P battery. I have a keychain 808 camera slung underneath with the battery and camera suspended on a cable-type vibration isolator.
Some video I’ve shot is here: http://youtu.be/wdF0VqBPpJo
and here: http://youtu.be/mxmSx27ae8A
Cheers!
Incidentally, I built mine just a tad over 450-size so I could experiment with different props up to 10″. Here’s a video I just uploaded showing flips and rolls from the quad’s point of view:
http://youtu.be/FHd8cghybQ8
Cheers!
can this carry a gopro and gimbal?
This project looks exciting! I have a few question before i order the parts that i need.
I am not sure about the last items that I need, so I will show you my list:
3S LiPo Battery;5 channel receiver;compatible transmitter; recharger
For Radio: 9xR Transmitter + battery; DSMX transmitter module; 8 channel DSMX receiver
BTW, could you tell me what’s the difference between the Turnigy and the OrangeRX?
As I’ve sailed through Hobbyking, I saw that many of the items are on backorder. I do not know how much should I wait, please tell me what to do.
I do not have a radio and also the PolyMax 3.5mm Gold Connectors.
Waiting for instructions
You can always just use 2mm gold connectors, or some other connector. As for radio, there’s lots of choices out there!
Hello,
I’m coming with an update on my buying list, and it seems I am missing a few things.
I would like to ask if the following items are compatible.
HobbyKing 20A BlueSeries Brushless ESC
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hobbywing-20A-ESC-Skywalker-Brushless-Speed-Controller-BEC-for-4-axis-aircraft-E-/251550991978?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a919b866a
OrangeRx R910 Spektrum DSM2 9Ch 2.4Ghz TwinPort Rx
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__17621__OrangeRx_R910_Spektrum_DSM2_9Ch_2_4Ghz_TwinPort_Rx.html?strSearch=OrangeRx%20Spektrum
OrangeRX DSMX/DSM2 2.4Ghz Transmitter Module (JR/Turnigy compatible)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=24656
Turnigy 9XR Transmitter Mode 2 (No Module)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__47720__Turnigy_9XR_Transmitter_Mode_2_No_Module_EU_Warehouse_.html
Yes, looks good!
Hi!
I am 12, managing to build this quadcopter (my obsession currently!) and I have encountered a problem. I will charge my 2200mah 40c 3s battery, plug it in, arm the kk2 board and fire up the throttle to full power and the motors will spin, but not fast enough to take off! Also, in the reciever test, I will put the throttle to full and the number value of the throttle, at its highest will be 85….. I have changed the gains, trims and everything under the sun the can be adjusted and it will not take off. Also, the motors spin the correct direction and I am pretty sure that the propellers are in the right orientation (I looked at an instruction guide from china to figure out the orientation….maybe it is wrong?). I am hitting a wall and would really like some help because I really want to get this thing flying!
Thanks!
Update: it was a battery problem. I got a new one and it works now!
Hello fpvcentral!
Could you tell me if this ESC are a good substitute for the Hobbyking 20A?
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__2163__TURNIGY_Plush_25amp_Speed_Controller.html
Which small camera and gimball setup i could use with this? besides a gopro.
FPV central: thank you for taking the time and putting a list together and the how to.
I built this quad as my first ever build and it is pretty awesome!
Just thought I leave a comment here to maybe help others
– if it is your first multicopter you might want to order a second frame and a lot more blades. Crashed mine into a tree on the first flight, superglue works but not great. A Hubsan X4 is also a good way to practice. (banggood.com)
– double check the insulation of your wires. Fried an ESC before even flying for the first time
– eluminerRC has some good quadcopter videos on youtube. Especially on the KK board and about how to calibrate the ESCs
– I would strongly advise you to get some LED’s from HobbyKing to fix to the arms otherwise keeping track of the direction of the quad is almost impossible when it’s 30m away from you.
– I wonder if it is not better to spend a little more on the afro ESCs from hobbyking insteat of flashing the ones on the list. I did not flash them and they are a bit slow for my taste.
– Get a plug for the battery balancer port and connect it to the KK voltage control (polarity!!), set the voltage alarm and you always know when it is time to land.
– I got the 9xR and FrSky as Remote and it works really great.
– Using 3s 1800mAh LiPo which gives around 8-10 min of flight time
Hope this helps. Be careful with this thing, damn powerfull!
Did you sell your parts?? I agree that it is a esc or not turning off the lo voltage shut off. I would like to talk with you about buying the parts.
Good luck
Robert
Hello guys!
Well, I had seen your post a little while ago and told myself to try that setup.
A couple of weeks ago I order all the parts from HK and 20 days later had them home.
Since this is not my first 330 quad, I did order 2 spare frames 😉
I swapped the electronics from my old build, cause it had not been successful, and tried again with the HK 2.1.5 with RC911 firmware, the esc flashed with SimonK and the recommended motors and props.
I configures my Turnigy 9XR, for the proper settings and went to the basement to make my maden with the new hardware.
Well boy, was I surprised! It buzz almost silently in a hover!!!
I played with the KK settings to ajust it to my liking, since I’m not an acro fan, but it was a joy to ride, let’s say it that way.
I so liked it, that I swapped the KK2 to an APM Mini 3.1, with baro and GPS to be able to put an SJ4000 HD CAM and take aerial photos and videos.
And add some bright 3.3volts leds to have a better idea of the orientation of the frame! Looks like a UFO at night, buy hey 😉
It is has silky smooth then the KK2.
I put an 2200mak Turnigy Nano tech 20C – 50C in it, and got 10 to 12 minutes of smooth flying with the CAM on.
With the Mini APM 3.1 and APM Planner, I know that it’s pulling 20amps from the battery pack.
A good suggestion, props adapter with o-rings. The 3 blades propellers can take some beating, but if too tightly afixed, they will break like glass, at the same time, they will bend the prop adapters with screws or the motor shafts.
Thank you FPVCentral for this great build suggestion!
Now! I have to ask, do you have the same thing for a 550 frame?
This 330 build was so neatly balance in power, lift and cost that you have to give me the same quality build suggestion for a 550 frame!!!!
I like the 3 props blades build, they are usually quite well balance and give good lift while being less noisy!
Please, please give me some intel!!!!
Have a nice day guys!
RCAirBum
Newb question: What kind of weight payload could this unit support, presuming it is built exactly to these described specifications?
To that end: is there a calculator that could determine how long it could lift a certain weight for how long in light wind conditions/altitudes/etc?
I’m a noob to quad and fpv, been flying rc aircraft for 20 years. Is there room enough on the frame to install FPV hardware?
Yes absolutely!
Can I use this frame instead? It comes with a PCB board http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__66323__Q450_V3_Glass_Fiber_Quadcopter_Frame_450mm_Integrated_PCB_Version_AR_Warehouse_.html
I’m just bought all the items on the shopping list + radio/transmitter/receiver from HobbyKing and really excited to begin the project when the items arrive. So these are the items that I bought:
D2822/17 Brushless Outrunner 1100kv
7×4.5 Three Blade Counter Rotating Propeller CW and CCW Rotation – Black (1 Pair)
F330 Glass Fiber Mini Quadcopter Frame 330mm
Hobbyking KK2.1.5 Multi-rotor LCD Flight Control Board With 6050MPU And Atmel 644PA
XT60 to 4 X 3.5mm bullet Multistar ESC Power Breakout Cable
Turnigy 2200mAh 3S 40C Lipo Pack
OrangeRx R800X DSMX Compatible 8Ch 2.4Ghz TwinPort Rx (US Warehouse)
Turnigy Accucel-6 50W 6A Balancer/Charger w/ Accessories (US Warehouse)
If anyone else is buying the same items from HobbyKing, get buddy discounts on the items here!
http://rcsearch.info/hobbyking/buddy/?u=Shannon#catalog
Thanks!
I had a few questions on the parts list. It seems some things have been replaced.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=54299 This is an updated product. Will it work the same?
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__9707__10CM_Servo_Lead_Futaba_32AWG_Ultra_Light_10pcs_set_.html These are the same spec but different name. Will they work.
Also they seem to be out of Turnigy 9xR. They have the pro version is that worth the upgrade? Is mode 1 and mode 2 only left and right throttle stick difference?
Is this still a good build for a beginner to quads not to electronics?
Thanks
I am looking for the cheapest radio that would be easy to use. do any of you have recommendations?
thanks
I’m thinking of using your parts list as a base for my new project. However I have my heart set on a hex instead of a quad, so the question is:
Which of these parts would work for a hex, and which ones would I need to swap out for a hex-specific build? For example, do I need a hex-specific flight controller and ESC?
I’m thinking of using the HobbyKing Thorax hex frame kit:
http://tinyurl.com/o5zzhgs
Obviously I would have to get 6 motors, additional props, wire connectors, etc. Any other suggestions on tweaking this list for a hexer?
Is there any reason you didn’t use the D2822/14 1450kV motor? I would expect it to offer better performance for the same cost using a 7×4 2 blade prop?
What could be used instead of the XT60 to 4 X 3.5mm bullet Multistar ESC Power Breakout Cable, this is not in stock in the UK on HK
Hi!
I recently bought a hubsan x4 and got hooked on these quadcopters.
I’m looking to build my first quadcopter myself and I found this buildlist.
I have some questions regarding this build:
1) is this buildlist correct now?
2) can someone recommend a tx to go with this? I don’t mind spending a little more for future upgradeability
3) roughly how much payload would this be able to carry reasonably?
Thank you!
Me and my friend would like to make this for a project we are highschool age kids and have the money
When was this list last updated? Are these still the best components for a cheap starter kit?
Selling all parts and my quad here :
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2563835
Let me know if interested!
It’s a good list for people to work off of, but after adding all those together in the cart, shipping is through the roof to the USA and almost doubles the price making jumping into the hobby this way a bit unreasonable in the age of free 2 day shipping.
I appreciate the effort of the list and build, though!