Evil Quadcopter Racer build group - Winter 2016

[Crazyflyer]

Hi All, I am leading a mini quad racer build group this winter.
I have put together a list of parts and prices.
I would like for all of us to use the same flight control board if possible to make the programming more consistent, I have chosen one that is stable and has a lot of setup information, the latest and greatest F4 boards may not have good support).
As mentioned in the past, the difference between a starter drone racer and an advanced one is mostly in the programming and in the quality of the parts. (we can program the board to be easier to fly like an old Cadillac, and once you are more confident we can reprogram it to be extremely agile and quick like an F1 car)
As long as you buy a decent frame, you can start out with cheaper components and update them as needed.
I was able to source as much as possible from two local vendors (Rotorgeeks & NG Hobbies) and I have sorted through their inventory and chosen items that are similarly priced as Bangood & Hobbyking. This way, you can always drop by their shop if you have questions or need replacements.
You may be able to find certain cheaper parts but honestly you will end up hating them and your money will be wasted. For example you can get cheaper antennas, however the reception will be horrible and you will feel like you wasted money.
Below are the parts list for the quad only ($271 for the quad + receiver + FPV kit $116) for a little over $400 you will get a very good drone racer with FPV.
In terms of video receivers, goggles or monitors, I will look for different options, expect to start around $100 for a small monitor with a video receiver.

----

Frame: $55 ($34.95USD + shipping & duty) https://www.spaceonefpv.com/collections/drones/products/f1-x-formula-one-220-x-edition?variant=13545531270

Motors:
Good: ($91 for 4) http://www.nghobbies.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=207_266_272&products_id=1490#.WAjxXsnx3zM
Very good: (131.96 for 4) http://rotorgeeks.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=18_46&product_id=549 (must use better esc's)
(not worth getting cheaper, otherwise they will need regular replacement and cost more over time)

ESC's:
Decent: ($52.76 for 4): http://rotorgeeks.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=34_43&product_id=457
Good: ($89.76 for 4): http://rotorgeeks.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=34_43&product_id=315
(can't get cheaper than the first one)

Flight control board:
$32.12 http://www.nghobbies.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=207_212_293&products_id=1579#.WAj0A8nx3zM

Power distribution board:
$7.77: http://www.nghobbies.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=207_212_294&products_id=1525#.WAj0vsnx3zM

Spectrum PPM Satellite:
$18.48: http://rotorgeeks.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=34&product_id=416
FRSky XSR:
$36.48: http://rotorgeeks.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=469&search=xsr

FPV Kit (camera, video transmitter & antenna):
Good: $116.16 http://rotorgeeks.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=25_32&product_id=593
(I may be able to find cheaper parts that work but the video quality will be affected and you will not enjoy your experience)

Extras:
Antenna extension $6
12ga Power cable + XT60 plug $5
Longer motor screws $5
Motor Lock nuts $6
Propellers $3 per set
Buzzer $7

$271 + receiver + FPV kit $116 + taxes (... maybe I can make a cash deal to avoid taxes).

Whoever is interested, I can purchase everything myself and probably get a better bulk price (I have a good relationship with both local vendors). For the frame, I will combine all the orders together to lessen the shipping cost.
Please let me know who wants to participate and what parts you want me to order (if you want different parts, please include those as well, if they are available from the local vendors, I may be able to get a better cash price).

I am happy to coach you with flying as well, I may setup one of my quads for that.

Stephan

PS: for new drone pilots I recommend 3S batteries. Most people use 1300-1500MaH with high c rating. A gentle flight will last 4-5 mins, hard flight closer to 3 mins. http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__18207__Turnigy_nano_tech_1300mAh_3S_45_90C_Lipo_Pack.html is cheap and very decent, some people say that they lose their strength in the 2nd year. I have been happy with them, although I now use 4s batteries and just getting into 6s. You can use larger packs as well if you have them but I would suggest to stay below 1800Mah.

[thehaze]

I'm interested.

Let's chat!

[sihinch]

I'm in! Thanks Stephan & Eric.

I'd be very please with you trying to do a bulk order for us. It's a very kind offer.

I'd take a frame, the flight controller, power board and the lower spec ESC and motors (not quite ready for the high spec stuff, thanks!) I'd also go FrSky on the Rx, but you want us to get that?

I probably have FPV stuff I can add already.

Thanks again! I'll stay posted to see what works out....

[Crazyflyer]

Sounds good Simon, I can get you the FRSky module as well.

[Crazyflyer]

Hi Guys, I need to order the frames ASAP as it may take up to a month to receive.
Below is the quad I am in the process of building using the frame I am suggesting.
The base of the frame is 4.5mm which is very thick compared to the 3mm which was a standard 2 years ago, but it also means it is very strong (although nothing is unbreakable!).
Please let me know asap if you want the frame, even if you want just the frame and nothing else. When I ordered this frame I paid $20 shipping just for one frame, I am hoping to save you guys shipping cost by dividing the shipping.
This price is very very good, most decent frames start at $60 USD.

Stephan

[battlestu]

count me in for a frame... need to see what is usable off the old quad before order more stuff

Greg

[Crazyflyer]

OK so I have 4 frames to be ordered. I will be ordering them on Monday to ensure we get them on time for the build.
If there is anyone else, please let me know.
Stephan

[sihinch]

Stephan

Can I suggest that you let me do a Tickler tomorrow, to tell everyone about the build and ensure we cover everyone who may be interested, and then maybe order mid week.

I'm sure you could go over the principles of the build and how the components work during the first build class.

[Crazyflyer]

Here is what I will go through during the "Evil Mini Quad Build Class":

-   Explanation of the components of a mini quad
-   What tools you will need (some will be supplied during the build but feel free to bring your own if you have)
-   How to prepare the frame and how to put it together
-   Soldering the components (I will give a small lesson on soldering)
-   Understanding how to program the quad using BetaFlight and BL-Heli
-   Understanding FPV and 5.8GHz video transmission
-   Flying lessons in the cold!!

Tools you will need:
Soldering iron, soldering flux, 1mm solder, helping hands (alligator clips on a stand), band-aids (for when you burn yourself!) tweezers, wire strippers, small needle nose pliers, x-acto knife, small screw driver set, 8mm socket wrench, 2mm & 1.5mm Allen wrench (one that looks like a screw driver), tweezers (the ones that stay closed), electrical tape, hot glue gun (more band-aids for when you burn yourself with hot glue and Polysporin after you realize the soldering burn is still there!! ), zip ties, more zip ties, a USB to mini USB cable (same as what you use to charge an android cell phone) to connect your computer to your quad.

Please note that I am not an expert on this but I have enough knowledge to build a quad that flies in about 3-4 hours and repair it after I crash due to pilot error!!

Stephan

[thehaze]

3-4 hours.. that's pretty impressive. I've seen people build stuff that didn't last 3-4 minutes.

And the good news is that there's hardly any gluing to do. So I won't be peeling CA off my fingers for the next few days.

[Crazyflyer]

My first build took over 10 hours and I crashed within 10 seconds! ...actually it was 5 seconds 
The hard part of these builds is figuring out the flight controller (where to connect everything on this tiny little circuit board).
If you find the correct information, then it doesn't take long. I have had the experience of buying a Motolab Cyclone which is a very good FC but there was very little info on setting it up. Hence the reason a chose a very popular flight controller for this build.
Should be fun, I just wish we could do a full weekend class so that we can get everyone flying quickly!

[sihinch]

I would look at it another way Stephan - go slow so you can fill the Wednesday evening class all winter!!! Lol

[tuck]

Hi order a frame for me too.

[Crazyflyer]

Hi All, I am about to order 5 Space One frames by noon today.
Anyone else interested??
Stephan

[Crazyflyer]

Ok I just ordered 5 frames (Simon, Mike, Greg, Tuck & Eric). With shipping and the CAD exchange from Paypal, they each came out to $53.48 (+ Duty/tax depending of if I get hit with it)

Below is a picture of 3D printed canopy designed specifically for this frame, printed by one of the guys I fly with. He would only charge about $15 each, the material is actually flexible, and I believe he has 7 colours.