| Electronics > Projects, Designs, and Technical Stuff |
| School me on latest DIY RC planes, drones, and their modules... |
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| metrologist:
I recently saw a video of a lad testing a Musk style vertical landing rocket. He used a single propeller in the base with 4 independent fins, and then 4 more motors higher up for lateral stability. He mentioned a couple of flight controllers and the ESC he was using, which I think came out of a DJI drone or other commercial product. Anyway, I was thinking of trying some sort of 4 motor drone and was looking at flight controllers and radio controls. I looked on ebay and have no idea what is what. Maybe Hobby King stuff? I bought a couple of shrink wrapped 30A ESC with I think K-MANN code or similar. That code supposedly meant something good for drones and that is the sort of info that takes involved intimacy with the hobby to learn. I am just aware it is/was a thing, but know nothing else about it, for example. What should I be looking for in very inexpensive modules and controller? |
| linux-works:
I would first start with a 'bnf' (bind and fly) pre-built drone. my first one was a small (but powerful, scary, even, for a newbie who only flew 'toys' before): https://www.amazon.com/EMAX-Babyhawk-R-136mm-Magnum-Racing/dp/B079TR312N/ its all worked out for you and you can learn how to configure betaflight software, add more options (led strips, etc). then, next step is to build one from parts; buy CF frame, 4in1 ESC, f4 controller, motors, props, etc. I'm in that phase right now; built a few of the 3" CF ones, now building 5" versions with 22xx motors. quite a lot of reading needed, of course. |
| linux-works:
I suggest the blheli_32 ESC's. they are flashable and quite good. f4 controller (hackrc is good, for one brand). one thing I'm finding is the 'bec' (what we call 'voltage regulator') is always ALWAYS under-heatsinked and they often blow up after X amount of flights. you should avoid putting too much current load on the flight controller and defer it to some PDB board or outboard 'bec' regulator. that will help a lot. clean wiring is also important. location of modules can matter; if you put the rf receiver too close to the f4 controller, it can cause noise issues and make the quad unstable at times. running wires also can matter (keep things away from the IMU chip, for example). |
| netdudeuk:
Hopefully Dave won't mind if I refer you to RC Groups. They have a massive, busy forum dedicated to this stuff. |
| james_s:
Yes RCGroups is a great forum for this stuff. Spend the time researching first before you go out and buy anything and you'll save a lot of time and money. I will also second the advice to start with something ready to go, a kit or at least a documented build. There are a LOT of variables, not the least of which is learning to fly. If you aren't skilled at the flying part it's almost impossible to know how well tuned your craft is. Oh and don't forget safety. In addition to the hazards of improperly used LiPo batteries, those little plastic props may not look like much but spinning at 10k+ RPM they can slice a finger clean off or take out an eye. I've already seen too many gory pictures of prop lacerations. |
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