sas2450

Junior Member
Hello there,

I am planning on building a quadcopter in the coming weeks, but I'm a newbie at this so I just want to make sure that I don't mess up and buy parts that aren't compatible. I'm making the frame out of aluminium myself and have already started (just a simple H frame) and it will weigh no more than 260 grams.

The parts I intend to buy are:
- Hobby king kk2.1.5 flight controller (http://goo.gl/yzs2Pl)
- KINGKONG 2204-2300KV motors (http://goo.gl/xKJXF6)
- Turnigy Multistar 20A esc (http://goo.gl/wKIjTp)
- Rhino 1750 mAh 4S 20C Battery (http://goo.gl/yNmdCq)

I am not sure what props to buy for this build, preferably ones that give the most power/longest flight time, and also easy to fly on for a beginner?

Are there any parts that I'm forgetting about? Do I need a 4S battery or will a 3S do? Do I need 20A ESCs? My budget is very low so I'm looking to build it as cheaply as possible.

Thanks for all your help.
 

cranialrectosis

Faster than a speeding face plant!
Mentor
If you go 4S run 5" (5030 or 5045) props. If you go 3S run 6" (6030 or 6045) props.

If you are learning you are going to burn through props like a chainsaw through butter. Learn on inexpensive DALs or something similar and buy at least 5 full sets to learn with. You may be able to run 3 blade or bull nose props. It depends on the motors, if they will handle the stress. Either will provide more thrust and both will drain the battery faster.

4S gives you more power and speed. 3S is more casual and easier to learn.

If you go 3S you can step down to a 12A ESC.

Either way you need a lipo with a higher C rating. 20 C is NOT going to cut it on a small copter. You want 35C at the least or 45-90C if you can swing it. Consider a 1300mAh 4S or 3S at 45-90C. The lighter lipo won't cause so much damage in a crash and won't cost as much while providing better power for longer without sagging.

With a KK2.1.5 you will want to flash the firmware on day one. The stock FW really blows.
 

sas2450

Junior Member
Thanks for your reply! So I've found a cheap 1400 mAh 40C 3S battery that will do me, though I have just one more question: the 20A esc is actually cheaper than a 12A one because it is on sale. Should I get a 12A one or does it not matter?
Thanks again.
 

The Alpine Ace

New member
Of course others are welcome to chime in, but from my knowledge I don't think using the 20 amp esc's are going to hurt your performance. It might actually be a good idea if you want to upgrade to that 4S in the future to get more punch in your throttle. That way you won't have to buy new esc's when you upgrade.
 

Montiey

Master Tinkerer
Are you sure you want a KK FC? The KK can fly anything, but thats about it. If you want to lock in your craft, get the more traditional type- Configure via host software, your choice of firmware.
 

cranialrectosis

Faster than a speeding face plant!
Mentor
Of course others are welcome to chime in, but from my knowledge I don't think using the 20 amp esc's are going to hurt your performance. It might actually be a good idea if you want to upgrade to that 4S in the future to get more punch in your throttle. That way you won't have to buy new esc's when you upgrade.

Agreed.