Help! Getting into multirotors - Looking for my first quadcopter

[SkyEye]

Hey everyone!

I've been a fixed wing RC pilot for a little over 11 years and recently got into fixed wing FPV flying. This re-ignited my interest in flying quadcopters FPV, that I had years ago flying the Blade Nano QX.

I have a few requirement for a quadcopter, however I am also new to quadcopter building and specs so please tell me if what I am looking for is feasible or not.

1. The quad must work with a 5.8ghz video receiver. I use a Eachine VRD2 Pro

2. The quad must bind to a Spektrum/DSXM transmitter. I use a Spektrum DX8.

I am willing to get an Anylink or even invest in an additional transmitter if you all think it will benefit my future in multirotor flying.

3. I mainly fly with 3S LiPos so it would really optimize things for me if the quad could also run off a 3S 1300-2200mAh.

4. I would rather not build a quad for my first time, I am looking for a BNF solution.

If you all think I would really benefit from a starting with a build then I will consider it.

Thank you for listening. I look forward to the responses and being part of the FliteTest multirotor community.
_____________________
Current Hangar: PZ T-28 Trojan, FT MiG-3, FT P-40, 2x FT Bloody Baron, Night Radian, FT Simple Scout, FT Sparrow, Hangar 9 Valiant 10cc, Eflite Habu 50 SS

 

[Bricks]

First things first what is your price range? Are you wanting to fly freestyle, racing or just cinema? More advanced GPS return to home capabilities?

 

[Houndpup Rc]

Hey everyone!

I've been a fixed wing RC pilot for a little over 11 years and recently got into fixed wing FPV flying. This re-ignited my interest in flying quadcopters FPV, that I had years ago flying the Blade Nano QX.

I have a few requirement for a quadcopter, however I am also new to quadcopter building and specs so please tell me if what I am looking for is feasible or not.

1. The quad must work with a 5.8ghz video receiver. I use a Eachine VRD2 Pro

2. The quad must bind to a Spektrum/DSXM transmitter. I use a Spektrum DX8.

I am willing to get an Anylink or even invest in an additional transmitter if you all think it will benefit my future in multirotor flying.

3. I mainly fly with 3S LiPos so it would really optimize things for me if the quad could also run off a 3S 1300-2200mAh.

4. I would rather not build a quad for my first time, I am looking for a BNF solution.

If you all think I would really benefit from a starting with a build then I will consider it.

Thank you for listening. I look forward to the responses and being part of the FliteTest multirotor community.
_____________________
Current Hangar: PZ T-28 Trojan, FT MiG-3, FT P-40, 2x FT Bloody Baron, Night Radian, FT Simple Scout, FT Sparrow, Hangar 9 Valiant 10cc, Eflite Habu 50 SS

For your battery size I would say 3.5" is going to be a good size. (3.5" is the prop size not the drone size.)

 

[SkyEye]

First things first what is your price range? Are you wanting to fly freestyle, racing or just cinema? More advanced GPS return to home capabilities?

I am unfamiliar with the price brackets and what each one offers, but I hope to keep the final price of the quad below $200 (let me know if this is unfeasible). I am anticipating crashes and repairs so I would like to allocate some budget for that.

I think freestyle is more to my liking for the time being. I enjoy weaving through trees and diving through washes in my area.

In the future I would love to get into long range FPV for both fixed wings and quads, but that will be for another time when I can invest in higher quality systems. For that configuration I would look more at GPS RTH capabilities.

For your battery size I would say 3.5" is going to be a good size. (3.5" is the prop size not the drone size.)

Good to know, I'll keep an eye out for those.

I look forward to hearing suggestions.

 

[Houndpup Rc]

I am unfamiliar with the price brackets and what each one offers, but I hope to keep the final price of the quad below $200 (let me know if this is unfeasible). I am anticipating crashes and repairs so I would like to allocate some budget for that.

I think freestyle is more to my liking for the time being. I enjoy weaving through trees and diving through washes in my area.

In the future I would love to get into long range FPV for both fixed wings and quads, but that will be for another time when I can invest in higher quality systems. For that configuration I would look more at GPS RTH capabilities.


Good to know, I'll keep an eye out for those.

I look forward to hearing suggestions.

So yeah i think 3.5 is your best bet. I think we can find something pretty nice for under $200 for you! BTW do you already have a serial RX?

 

[SkyEye]

So yeah i think 3.5 is your best bet. I think we can find something pretty nice for under $200 for you! BTW do you already have a serial RX?

I don't think I know what you mean by that. I use the Spektrum DX8 bound to either Lemon RX or Spektrum receivers.

Not sure I've ever heard of a serial RX.

 

[Houndpup Rc]

I don't think I know what you mean by that. I use the Spektrum DX8 bound to either Lemon RX or Spektrum receivers.

Not sure I've ever heard of a serial RX.

Oh sorry. I believe the lemon is a serial receiver.

 

[SkyEye]

Oh sorry. I believe the lemon is a serial receiver.

Okay great.

Does this mean I am able to fly all PNP/no receiver quadcopters using the lemon RX?

So far I've been looking on GetFPV and the DSMX compatible options seem pretty limited.

 

[Houndpup Rc]

Should be able too if we can find one that has the right protocol.....Let me see what protocol the lemon has.
Here's a list of good places that sell drones:

https://www.racedayquads.com/collections/3-bnfs-pnps-rtfs-bind-n-flys-plug-n-plays-ready-to-flys

SpeedyFPV

We carry a huge selection of drone kits and hobby RC electronics at unbeatable prices, delivered to your door fast. Shipping costs are minimal, no-gimmick product pricing and an excellent selection of: * Drone Kits * Flight Controllers * Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) * Brushless Motors *...

speedyfpv.com

Pre-Built Drones

Selection of pre-built drones. Be in the air with minimal fuss.

www.defiancerc.com

 

[Houndpup Rc]

SpeedyFPV is my favorite and if you wanted to build yours this would be a great option:

185mm 3.5" Folding FPV Quadcopter Kit with 1407 Motors, F4 Flight Cont | SpeedyFPV

Frame Specifications: Wheelbase: 185mm Weight: Approx. 45g (including prints) Thickness: Base plate 1.0mm, top plate 1.0mm, cleat 1.0mm, front lip plate 1.0mm, arm 4.0mm Propeller: 4-inch Propeller Flight control hole pitch: 1616mm (M2), 2020mm (M2) Image transmission hole pitch: 20*20mm (M2)...

speedyfpv.com

 

[Houndpup Rc]

Hmmmm. Been looking around and it doesn't look like any Spektrum RX's will do SBUS or IBUS......

 

[Houndpup Rc]

You mentioned that you are open to getting a different TX.... I have a FlySky transmitter that around $50 and it works just fine for my drone. It will do PPM, PWM, IBUS, SBUS protocols. and the receiver is like $17.
If you want to invest more you could get something that does ELRS and Crossfire ect. But honestly the flysky works just fine for me @LitterBug would know more about the advantages of ELRS over SBUS and IBUS than I would....

 

[Houndpup Rc]

Okay great.

Does this mean I am able to fly all PNP/no receiver quadcopters using the lemon RX?

So far I've been looking on GetFPV and the DSMX compatible options seem pretty limited.

You have to make sure that the Flight Controller of the drone takes the right protocol.

 

[Houndpup Rc]

Okay this is what ChatGPT gave me to the difference between Elrs and IBus ans Sbus....
ELRS (ExpressLRS) is generally considered superior for drone applications compared to traditional SBUS or IBUS systems. Here’s why:

• Range & Reliability: ELRS is designed for long-range, robust links even in challenging environments, whereas typical SBUS/IBUS systems (used by FrSky and FlySky receivers) are optimized for shorter ranges.
• Low Latency: ELRS is known for its very low latency, which is critical for fast, responsive flight control in drones.
• Open-Source Flexibility: ELRS is an open-source project with active development and community support, allowing rapid updates and customizations.
• Performance in FPV: Many FPV pilots prefer ELRS because its digital link delivers smoother control and better failsafe performance compared to traditional analog-like links behind SBUS/IBUS protocols.

Keep in mind that ELRS refers to the radio link itself. The receiver you use with ELRS may offer an output that is compatible with SBUS or other serial protocols, but the underlying communication is what gives ELRS its edge in terms of range and responsiveness.

In summary, for a drone—especially for FPV or racing—the benefits of ELRS in range, latency, and reliability generally make it a better choice over conventional SBUS/IBUS systems.

 

[SkyEye]

@Houndpup Rc Thank you for all of the info. Especially for the price I'll consider getting a Flysky. If ELRS is as inexpensive as it seems I'll consider that as well.

Any TX recommendation for the ELRS route?

Will be doing a lot more research tonight, thanks for getting me started.

 

[Houndpup Rc]

@Houndpup Rc Thank you for all of the info. Especially for the price I'll consider getting a Flysky. If ELRS is as inexpensive as it seems I'll consider that as well.

Any TX recommendation for the ELRS route?

Will be doing a lot more research tonight, thanks for getting me started.

No problem! Hope I was a help! Here is a cheaper ELRS TX.

RadioMaster Pocket ELRS

The Flite Test store is the perfect place to find RC plane kits, DIY quadcopters and Flite Test apparel.

store.flitetest.com

 

[Houndpup Rc]

If it was me I probably go with Flysky buuut that's me....I don't know how much you want to get into the hobby or what you want to do.

 

[Mr Man]

You mentioned that you are open to getting a different TX.... I have a FlySky transmitter that around $50 and it works just fine for my drone. It will do PPM, PWM, IBUS, SBUS protocols. and the receiver is like $17.
If you want to invest more you could get something that does ELRS and Crossfire ect. But honestly the flysky works just fine for me @LitterBug would know more about the advantages of ELRS over SBUS and IBUS than I would....

I’ve gotten them for $12. If you buy the lot of 2 on eBay. But I think they’re more like $13 a piece. So about $26 For both.

 

[Houndpup Rc]

I’ve gotten them for $12. If you buy the lot of 2 on eBay. But I think they’re more like $13 a piece. So about $26 For both.

I am talking about the one for drones......Here is a link to the FlySky TX that I use...Make sure you don't get the get the FS-i6 as its about the same price and has less features. (don't ask me how I know lol)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0872QHMM3/?tag=lstir-20

 

[Mr Man]

For two.

I am talking about the one for drones......Here is a link to the FlySky TX that I use...Make sure you don't get the get the FS-i6 as its about the same price and has less features. (don't ask me how I know lol)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0872QHMM3/?tag=lstir-20

I’ve got the fsi6x.