RTF or Build

[benjammind21]

For my second quad, what will be cheaper? To buy ready to fly quads or to build one. I've never build one before. Also links to specific quads would be great. I would really like to to be able to hold a camera to take pictures and video.

Thanks

 

[pressalltheknobs]

Almost certainly you can build a better one than you can buy. At the low end the cost is likely to be comparable but the one you build (provided you do your research and make good choices) will be better.

Also Ready to Fly means it includes the Controller and receiver which will most likely not be that great. There are lots of discussions on good first transmitters in the http://forum.flitetest.com/forumdisplay.php?55-RC-Radios-Transmitters-and-Receivers

That said RCModelReviews just did a review of the Walkera Runner 250
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgHGpiWXS2eQx-ka7Wl2w2T86gRLsICgB

He also has a series on building a 250 quad which will give you an idea of what it involves.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgHGpiWXS2eSYeceg736QSESW9mijzuhf

Then there's all the flight test stuff...

https://store.flitetest.com/multirotor-airframe-kits/

This one is probably a good starter
https://store.flitetest.com/electrohub-quadcopter-kit/#ProductVideos


Also while its not about multi-rotors the Flite Test Beginners series has some articles that may be of interest... http://flitetest.com/articles#/textSearch=Series: beginner series

 

[benjammind21]

If I get this one:
https://store.flitetest.com/electrohub-quadcopter-kit/#ProductDescription

What all electronics do I need? Where should I buy them from? Under recommended parts, there are 2 electronics kits, do I need one of these and the "Power pack D," or does the electronics kit have all of this stuff? Which of the electronics kits is better? When finished, will this be able to hold a camera? And finally, which controller should I get, or can you point me to a specific forum that talks about quad controllers specifically?

Thank you so much! This is already very helpful!

 

[pressalltheknobs]

Power pack D is what you need for the motors.

or you can get this package
http://www.altitudehobbies.com/flit...k-for-flitetest-electrohub-quad-upgrade-setup
or this package
http://www.lazertoyz.com/FT-ElectroHub-Power-Pack_p_517.html

You can buy these elsewhere possibly for a bit less but Flite test and their affiliates sell a convenient package.

Then you will need a flight controller. Two popular ones are the KK2 You can also get this from AltitudeHobbies
or the Naze32 Acro It can be found elsewhere too.

The KK board is probably a bit better for beginners because you can program it on the board. The Naze32 has to be programmed via a computer but it is more powerful. You can find flite test videos for the KK board I think. The RCModelReviews build covers the Naze32. There's lots of YouTube.

There are some different packaging choices; the mini KK is the same but smaller. The Naze32 is available with no pins installed vertical pins or horizontal pins.

There are other options for flight controllers but keeping it simple...

You will need a radio system. A good inexpensive one is the FlySky i6 with the iA6B receiver You can also get it from hobby king as the Turnigy i6 but it comes with the less preferred receiver. There are lots of other choices but the i6 is a good value and quite inexpensive. You should research this a bit before buying since you may decide to get something more capable/expensive

You will need batteries and a charger. Something like this 2200mAh 3S 35C is probably good to start but I'd need to look some more.

For a charger you can get by with something like this B3 but if you are serious you will want a 4 button computer charger. Note that this ones needs an external power supply. They take some study to use safely so the B3 is a good place to start if you not comfortable with that yet. Most lipo fires happen due to charging mistakes. Always uses a lipo charging sack or better, always balance charge and never leave unattended.

You will also need various tools and miscellaneous bits to build the thing...