Comments on Kit List (again) sorry, know loads of people ask this!

[uniquedronefreak]

Got a Talon Hex Copter Carbon Frame, want to carry a gimbal and camera, would really appreciate input on the below build spec.

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy-2217-16turn-1050kv-23a-outrunner.html - £13.89 each  These will fit, we are havving em! x 7

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy-plush-25amp-speed-controller.html £10.92 x 7

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy-besc-programming-card.html
£5.97 x 1

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/zippy-flightmax-8000mah-3s1p-30c-lipo-pack.html x 2 £37.38

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/hobbyking-slowfly-propeller-10x4-5-blue-cw-ccw-4pcs.html x 4 £3.74

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy-accucell-6-50w-6a-balancer-charger-lihv-capable.html?countrycode=GB&gclid=CjwKEAjwvr3KBRD_i_Lz6cihrDASJADUkGCahA7oBvKyNMIDaApa-TFtGyG1gv6GTUsu7X7UjBg0bhoC-Lrw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds X 1 £17.28

Hobbyking 105W 15V/7A Switching DC Power Supply -
Get one of these with a compatible jack plug but a
****** it, get one and get dad to modify!!! Swap power leads for thicker as they get hot charging!!

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/hobbyking-105w-15v-7a-switching-dc-power-supply.html x 1 £10.99

[uniquedronefreak]

Just a quick apology, these are my internal notes - copied and pasted.  Having a few drinks and BBQ with family currently, so not edited.

[guest325]

Motors and esc';s are shiny and bright, it will fly like a dog!!!
No mention of Flight controller???
Props are OK for learning but I wouldn';t trust any camera gear on it with those on.
Don';t skimp on anything for a camera ship, invest in up to date decent technology or it will end in tears!!!
Well you asked!!!

[shawdreamer]

you could probably tone down your motors a bit as your running them on a hex you dont really need +1000kv

the turnigy 2217/20 850';s might be a better match, Ive used them myself and they offer half decent thrust without being a greedy power wise as 1000';s which is what you';ll want if your after a lifter type frame

[uniquedronefreak]

Thanks Gents,

Noted Shaw.  Sounds like good advice.

Cheers Darrell, I like the direct reply - much appreciated.

What ESC and Motor combo do you guys recommend please? (I';m guessing flying like a dog is a bad thing, re. my current choices :)

[guest325]

Take a look here for a decent setup, you can buy fully built or self build, he uses decent tried and tested components.
http://www.droneshop.biz/multirotors/hexacopters.html

[uniquedronefreak]

Thanks DW, I forgot to mention, I';ve already got a Turnigy Talon Hexcopter frame.  The frame specs say to use 25XX or 35XX motors, most of the builds on the link use HP 22XX or 41XX.  Is that something I should care about, or just copy the motor/ESC/prop parts from those rigs onto my frame?

[guest325]

Use the 22xx setup unless you want plenty of power to spare, the 41xx motors should provide enough lift for a DSLR I would have thought, the smaller ones would easily cope with a Gopro or similar.

[JeremyE]

All your choices need to be made based around what camera and gimbal you want to carry. For the Talon frame though, I';d imagine it being a gopro style camera?

[uniquedronefreak]

Understood with the motors DW.  Thanks.

Hi Jeremy, yes it will be something like a GO Pro.

I';ve also just aquired a DJI Phantom II for parts, so whereas it wasn';t for this project, I may see if anything can be salvaged from it when it arrives.

[JeremyE]

Hi Jeremy, yes it will be something like a GO Pro.

I';ve also just aquired a DJI Phantom II for parts, so whereas it wasn';t for this project, I may see if anything can be salvaged from it when it arrives.

You have a few options here:

- You could use phantom motors, esc and props on it.
- You could find some motors around 750KV. Use Afro slim 20A esc';s (they fit in the arms). 10x4.7 props. This would give you a better flight time.
- Or lastly something lie this: https://www.electricwingman.com/tmotor-air-gear-350-combo-pack

HK also have a sale on the afro slims at the moment so they are a good deal.

[uniquedronefreak]

Thanks all.
DW I took your advice and copied droneshop';s components.
I';ve got motors, props, esc, battery nailed down.
These components confirmed your advice Jeremy, re smaller KV motors.

Flight Controller... I could just get one from the droneshop that matches their builds but they say they need experience to set up properly.  I';ll be doing filming primarily.  Is there a simple newbie safe Flight Controller you guys would recommend and transmitter/receiver combo that is right for the Flight Controller?

I need alt hold, so I can control the camera without worrying about flying.  Tempted to avoid return to home and GPS to start with and just focus on small jobs where I can see the drone.

[uniquedronefreak]

On reflection the pixhawk looks fine!

[guest325]

For the extra cost the GPS and all of the features it offers I really would not omit it, the failsafe can be set at return to home, which is really good if for some reason or other you loose radio contact - note that includes battery running out on your transmitter, it does happen (don';t ask!!!).

[shawdreamer]

For the extra cost the GPS and all of the features it offers I really would not omit it, the failsafe can be set at return to home, which is really good if for some reason or other you loose radio contact - note that includes battery running out on your transmitter, it does happen (don';t ask!!!).

could always opt for a APM for a more budget freindly fc with more or less the same features as the pixhawk, hardwares not as high spec obviously but its more than enough for a newcomers needs and the reduced spec is obviously reflected in the price gap between the Pix and APM.

plus Missionplanner/APMplanner are pretty easy to get your head round even if your green.

I still use a 2.8 in my heavy lifter and its never gave me grief, performs admirably  whether Ive gave it a complicated mission and sent it on its way or Im chucking it about in manual, Ive got pretty much everything on it, GPS, MavlinkOSD, radio telemetry, servo gimbal, visual led indicator etc

[hoverfly]

Lots of people abandoned the A.P.M.  when the 32bit boards came along.  Although it has been retired it was at the peak of its evolution while the other boards were at there  infancy, hence all the revisions .
The mission planner wizard is fairly easy to follow.
The later mods have the improved regulator removing the bad compass error problem.

[JeremyE]

If I was going along your path, I would look at one of these three:

Pixhawk (or clone)
DJI Naza V2
DJI N3

Pixhawk (or clone)
Fantastic FC and amazing features (better than DJI) but requires a bit more setting up.
The gimbal choice is a bit more complicated and often requires more setting up. Although the new alexmos 32bit autotune looks quite good.

DJI Naza v2
Good solid performance of all the basics. Paired with a Zenmuse H4-3D will give great footage with minimal setup.

DJI N3
This is quite an interesting option and one that can get amazing footage. You can pair it with the X3 camera and gimbal from the inspire.

The DJI stuff can lock you into DJI gear which is quite costly, but you will get amazing footage.

[uniquedronefreak]

Thanks All.

So I ended up buying a faulty Phantom 2 which I';ve repaired and works, plus a working P2 with a Hero 3+ Black Edition and lots of extras.  I need an FPV setup inc screen.  Would like a simple kit I can plug in and crack on with, any recommendations would be appreciated or anyone selling a full plug and play kit.  My Hex build is on the shelf and I';ll return to it soon.