Hello everyone,
 
I had this craze of building a Quad since a very long time, but only recently I came to know that all these parts are available at affordable rates in India and then I found this active and helpful forum that too in India! I am an electronics hobbyist, I design and build circuits, mods gadgets and automobiles both hardware and electrical and for the reason I am very excited about this new hobby. I am totally new to R/C gadgets even though I have built wireless devices so please see me as a complete newbie in this field. I have been learning about the parts required and have got a good idea, but still need help from you all for selecting and buying the parts.

My purpose for this build is to lift a small digital camera + little tiny electronics and a tiny servo for panning which should total to an AUW of 1.5kg of which camera wud be some 300-400gms. I need to have a good transmitter range and atleast 15mts flight time if possible. I intend to design and build the frame myself from light aluminum square tubes to stay on budget and for the custom build experience. My budget as of now is 10-12k max excluding the frame but including the transmitter but I like to keep budget as low as possible. I chose not to buy a kit, as they all have a frame included and a non LCD KK2.0 controller. Please help me regarding the parts below for the type, rates and source.

1. Transmitter + Reciever
How many channels are needed to fly a quad? 4 or 5? need to know this so that I can see what else electronics I can hook up and control. Will a 6 channel suffice for a quad + 1 servo + shutter clicking? I can remove the servo if it wont fill into 6 channels, but shutter control is necessary. Also is one with a display marginally better? would we need to always change the settings like gain?
I have found a hobbyking 2.4Ghz 6-ch for 2930Rs http://hobbysea.com/products.php?68&cPath=8&sid=33e8a8673da3990eccb36d1c3a9b53b0 
a flysky basic for 2250rs http://www.quadkopters.com/product/flysky-2-4g-ct6b-tx-6ch-radio-control/
and a flysky with LCD for 3750rs http://www.quadkopters.com/product/flysky-fs-t6-2-4ghz-6ch-transmitter-and-receiver/
I am more inclined towards the flysky with lcd. If anyone has any suggessions, please do tell. Also If anyone is selling the one for a good deal which I shud buy, please do let me know.

2. Flight controller
I have pretty much decided on the Hobbyking KK2.0 due to its flexibility and price, if anyone has any better suggestions or can supply it to me for a better deal, do tell. will buy 2 pieces.

3. Motors
This one thing I have no idea about, but should lift the 1500gm quad so a total thrust of 3000grams would be needed? So 700-800gm thrust per motor should do? I'm on a budget, so please suggest what type of motors I would be needing to fly a 1.5kg quad with minimal current draw, to get more flight time. Brand doesn't matter, just need to get it into the air without struggle while giving a good time in the air. I would love to buy from someone who can supply them to me for a good price for 4 motors.

4.ESC
Will decide this after the motor selection, maybe some 15-20A Turnigy or Hobbyking? Do I need to do anything to it to use ESC's, like some calibration or something manually or will the flight controller do it?

5. Battery
Decided on a  3S lipo.. I need atleast 15 mts or more for the 4 motors so I guess I'll need a 5000mah one, but are they cheap? else will settle for 3300mah. Again, a good source please, brand is no problem, need a good amount of time in the air.

6.Props
10x4.5 or 11x4.5 ? Need some 6 or 8 of what is suitable for this project if someone is selling as a pack for a good deal.

7. Lipo charger
Since Im new to this stuff, need a lipo charger which can do the job.

8.Misc
Which is the best place to buy some bullet connectors and maybe 4x prop savers?

If anybody of you can help me in deciding one or all of the parts, please do help. Thanks a lot!

you will need a little more budget than that if you need radio also
1) get the flysky9x 8channels if you're looking at "comparatively" long term  radio. its 5k in rcbazaar.com and Quadkopters.com. even the 6 channel flysky wth lcd is good but flysky9x there is mad amounts of information and modifications(performance mods giving you features of radios 2-3 times more expensive, so youre already saving here) you can do. radio is your only connection between you and your quad dont go too cheap on it.
2) kk2. period. u need usbasp toold for updating firmware on it cost aprox2k for one
do update the firmware as it gives u performance as close to much expensive boards
3)there is yellow 2212/13 motors in quadkopters.com which cost 800 something each but has the thrust u need.
4) turnigy plush or hobbyking f20a escs with simonk firmware if u can flash it if u like tinkering.
5) battery mah and weight is a balance(law of dimishing returns). 15 minutes is asking a lot while lifting a camrea and staying under a budget. 10 minutes is realistic. 3300mah max dont go more if lifting other items along too.
6)10 inch is good, 9inch is good . no point going 11 on these.
7)buy a simple b3ac charger for charging upto 3s lipo.
rcbazaar, quadkopters,rcdhamka,hobbysea, etc(megalist of rcstores) all have parts/items for quads.
anything u dint understand try google'ing those words it should help.

Now if you are looking for good flight time on a budget, you cannot do better than DT700 motors with 12X3.5 props on a 5Ah 30C Turnigy. Go for F30A ESC. These motors need a little bit of work(very easy) as using them in their stock form may diminish their life span.
You will not get these from any LHS, but ordering from hobbyking is quite safe and but you may have to pay customs duty of upto 14%....

14%?? i think its much more

Looking for Quick, easy, unbeatable solution at reasonable price? DJI Phantom. Ready to fly in less then 10 minutes. Check DJI web site for all features.

Ready and in stock with us.

www.spherehobbies.com/india

Good luck..

Sphere Hobbies
+91-99251-20630

First of all, thank you for giving me such a clean reply without confusion


I'm now really interested in the TH9x despite the cost since you mentioned 'mad amount of info' . Can you tell me exactly what extra advantages and info will I be getting other than the xtra 2 channels? Will get either of these flyskies for sure with an LCD.


I hope the Hobbyking KK2.0 with LCD should do the job


Mmm.. looks good with 12A max draw, 1000kv and 850gms of thrust, so should get 3.2kg thrust guaranteed and is just 825rs
http://www.quadkopters.com/product/221213-1000kv-brushless-outrunner-motor-with-mount/


I hope this should do Hobbyking 20A ESC for 540Rs
http://hobbysea.com/products.php?28&cPath=15&sid=33e8a8673da3990eccb36d1c3a9b53b0


Ok then 10 minutes it is! Will get a 3300mah 3S lipo along with a low voltage indicator. I hope 20C is enough. couldn't source it anywhere, out of stock!


getting 10x4.5 to match the motors, need a source


Thank you again for all the help! Somebody can supply me some spares or better suggestions are welcome

Couldnt find those motors in stock anywhere Btw, how much do they cost? FOr the 2212/13 motors, isnt 20A ESC's sufficient? The customs duties for importing from china is too heavy. I once orderdered a vga to s-video converter worth 1.7k and it ended up with a 500rs duty! Please do help regarding the motors and escs. Thank you again!


Yes, thanks, but everything is too costly on this site.

Joseph.alukka, contact Adiboy for your requirements.
http://www.rcindia.org/profile/?u=5244
and yes, quadkopters.com is very good to deal with.

Following are the mods that you can do on your 9x,
1. Upgrade to er9X firmware (model memory doubles up from 8 to 16).
2. LCD backlight with optional switch.
3. Freedom to use any module.
4. Install a multi-position POT for your future APM needs.
And the list goes on.....

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Thanks for that source

about the 9x, the thing Im interested in is its upgradability Thank you again

rupee is loosing its value. I think you should buy from India.

kk2 is available at hobbysea.com and other stores.
You will want to flash your ESC to simonk if you are buying hobbyking 20A ESCs.

Also get 25C 3300mAh battery.
Calculate your data using www.ecalc.ch. very useful..

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yes, at 59.88Rs and counting Also I cant wait for stuffs to come from china which takes nearly a month :-|

Is flashing the Hobbyking ESC's a must? what would happen if I use it as is? Also how much would the ESC programmer cost?

I calculated the power using ecalc yesterday

I just need to know one last thing. Will I lose too much features if I chose the Flysky FS-T6 over the T9X apart from 2 channels?

well.. yes. You will loose a lot of comfort!
But still you can buy it.

ESC programmer costs 24$ (4$+20$) from hobbyking.
I am not sure who has it in India.

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Out of curiosity, as a quad'er, what do you normally do with the rest channels? I have lots of ideas, but the 8min flight time is killing my point I think I will go with the T9x as the 9ch receiver separately is just 700rs and can be used for some other purpose But the 1400rs extra money for the Tx!! Will see if I can convince myself Help for that fact if you can too

I found the Hobbyking ESC programmer card for just 600rs on ebay http://www.ebay.in/itm/Hobbyking-YEP-ESC-Programming-Card-/190853165359?pt=IN_Toys&hash=item2c6fbc312f

Also, is there any difference between the  Hobbyking SS Series 30A ESC and F20A ESC's? I can see 10A extra capacity for just 20rs each. which should I go for?

Go for the F20As. Much better quality. If your motors draw less than 15A the f20s are the way to go.

You cannot get very high flight times on a budget. Period

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Thank you will chose the F20As rather than the 30A's.  Btw, how would you design a quad with an excellent flight time? motors with 1000+ thrust and a 5Ah pack in parallel? or maybe a hex with even more lipos?

This is a programming card! What you need is this http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=21321

I will get really efficient motors like t-motors and pair them with very high quality carbon fiber props. And build as light as possible

Is that for programming the ESC's? But how does it connect to the ESC?

Are the CF props that good?? Will keep it on the upgrade list once I finish this Im planning to go for a 4200mah lipo which weighs 350gms and so is 100gms more than the 3300 which is at 250gms. Will it be ok for this quad with 4 motors of 850gm thrust each?

Its too much for a light quad.
Rather buy 2x 3300mAH 30C batteries.

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But it is just 100gms extra over the 3300 and wont it be fine if I keep the quad weight within 1200gms? Really sure it wont be good?

100gm plus your proposed 300gm camera is going to add a lot, buy 2 sets of same batteries and change them as they discharge.
you just cant put lots of mah. battery mah is a point of diminishing returns. quads require a lot of reading and information gathering so google needs to be used a lot. 800gms thrust is on paper, practically it will give slightly lesser.
forget cf props for now, it should be one of your lasssstt upgrades. one touch one break rule with cf props. plastic props bend on collision. google will help you. you'll need to read more if u want such efficiency as there are lots of 100 little factors that play the role.

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Thanks a lot! Will get 3300 as I dont want to know it the hard way that it wont lift after mounting a camera. 2x 3.3ah seems more practical too. I've been reading day and night for the past 4 days, I know it is barely nothing, but I've got an idea how things work, rest I will have to build and the see the quad based on every one of your's help Im choosing the cheap motors, plastic props, and custom frame for the same reason of crashing when I learn. The final list of parts for my build will be as below, please do let me know if I need to change anything at all!

(1x) Hobbyking KK2.0 LCD : 1950Rs
(4x) 2212/13 1000KV Brushless Outrunner Motor With Mount : 4x 825Rs
(4x) Hobby King F20A ESC : 4x 540Rs
(1x) Flysky FS-TH9X-B Rx-Tx Controller 9 channel : 4999Rs
(1x) On Board Lipoly Low Voltage Alarm : 190Rs
(1x) QK LIPO 3300mah 11.1V 25C/50C : 1950Rs
(1x) Wolfpack B3AC 2s/3s compact charger  : 595Rs
(4x) SF Propeller 10*4.5 SF/10*4.5 Black : 4x 150Rs (4 are spares)
(12x) PolyMax 3.5mm Gold Connectors 1 PAIR (2PC) : 12x 20Rs
(5x) Nylon XT60 Connectors Male/Female (1 pair) : 5x 50Rs

Hope this works out! Thznks a lot for bearing with me!

You may want to read this: http://www.rcindia.org/multirotors/multirotor-and-props/new/#new

You left out the frame. If going the DIY route, I suggest making an H-frame. Quite easy to make and provides lots of room to mount your things.

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Yes, I'm building the frame from U profile aluminum bars drilled out to keep weight to a minimum. Im planning on + frame itself as I think an H-frame in + config would look odd when flying?? I'm good at fabrication, just need to get it light and balanced Thanks for the link regarding info on the props

I will suggest you to go for x config over +
And in my view go for a better motor than this..


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Do not go for plus. If you can easily twist the u channels then you need to get some of higher thickness. Best is to get alluminium square tubes/ wooden arms.

Oh, then will go with the X-config. The U bars, I will be checking before purchase, it just came to my mind as a thought. Square tubes Im having stock, so no worries. And I wished to use better motors, but since it is the first build, this itself is way over my budget with the Tx taking most of the share. Will take care of the motors as an upgrade later once I learn to fly. Also is the X-config stabler than +? 450mm frame would be enough for this quad with 10x4.5 props?

props seem good. make sure you check with ecalc.ch that what's the max current with them.

I have a few doubts regarding this build as I'm unfamiliar with the hardware used, please do clear them out.

1. Will the Hobbyking F20A's be programmed by default? can I use them directly out of the box without any mess?
EDIT: I downloaded the manuals and was stunned to see the features! A big thumbs up for the reccomendation!

2. How do I power the Rx reciever and the flight controller boards with 5v when the battery is 11.1v? ESC's? or are both of these having an onboard regulator?

1. They work out of the box. You just need to unplug the red wire from the servo connector from three.
2. The esc will provide the 5V you need. Just plug it into the receiver.

it has UBEC(Universal battery eliminator circuit), UBEC is a  switching voltage regulators. They work by taking pulses of energy from the battery, store it in an inductor and/or capacitor,
and then release it to the receiver at a lower voltage, in this case 5 ( or 6 ) volts. so your rx will receive power from ESC

Thank you guys Ordering the parts asap!

Guys, I need one more help.

I seem to find the part cost+ international shipping charges a lot cheaper on hobbyking than what our national sites like quadkopters and all are offering. I am very much interested to buy from hobbyking now, but have some doubt.

1. Will I get caught in customs as the whole list comes to around 15k INR or is it what we pay at HK site all that is enough for safe delivery?
2. Should I get the items shipped individually to be safe from customs but then will have to pay individual shipping charges which is high, or as a whole while then again the net will exceed 15k or into smaller but different packages like 2 packages worth 8k
3. how many days will it take to get delivery from HK using the cheapest shipping available on their site?
4. Any other place to get parts for cheap without much customs problems?

Thank you again!

Split the packages as small as possible.. make it into small portions and order them separately..
Try to keep each parcel below 50$-60$
Then it won't create more probs..
Usually I will separate them to 500gms packs...
I will suggest you to get it from some lhs..

And customs duty depends upon luck as well as the delivery time.. an average delivery time is 12-25 days




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The RC 9ch controller comes for around 1.3kg, so guess I'll have to get it locally.. also what all parts would you reccommend getting from HK?

I suggest buying EVERYTHING from LHS just like arun said. Even though you may pay a little more, you wouldn't have to go through the hassle of customs. Trust me, every extra penny spent on LHS is worth it. In case you find something on HK that is not available locally, contact adiboy.

mm.. I have once suffered paying 500rs for a 1700 stuff when buying from china as customs.. so no more of that shit.. + cant wait for 3 weeks Will get everything locally or from adiboy Thanks again!