I have made the decision and I need something more than than the ar drone that I have, I have spent weeks looking at 250 class fpv videos and have fallen in love with the angry sounding little beasts, I have had a look around a number of sites and as funds arent great costs will need to be kept low so hobbyking.com seems a good start i have put together a list of parts and would really appreciate some feed back and suggestions as to suitability. once i have the hang of things i would like to use the quad for trail bashing and routing through the local woods and parkland so would also love to hear from others that use 250 quads for the same purpose who can advise on range and antenna choice.
The List:
HobbyKing Spec FPV250 V2 Quad Copter ARF Combo Kit - Mini Sized FPV Multi-Rotor (ARF)
Features:
• Afro 12A V3 (SimionK) esc's and new V2 motors with better shaft's for more abuse
• One piece glass filled construction for durability
• Large 55x55mm cage protected flight controller bay
• Mounting Support for a 2 servo pan and tilt camera and video transmitter
• Removable landing gear
• Optimal running gear included, no guess work needed
• Budget minded fun
• Spec class for FPV club racing ( HobbyKingRacing.com )
Specs:
Wheelbase: 250mm
Weight: 110g
Height: 106mm with Landing Gear and Center Cage
Included:
1 x FPV250 frame kit
4 x Multistar 1704 Motors (updated shafts)
1 x Battery 1000mAh Turnigy 11.1V (3s LiPoly)
4 x Propellers 5x3x3in 2 green 2 black (CW and CCW)
4 x Afro V3 12A ESCs (Simionk)
1 x Power distribution Lead with Mini JST
1 x FPV pan and tilt kit
1 x Hardware for motor mounting and battery strap
1 x AfroFlight Naze32 Acro AbuseMark FunFly Controller
1 x Turnigy TGY-i6 AFHDS Transmitter and 6CH Receiver (Mode 2)
1 x Quanum Complete FPV Bundle Set w/ Goggles, 5.8GHz 32ch Video TX & RX, CP Antennas and Camera (PNF)
1 x Turnigy P403 LiPoly / LiFe AC/DC Battery Charger
2 x Turnigy 1300mAh 3S 30C Lipo Pack
Hopefully this covers everything that i will need for my very first fpv build if not please feel free to list any extra parts that i will need as i am a complete newbie
ok well I first dabbled in FPV250 MINI FROM HOBBYKING earlier last (sold it on) soon im jumping back into it
for great value (now) I can point you at some different suppliers with great motor/esc combos
http://www.fpvmodel.com/fmx250-mini-quadcopter-arf-rtf-package_g853.html (http://www.fpvmodel.com/fmx250-mini-quadcopter-arf-rtf-package_g853.html)
http://www.miracle-mart.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=12343 (http://www.miracle-mart.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=12343)
http://www.banggood.com/QAV250-Carbon-Fiber-ARF-Combo-EMAX-MT2204-12A-ESC-CC3D-p-965217.html (http://www.banggood.com/QAV250-Carbon-Fiber-ARF-Combo-EMAX-MT2204-12A-ESC-CC3D-p-965217.html)
there are some cracking prices fast shipping and have good spec'd motors and escs too boot
and if you want from the uk for fast uk support the uk boys
https://www.firstpersonview.co.uk/quadcopters/EMAX-Nighthawk-250-Quadcopter-Drone (https://www.firstpersonview.co.uk/quadcopters/EMAX-Nighthawk-250-Quadcopter-Drone)
I received the same quad this week and I am in process of putting it together. I ordered it from EU warehouse while it was on backorder and it has taken 2 months to deliver. I have KK board but I guess everyone will agree that your choice of the controller is better.
There isn't that much space on the frame, you may consider buying the cage as well:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=56663&aff=1195429 (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=56663&aff=1195429)
That would give a good measure of protection for your gear if or when you crash.
P.S If you are ordering multiple things from the same site overseas (outsied UK and EU) and the order comes over £100 split it in multiple orders under £100 otherwise you are likely to pay duties.
I am not a fan of the FPV 250. Ive never flown one, but ive seen and held one.
I did just spec up and order myself a 250, ordered on Thurs night at 10pm, arrived Sat morning.
All in it cost me £180 delivered, with a spare ESC, Spare motor, 4 batteries, and 20x props.
That was including a flight cam, but no VTx or goggles as I already have those.
Been flying it all week and love it.
Here is the thread about elecs: http://www.fpvhub.com/index.php/topic,27409.0.html (http://www.fpvhub.com/index.php/topic,27409.0.html)
You really, really don't need a pan and tilt setup on a 250 quad. Have a look at setting up a ZMR 250 or similar carbon fibre quad, loads of people are using them so there's tons of advice. They're also way stronger than that bit of Hobby King plastic is going to be.
Frame - http://www.banggood.com/H250-ZMR250-250mm-Carbon-Fiber-Mini-Quadcopter-Multicopter-Frame-Kit-p-933185.html (http://www.banggood.com/H250-ZMR250-250mm-Carbon-Fiber-Mini-Quadcopter-Multicopter-Frame-Kit-p-933185.html)
ESCs - http://www.banggood.com/Emax-Simonk-Series-12A-20A-25A-30A-40A-ESC-For-Quadcopter-QAV-250-p-918126.html (http://www.banggood.com/Emax-Simonk-Series-12A-20A-25A-30A-40A-ESC-For-Quadcopter-QAV-250-p-918126.html)
Motors - http://www.banggood.com/DYS-BE1806-2300KV-Brushless-Motor-2-3S-for-Mini-Multicopters-p-933192.html (http://www.banggood.com/DYS-BE1806-2300KV-Brushless-Motor-2-3S-for-Mini-Multicopters-p-933192.html)
Props - http://www.banggood.com/Gemfan-5x4-5040-Propellers-CWCCW-For-QAV250-Black-Green-p-946065.html (http://www.banggood.com/Gemfan-5x4-5040-Propellers-CWCCW-For-QAV250-Black-Green-p-946065.html)
All UK stock apart from the props.
Then HK for a Naze and some batteries.
I second not needing a pan and tilt. You wont have time to look around. ;D
lol the pan and tilt comes in the box but i was thinking the same with regards to looking around lol this is defo giving me some other places to look, thanks guys :)
so maybe this as a parts list:
bang good
H250 ZMR250 250mm Carbon Fiber Mini Quadcopter Multicopter Frame Kit (SKU147479) x 1
Emax Simonk Series 12A ESC For Quadcopter QAV250 (SKU122899) x 5
DYS BE1806 2300KV Brushless Motor 2-3S for Mini Multicopters (SKU147223) x 5
Gemfan 5x4 5040 Propellers CW/CCW For QAV250 Black & Green (1XPOA293286+1XPOA293287) x 10
76.40
hobbyking
9171000510-0 - AfroFlight Naze32 Acro AbuseMark FunFly .. x 1
9114000020-0 - Turnigy TGY-i6 AFHDS Transmitter and 6CH.. x 1
9171000553-0 - Quanum Complete FPV Bundle Set w/ Goggl.. x 1
T1300.3S.30 - Turnigy 1300mAh 3S 30C Lipo Pack x 2
128.01
Quad ect looks good, same as mine, you wont be disappointed. Lots of users and support, plus mods you can do once youre used to it.
Cant comment on the Turnigy radio or Quanums as ive never used/seen them.
Remember there are a few little extra bits and bobs needed.
A Power distribution board makes wiring a lot easier, but isn't essential if you would rather build a wire loom.
They vary from very simple:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__31223__Hobbyking_Multi_Rotor_Power_Distribution_Board_DIY_8_x_output_PCB_.html (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__31223__Hobbyking_Multi_Rotor_Power_Distribution_Board_DIY_8_x_output_PCB_.html)
to all included:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2329448#post30543197 (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2329448#post30543197)
Nylon stand offs, for mounting the Naze and PDB if you get the mini HK one. (these are just an example)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/180pcs-M3-Nylon-Hex-Spacers-Screw-Nut-Assortment-Kit-Stand-off-Plastic-Set-Black-/321583956273?pt=UK_DIY_Material_Nails_Fixing_MJ&hash=item4adfe5c131 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/180pcs-M3-Nylon-Hex-Spacers-Screw-Nut-Assortment-Kit-Stand-off-Plastic-Set-Black-/321583956273?pt=UK_DIY_Material_Nails_Fixing_MJ&hash=item4adfe5c131)
Battery straps, Velcro and zip ties should all be kept in supply too. :D
cables are my ocd lol, used to work as a network tech so wires MUST be very tidy :o also means the supplies of cable ties and velcro straps are a given in this house. are nylon stand offs a must or will motherboard ones do the job?
Quote from: twistedar on January 21, 2015, 04:08:52 PM
cables are my ocd lol, used to work as a network tech so I just ram everything in there however I can then bugger off.
Fixed for pretty much every network technician I ever came across.
I am not sure on the motherboard mountings. Think the standard is 3mm mounting holes, so if they fit that should be all good.
lol @ Loopdreams.
Thanks again again Ratty :)
lol@loopdreams the guy i worked for had serious ocd all of his cables were neat, tidy and not allowed to be twisted in the bundles and the git wanted cable ties every 6in lol so it kinda rubbed off after 4 years of working for him.
i have to say i do like the of the second board you linked to ratty, i had actually just looked at that thread before you posted and it looks like it would make for a very nice tidy install indeed.
This is another nice PDB, not sure if you can still order them. Batch two is also nice if you can find one. :D
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2293247&highlight=pdb+zmr+250+batch+3 (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2293247&highlight=pdb+zmr+250+batch+3)
They are defo the tidiest way of building.
Hehe looks like I have missed out on that one may have to go for the other one though, looks like it has had a lot of time and effort put into the design. I am like a big kid at the moment lol I am itching to order stuff but the adult side of me wants to make sure that I don't rush things and get a good value for money build that will withstand me learning to fly
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They are expecting another batch of that second one anytime soon. Keep an eye out here:
http://www.team-legit.com/# (http://www.team-legit.com/#)!overcraft-pdb/c1xk4
I know the feeling very well. Trust me, it is always better to do a little research and buy right the first time. Not only does it save you money, but also a lot of frustration and head banging when something doesn't work.
These little 250s are tough, just make sure you have plenty of props. I flew full whack into a cross bar of a goal the other day. Didn't even dent the quad frame. ;D
Lol that's good to know I almost lost my ar drone the other week not watching for winds cutting across a roof when I flew to high and I got slammed into the wall of one of the thames defence forts in Essex about 20-30 foot up and ended up with one foot of the landing gear stuck in a metal grate, fortunately I use to volunteer at said building for open days and stuff so managed to get the park warden to let me up to retrieve the drone. That was a cheek clenching lesson in how not to fly lol
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Just another quick question regarding antennas for the radio gear, what's the best way to go for routing around in woodland areas and what sort of ranges am I likely to get?
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I don't know anything about that Turnigy radio, but the stock antennas should be fine. If you want long range 2.4ghz, then have a look at the Taranis. More expensive, but its all the radio youll ever need.
You will want circular for the video gear though.
Range is dependent on a lot of things.
The Taranis does look very nice but may have to wait a bit before i can convince the other half that i NEED to have it lol
You really don't need anything fancy for a 250 quad. You won't be flying miles away and you don't need a dozen channels and mixers, timers etc etc.
lol i think the turnigy will do for now and i will see how i get on with that at first,
. Right time for me to order parts i think the its just the wait for them to arrive :o
Agreed, all the fun ive had with the 250 has been within 2-300m of myself.
Youll be surprised how fast the stuff can arrive if ordered in the UK. You could be building this weekend. ;D
Thats it i have everything on order now so just need to wait for the deliveries to roll in
Great stuff, any problems just ask away. :D
Buy yourself ticket to Preston, if it was somewhere nearer I might have done it as well.
Thanks for all the help so far ratty I am sure I will be messaging like mad when things start arriving and my brain explodes lol
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So today is the day I start my build, everything is now here and I am off to get some supplies for the wiring and soldering and then I will be picking brains left right and centre for assistance. I will get plenty of pics for the build.
posted from Tap Talk on my kindle fire hdx
well I have the main power in for the escs and motors but have a question about the wiring from the escs to the naze, in the setup I am going by it says that only one of the escs needs all three wires to the naze, if so do I need to disable the 5v and ground on the other escs ?
posted from Tap Talk on my kindle fire hdx
Depends on ESCs as well. If you have Afro 12 ESC V3 from your list you should be able to plug all 4 and only one will be used. I plugged all 4 in KK board without removing power wires and it all works OK and Naze should be OK as well. You can always pop them out and leave one to do the work if you wish.
Some Afro 12 ESC where shipped with 6V output which some of the older stock Naze boards did not like. If you purchased your stock recently you should be OK - it is worth checking though for peace of mind.
I went with the emax ones that ratty suggested in the end
posted from Tap Talk on my kindle fire hdx
I looked at the product page, unless you have 40A UBEC (switch type) which I am pretty sure you don't then you are OK plugging them without removing wires coz the rest are of linear type.
I unplugged mine, don't know if you have to or not, its just habit. :D
I get a blade and just pull the centre pin out then tape it back. Means I can always plug it back in if needed.
Hey guys, so plugged everything in and i havent blown anything with dodgy soldering lol, still need to check and correct any motor direction issues, calibrate the escs and then start securing stuff properly then its on to the fpv gear install as that is plug and play. cant seem to get the switches on the i6 to show in baseflight only the two dials as VRA is aux1 and VRB is aux2 with no input on aux 3-4
so the not blowing anything up didnt last, i just discovered that touching the antennas of a turnigy ia6 reciver on the carbon frame WILL short out, and then magic smoke and an order for parts :o
With the replacement receiver on its way to me and all the basic tests done on the naze ie motor rotation, esc calibration done what basic settings should I be looking at adjusting on the naze for a 250 quad I have watched a number of naze setup videos and read a couple of the guides but they all seem to be aimed at larger quads.
The PID tuning is a personal preference thing, only way to know what you like is to try it.
Have you downloaded baseflight or cleanflight yet?
Ive only used baseflight, and it is very straight forward to use.
Make sure you have the settings for the board orientation right, so the image moves as the quad does. That's the most important thing.
I found the yaw very slow, so you may want to turn that up, but its up to you.
cheers for the reply Ratty, i have don the basics with baseflight so calibration is done and the basics in the cli although i do still need to enable and set the fail safe, i will have to have a look at the PIDs when i get the receiver and can do a bit of testing. hopefully i will get the receiver early today so i can do a little testing before i go away for the weekend.
as i side note i have also made up a short usb lead that i can leave connected to the naze for the moment to allow easy connection for tuning.
I mounted my board 90 degrees rotated so the usb is pointing out the side and easy to access. :D
i did consider that but i didnt fancy the motor connections on the outside of the frame, as it is the receiver connections are on the side at the moment, personally i think in the 250 quads the headers would have been better at the front and rear of the board to keep them safe and then the usb could have been mounted on the side. i have managed to get a fairly tidy install just need to make sure that everything is isolated from the frame wiring wise now lol
My friend mounted his with 90 degree headers, pointing down out the bottom of the board but facing toward the centre of it. Made for a very tidy build, you cant see much wire and its all protected.
I just bodged mine together to get it flying. ;D
Will rebuild once my "fancy" PDB arrives.
i like the idea of mounting the headers facing in, wish i had thought of that lol, i may have to grab another naze and see how well that works in the future.
Ill be flying with him tomorrow, will get a pic of it for you.
just a couple of images from my build so far.
1. antennas do short out :o
(http://s17.postimg.org/w10y88ssr/IMG_2703_1.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/w10y88ssr/)
2. Wiring loom in the works
(http://s24.postimg.org/t2fcy7a4x/IMG_2682_1.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/t2fcy7a4x/)
3. tidied up wiring all sandwiched tightly between the lower plates
(http://s24.postimg.org/z4mzooykx/IMG_2697_1.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/z4mzooykx/)
4. Grass hopper impressions
(http://s21.postimg.org/z3pgecywz/IMG_2700_2.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/z3pgecywz/)
awesome thanks for that :D its quite interesting to see the differences in peoples builds even for what is effectively the same quad
Finally got the replacement naze soldered up and in.
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/12/7ba1c985df246bc625c3b68c11426d06.jpg)
Thought I would have a go at facing the header for the escs inwards and it seems to have worked quite nicely. I have done a couple of indoor flights to get my settings dialled in a little, now it's just finding the time and space for a larger test flight ☺️
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Looking good. So you all ready for a maiden?
Didn't meet up with my friend last weekend as he wasn't allowed out to play. Hopefully he will be allowed out tomorrow, ;D
Gonna try for a maiden this weekend but have no way to record the fpv yet so will have to be recorded with the phone, maybe I can set the phone up in the quanum headset for a ride along lol
posted from TapaTalk on my kindle fire hdx
Don't worry too much about recording, just enjoy yourself.
I still haven't recorded a flight yet, been having too much fun. :D
So first real test flight today and first ever real rc flight, I have to connect the fpv up yet so no fpv video yet and definitely need more tuning and lots more yaw 😳
twistedar - FPV Hub(6794318) on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/119704658)
That last landing chipped a prop as shown below so thought I would give it a break and do some more tuning first so any tips for tuning would be really handy having never done this before
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/02/15/b2d5e4602980e23b417f65fbfc5167ab.jpg)
I find the yaw really needs cranking up, its very sluggish as default. What else don't you like/want to tune? It looked like it flew pretty nice.
I ordered 60 props. Everything else takes plenty of abuse. ;D
Do you adjust your PID each in order ie P I D? For each?
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It isn't the quickest to respond to throttle when it starts to drop but that could just be a need for more flight experience on my part
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You are supposed to tune them all individually then test, adjust and repeat until you are happy. Some people get obsessed and never actually fly it. :D
I just found some settings of someone with the same set up and copied their PIDs, then tweaked the rates so it responded how I liked it.
The throttle response could be considered a little delayed, they wont go up as soon as you tell it too if you are dropping unless you give it plenty of up. If youre dropping fast it can feel like quite a delay but you will get used to it. If you are hovering and rev the throttle, it should go up pretty quickly tho.
You can adjust throttle curves to your liking if you want more or less response.