So I am going to do it!

[twistedar]

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

[mark1975]

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.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

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

[highlander]

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

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.

[Ratty]

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

[Loopdreams]

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.

[Ratty]

Frame - 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

Motors - 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

All UK stock apart from the props.

Then HK for a Naze and some batteries.

[Ratty]

I second not needing a pan and tilt. You wont have time to look around.  ;D

[twistedar]

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 :)

[twistedar]

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

[Ratty]

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

to all included:

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

Battery straps, Velcro and zip ties should all be kept in supply too.  :D

[twistedar]

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?

[Loopdreams]

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.

[Ratty]

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.

[twistedar]

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.

[Ratty]

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

They are defo the tidiest way of building.