So, I hope this doesn't start a flame war, but being active in the Vape scene, I realize the term "clone" can be easily applied and cause a rash of disposition. However, I need help, and am not sure what is and what is not a clone in the world of quadcopter. Here's my situation... I started building robots as a middle aged college student after a life changing accident that pretty much left me disabled. I discovered that I love flying quads after building one for a robitic system, well, I turned around and bought a syma5c as an inexpensive toy, and am now ready for an upgrade. I no longer have access to the 3d printer or robotic lab at school since I've graduated, but I do have a few things at home I can build with. I started looking into building one then I realized that by the time I got the parts for a basic platform, I could by a Cheerson cx-20. That is what started my quest and landed me here. I don't know anything about these ready to fly quads, since there is not a real community in my area, this is something I fell into and am kind of trying to figure out what is and what is not a decent product. I do enjoy the flying by first person stuff, a good camera platform and something relaxing. The stunt and race craft really are not my thing. I LOVE THE DJI Products, however, there is now way I can afford that sort of investment at this time. Here is what I am looking at. Cheerson cx20 Cheerson cx22- perfect for me other than price lol Wingsland Pretty much the features I am hoping to be able to get is the monitor to see where the quad is going, a reasonable distance, altitude control, hover ability, stable flier, GPS and return to home. I should add, build quality and repairability are equally important. Ay advice, suggestions, and help would be more than appreciated. Thank you all, again if these are dji clones, I apologize, and if I could afford one, I would buy one in a heartbeat. I'd like to be under the 500$ mark
well, I just saw a DJI Phantom 2 for 722 http://www.gearbest.com/rc-quadcopters/pp_142636.html then the cheerson cx22 for 588 http://www.gearbest.com/rc-quadcopters/pp_183538.html Is the difference in what you are getting enough to make the price in increase worth it? And what is the difference between the phantom 2 and phantom 3? I believe the 3stanard was somewhere for 700$ I'm so lost
That does not seem to include a camera. That is a much more complete kit. 1080p camera, 5.8 GHz FPV with 7" screen. The quad also has a nicer, more modern look. Hard to say, on the surface the Cheerson easily trumps it. That said Cheerson QC was somewhat spotty with the CX-20. If I was going the Phantom route I'd opt for for an authorized dealer rather than GearBest. Also a vaper since 11-2009.
ahhh! Lol nice to see a fellow brethren! so, in all reality, is the dji that much better? Qc issues would drive me nuts, I don't know enough of what I'm looking at yet. is there something else I should be looking into?
not a whole hell of alot, and quite frankly having a grand in the air would me me a nervous wreck. I am in the USA (lousiana)
Why don't you grab one of these. Decent enough. Ships from the US. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Top-Selling-FY326-Q7-2-4G-6-Axis-Gyro-4-CH-UFO-RC-Quadcopter-With-LED-Lights-US-/201369497923?hash=item2ee28eb143:g:GGsAAOSwBLlVL42Z They fly pretty good. Couple spare batteries is a good idea. http://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-Upgrade-3-7V-600mAh-Lipo-Battery-for-Syma-X5C-X5C-1-X5-JJRC-H5C-Quadcopter-US-/171834580857?hash=item2802239f79:g:yrMAAOSwjVVViNjJ The latest versions (red PCB) may have poor range, so keep it close till you figure it out. I would also advise that you wrap some electrical tape around the 2 front arms or a horizontal stripe from motor to motor to help with orientation. Mastering orientation in all directions is the key. I would also cut off the 'tree hooks'.
Definitely need to cut the guards and the tape idea! that's a killer idea! I have something similar to that and a syma5c also, I'm wanting more flight time, better cameram altitude hold and first person view
Not to say you want to spend this much, but some have reported the Phantom 3S at Sams club (today) for $550. It's impossible to beat that price for a stabilized cam. The toy models are worth the $$ - but sooner or later most people want either GPS and/or a gimbal for longer range safety and better video. The Cheesons and Hobbykings (Quantum) are similar machines and have had some QC problems - BUT, if you don't mind a little troubleshooting they can be a good value. The real difference between those and the earlier Phantom 1 or Blade 350's seems to be out-of-the-box reliability. The problem today is that by the time you try to piece together a decent FPV GPS quad, the price is up to what a Phantom would cost. Of course, many pilots don't want a stable photo/video platform - they may want more excitement in a FPV type machine. Even then you can't beat the price of some of the packages like the Eachine Racer 250. These go from $150 (bare) to $300 complete with just about everything you need. Something in-between which can easily carry a Mobius camera might be the Syma X8 series - they even have FPV models but those use the poor stock camera that comes with it. I just bought one of the basic models and will start testing it today. It's quite large- size of a Phantom- but uses the cheaper brushed motors so I don't expect to get a lot of hours out of it before motor replacement. Also, no GPS. But for $80 it may just be a good step up on your way to better things.
I don't belong to sams but for 550$ I would jump all over it. Can't help but wonder of anyone does black Friday drone sales I may find that 550$ price tag again. the qc issues would not bother me so much if i knew more about the products. Considering I know as much about drones as I know about astrophysics, I'm better off getting one that has the build quality. the symac5-s that I have seem to be built well, and 80$, I can handle a few motor swaps. Lol, might have to keep an eye on those and phantom sales.
