Hey everyone, new to drones and RC. I'm a DIY type of person and I want to build a drone from a kit. I don't know what is out there and I don't know enough to make a sound decision on what to purchase, here is what I'm looking for, -Low cost -easy to modify and upgrade -high carrying capacity for additional hardware, cameras, etc. -Durable, or at least inexpensive to repair -good battery life and range Curious on what everyone's opinions are, I saw a "v-tail" kit, any advantages to that design?
Realistically DIY is not our specialty here - you are probably better digging around over at RC Groups. As to the particulars, it totally matters what you want to do. If you want to speed around and FPV that is a totally different animal than one which takes pictures of landscapes, etc. In general you cannot build for less than you can buy these days but I do understand wanting to learn. Just be ready to spend a lot of time doing things other than flying. What I am saying is that scratch building is a hobby in itself and separate from the newer part where folks create "art" (images, video, etc.)... Another option would be to buy something or another and either add some of the hardware or fix it when it breaks (usually quite often if an FPV type of quad). You will learn a lot just in the tuning and the rebuilding and working with the FPV stuff, etc. Many of the brands such as Armattan and Eachine (250) sell the quads in various stages of completion. Good luck and happy holidays!
I like tricopters for their simplicity, maneuverability and flyability. The guy who inspired me recently deigned a V tail. Worth a peek. FWIW tricopters make excellent video platforms. Here's some of David Windestål's work. Note there is no gimbal used. That said he one heck of a pilot and editor.
Don't be afraid of DIY.... plastic drones are fine for those who shun technology and don't know a soldering iron from a clothes iron. If you want an "easy on the wallet" drone work horse.... start with an X525 (600mm) drone frame. It can be built to haul a 5 pound plus load. A typical X525 build is around $300 fully decked out! Mine runs 920Kv Motors, 10 inch carbon fiber props, a KK2.1.5 KK21EVO Flight Controller, and a Flysky FS-iA6B 6CH Receiver.... it kicks butt and I'll take the Pepsi challenge any day with any over the counter plastic drones at twice the price.
I can't imagine how many DIY/scratch built multirotors are just sitting around collecting dust. Ones that have never gotten off the ground, except to quickly flop over and break.
