Thinking of getting a DJI Multicopter,need some help


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ProPilotWannaBe

Member
You'll want a receiver that has at least 5 channels, preferably 7 to fully utilize the Naza. I use a Futaba R6208SB, but if I were to do it again, I might go for a R6303SB or 6202SB (cheaper, and all you need is a single sbus output).
Are you planning on doing video with it? If so, you'll want a landing gear and gimbal for the camera, and a video transmitter.
If you stick to stock motors, then you can use 3S or 4S if you stick to 8" props, or 3S batteries if you wanna go to 10" props. I like 3S 6000mah battery (for me a good balance of flight time and weight).
You may also want light orienting LEDs since you really can't tell orientation on an MR like you can on helis. If you do add LEDs, that would be another point in favor of a 3S battery.
As for your question about satellites, I'm not familiar with them?.
 

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Bruno28

Member
ProPilotWannaBe said:
You'll want a receiver that has at least 5 channels, preferably 7 to fully utilize the Naza. I use a Futaba R6208SB, but if I were to do it again, I might go for a R6303SB or 6202SB (cheaper, and all you need is a single sbus output).
Are you planning on doing video with it? If so, you'll want a landing gear and gimbal for the camera, and a video transmitter.
If you stick to stock motors, then you can use 3S or 4S if you stick to 8" props, or 3S batteries if you wanna go to 10" props. I like 3S 6000mah battery (for me a good balance of flight time and weight).
You may also want light orienting LEDs since you really can't tell orientation on an MR like you can on helis. If you do add LEDs, that would be another point in favor of a 3S battery.
As for your question about satellites, I'm not familiar with them?.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your help.
SO for 8'' prop use 4s and for 10'' prop use 3s lipo?

I have a 9ch RX with satelite, that should work.
I would like to do video, but the gimbals are so expensive any recommendations?

Also use Naze M V1 or V2? Is it that different?
 

B

bruce365

Null
Hi Bruno, my first multicopter was the DJI F550 kit with everything as your kit above (only at that time there was only a Naza1). Its a good learning platform and reasonably priced. The Naza makes it easy to learn and to fly without too much time wasted on setup.

If you use Graupner E-props you can comfortably use 4S batteries with 10" props (larger diam prop can lift more weight).
Do not use the original DJI props in cold weather as they will break in flight.

>I have a 9ch RX with satellite ? I assume a 9 channel Radio, the Naza has its own satellite GPS sensor for navigation.

If I were you for a few dollars more the Naza v2 would be the better option and its the latest release. I have seen Naza v1 with gps advertised for $280 us thats a good deal but they seem all to be out of stock.

The other option would be to buy a Naza lite they would be about half the price of Naza-M v2.

I found my standard F550 was fine and performed well in its basic configuration, but when I added landing gear, gimbal, telemetry and GoPro2 the craft became far less responsive due to the extra weight (2450grams) and the limited power of the dji motors (only 120 watt motors).

If you are going to load the F550 with stuff I would recommend buying more power full motors like the Tiger MT2216 motor 900kv or 800kv.
http://www.rctigermotor.com/show.php?contentid=143
If these are too expensive then the SunnySky V2216 version2 900kv or 800kv motors are also very good (some places selling them for about $25 each). http://www.goodluckbuy.com/sunnysky...-rotor-copter-outrunner-brushless-motor-.html

The DJI ESCs' are good, you can buy these items separately, the only things you do not need from DJI are the motors and the props.
Regards - bruce
 
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B

Bruno28

Member
bruce365 said:
Hi Bruno, my first multicopter was the DJI F550 kit with everything as your kit above (only at that time there was only a Naza1). Its a good learning platform and reasonably priced. The Naza makes it easy to learn and to fly without too much time wasted on setup.

If you use Graupner E-props you can comfortably use 4S batteries with 10" props (larger diam prop can lift more weight).
Do not use the original DJI props in cold weather as they will break in flight.

>I have a 9ch RX with satellite ? I assume a 9 channel Radio, the Naza has its own satellite GPS sensor for navigation.

If I were you for a few dollars more the Naza v2 would be the better option and its the latest release. I have seen Naza v1 with gps advertised for $280 us thats a good deal but they seem all to be out of stock.

The other option would be to buy a Naza lite they would be about half the price of Naza-M v2.

I found my standard F550 was fine and performed well in its basic configuration, but when I added landing gear, gimbal, telemetry and GoPro2 the craft became far less responsive due to the extra weight (2450grams) and the limited power of the dji motors (only 120 watt motors).

If you are going to load the F550 with stuff I would recommend buying more power full motors like the Tiger MT2216 motor 900kv or 800kv.
http://www.rctigermotor.com/show.php?contentid=143
If these are too expensive then the SunnySky V2216 version2 900kv or 800kv motors are also very good (some places selling them for about $25 each). http://www.goodluckbuy.com/sunnysky...-rotor-copter-outrunner-brushless-motor-.html

The DJI ESCs' are good, you can buy these items separately, the only things you do not need from DJI are the motors and the props.
Regards - bruce
Click to expand...

Thanks Bruce!
Awesome help!

What i mean by satelite is this: http://helidirect.com/spektrum-dsmx-remote-receiver-p-23625.hdx

The Graupner 10'' props are carbon fibre ones? The come in packs of CW and CCW, so i only need 3 sets?
SO should I just get the F550 frame, and get those motors and the DJI esc and the Nasa V2?

also whats a good gimbal that isn't too expensive?
 
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ProPilotWannaBe

Member
I have the X468 landing gear and gimbal (rc-drones.com) and am reasonably happy with it, but plan to upgrade to a brushless gimbal in the next month to improve the smoothness of my video.
I am not as motor/prop savvy as Bruce, but know a photo/video business out of Minneapolis of some friends that have two F550s, both using stock DJI motors and 10"x3.8" props with a gimbal from PhotoShipOne and video downlink, etc.
(I fly an F450 and S800, both with stock motors and props, so can't speak personally to the F550 as Bruce can.)
 

B

bruce365

Null
Hi Bruno, The Graupner are a very good prop but they are not carbon, there are some carbon imitations available from RCTimer
http://www.rctimer.com/index.php?gOo=goods_details.dwt&goodsid=782&productname=

Genuine Graupner available here:- http://www.electronicarc.com/catalo...0_120&osCsid=8e95bfbe36d6035f0d3de8bdf4160a70

Graupner props normally come in single packs and obviously you will need 3xCW and 3xCCW + good idea to get a few spares just incase.

If a Hexa is what you want then you can not go wrong with the DJI frame as your first multirotor copter. I can only speak for myself but yes I would just buy the DJI F550 frame (top&bottom plate, arms, DJI 30 amp ESCs' and the Naza v2) and buy the motors and props separately.

The F550 Genuin frame kit (make sure you get the genuine one not a copy, genuine is better quality and stronger) only costs $48 us
http://www.dronesvision.net/en/multicopters/357-dji-f550-flame-wheel-hexacopter-frame.html

As far as batteries perhaps start with a 4S 5000Mah or 5800Mah, this will give you about 10 to 15 minutes flight depending on weight and type of flying.
The cheapest batteries are available at HobbyKing:- http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__21381__ZIPPY_Compact_5800mAh_4S_25C_Lipo_Pack.html
These batteries are not as heavy as others of similar capacity, some (more professional) will not use these batteries but that is a choice you must make for yourself. When you have thousands of dollars of equipment flying in the air you need reliable batteries. Depends on how serious you want to get and how much money to spend.

Also with Naza v2 you will be able to expand in the future, FPV OSD VTX VRX etc. all DJI good quality equipment can be used.

Gimbal and landing gear that is a harder one, there are so many out there. These days you want to be looking at a brushless motor gimbal, the servo type gimbals within a hobby budget just do not work well and it would be money wasted.
Have a look at :- http://www.aeroxcraft.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=41
His landing gear and gimbal for the F550 has good positioning because the camera/gimbal is mounted forward so that the arms and props of your hexa are not visible in your video.

There are heaps of cheap china made gimbals eg :- http://www.rctimer.com/index.php?gOo=goods_details.dwt&goodsid=872&productname=
The choice is yours and how deep your pocket.
Regards - bruce
 


B

Bruno28

Member
bruce365 said:
Hi Bruno, The Graupner are a very good prop but they are not carbon, there are some carbon imitations available from RCTimer
http://www.rctimer.com/index.php?gOo=goods_details.dwt&goodsid=782&productname=

Genuine Graupner available here:- http://www.electronicarc.com/catalo...0_120&osCsid=8e95bfbe36d6035f0d3de8bdf4160a70

Graupner props normally come in single packs and obviously you will need 3xCW and 3xCCW + good idea to get a few spares just incase.

If a Hexa is what you want then you can not go wrong with the DJI frame as your first multirotor copter. I can only speak for myself but yes I would just buy the DJI F550 frame (top&bottom plate, arms, DJI 30 amp ESCs' and the Naza v2) and buy the motors and props separately.

The F550 Genuin frame kit (make sure you get the genuine one not a copy, genuine is better quality and stronger) only costs $48 us
http://www.dronesvision.net/en/multicopters/357-dji-f550-flame-wheel-hexacopter-frame.html

As far as batteries perhaps start with a 4S 5000Mah or 5800Mah, this will give you about 10 to 15 minutes flight depending on weight and type of flying.
The cheapest batteries are available at HobbyKing:- http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__21381__ZIPPY_Compact_5800mAh_4S_25C_Lipo_Pack.html
These batteries are not as heavy as others of similar capacity, some (more professional) will not use these batteries but that is a choice you must make for yourself. When you have thousands of dollars of equipment flying in the air you need reliable batteries. Depends on how serious you want to get and how much money to spend.

Also with Naza v2 you will be able to expand in the future, FPV OSD VTX VRX etc. all DJI good quality equipment can be used.

Gimbal and landing gear that is a harder one, there are so many out there. These days you want to be looking at a brushless motor gimbal, the servo type gimbals within a hobby budget just do not work well and it would be money wasted.
Have a look at :- http://www.aeroxcraft.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=41
His landing gear and gimbal for the F550 has good positioning because the camera/gimbal is mounted forward so that the arms and props of your hexa are not visible in your video.

There are heaps of cheap china made gimbals eg :- http://www.rctimer.com/index.php?gOo=goods_details.dwt&goodsid=872&productname=
The choice is yours and how deep your pocket.
Regards - bruce
Click to expand...

THANKS BRUCE!!!!
people on the multi rotor are so friendly and helpful!!!! AWESOME
Ok so ill get the F550 frame kit + DJI 30A ESC + NAZA V2 + motor I get SunnySky motors?
And lipos Im familiar with hobbyking, got a few for my Goblin 700 and Kasama E90 helis :)
 

B

bruce365

Null
Hi Bruno, the sunnySky would be fine, they are basically the same as the tiger but half the price. If you are going to stick with the 10 inch props then the 900kv motor might be better than the 800kv, but both will work. Make sure you get the V series not the X or A series and the type 2, eg V2216-II 900kv or V2216-II 800kv.

Do not forget to also purchase 8 to 5mm Adapter for Graupner propellers. The motor prop adaptor shaft is 5mm dia and the prop bore is 8mm (they are just aluminium bushes).

When you attach the Prop adaptors to the motors with the supplied socket head screws put a little Loctite on the thread so the screws can not become loose. You will find the allen key may be a slightly loose fit into socket head screw (China made), make sure you use a good quality key and hold it firmly into the screw when tightening.

You should balance the motors and the props, there is plenty of material on forums that discusses this procedure.

Regards - bruce
 
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Bruno28

Member
bruce365 said:
Hi Bruno, the sunnySky would be fine, they are basically the same as the tiger but half the price. If you are going to stick with the 10 inch props then the 900kv motor might be better than the 800kv, but both will work. Make sure you get the V series not the X or A series and the type 2, eg V2216-II 900kv or V2216-II 800kv.

Do not forget to also purchase 8 to 5mm Adapter for Graupner propellers. The motor prop adaptor shaft is 5mm dia and the prop bore is 8mm (they are just aluminium bushes).

When you attach the Prop adaptors to the motors with the supplied socket head screws put a little Loctite on the thread so the screws can not become loose. You will find the allen key may be a slightly loose fit into socket head screw (China made), make sure you use a good quality key and hold it firmly into the screw when tightening.

You should balance the motors and the props, there is plenty of material on forums that discusses this procedure.

Regards - bruce
Click to expand...

Awesome! Thanks!
good thing you warned me of the motor type. I think ill go with 10'' props so the V2216-II 900kv motor:)
 

gtranquilla

gtranquilla

RadioActive
Caution: The prop nuts can easily seize or freeze to the softer aluminum machined prop adapters if you tighten the nuts too hard or use the wrong type of Loctite. Once frozen.... you have to cut them off to get the props off. But they are cheap so buy spares. I prefer to buy motors that offer anodized aluminum or aluminum alloy prop hub adapters (they don't twist off like licorice). While the stock F550 with original motors will not typically create destructive vibration..... when upgrading to larger props with more powerful motors, vibration is a killer which will always result in a flight issues such as a fly-away. I use iSeisomometer for IPhone for balancing the motor and a quality ballbearing Dubro prop balancer for the props. Any vibration remaining can still cause issues MR control and video jello issues so you may still need to dampen remaining vibes or isolate vibes from you NAZA controller or IMU module as well as camera.
 

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bruce365

Null
Hi Bruno and gtanquilla, perhaps I did not make it clear enough, I did not mean to put Loctite on the nuts holding the prop in place but the 3 socket head screws that hold the prop adaptor to the motor. I would NOT use Loctite on the nut holding the prop itself, in that case I do NOT use the original supplied nut and spinner but use stainless steel nylock nuts only.
Regards - bruce
 

gtranquilla

gtranquilla

RadioActive
Good point......still it remains possible to freeze the prop adapter/nut assembly with any nut cranked on too tight.
 


B

Bruno28

Member
Ive been looking at some others multicopters like cinestar 6, man they are nice machines. Makes the F550 look child toy.
Im thinking of making a frame kit myself and putting the electronics on. Is that too complicated?
 

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