Anyone else build their own drone?

[flyby]

This has become addicting!!!

Wish I had more electronics/software knowledge. And my soldering skills suck!!!

Anyway, built a 450 quadcopter from scratch. Fortunately I had good help available for setting things up. Have the FPV (live video feed), GPS stabilization, and Return Home all working. Still have some tuning to do, but happy with what it does now.

Next trip to the lease I should be able to sit at the cabin and fly out and check the feeders for pigs. If there's pigs, grab a gun/bow. If not, grab another beer.

This has been a long and sometimes frustrating project, but now I'm planning my next build.

[Geezy Rider]

What kind of money do you have in this project? Did you build from a kit or 100% custom?

[Hawkpuppy 1]

What he said? How much for DIY drone?

[Playa]

What kind of money do you have in this project? Did you build from a kit or 100% custom?

X2, inquiring minds want to know!

[flyby]

No kit, but not sure how much I have in it. I can say more than I planned on. Part of it's screw-ups (have I said my soldering skills suck?) and part of it is upgrades to do things I wanted that I didn't understand in the beginning. I would guess I have about $900.00 in it, but that includes a $250 controller that will work on any additional builds I do (can program up to 60 different planes/helicopter/quads in the same one).

I was looking for a fairly large, stable platform- not for acrobatic flying. I can say this is both. It has really tested my flying skills- but I'm learning.

Seems like I keep finding new things to do/add. Just added some LED lights so I can see it/fly it at night. Now I "need" a better display monitor (dual diversity for two antennas for greater distance in FPV mode).

BTW, my soldering skills suck. Anyone give lessons?

[flyby]

There are drones out there that are ready to fly with GPS and FPV available for about the same or a little less than what I have in mine. I have already been there a few times (don't ask), but decided to build my own. If you don't have a lot of knowledge in electronics and software do not attempt it unless you have a lot of patience and good help (there is help available if you look for it).

[flyby]

Pics

[Geezy Rider]

Awesome job. Quite an undertaking. Certified aircraft solder'er here.

[flyby]

Lights on!

[flyby]

Awesome job. Quite an undertaking. Certified aircraft solder'er here.

I need lessons. How about a pig hunt in Poolville?

[stxhunter]

Good looking build. I've got one as well. What frame did you use? What flight controller are you using? I'll get you some pics here in a minute.

[wes122984]

soldering is pretty easy as long as you are working with some decent equipment. couldn't teach you anything you couldn't learn on youtube though

[stxhunter]

My 650 size quad.



I use the smaller one more often than my big 650

[Pedernal]

Awesome job! Wish I was closer, I would help with the soldering tutor stuff. I was an electronics technician for ten years before I went into law enforcement. Since it's not a kit, where did you find the necessary info to put the project together? Interested in doing something similar.

[Geezy Rider]

I need lessons. How about a pig hunt in Poolville?

Right up the road from me. but I think you already knew that.

It could be arranged.