UpAViation

This is a blog I started a little after I began building a quadcopter in summer 2014. Its purpose is to log my progress as well as to offer a resource for others embarking on similar projects.

[upaviation]

The Frame

The first place to start after receiving the parts is the frame construction.

The q450 v3 frame's assembly is straightforward. The frame comes with a picture of the frame and a parts list, which is enough to figure out assembly. You need a 2mm hex wrench for the screws that it comes with (not sure what size exactly). Make sure not to over-tighten the screws as they strip fairly easily. Line up the screw holes on the arms with the holes on the glass fiber main platform by flexing the platform. This will ensure that the screws go in and hold properly. The frame has an integrated printed circuit board (PCB) if one wanted to solder the ESCs directly to the frame. I did not make use of this feature for two reasons: if at any time I need to replace an ESC, I would have to unsolder and re-solder another ESC to the frame and my soldering skills are close to nonexistent.

You will also notice that the frame is designed to fly in an "x" formation as opposed to a "+" formation.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__49725__Q450_V3_Glass_Fiber_Quadcopter_Frame_450mm_Integrated_PCB_Version.html

Overall, I think this is a great frame to start with, especially considering its price.

[upaviation]

Parts List

Please keep in mind that this list of parts is just one of a myriad of combinations of parts that will work together. I did a fair amount of research to gather this list. For the purpose of this blog, I will only refer to the parts on this list.

- 1 x Frame: 

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__49725__Q450_V3_Glass_Fiber_Quadcopter_Frame_450mm_Integrated_PCB_Version.html

*- 4 x Motors:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__25084__NTM_Prop_Drive_Series_28_26A_1200kv_286w_short_shaft_version_.html

*- 4 x Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs):

 http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__25364__Turnigy_Multistar_20_Amp_Multi_rotor_Brushless_ESC_2_4S.html

- 4 x Prop adapters:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__16719__NTM_Prop_Drive_28_Series_Accessory_Pack.html

- 4 x Propellers:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__25819__10x4_5_SF_Props_2pc_CW_2_pc_CCW_Rotation_Blue_.html

*- 1 x Battery:

 http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=8932

- 1 x Battery Charger:

 http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__7028__Turnigy_Accucel_6_50W_6A_Balancer_Charger_w_Accessories.html

- 1 x Receiver and Transmitter (RX/TX):

 http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__24969__Turnigy_6X_FHSS_2_4ghz_Transmitter_and_Receiver_Mode_2_.html

- 1 x Servo Leads (pack of 10):

 http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=21758

- 1 x Power Distribution board:

 http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__28255__Hobby_King_Quadcopter_Power_Distribution_Board_USA_Warehouse_.html?strSearch=power%20distribution

- 2 x Arduino Uno: Just search for these to find the best price Arduino 

- 1 x servo shield:

http://www.vetco.net/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=12708

- 1 x gy-521 accelerometer and gyroscope board: These can be found many places online. I got mine off Amazon.

- 1 x Arduino Wireless Transceiver:

 http://www.amazon.com/nRF24L01-Wireless-Transceiver-Arduino-Compatible/dp/B00E594ZX0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403127751&sr=8-1&keywords=arduino+transceiver

* You may want to get more of these items to have spares.

Other odds and ends that I acquired along the way include velcro squares and zip ties (cable ties). These are helpful for securing the hardware onto the quadcopter frame. Also make sure that you have wires to connect the gy-521 accelerometer and gyroscope board to the Arduino.

[upaviation]

Introduction

This is a blog I started a little after I began building a quadcopter in summer 2014. Its purpose is to log my progress as well as to offer a resource for others embarking on similar projects.

My main objective of this project was to develop the code for the quadcopter's flight controller using an Arduino Uno board and to control the quadcopter two different ways: from a Turnigy 6X transmitter and from my laptop.