How to Build a Quadcopter

Intro: How to Build a Quadcopter

Wouldn't you like to have a quadcopter that, with a flip of a switch, will fly a pre-programmed flight path? Sure there are ready to fly quadcopters and kits, but if you build a quadcopter from scratch, you will know exactly how it works. Since it is customized to how you want it, you are in control on how much it can do. Although straight out of a box is easier, you may have to modify it. In this instructable, you will learn how to build, program, and fly a quadcopter... and break them and fix them.

STEP 1: The Parts

1. x650f quadcopter frame - $32.39
2. (4)D2830 1000 kv - $9.93
3. (4)30 amp turnigy esc - $12.03
4. APM 2.5.2 control board
5. (2 or 4)3s 2200mah turnigy battery - $19.99
6. 11x4.5 black props - $3.15
7. 11x4.5 blue props - $3.15
8. battery voltage alarm - $2.66
9. xt60 charging lead - $2.99
10. 10x10cm servo leads - $4.75
11. xt60 to 4 3.5mm bullet - $2.90

STEP 2: Putting It Together

Assuming you have already bought all of the parts for this build...

Step 1. Lay all of the pieces out on a table that is not over carpet. Put the frame together using a

STEP 3: Changing the Kk2.1 Board

This step will require some patience and time. On the kk2.1 board you will need to go into the menu and change all of the values the pictures that I have above. Once you do that, you will need to just fine tune it. For instance if the quadcopter is oscillating, then you will either need to change your P-gain or your I-gain. After all of the values are set right you can back out into the menu of the board. Whenever you are ready to fly, then just turn on your receiver, and the quadcopter. Then move the left stick to the bottom right position, and the board should say armed. You are now ready to fly!

I now have got an apm 2.5.2 board with gps on it. This way I can input coordinates into the board, and it will fly to them.

STEP 4: Adding the Gimbal

Once you get the gimbal, you will need to plug the gimbal controller into the computer and change the values, or the gimbal will just constantly vibrate. once all of the values are set right the gimbal should be very smooth.

Comments

[camman61898]

what do you need me to explain?

[RobertoQ1]

Hello my name is roberto i dont really know a lot about drones and I am planning to built one for fun, and I am planning to built one. I wanna know the difference between the apm and the kk2? Is it really big the difference and how much trouble is it going to cost me to adjust it. Thanks

[colewasdalhein]

Hey, great set up! Off the top of your head do you know how much of a payload it can carry? I'm looking to make a quad-copter that can carry a decent amount of weight, yet I cannot seem to find a lift rating for these motors.

[camman61898]

ok, so now I use different more efficient motors with a 3s 5200nah 10c battery. the motors that I use are Turnigy Multistar 4225-610Kv 16Pole Multi-Rotor Outrunner that I got from hobbling. the link is below. and I carry a go pro which puts the overall flying weight at about 5.5 lbs, and the flight time of about 15 minutes. With out the gopro, I get about 20 minutes of flight time. what are you trying to carry? hope this helps a little bit!

http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_listCategoriesAndProducts.asp?cwhl=XX&pc=501&idCategory=503&curPage=2&v=&sortlist=&sortMotor=&LiPoConfig=

[chewdog316]

I like the information you have put here. Using your info plus another popular instructable on here, you could have a very powerful drone. You have some great info. Also, have you tried the eyefi adapter?

[camman61898]

well thank you very much!! and no I have not tried that yet.

[jcb1789]

Out of curiosity, what types or receivers and transmitters do you use for yours? If you included that above I'm terribly sorry but I can't seem to find them. Also I'm having a hard time finding a recommended quadcopter controller I was wondering if you could give me your recommendations. Thanks in advance.

[camman61898]

Also those switches at the top of the controller mean that you can load more stuff onto your controller so that the apm 2.5.2 control board can have more functions like altitude hold, or position hold, or other things like that.

[camman61898]

I am just using a bare bone transmitter and receiver. The transmitter/receiver setup that I would recommend is the turnigy 9x 9 channel controller from hobbyking. I would recommend that, because it has lots of switches at the top, and it is a very good and cheap setup. What do you mean by quadcopter controller? If you are talking about the control board, I would recommend the apm 2.5.2/2.6 control board with gps. I would recommend this control board, because since it has gps, you can program it to fly autonomously, and you can have rhe return to home function, and many more. Also, this board is a very cheap board compared to the dji naza m, yet it can be programmed to do a lot more things. And whenever I say program, I am not talking about writing code or anything, I am talking about a very user friendly program.

[camman61898]

Well, just ask questions on what you don't understand. Also, you can suggest ideas as to what I need to add. Thank you for your feedback!

[jcb1789]

Do you think there is any chance you could add some detail into the wiring of all the systems together and then finally to the motor control board? Overall I like the instructable and it is very easy to follow, just need a little help with the wiring. Thanks in advance camman.

[camman61898]

well if you look at the last picture, then you plug motor 1 into port m1 and motor 2 into port m2 and so on. once those are plugged in, plug the first port on the left of the screen into channel 1 of your reveiver. Then plug the second port into port 2 on the receiver, do the same for port 3. but on ports 4 and 5 switch them around and plug port 5 into 4, and port 4 into 5. I hope that this helped... if you need anymore information, then just ask!

[jcb1789]

Makes more sense now. I haven't gotten all the materials I need to work up to that step but seems self-explanatory now that you've said that. If I need anymore help once I get the materials I'll be sure to ask. Thanks again.

[camman61898]

sorry, the last picture on step 3.

[incognito0288]

He's right it is vague...

[jnoahr]

This is a very vague instructable. Details please....

[camman61898]

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!!