Head is spinning.... Where to start. 1st Project

[matkix]

Well.... Here is what I hope to go.

1. Find a good airframe, About 3-5' wing span. Something that a Eflight 480 can pull.

2. A good wireless video tx / rx and 1-2 live video cameras + 1 High Res digital remote managed camera.

3. Some type of auto pilot

4. A good groundstation.


So I'm working on a limited budget as everyone here is... So I want to build and do as much as I can myself. When I read the autopilot stuff I get totaly lost, head is spinning. I'm willing to learn what I can but can't do everything. I want to not have to build my own PCB... Can someone give me some pointers on where to start with the AP, anyone have any simple ideas...?

[matkix]

I'm guessing after all the reading I'm going to have to go with Deans AP, So... Airframe! Ideas please!

[Gary Mortimer]

Have a look at www.diydrones.ning.com there is lots of exciting stuff and open source to boot!!

Good luck

[matkix]

Gary, Thanks! I've been looking at that site for about a month or so now. They have some amazing ideas. What I'm hoping to find is something along the lines of some good airframe ideas. I'm just looking for something that I can drop my Eflite 480 in as a pusher or puller, I would like a high wing with a rather large area to add electronics. Then I would also like to place two small cargo bays on the wings allowing for a small electronics package or something of the sort. At this point alt hold and the ability for the craft to return to me are big points of interest. As I want to pilot the direction my self with the live video to take the snapshot photos. Then when I'm done have it return to my location and enter a holding pattern.