NOTE: this build log is growing a beard. In the meantime there are several alternatives on the market where you can purchase complete Chinese kits for less than 150$, i.e. at GLB:
http://www.goodluckbuy.com/hobbies-a...lticopter.html


Not that I'm bored atm but I'm already thinking about a new build.
This time it's around 150$ and consists of some cheap components:


Parrot AR.drone central cross (25$)


http://ardrone.parrotshopping.com/us....aspx?i=199953



ArduWiino/MultiWii brain (30$)


http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1332876



Emax Motors 1200kV (24$)


http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store...idProduct=5354



HK ESCs 15/18A (26$)


http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store...idProduct=6456

Makes 105$ (+ shipping)
You also need to buy some props, prop savers and connector for the lipo.
At least you'll end up at around 150$ depending on shipping costs.

The Parrot frame comes pre-built with wires included. Unfortunately they're too thin so they can only be used for LEDs and such. Motors, dome and ESCs can be attached with small zip ties. The construction is tough enough to survive crashes without falling apart. I crashed it into a wall and the only thing that broke was 1 zip tie of one motor.

The frame has a center cross and motor mounts are made from one piece with short landing gears.
The parts are glued to some carbon fibre rods.

i love this project
it s exactly the same that french project
it s very cheap and fly great apparently

Thats a cool idea.. i may get one of these frames for that price..
but i would go with this motor works awesome with 7 to 8" props and would be easier to mount....
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...idProduct=2069

Originally Posted by G-unit

Thats a cool idea.. i may get one of these frames for that price..
but i would go with this motor works awesome with 7 to 8" props and would be easier to mount....
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...idProduct=2069

Jim (jesolins) pointed me to these, too. Only thing is the mounts have 4 holes and the frame has 3. Since I wanted to have it nice and handy I looked for alternative ones. Any suggestions how to mount these?

Originally Posted by kinderkram

Jim (jesolins) pointed me to these, too. Only thing is the mounts have 4 holes and the frame has 3. Since I wanted to have it nice and handy I looked for alternative ones. Any suggestions how to mount these?

same ones i always use and i use on my mk clone 11" frame

Looks like a great project! It's definately possible to build a cheap micro Quad. I just put together a KK-based micro, which ended up around $120. It's about 130 grams ready to fly.

I'm convinced. Though it would be nice to have an attached motor mount that fits to the 3 holes. Maybe I just drill the alu mounts then instead of the Parrot's.

btw: If I add the indoor hull, it'll make a nice AR.Clone.

Originally Posted by kinderkram

I'm convinced. Though it would be nice to have an attached motor mount that fits to the 3 holes. Maybe I just drill the alu mounts then instead of the Parrot's.

btw: If I add the indoor hull, it'll make a nice AR.Clo
ne.

Lol@clone. EPIC

Originally Posted by Quad_Addict

Lol@clone. EPIC

Hey Ken, why aren't you building one for your eldest son?
That way you could hand out the original Parrot to your youngster.
He doesn't look quite happy with only holding the hull



And imagine your eldest would fly his new AR.Clone among a group of original ones in the neighborhood - it'll act like a wolf in sheep's clothes!

Originally Posted by kinderkram

Hey Ken, why aren't you building one for your eldest son?
That way you could hand out the original Parrot to your youngster.
He doesn't look quite happy with only holding the hull



And imagine your eldest would fly his new AR.Clone among a group of original ones in the neighborhood - it'll act like a wolf in sheep's clothes!

my 6 year old is bored of his drone to be honest he wants to fly it with spektrum looooooool, the younger one flies the drone to but get board as well after a minute, my older does fly all of them, sept kk that one was to bouncy for him he said.

Mmm i think itīs a great idea to use a Parrot cross, itīs cheap and available in alot countries( less shipping cost), but howto convert from parrot connector to standard wires and mostly installing standard motors to those motor mounts will cause some problems.

I would buy one to myself, but i think itīs a bit small to a newb like myself so iīll stick to a custom frame with 50cm and 1045 props.

Bye,

Originally Posted by IronArthur

Mmm i think itīs a great idea to use a Parrot cross, itīs cheap and available in alot countries( less shipping cost), but howto convert from parrot connector to standard wires and mostly installing standard motors to those motor mounts will cause some problems.

I would buy one to myself, but i think itīs a bit small to a newb like myself so iīll stick to a custom frame with 50cm and 1045 props.

Bye,

I think there's still some DIY involved.
If I don't find appropriate connectors, I'll cut and re-solder them. If the motor mounts won't fit, I'll drill some "work-around".

Ordered all parts and waiting...

Originally Posted by kinderkram

I think there's still some DIY involved.
If I don't find appropriate connectors, I'll cut and re-solder them. If the motor mounts won't fit, I'll drill some "work-around".

Ordered all parts and waiting...

Suscribed and waiting for your findings..

What props will you use?

Bye,

Originally Posted by IronArthur

Suscribed and waiting for your findings..

What props will you use?

Bye,

I think I'll start with 8" since I have some lying around here. And later try 7" as G-Unit suggested.

Originally Posted by kinderkram

I think I'll start with 8" since I have some lying around here. And later try 7" as G-Unit suggested.

What. Size are the motor shafts?
I know th the 2 peice 7" u need 2pm shafts unless u rig something