SM450 w/KK2, My First Quad Setup

[kaivalagi]

Hi All,

I figured now that all my orders are atleast at the point of shipping I might as well list out the parts and explain what I am planing to do. This is my first ever RC quad build and the first time I will ever be flying anything RC so I am going to hit the ground (not too often I hope) running...I used to race RC cars back in my youth so I am used to RC in general but just from the old days of NiMH batteries and expensive electronics not like now, I used to race a lovely Schumacher Cat and wish I still had it :)

Most of you guys will have seen this all before I am sure so in reality it';s probably going to be more of a benefit for me when I need to ask questions than for anything else. Hopefully some newbies like me will gain from the thread in the longer term too, who knows.

So, I';ve done some research and have got the following here or on it';s way:

• 9XR Transmitter - best entry level transmitter I figured, it';s what';s held up my progress so far due to stock issues
• FrSky JR Module and telemetry receiver - figured best for the long haul, especially if the new 12ch FrSky radios are the biz later)
• FrSky telemetry screen - $20 so no brainer I thought
• KK2 Flight Controller board
• RcTimer SM450 V2 Frame - ordered a second V1 frame for spares as it seemed cheaper than buying just legs
• RcTimer 12 pair pack of 10x4.5" props in red - I like red for danger
• 4 x Turnigy Aerodrive SK3 - 2826-980kv Brushless Motors - good rpm / v for this type of quad?
• 4 x Hobby King F-30A UBEC ESCs - I figured why not get 30A for future proofing
• Turnigy 2650mAh 3S 1C LLF Transmitter Lipo - slow discharge but now there is a 9XR lipo with protection circuit available
• 3 x Turnigy Nano-Tech 2650mah 3S 25~50C Lipo - can';t have too many from what I gather, good weight to capacity/discharge rate
• Turnigy Accucel-6 50W 6A Balancer/Charger - got a separate PSU for it
• A bunch of wire, heat shrink tube, male to male servo connectors, XT60 and 3.5mm motor connectors, cable ties, velcro strips, nylon posts etc etc

Hopefully I';ve not missed anything...if I have please do shout 

Here';s something I couldn';t stop myself doing even through I should have just waited:


More to follow once I get stuff arriving and start building  ::)

[eyeflying]

You may want to add a battery monitor/buzzer to that list. Very cheap at around £3 - £5 but an invaluable piece of kit.

[kaivalagi]

You may want to add a battery monitor/buzzer to that list. Very cheap at around £3 - £5 but an invaluable piece of kit.

Thanks for the reminder, I thought about it some time ago but dismissed it as the KK 2.0 board seems to have this ability!? http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=36363

Anyone done this with their KK 2.0?

For all I know it';s not a great feature and I may be better using the separate buzzer as you';ve suggested...so thanks for the reminder cause I had forgotten about it!

edit: Found this, should have searched Youtube the first time around, looks like I need to get me some more connectors and a buzzer:
KK2 Voltage Alarm Setup

[kaivalagi]

Couple more questions I have...

1) I have a avr programmer coming too so I can flash the KK 2.0 board and the ESCs (I checked before ordering, they are simonk firmware capable). I will make sure the KK2 board is at v1.5 but is it really worth worrying about the ESCs to begin with? Will it help in with the learning curve to stick simonk firmware on the ESCs or turn them into something that is a bit more demanding for a first timer?

2) Are there any decent waterproof cases around to put a KK 2 board into? I like the idea of a little water proofing...any cheap options you guys use at all?

[Gaza07]

From what ive read the kk2 does actually perform better with flashed esc';s but it wouldnt hurt any thing to try  them with out flashing, the only thing is you will need to be able to set the esc';s up disable the battery monitor and brake, for this you either have to enter setup mode as per the esc instructions  or get a setting card for them, once a esc is flashed with simonk all these features are removed from the esc as they are not needed and can cause problems, I suppose Im saying flashing them is prob the better idea 
As for water proofing I use old cd tubs to mount my flight controllers in and I have have also used those click lock food tubs from wilkinsons before 

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[kaivalagi]

Thanks Gaza, I';ll program the ESCs when I get them...just gotta make the adapter for the job first...glue gun is at the ready :)

Another question...maybe I made a mistake buying the rctimer plastic props? They are cheap so I don';t expect much but maybe I ought to find a new set somewhere else?

Which leads me on to the next question, I am awaiting 980KV motors, based on all the discussions I get the sense I might be better off with props smaller than 10"? Would 8" be too small? 9" props seem hard to find....or am I worrying about nothing and 10" props will do the job for a beginner just fine?

[Gaza07]

I think the motors around the 1000kv mark are ok with 9 or 10 inch props its probably more of a personal preference, I use 1040kv and 1100kv motors with 10 ich props and have no problems with them, but I wouldn';t discount using 9 inch I haven';t tried that size yet but will do 

[rokit5]

Quite the list...It';s just the waiting now.
Heres a picture of my 500:

I';m still waiting for parts for my 450...Sorry Gary. 

[Jumpy07]

 I have same frame... running 9" props on mine.. will be interested to see what yours flies like

Its a very hardy frame.. loads of space for stuff...  I run 3300ma 3S nanos on mine which seems just about right for balancing the GoPro

[rokit5]

I';m still new but it flies nice with 2200mAh 3Ss at the back with the weight trimmed out until i get the GoPro on the front.
Have you got any videos of yours flying?

[kaivalagi]

Unless something better and as cheap turns up later on I will more than likely go for one of those reptile frames when the FPV fever takes hold...loads of room on the frame for the extra rx/tx / fpv cam / gopro / gps etc...it';ll likely be one of those with an APM clone and all the FPV trimmings...I have a nice small laptop that';ll be just the ticket for the ground station :)

First I need to crash my simpler quad lots first, I figure I need to be able to flip and barrel roll well before I move on though :evil

[rokit5]

I';ve mounted the GPS antenna on the top but as far as I know I don';t think thats important, it can be mounted inside.