AJ3DVFX: DJI F450 Aerial Video Build!

--DJI F450 Quadcopter--

Over the past few months I have been building up a quadcopter or "drone" for aerial photography and video. I have posted a load of videos up on youtube already but I will cover some build aspects here for people who want to look at building their own. It was not overly complicated but it did involve a LOT OF READING!.... reading and research will save you lots of $$ and possible first lift off crash.

I already had RC building experience so I didnt find this challenging to build but if you are not confident with a soldering iron, or used to the RC world of controllers and tech jargon - you may want some help. There are loads of videos on youtube and forums filled with people who are willing to help. Patience is key & do it right first time.

You will need

A frame kit of sorts ( DJI, Tarot, HobbyKing )
Motors and Electronic Speed Controllers or "ESC's"
Propellers between 8" to 10" - I recommend the Graupner E-Props 10/5"
Flight Controller ( DJI Naza-M, KK2, AeroQuad )
Lipo batteries - 3 to 4 Cell
Lipo Charger and safe pack
Radio System (2.4Ghz with at least 6 channels)
Camera Gimbal - loads to choose from but the Tarot Hero3 Gimbal seems like a clear winner for $$

First off is the kit, I chose the DJI Flamewheel F450.. very similar to the ready built phantom but with the ability to customize and upgrade. The frame kit was $220 AUD and included the motors, esc's, 2 sets of propellers, wire and a few other extra's.

The main build part is the base plate where the esc's and power wires are soldered onto the bottom board. Take your time!! check your + and -, also once completed and checked with a multimeter cover the joints with hot glue blobs.. this will protect them from moisture in the air.

The next steps are to install the electrontics such as flight controller, reciever & motors. I chose the DJI Naza-M with GPS for my flight controller... not the cheapest option out there but was worth the $$.. I picked up a version 1 for $260 USD as they are being phased out for a version 2.

For more info check out http://www.dji.com/product/naza-m-v2/

The stock 920Kv motors have a surprisingly big punch for such a small motor!

For radio gear I went with the Futaba T8J as it was not only cheaper but has an amazing system called S-Bus.. basically a digital signal to the Naza-M not an analogue send.. this is not only more accurate but you will only need to connect one cable to control everything!! I have been warned against Spektrum for quad use as it can cause issues and "fly aways!"

Once assembled and the calibration process is complete its important to do a check without the blades on the motors!! the motors and propellers need to spin a certain direction so check that they are!!

First motor startup

After this check your pretty much ready to fly! do a few flights without any camera or extra fpv gear attached.. if there is an issue and the quad goes down its better that nothing expensive gets damaged.

Here is my first flight!

After at least a few flights of practice its now time to start adding things, My weapon of choice was the Tarot GoPro Brushless Gimbal and some Tarot carbon fiber land legs.

An awesome page for info on the gimbal is here RC Groups - Tarot GoPro Gimbal FAQ

They can be picked up from HobbyKing for aprox $150