Mission: To Build a Cheap Quadcopter.

Like a DJI Flame Wheel F450!

some quadcopter parts


Welcome to Matts guide on how to build a quadcopter. Have you ever wondered "How do you build a quadcopter" .... over the next few pages I will guide you through the necessary steps to make your very own quad.

I'm going to make a copy of a multirotor which is much loved by ariel photographers, the DJI flame wheel F450. It's 450cm in size and capable of carrying a GoPro camera mounted using a gimbal.

 

DJI F450 Quadcopter

DJI F450 Quad copter - available in kit form.

Back last year I started a quadcopter project to build a cheap Mini Quad, so if you want to know how to build a smaller mini quad see this article here. These smaller quads tend to be used for racing, FPV or acrobatics.

So this is Matts guide on how to build a quad. I will try and explain the process I went through, but if you've got any questions please don't hesitate - just send me over an email to "[email protected]" or add a comment at the bottom of the page, I will try answer the best I can...

Right, what do you need and what do you need to buy? The parts list.

If you don't already own a transmitter (hand controller)  you will need to purchase one or borrow one. Other items you will need access too are; solder and a soldering iron,suitable wire, some XT60 connectors, heat shrink, insulation/electrical tape.

This Quad copter is made up from the following parts.

  • A Frame, the Diatone Q450 v3(similar to DJI flamewheel F450- its a cheap copy)
  • Flight controller, the thing that controls all the motors.
  • 4x Multi-rotor Brushless Speed controllers , they supply the power to the motors.
  • Wire, XT60 Connectors.
  • Motors.
  • Receiver (to receive the signals from the transmitter)
  • Zip ties
  • Bullet connectors
  • Some male to male 10cm servo leads
  • 4x Props (mine were included with the motors)

Now with this part list I opened up my web browser and went shopping, aiming to purchased each part as cheaply as possible using eBay or Hobbyking.


HobbyKing Order


Below is a guide on what each part is and its cost.

  • Diatone frame Q450v3 (eBay £9.85)
  • Naze32 flight controller (Hobbyking £11.96)
  • Afro 20Amp Brushless ESC (ebay, I paid £30 for six, some were used)
  • 1m Wire, Nylon XT60 Connectors Male/Female (5 pairs)(eBay £0.98p,£2.42)
  • 4x Turnigy Multistar Multi-rotor Brushless ESC Motors (Hobbyking £38.96)
  • Orange 620 RX receiver (ebay £14.98) 
  • Zip ties (Cheap £1 shop)
  • 2mm Gold Bullet Connectors 10 Pairs - Male Female Plug Socket with heat shrink (eBay, China ;) £3.88)
  • Male to male 10cm servo leads (eBay UK £3.06)
  • 5030 Props CW/CCW  (Included with the motors.. £FREE)

Once ordered, I sat back and waited for the parts to arrive...

How to build a Quadcopter - Intro Video!


I've actually gone over my stated budget in the video of £80. The total cost here is = £117.09, but I didn't really spent this because I had the connectors,wire,bullet connectors,zip ties and a FrySky receiver.


Quadcopter parts laid out

 


This is the end but its not finished! I will be adding the rest soon!

 

Latest Youtube Video!

Past Youtube Video!