X210 Budget Build
By Scott Refugio on Oct 15, 2016
As this was my first build, I didn't want to go crazy on parts just yet. At the same time, I was looking for a balance between price, performance, and durability. This is the result of that process.
Actual Prices Paid
Bold indicates that I paid a lower price than in the parts list
Italicized indicates that I paid a higher price than in the parts list
- Frame $26.92
- Flight Controller $12.99
- ESCs $52.98 for 5 ($39.99 for 4 + $12.99 for 1)
- Motors $39.60 for 5 ($7.92 each)
- Propellers $46.90 for 100 pairs ($4.69/10 pairs)
- FPV Camera $34.99
- FPV Transmitter $10.99
- Antennae $9.90
- Receiver $24.99 (included with Taranis X9D Plus bundle)
- Batteries $131.76 for 8 ($16.47 each)
- Power Distribution $14.99
Minimalist total $278.01 (10 pairs of props, 4 batteries, 1 of everything else)
Photos
Part List
Show stores (3)
How did you attach your ESCs to the arms?
I used double sided foam tape that was 12mm in width. It has held on the extremely well and leaves a cleaner look than zip ties (in my opinion).
http://www.banggood.com/5m-Strong-Waterproof-Adhesive-Double-Sided-Foam-Tape-Car-Trim-Plate-p-82332.html
Excellent starter build. I have considered trying to come up with a starter build for FPV to make for other people I know or even sell, this one looks pretty good. It even has the HUBOSD and correct receiver. I think you will find on your next build that better motors will make a huge difference, but I really think this is a good economy build, I might use it with minor changes. Great job! How does it fly?
I slowly pieced the parts, giving me time to think about the overall layout. I also was lucky in terms of timing. I purchased during Banggood's anniversary sale, the HUBOSD X was just released, and the Turnigy Graphenes had a ~$10 price drop, making them cheaper than the Infinity batteries I had ordered (which eventually cancelled because they were backordered for over a month). Once I'm accustomed to the KingKong motors, I look forward to seeing an appreciable difference with a future upgrade. I have yet to fly it because the power supply I ordered was faulty; so I'm just waiting for a replacement as I triple-check my build and transmitter while getting some sim time.
Nice photos! Be careful with that camera though. Leaving it bare like that will inevitably break it.
Thank you! I definitely agree on the camera's susceptibility. I'll have to explore what others have done to protect the camera, as I can't think of a solution with what's readily available to me. If the lens becomes totaled, I'll pick up a 2.5mm focal length or a GoPro Hero 2 replacement lens. Hopefully by then, I'll have a solution to this frame's Achilles' heel.
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What do you think about those motors? Any good?