If you've ever considered getting into FPV you might've been a little scared seeing the prices of Fatsharks or high-end quads. This list will show a list of things to build a quad, fly it, and repair it for around $500. I constantly see beginners buying the cheapest componenets they can buy, this results in them well, wasting money. You'll upgrade the $30 goggles you bought and the $40 or so Flysky radio in a few months, which'll result with spending way more money than simply getting components/gear that'll last you a WHILE.
Anyways, let's talk about the components in this list and why I recommend them. First off, the TBS Source One frame, it's durable, cheap, and if you do snap an arm or another part they're cheap to replace and can be found very easily. Next up with the ESC/FC stack, pretty much the only reason I chose this stack is because well it's decent and it's simple to wire up, it'll last you and it's cheaper than any other stack I've seen on the market. If you're looking at the StarF4S or the StarF3S stacks from Racerstar please, please, please dont buy them. They're very poorly designed and will NOT last. The camera is simply a cheap and great camera. The props are efficient, durable and fly well. The motors are again, durable and use a screw instead of a c-clip which makes it easier to swap bells and clean the motor, are pretty damn powerful. These motors are super pretty quality.. The VTX, it's a pretty decent, reliable vtx for cheap. The Lollipop antennas just work pretty damn well along with being cheap and durable. And finally, the reciever. The XM+ just works well, it's tiny and has the same range as the nice and big recievers. If you want telemetry go for the R-XSR from FrSky.
Next up we're gonna talk about tools, goggles, controllers, and all that junk. So lets get started. The X9 Lite is the cheapest good radio you'l find, nuff said. The EV800Ds, they're the best value goggles I've seen so far. They have real diversity, good range, and come with actually decent antennas outta the box. Finally we got the B6 Nano charger, it's pretty damn good value. Packing a whole 15a it can parallel charge lipos easily and has a whole bunch of features.
I guess that was it, I've also included some of the tools and accesories I like to use. Either way before buying anything on this list or getting into FPV for the love of god. Do. Some. RESEARCH! I constantly see stupid questions like "How do I bind a reciever" or "How do I setup a reciever in Betaflight", asking these questions in the first place will take longer for someone to answer than simply Googling them or something.
Uhh, I guess that's it. Have a good day.
Some amazing sites to do research on are: https://oscarliang.com/, JB's YouTube channel, and https://www.google.com/
If you would like to test the waters of FPV get the EMAX Tinyhawk S
This list WILL be updated when new better parts come out.
PS: Register on XT-XINTE to get a $5 off code.
If the Source One is out of stock another great frame choice is the Rotor Riot CL1.
I provided links to all the parts/tools on Banggood and XT-XINTE, if possible use local shops. You'll get the items faster and probably lower shipping price.
Edit 7/5/19: Changed the VTX, better VTX for a slightly higher price and added M3 standoff kit to install the VTX.
Edit 7/13/19: Changed EMAX Ecos to XING-E motors, XING-Es are just better.
Edit 7/27/19: Changed XINGs back to Ecos, XING-Es went up in price.
Edit 8/10/19: Changed EV800D to Tobyrich EV800D, only $49 with code "BGTR49" on Chinese warehouse (ty Raven).
Edit 8/10/19: Changed HGLRC Antenna for Foxeer Lollipop bundle, use one on the quad, one on goggles.
Edit 8/10/19: Changed soldering iron to the TS100.
Edit 8/10/19: Added Triple Feed Patch and 50 ohm Terminator
Edit 8/10/19: Changed CNHL lipo to GNB lipo, better quality.
Edit 8/26/19: Changed Mamba 30x30 to iFlight Succex-E
Edit 8/27/19: Changed Eachine Leaf to TX805
Edit 8/27/19: Changed battery from 4s to 6s!
Edit 8/27/19: Changed EV800D to Fatshark Recon V3
Edit 8/27/19: Changed Banggood 18650s to nice Samsung ones.
Edit 9/5/19: Changed Succex-E vendor, $8 less. Free shipping
Edit 10/16/19: Changed Ratel camera to Foxeer Razer. Cheaper and more reliable.
Edit 11/1/19: Changed Recon V3 to EV800DM
Choose SMA for all antenna/vtx options.
Pick 0.8mm solder.
Choose Flytower version of Succex-E
Use code "BGJPEV11" for $14.19 off EV800DM
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I am planning to use this for my first build. frame is CL1 however. is this a less sodering build?
cl1 is pretty good, i would probably say the source one is a bit more durable. what are you comparing it towards in terms of soldering?
i just mean as in the pads and stuff, is it a pain? also can you give me another FC you suggest for the build?