Buying 1st ARTF quad from HK. Few queries.

Started by parthash, July 14, 2014, 04:06:40 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

parthash

Hi everyone. First of all I would like to thank everyone for keeping such a lively and upbeat community. It helps out a lot of people like me.

Now coming to the above mentioned subject, I was planning to build my first quad. I went over the various links and posts on this forum as well as other s but then I decided against it. The simple reason being that because of my job week long, the only day that I have is Sunday and I dont want to spend entire day and get all frustrated if something doesnt work out. And I know I will definitely encounter one or the other such occasion. I have a good share of robotics experience during college.

So I was planning to buy a RTF kit or something that is almost plug and play and I can enjoy flying. But I dont want to spend 1 Lakh of my hard earned money in buying the DJI phantom + I like opensource things  ;)
So I have zeroed in on the Quanum Nova from Hobby King. It looks like a good deal for people like me. With that I want to get a Turnigy 9xr and a compatible FrSky receiver. The reason for this and not for the Quanum nova with radio is the option to upgrade to a different multicopter at a later stage. Plus batteries and battery charger.

So the biggest question that is bothering me is that Will there be an issue with India customs officials for getting a ARTF kit ? People here have written to keep the packages as small as possible. But I guess with the RTF kit, there isnt any workaround. Or is there ?

The following are the items(with links) and their corresponding cost that I plan to order from Hobby King. Most probably it will be another package. So will there be any issues with customs ? Can I get a better deal on any of them locally in India ?
1. Quanum Nova Kit(269 USD) - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__55141__Quanum_Nova_FPV_GPS_Waypoint_QuadCopter_PNF_.html
2. FrSky DF 2.4Ghz Combo Pack(52 USD) - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__14355__FrSky_DF_2_4Ghz_Combo_Pack_for_JR_w_Module_RX.html
3. Turnigy 9XR Transmitter Mode 2(50 USD) - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__31544__Turnigy_9XR_Transmitter_Mode_2_No_Module_.html
4. Battery - Something between 2200-2700 mAh Turnigy battery x 2.

Someone please suggest me what battery charger to get. One thats good enough to do the job and yet is portable with a power supply. I plan on adding a GoPro and do some filming during my travel trips/vacations. So I'd like something that is portable. And when HK says free shipping, what method do they use ? I dont have any urgency in getting the package. But it should reach and should be trackable.

I know its a lot of questions for a first post. But kindly help.

rastsaurabh

I am in same situation as you are. I too liked Nova {especially with free shipping offer} but on long thought and discussion with a friend.
came up with some issues .. go through some Nova reviews on you tube.
Banggood offers same under CX-20 name.

I plan to assemble one myself. but still to decide what size.

regds
Saurabh

satyagupta

Quote from: rastsaurabh on July 14, 2014, 05:56:05 PM
came up with some issues .. go through some Nova reviews on you tube.

What kind of problems can you please share? i have been doing a lot of reading for the said model but found only few issues but most of the reviews are good. The controller is based on APM and the kit comes with GPS which is too good.
one stop for multirotor needs:
www.quadkopters.com

http://www.facebook.com/QuadKopters
https://www.youtube.com/user/QuadKopters
https://www.instagram.com/quadkopters

parthash

Even I would like to know what issues did you come across. From what I have seen online, its a pretty good deal for the price.

rastsaurabh

Its a good deal.......another name for it is Cheersons CX-20 ( Banggood)

with only a few -ve's see the review. For the same amount you can have a much decent Quad {of course compromise on the looks... nova is far better looking quad almost lookalike DJI Phantom).

Some points
> same money you can have 360mm or bigger quad
> Naza Lite with GPS High quality equipment - resell value
> TX is extra money for those who already have one
> Spare parts are an issue ON banggood they are available but expensive...say if an esc is burnt then??? or an arm broken due to hard landing / crash



satyagupta

Banggood is known to do these, the issues that you have mentioned about crashing the arms is also applicable for DJI Phantom and phantom is far expensive compared to this.

I am planning to get these in my store and i did enquired about the cost of the kit without transmitter, the cost of the kit with transmitter and without transmitter is almost same (just $2 less). Which means factory is pushing customers to buy this kit with transmitter.

And this kit for those users who dont know much about building and want to buy something using which they can get it flying with less frisk. IMO
one stop for multirotor needs:
www.quadkopters.com

http://www.facebook.com/QuadKopters
https://www.youtube.com/user/QuadKopters
https://www.instagram.com/quadkopters

rastsaurabh

Good to know that Satya... how far are from seeing NOVA on your store...... And how much it would be ?

I can wait ..... if its decently priced.

satyagupta

Talks are still on, i am planning to buy directly from the supplier hence the cost would be low but then the shipping and the customs would be pretty high but as always i would try to keep it not very high.

BTW: Yes down the line i would be stocking the spares too :)
one stop for multirotor needs:
www.quadkopters.com

http://www.facebook.com/QuadKopters
https://www.youtube.com/user/QuadKopters
https://www.instagram.com/quadkopters