After completing my first Quadcopter with APM 2.52 and ST360 kit alongwith FPV (http://www.rcindia.org/multirotors/building-apm-2-52-quadcopter-with-st360-kit/), this is my second effort at building a quadcopter.

This time I plan to build an FPV Racer Quad with the QAV280 ARF kit available at Quadkopters.com at http://www.quadkopters.com/product/arf-kit-rtf-kit-and-frames/qav280-arf-kit-w-sunnysky-2204-and-emax-12a-esc/

The reason for selecting this kit instead of choosing the parts separately is that it is much cheaper to go for this kit (at Rs.8500) instead of sourcing similar components separately.

The kit consists of the following components:

- QAV250-280 Black out Carbon-fiber frame
- SunnySky 2204 2300KV motors x 4
- 12A EMAX SimonK ESC x 4
- FLIP32 Flight controller (6DOF version) x 1
- 2 pairs of 5030 2 blade propellers (black and green)
- CC3D mini Power Distribution board x 1
- Heatshrink 3mm 50cm long (black and red)
- LED Strip (3 led per strip) x 2

I am not sure whether the frame is 250mm or 280mm at this point of time. @satyagupta would be able to explain. Purchased separately, a carbon-fiber frame, Sunnysky 2204 2300 KV motors, Emax ESC and Flip32 FC would have cost much more.

The motors come without bullet connectors. I have leftover 3.5mm bullet connectors from my previous build which I plan to use here. The kit also includes a few servo cables. Since I am not yet familiar with Flip32 FC, it remains to be seen whether more connectors would be needed or not.

I already have a Flysky 9X radio. I ordered a Flysky 8 channel receiver to go with the quad from http://rcmumbai.com/index.php/product/flsyk-8-channel-receiver-fs-r8b/

For the battery, I ordered one 1300 mAH, 40C Zippy Compact battery from http://robu.in/shop/zippy-compact-1300mah-3s-40c-lipo-pack/ and a few Haiyin 1300 mAH 20C batteries from eBay.

For FPV, I can use my Boscam TR1 camera-cum-transmitter from the other quad or a Fatshark PilotHD V2 camera with a Boscam Tx, which I already have as a surplus. I plan to use Quanum DIY goggle+Boscam Rx or a Boscam GS920 goggle for FPV. The Boscam TR1 camera takes decent videos. The Fatshark one is not that good. But both include recording capability on SD Card which means that I won't have to use separate cameras for FPV and for recording videos as the video latency time of these cameras are similar to FPV cameras. That would help in saving the weight. In small quads like these where motors with high KV are used, the lifting capability is limited. So, every bit of weight saved means increased flight time.

I don't yet have a clue on how to proceed with the build and will have to find a few videos first. I am not sure whether there is a specific assembly video for this particular kit but I think the videos on assembling similar carbon fiber frames may help.

Next, I'd proceed with the frame assembly.

Good luck with the build. Just a suggestion, but you could scrap the bullet connectors and solder the motors directly to the Escs, Less points of failure and weight savings. As for recording video, you could look at the Mobius and use the video out for fpv.
You could have a look at this build to help you along http://www.rcindia.org/multirotors/poor-man's-blackout-mini-quad/

Ashim.

Thanks @ashimda for the suggestions.

I'd consider soldering the motors directly as the ESCs don't have female bullet connectors either. Adding all the male and female connectors would definitely add to the weight as you rightly pointed out.

I'd love to use a Mobius for FPV but I already have a spare cam. Also everywhere it says that video from Mobius used as an FPV camera has transmission lag which could be significant in respect of these kind of fast FPV racers. What is your experience about the lag? Is it really significant?

Your link will he helpful for building this quad. I'd have a look when I start building. I have already watched your great FPV video. It takes a great courage flying over the canal though

I have been watching videos on building these mini quads and its going to be a much different process from my earlier one. Lots of soldering seems to be involved and I need to get some more accessories including a good soldering iron and maybe loctite (if I find it). So it will take some time and I'd go slow on this build. In the last build I used a 4-in-1 ESC which made things simple. Also the skilled building process makes me wonder about the shoddy job that I did in my last quad. In that case the weight was not an issue unlike this one...so I'd like to build this one more professionally.

I am posting five videos for my own reference as well as for those who want to build a mini quad. These videos use a slightly different ZMR frame but the process would be very similar. These videos show the assembling of the frame and other hardware in great details.

@santanucus: The lag on the Mobius is quiet significant. Most FPVers do not suggest using Mobius like cams for FPV.
Should be okay if your flying casual FPV. Anything greater than 600TVL would be disastrous for proximity flying.
RC Model review has a very nice video comparing latency of different cameras.
Happy Building!
Cheers!
Sree

That's what I have read too.

All the best for your build! I must say your quad builds are really well documented! Even I am planning to build a 250 size racer in the near future.

One thing I wanted to add is that I would rather buy the parts separately than as an ARF kit. I think I could have saved a lot more money and chosen some better parts. I think choosing the parts yourself allows you to have much more control in how the quad ends up..
I hope you don't mind, but I wanted to add what my dream 250 build would be  :
ZMR250
Cobra 1960/2100/2300 kv motors with bullnose props
DYS BlHeli OPTO ESCs
Naze32 and 4S LiPo

@SK1701: Im currently procuring for a similar build. The cobra 2206's can actually be used to create a wormhole! 

Well...I'd love to custom build one with parts of my own choice. But I've invested too much on quads in a short span of time. So I thought of going cheap I'd surely go for the dream ones in the future Thanks for your specs....that would give me a lot of ideas as I'm new into this hobby and already addicted. May I know from where you guys get your parts?

As many have pointed out, there is noticeable lag from the Mobius or any other HD camera's direct feed. This lag will only effect fast close proximity flying. A beginner like myself has a long way to go before my flying skills exceed the camera latency. When this arises, adding a board cam to the setup doesn't cost much or add too much extra weight. 

Hi Santacus,

Have you finished building the QAV280? If yes please share the build videos and pics with instructions. I am planning to buy the kit from quadKopter.This would be my first Quadcopter. Besides all the parts mentioned here , what other essential tools will I require to build my quadcopter.

The kit I am planning to buy : http://www.quadkopters.com/product/arf-kit-rtf-kit-and-frames/qav280-arf-kit-w-sunnysky-2204-and-emax-12a-esc/

No...due to various engagements I could not get time to build it. I will only be able to take it up at the end of December. As I found out while building my first quad, there are lots of things one would need but that would be apparent as the build progresses. For example, as far as I remember, XT60 connector is to be soldered with the power distribution board for connecting the LiPo and that's not in the kit. I had a XT60 pigtail which I used here.

I mentioned all the parts in details in my previous build thread http://www.rcindia.org/multirotors/building-apm-2-52-quadcopter-with-st360-kit/msg234529/#msg234529 . This quad will broadly require the same things except for a few differences. For example, using bullet connectors in motors would increase weight. So it is suggested to solder wires directly. Hence bullet connectors are not required.

I would have finished the assembly but for my inability to solder. I am totally inept when it comes to soldering. I have tried various kinds of soldering irons and wires but failed to solder the XT60 pigtail connector to the power distribution board. I have spoiled the board and may require a new one.

Another thing that I had ordered for this kit was loctite 243 threadlocker glue. In fact this is essential in all quads because vibration causes the screws to come off and fall. You can get it in hardware stores. I ordered one from a biker site - http://shop.triumphindia.org/products/threadlocker-loctite-243

Get lots of good quality zip-ties and one or two velcro straps for battery. If you plan for FPV, get lighweight FPV camera and Tx suitable for such microquads. I planned to use Boscam TR1 as an all-in-one FPV solution. But its recording quality is not as good as Mobius. So its better to get a dedicated FPV cam and also use a good action cam for recording video. Alternatively, as Ashimda suggested above, you can use Mobius for FPV as well as recording unless you plan to do high speed FPV. I may also require additional M3 spacers and screws but that will be apparent when I start the build.