Long time lurker of rcindia here, finally took the courage to register and post this. I have been preparing to build a quadcopter ever since I got my hands on an Arducopter. So here I am with my own hard earned money (of course parents wouldn't allow ) trying to build a quad.

Inspiration: (you can skip this part)

When I joined college, I got landed an opportunity: build a fully fledged quad based on the Arducopter platform (circa 2010). There was no funding limit and chose the best of available parts from HK and some other websites(I can't recollect them now). I remember paying  for delivering a  battery (it was for a private company that had a huge thing for such "perks"). The things that were given to me were the Arduino mega board, the Arducopter shield and the 3D Robotics carbon fiber frame. I am not at all exaggerating or boasting things, they gave me a vcc with some high limit and went on a shopping spree. Problem was I didn't know anything about quads back then (knew quite a bit of electronics though) and landed that deal because of a connection I have with their employee. Managed to solder the Arduino boards and controls, the power distribution board, motors and ESCs, configured the APM with GPS and telemetry. I did not however get the controller (tx/rx) and the only telemetry tx burned up before maiden flight. The rc controller was some Futaba that got held up in customs because of the price.

Current case: (begin from here)

So I had an opportunity to fly the early arducopter. I couldn't fly it ever because shortly after assembling it, had to part with the said company with all parts. I wasn't employed back then you see(college) so have waited this much(4+ years) to build one for my own and finally fly it. So I bought myself a Syma X5C-1 from aliexpress. It's quite a deal and now am learning to fly around with it, but of course I want more!
Now to build an APM based quadcopter under 25K INR. So far I have done research to make a configuration like this:
Bumblebee Carbon Fiber frame w/ motors and landing gear - 8k
Avionic 20A ESCs x4 - 2.8k
APM Mini 3.1 flight controller + Neo GPS - 6.5k
Avionic rx/tx - 4k
Rest of the money goes to the best available battery and charger. It would be very helpful if you guys can refine or redefine my selection. I cannot order from HK or any store that is not from India as I do not have a credit card now (neither paypal nor ask a friend).
I do not need ARF/RTF models(I like the smell of solder in the morning) or anything unrelated to APM (I just love it).

Quote from: sadu on March 15, 2015, 04:22:25 PM
I do not need ARF/RTF models(I like the smell of solder in the morning).

That's a great attitude to have  I hope you enjoy all the best with your build.
My first suggestion would be to go with a modular, programmable radio like the Turnigy 9x, 9XR, or 9XR Pro. The Arducopter website advises 9 channels to get the most functions. Plus, these radio are programmable with excellent open source firmware that has a wealth of features. I currently am using an Avionic 6i (I assume that is what you want to buy) and though it is a good radio for beginners, it is quite limited in functionality and the throttle has a rough, ratcheting feel (My only ergonomic complaint). You can add your own RF transmitting module (from a brand like FrSky) to these radios for a reliable radio link and even telemetry. Keeping this in mind, you may need to stretch your budget (I know, it happened to me too: tools, spares, accessories, it never stops adding up  ). If you plan to stay in the hobby, the radio is the most important investment. The best radio at the price is supposedly the FrSky Taranis, but it costs 18.5 grand. There are also "branded" radios like Futaba, JR, Spektrum that are expensive but known for their reliability.

The next piece of equipment that is an investment is the charger. A good computerised charger is worth the additional cost as compared to a simple charger. Not only can they charge higher capacity LiPos, they can charge other battery chemistries and have useful features like LiPo storage and balancing. I recently saw the IMAX B6 mini and was pretty impressed. It has computer connectivity, and a lot more data than my IMAX B6. It is 40$ from BangGood.com. (BTW, if you want to order from abroad, the forum user parichya.gautam could help you. See this thread
Could you post a link to the motors. BTW, SimonK firmware flashed ESCs are recommended for multirotors. Where are you planning to buy the APM from?

Hey SK1701, thanks for the lengthy reply! I do understand the need for a good charger and radio gear. But stretching this goal any further (25k is the maximum I can spend - almost all of my paycheck ) is going to make maiden flight longer to achieve.

I got the APM Mini price from here (they seem to be increasing price now as it was initially 4.8k for the board alone, and it went from 6.5k to 6.6k from when I posted).
Looks like gautham is doing an angel's job, just what I was looking for! 
I may have to revisit my choices now. However I'll be buying from rcbazaar/rcmumbai/gadgetsdeal if sticking to my debit card. I kinda have all tools to do the dirty work so that's all covered for now I guess?

Hello sadu,
I have PMed you my contact number . get in touch

Thanks SK

And yes Sadu, any help, be it purchasing , Quad Related, or the APM even, let me know will be glad to help

 Mini APM V3.1 Flight Controller price is reduced to 6300

I'm keeping this thread like a journal during the build/buy. Emphasis on APM, LiPo and Radio for the virgincopta(yeah, that's what I'm calling it now) as per SK1701's suggestion; this is going to be a looong time hobby for me.

So here it goes, step 1 of N:

Bought a small size frame(ST360) combo that comes with a set of generic 1000kv motors for 3.7K via quadkopters
Ordered on: March 17 2015
Comments: Prices on display aren't tax adjusted and a percent wise shipping cost and processing fee makes NEFT the only payment option for someone on a tight budget like me(total 8% increase if via debit card). This would create delays in shipping(not an issue for me now).

Planned purchase:
APM Mini 3.1 + NEO GPS + Power module = 4.8k via banggood
Multirotor 4in1 25A ESC = 2k via rcmumbai
Avionic 2600mAh 11.1v = 1.7k via rcbazaar
Avionic lipo charger = 2.6k via rcbazaar

So that leaves me around 10k for the controller and extra parts. I'm planning to buy an 7/8/9ch radio that is programmable(or mode 2 fixed) and has rtm for throttle.
Off to more research 

Instead of avionic charger, get a Imax B6 .

I'm having second thoughts about the APM Mini. The Crius AIOP seems to be on the same scale and would be the better option for me as it is essentially the same software running on cheaper hardware. So my updated list now would be

Crius AIOP - (have to find)
Multirotor 4in1 25A ESC = 2k via rcmumbai
Avionic 2600mAh 11.1v = 1.7k via rcbazaar
Imax B6 Charger = 2.3k via vibranthobbies

side note: I crashed my Syma X5c and lost a small gear connecting the motor and prop. So no more flying until I build this little guy

on your list the ESCs , battery and charger is available for cheaper prices from other sources

Hi sadu.

Id love to help with your build. You have a good budget, my first one was under half of that. :p

I'd recommend going for 4 separate esc's rather than a 4 in 1 combo. Not everyone might agree to this though, I just think that it is a huge trouble if one of those esc's goes bad. It will be extremely difficult to source a single esc which will perform like the other three, and you will only be left with buying another such combo or four more esc's. And believe, ESC's die, and they die more than you would think they do.

I myself have had great success with Emax Simon Series ESC's. See if sp4mm3r has those.

I think our ebay guru a.k.a. Sooraj pallakad can make the cheapest quad under 10k .
1 . I once saw a combo deal on ebay 1000rs for 1000kv motor and 30 amp simonk.
2 . A hk lcd flight controller will cost you 1995 rs on quadkopters.com .
3 . I can build a aluminium frame for you for free. 4 spars and strong pcb  for neat battery to esc conection.
4 . A nice common lcd radio will cost you nearly the remaining 4 ks.
Thanks

Quote from: sooraj.palakkad on March 23, 2015, 08:18:42 PM
on your list the ESCs , battery and charger is available for cheaper prices from other sources

Can you post link to the products where it is cheaper in India?
We would like to stay competitive.

Quote from: pushpreet on March 23, 2015, 11:27:10 PM
I'd recommend going for 4 separate esc's rather than a 4 in 1 combo. Not everyone might agree to this though, I just think that it is a huge trouble if one of those esc's goes bad. It will be extremely difficult to source a single esc which will perform like the other three, and you will only be left with buying another such combo or four more esc's. And believe, ESC's die, and they die more than you would think they do.

My first quad 'was' a Syma X5c for 3.5k from China
Initially I wanted to get a combo of Avionic motors and their SimonK ESCs, but got a generic motor-frame combo so it isn't worth the effort for now I guess? Will be using this build to focus mainly on the flight controller, radio and power(battery+charger) as I'm planning for later upgrades. Although I don't mind spending like 2500/- if it can get me 4 20/25A SimonK ESCs. We'll see once I get other parts and how much I have left 

Quote from: Tanmay.mathur on March 24, 2015, 12:25:35 AM
I think our ebay guru a.k.a. Sooraj pallakad can make the cheapest quad under 10k .
1 . I once saw a combo deal on ebay 1000rs for 1000kv motor and 30 amp simonk.
2 . A hk lcd flight controller will cost you 1995 rs on quadkopters.com .
3 . I can build a aluminium frame for you for free. 4 spars and strong pcb  for neat battery to esc conection.
4 . A nice common lcd radio will cost you nearly the remaining 4 ks.
Thanks

That's a lot for a lot less You see I'm not actually trying to build a budget copter, but just trying to fit in the parts w.r.t the controller and radio. I'm planning on a lot of other stuff like FPV and frame upgrades later on and there's a strict adherence to APM flight controller software - not a fan of the KK board

Quote from: sooraj.palakkad on March 23, 2015, 08:18:42 PM
on your list the ESCs , battery and charger is available for cheaper prices from other sources

Sorry for my ignorance, the Charger available in vibrant hobbies is a genuine version , and the price for this charger is lowest in vibrant hobbies Itself .
Sorry kumaran sir, and Sadu .

Thanks sooraj.

Quote from: pushpreet on March 23, 2015, 11:27:10 PM
It will be extremely difficult to source a single esc which will perform like the other three, and you will only be left with buying another such combo or four more esc's. And believe, ESC's die, and they die more than you would think they do.

Please note EMAX 4-in-1 ESCs are modular in design.
If any of the board is faulty it can be replaced.
We will stock the spare boards shortly.

That's great to hear, I guess this would be much easier to manage. Saw these parts somewhere sold separately but didn't  think it belonged to the 4-in-one ESCs!

Thanks for he new helpful info. Kumaran sir ,

You can get an 200mw boscam vtx and vrx nearly 2000 rs on ebay

hey once check out in the following link u will find complete kit as well as 4 in 1 esc
http://www.sp4mm3r.com/

Great progress Sadu...as you said you love diy get few 5.8ghz module Rx Tx, make a Circular polarized antenna and your fpv system should be ready(minus LCD) under 2000-3000

Don't know what I will do with all the Tx and Rx now hehe
radio controller - 2.4ghz
fpv gear - 5.8ghz
telemetry - 434mhz

Crius AIOP have some issues with compatibility and updates so I'm going back to the APM choice now. Need to find the best deal that can give me the all in one package:
APM 2.6/APM mini 3.1 + Neo-Ublox GPS w/ compass + minimOSD + telemetry TxRx + power module (best offer so far: 7.5k). I don't want them from China (can't wait a month more) so the best LHS combo offer was 9.8k which just went out of stock (damn you who bought it). Putting together all the stuff from different place tally me up 9-10k so I guess that price is fair in India. Which brings me back to the build:

ST360 Frame w/ 0845 props and 1000kv motors = 3.7k via quadkopters
APM combo w/ GPS, mOSD, telemetry and power module = 7.5k/9.9k via sooraj.palakkad(unconfirmed)/assembled
Multirotor 4in1 25A ESC = 2k via vibranthobbies
Avionic 2600mAh 11.1v = 1.7k via rcbazaar
Imax B6 Charger = 2.3k via vibranthobbies
Flysky 9x combo = 6k via rcmumbai

Totals to 25.6k which is right on budget

That is a great choice.
Obviously you would upgrade the motors and frame in a while, so I am not commenting on that.

I would just suggest that if you can, and only if you can, go for a frsky tx/rx module and install it on your FlySky 9x.
You can then even sell the receiver and transmitter which comes with the th9x for around 1500-2000 rupees.

In my opinion, the system is just not reliable enough, it would work great for short range, but as soon as you go far, you can lose signal anytime, I have lost a quadcopter the same way.

Better to spend another 3000-4000 then lose a 20K quad, I suppose.

Plus, even the receiver isn't that great quality, I have 2 TH9x and 3 receivers. One receiver which came with it originally, wouldn't bind anymore, and I never even flew it.
The other two now don't work for more than a few metres, as they both have damaged antennas.

I have just ordered two sets of the flysky system to install in my transmitters.

Plus it also has telemetry, that means you have signal strength, battery voltage and any other information right on your th9x screen.

Nevertheless, if you can't afford it right now, leave it, just be sure to set and test failsafe on your APM beforehand. As soon as you get your receiver, open it up and reinforce the antenna with loads of hot glue too. And once you plan to upgrade, upgrade the transmitter before anything else.

Bro. how do u pay to aliexpress?

@pushpreet That's some scary stuff there :O I really don't want things going wrong if ever I go out of range. Already messed up my Syma X5C because of this. It was at some height and a sudden increase in wind took the quad a bit far and I lost control, making the quad spin like crazy. It stalled later on as a tiny gear connecting the motor and props broke, falling down and hitting an electric post. I am not kidding, but it might have exploded if it landed on the lines . Most sad part of all is that just before I did the height test, I removed the camera.

Regarding the radio my decision is actually tied up b/w Walkera DEVO 7 and FlySky 9x. Both are priced at 6k from rcmumbai. Took the 9x because duh - 9 channels but reeeally just need 7. Still am not clear about what APM would/could do with the extra channels unless I have to trigger something like a DSLR shutter relay? I'm not filthy rich so no GoPro or SJCam and nowhere in future would I be doing aerial videography (although might move to a new quad for a DSLR mount). I would set up the RTH and failsafe functions asap and is also looking forward to modding the telemetry system to extend maximum range.

@Parthadalak I got a friend of mine to pay for me through his credit card. It's quite straightforward with a CC. You can't buy via debit or bank transfers.