(12-27-2013 12:49 AM)mapdude Wrote: Want to start off simple at first...RTF, maybe a camera that records, easy to fly (i.e mode 1 and 2). Max $150. Not looking for a cheap toy. Return to home would be nice...
Later I will graduate to one that carries a video recorder or maybe even on that is FPV, now that would be cool...
I see these things can easily push $1000 dollars if I was inclined...
Never owned an RC before. Might try outdoors eventually.
Here is the thing. The low end choices around $100 generally are not that easy to fly and are kind of jerky in operation. If it is going to be used inside then fore go the camera.
There is a nano size quadrotor on eBay. Really small unit but it will give you lots of fun learning to fly. It is less than $45 with shipping. Look at the video. The eBay item number is 390718383950
When you are ready to graduate look at the Parrot AR Drone 2.0. There are plenty of videos on YouTube on these. The cool thing about the Parrott AR Drone 2.0 is it now comes available with really good camera for streaming to your smart phone or Ipad. It also is much easier to fly because you down load an app to your phone or pad for the control. It does not make you spend money on a remote. Plus it has a setting on the app that allows for beginner flight control and advanced flight control.
And you can spend upwards of $5000 on a quadrotor depending on the size, how much lifting power, flight time, control distance, advanced maneuvering, camera like GoPro etc. You can find good deals on eBay for a Parrott 2.0 that someone bought and for several reasons sell it because they can't fly it or lost interest. There are a couple on there now that have been flown once or twice and are willing to talk half or less than what they paid for one brand new. Retail is around $400 or a bit less. You can get one in like new condition for less than $200.
Don't buy a Traxxas or Blade or any of the sub $100 micro sized units. If you want to go cheap get the $40 nano I suggested to start then make the jump to a Parrot AR Drone 2.0. Also when you do be ready to get several extra batteries and at least a second battery charger. Again the remote control is your I-phone or smart phone or I-pad.
Once you watch the videos on YouTube you will understand. Just a little more than a year or two ago a good quality set up with camera would have set you back a good $1000 to $1500 or more. The phone or I-pad remote is so much easier to use than a joy stick type remote.
Also there are a dozen tutorials on quadrotors on YouTube and there are also a bunch of forums but some of these use them to sell their product, so beware. Be prepared for breakage. No matter how good you get YOU WILL CRASH & BURN. Have fun.
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Burning desire
