DIY Quad

Hi funsters! Below is a guide on what you'll need to bring to the course, in terms of electronics.
All of the components below are very general-purpose for RC hobbies, so you can always re-use them in other projects down the track.

Radio

You'll need at least a 4 channel radio (transmitter and receiver). Modern radios use the 2.4GHz spectrum, but if you still have an old FM radio, that should still be usable.

If you think you'll be getting into RC models, like helicopters, in the future then I'd recommend buying a 6 channel radio, with multi-model memory support and various plane/heli mixing functions.

Also, the two transmitter control sticks come in two main configurations: mode 1, or mode 2.

If you will be buying a new radio and have never flown a plane or heli before, I recommend the mode 2 configuration. This has the throttle stick on the left, but more importantly the aileron and elevator controls are on the one stick, which is more natural. (I actually fly mode 1, but that's what I learned on and it's too late to change now). Here are some recommendations:

• Budget - Turnigy 4X,  $28  http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__24968__Turnigy_4X_FHSS_2_4ghz_Transmitter_and_Reciever_Mode_2_.html
• Intermediate/advanced - Turnigy 9X,  $54   http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__8992__Turnigy_9X_9Ch_Transmitter_w_Module_8ch_Receiver_Mode_2_v2_Firmware_.html
• Advanced - Spektrum DX6i,  $240   These are very popular and there's good support for them in Australia. You can buy them at most local hobby stores, and they are compatible with a lot of 'BNF' (Bind aNd Fly) planes/helis.

Motors

For this project we'll just be in the 'micro' quad scale, so will be using quite small motors. The modern brushless motors are very powerful for their size, though, and have more than enough grunt.

There are a number of motors I can recommend, the only important thing is that you get 4 of the same kind.

• Turnigy 1811, 2900kv -  $11 x 4   http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__8142__Turnigy_1811_brushless_Outrunner_2900kv.html

Propellers

These must match the specs of the motors you buy, and more importantly you need to buy a set with at least two clockwise (CW) and two counter-clockwise (CCW) types. 

• For the Turnigy 1811's, 5030 Props (3 CW, 3 CCW) -  $3.50   http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__22754__5030_Propellers_Red_3xCW_and_3xCCW_6pcs_per_bag.html

ESC's (Electronic Speed Controllers)

Brushless motors need to be controlled with a brushless ESC. You'll need an ESC for each motor, so four all up. ESC's typically have a maximum Amp specification, indicating what kind of load they can handle without burning out. 

• Turnigy Multistar 10A, $6.50 x 4   http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__25362__Turnigy_Multistar_10_Amp_Multi_rotor_Brushless_ESC_2_3S.html

Flight Controller Board

This is the heart/brain of the quad, and they have progressed in leaps and bounds in recent years. They have gyro sensors to automatically stabilise the quad, and now accellerometers for auto-levelling.  Pick one from these:

• Budget - HobbyKing multi V3,  $18   http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__21977__HobbyKing_Multi_Rotor_Control_Board_V3_0_Atmega328_PA_.html
• Intermediate/Advanced - MultiWii NanoWii,  $20   http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__22322__MultiWii_NanoWii_ATmega32U4_Micro_Flight_Controller_USB_GYRO_ACC.html
• Advanced -  (highly recommended! easiest to use) KK2.0,  $30   http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__24723__Hobbyking_KK2_0_Multi_rotor_LCD_Flight_Control_Board.html

Misc Connectors

You'll need short male-to-male connectors from your radio receiver to the controller board:

• 3cm male-to-male,  $4.50   http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__23036__3cm_Male_to_Male_Servo_Lead_26AWG_10pcs_set_.html

Also, you'll need a power distribution cable, which has battery connector split to four ESC connectors:

• JST to 4 x 2mm bullet,  $2.50   http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__25477__JST_to_4_X_2mm_Bullet_Multistar_ESC_Quadcopter_Power_Breakout_Cable.html

The small motors sometimes don't have bullet connectors, or the wrong size ones, so these will be needed:

• 2mm Gold Connectors, $2.50 x 2  http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__66__2mm_Gold_Connectors_10_pairs_20pc_.html

Batteries/Chargers

If you already have some LiPo batteries, you may be able to use them. For this project, you need to use LiPo's with either 2S or 3S (cells), and roughly 800-1200mAh capacity. Here are some links:

• Zippy Compact 2S, 850mAh,   $5.50  (I recommend buying about three)  http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__21331__ZIPPY_Compact_850mAh_2S_25C_Lipo_Pack.html
• Turnigy nano-tech 2S, 950mAh,  $5.60   http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__20388__Turnigy_nano_tech_950mah_2S_25_50C_Lipo_Pack.html

Most batteries use JST balance leads, for charging, so any compatible charger will do the job. Here's my recommendation (this one you can use out at fields, from car battery):

• HobbyKing EC06, $18   http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__11060__HobbyKing_ECO6_50W_5A_Balancer_Charger_w_accessories.html