4 ms·

The DJI Phantom is pretty much the standard in consumer-grade multirotors. It's plug & play, sold as a complete package with transmitter included, and for what

The DJI Phantom is pretty much the standard in consumer-grade multirotors. It's plug & play, sold as a complete package with transmitter included, and for what you get it's actually not that expensive. If you're reluctant to fly a $500-$1000 UAV, get a cheap multirotor first and learn to fly. The Hubsan X4 is under $50, for instance. If you're a tinkerer you can build your own for a lot less, but be prepared for a LOT of fiddling to get it right (and the crashes that come with the fiddling). I fly a DIY F330 (same dimensions as the Phantom, only 'naked' frame) with an Arduino-based flight controller (APM2.6). It has some advantages over the DJI system, such as unlimited waypoints for autonomous flight. It can carry a gopro, and replacement parts/batteries are a lot cheaper if you get them from China. I don't get anywhere near the battery duration of the DJI, though. So: if you're looking for a new hobby: build your own. If you just want to fly: get the DJI.

lmm 12y ago
Can I control the Phantom from Android? All their site seems to be talking about ipads.
- newaccountfool 12y ago
  You might be able to but I would recommend it, using a good old 2.4ghz transmitter. You'll get more control and more range on that.
- dirktheman 12y ago
  If it is possible, you would be severely limited by the WiFi signal radius. I'd highly recommmend a normal 2.4 Ghz TX since they're designed for this stuff. The phantom comes with TX, but if you go the DIY route I can really recommend the Turnigy 9X from HobbyKing. It's only $60, has 9 channels, comes with receiver and people won't laugh at you because you're holding an iPad or a toy-like transmitter.
  - voltagex_ 12y ago
    I'm fairly sure I've seen ways to interface the Turnigy 9X with phones via a headphone jack.
bambax 12y ago
Couldn't agree more. I had a Parrot 1.0 and it was of low overall quality. I have a Phantom (v1.1) and it's fantastic; a friend just bought the v2 which is even greater. Among the differences: the Phantom has an actual radio, with ranges of over 500m (it would be very surprising if Wifi covered the advertised 300m of this new Parrot); you can change cameras as you wish (or, after a crash), it can fly really high and really fast, etc. You can get a Phantom 1 for under $350 these days (without a gimbal), or a 2+ (camera and gimbal included) for around $1000. I would recommend buying the 2 without gimbal ($550) and the Zenmuse gimbal ($150-$200) -- and if you already have a GoPro you're all set. Alternatively, you can buy a Hubsan H107D FPV which comes with a radio with a screen, for under $150! I don't own that one, but I have the Hubsan X4 which is a lot of fun (and completely safe to fly indoors).

lmm 12y ago

Can I control the Phantom from Android? All their site seems to be talking about ipads.

newaccountfool 12y ago
You might be able to but I would recommend it, using a good old 2.4ghz transmitter. You'll get more control and more range on that.
dirktheman 12y ago
If it is possible, you would be severely limited by the WiFi signal radius. I'd highly recommmend a normal 2.4 Ghz TX since they're designed for this stuff. The phantom comes with TX, but if you go the DIY route I can really recommend the Turnigy 9X from HobbyKing. It's only $60, has 9 channels, comes with receiver and people won't laugh at you because you're holding an iPad or a toy-like transmitter.
- voltagex_ 12y ago
  I'm fairly sure I've seen ways to interface the Turnigy 9X with phones via a headphone jack.

bambax 12y ago

Couldn't agree more. I had a Parrot 1.0 and it was of low overall quality. I have a Phantom (v1.1) and it's fantastic; a friend just bought the v2 which is even greater. Among the differences: the Phantom has an actual radio, with ranges of over 500m (it would be very surprising if Wifi covered the advertised 300m of this new Parrot); you can change cameras as you wish (or, after a crash), it can fly really high and really fast, etc. You can get a Phantom 1 for under $350 these days (without a gimbal), or a 2+ (camera and gimbal included) for around $1000. I would recommend buying the 2 without gimbal ($550) and the Zenmuse gimbal ($150-$200) -- and if you already have a GoPro you're all set. Alternatively, you can buy a Hubsan H107D FPV which comes with a radio with a screen, for under $150! I don't own that one, but I have the Hubsan X4 which is a lot of fun (and completely safe to fly indoors).