My Syma X6 crashed and burned on a very high roof yesterday, I could see it stuck with a broken motor mount and the props were unable to turn. Then it rained...

Oh well, what better time to upgrade to a DJI Phantom

Any recommendations on where to get a DJI Phantom FC40 in the Klang Valley area? I've seen one or two eg March but they're advertising the FC40 at RM1799. Thinking of getting that plus the iPad Ground Station for some waypoint capability.

Alternatively I could probably build my own with a F450 too but I'm not sure I want to go that route since my previous experience is mostly toy quads.

Hi guys/gals. Have been reading this thread on and off for awhile, need some newbie advice. I have quite a lot of experience with toy quads like the Syma X5 and the like but am now somewhat ready to buy a proper quad.

I'm looking for recommendations to build a 450 sized quad. I don't want to build this myself, happy to pay someone who can build/tune/optimize it for me. I'm looking for:

- GPS
- FPV (already have my own GoPro Hero3)
- waypoint capability (either now or in the future).

Anyway, I would like some recommendations on a reliable person or shop who can advice and build/tune/optimize the quad for me. Let's say a budget of RM1-1.5k to start with.

TIA

Yes I have that much money, what can I get quad, labor, controller etc. If it's not enough then what's a realistic figure.

The alternative is to buy a Phantom/Walkera/WLtoys etc. but I was looking for better value if possible.

Agreed, I am looking out for a used Phantom 1/2 as well, just very few and far in between. Am also looking at DJI clones eg. the WLtoys V303 and the like, a bit hesitant to buy from banggood or gearbest, I've lost quite a number of items from them before.

So I'm assuming based on your responses that custom built is more expensive than RM1.5k?

OK good point. I can top up for radio, batteries etc.

Any recommendations on a trusted person/shop who can do it? Do you do it as a service?

I've been flying toy heli and small toy 250-size or smaller quads for 4-5 years. I've done basic troubleshooting and mods on the Syma/WLtoys before as well, I understand the theory reasonably well but I don't want to spend time building if possible.

I'm looking for good value and expandability, I know buying an off the shelf Phantom would fulfill all my immediate requirements but I like the idea of being able to upgrade a bit here and there.

Finally got around to do some basic mods, added gimbal and FPV to the v303 after the parts arrived from gearbest and hobbyking. FPV is very cool!

I went through this some time back. Some questions that you need to answer.

If you have never flown a quad or heli before, the models some of the others recommend are good to experiment and learn to fly with. I started with the indoor helis and the v262 for several months. At least you won't get upset if your RM100 quad gets stuck on someone's roof

After that you can think about carrying a gimbal + GoPro. Unfortunately at this level you'll need a much bigger quad preferably with GPS if you plan on aerial photo/video. This will easily cost RM1,200 or more for the quad alone. I went with the WLtoys v303, very stable so far even with gimbal + GoPro + FPV.

Oh I also recommend youtube Lots of opinions there.

Ya, for a newbie like me the v303 is very nice. Very stable and easy to fly, enough lift to carry my GoPro + 2-axis gimbal + FPV equipment and easy enough to do simple mods. I think my biggest limitation so far is flight time (~8 minutes with my current setup vs. 12+ minutes naked) and the lack of waypoints. I'm not skilled enough with soldering so I'm going to skip the DIY and might go for a bigger 450 quad or similar next round.