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I'm considering getting the TBS Discovery to convert my DJI F450 stuff to an FPV frame instead of starting over with an FPV-specific quad and continuing to bash my head against what appears to be a black hole of information about getting started. After searching for months across dozens of resources, am I missing something obvious or is it seriously not possible to get a decent FPV camera, goggles, and necessary rx/tx electronics for under ~$300? I've already spent close to $1000 on the F450 (including T8J tx/rx and naza-m, but still...) with less than a year into this hobby so another $300+ is more likely to make me drop the hobby altogether. It doesn't help that every local hobby shop in the Portland area appears to expect that you already know all this poo poo already and refuses to answer basic questions, so it's been frustrating just trying to add a basic goddamn camera setup to my quad. Edit: It's not even the cost itself, but rather the fact that you can't even do FPV without getting ALL that poo poo at once. Mina fucked around with this message at 05:43 on Aug 26, 2015 |
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Aug 26, 2015 05:41
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Portland, OR? I would like to get started in the hobby, but there seems to be few resources around here. I live out in Beaverton and there are zero flying fields nearby. Tammie's Hobbies in Beaverton has some planes, but it seems cars are their focus. Edit: based on limited research, the goggles are what kill you in cost unless you do the cheapo homebrew. Flitetest and Oscar Liang have guides for ~$50 setups for cam and tx. If you can get by with a small tv screen for a bit you can at least get started. Geburan fucked around with this message at 07:10 on Aug 26, 2015 |
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Aug 26, 2015 07:06
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Geburan posted:
The Quanum goggles are actually getting decent reviews: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...amera_PNF_.html I have a pair of V1's and while I got limited experience with them, they certainly do the job.
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Aug 26, 2015 07:55
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Krittick posted:I'm considering getting the TBS Discovery to convert my DJI F450 stuff to an FPV frame instead of starting over with an FPV-specific quad and continuing to bash my head against what appears to be a black hole of information about getting started. The TBS is a really cool frame. I love the gimbal setup on the front. A buddy of mine got some 3d printed parts together and can pan straight up or straight down. It's def more of a camera platform than a zoom-worthy FPV machine. The integrated pdb is loving cool if you can make full use of it. I recently got myself a Quadrevo PowerOSD on my zmr250 that could do pretty well off the TBS to tell you voltages and so on. My PFV setup came out around 360 dollars. Cheapo fat-sharks, Mad Mushroom (http://www.getfpv.com/ibcrazy-5-8-ghz-bluebeam-ultra-antenna-set.html) Antennas and a sony CC cam (PZ0420M) Well, maybe more like 400. Ignore me, I'm dumb.
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Aug 26, 2015 14:31
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I'd get the headplay HDs, the camera / vtx combo from rctimer, and cheapo cloverleafs from amazon
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Aug 26, 2015 17:48
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Geburan posted:Portland, OR? I would like to get started in the hobby, but there seems to be few resources around here. I live out in Beaverton and there are zero flying fields nearby. Tammie's Hobbies in Beaverton has some planes, but it seems cars are their focus. Yep, Oregon. I'm in Tigard myself. Tammie's Hobbies feels like it has the potential to be a really good source for multi-rotor stuff if they ever hire someone who knows anything about it. So far they appear to only have one person employed that can even fly a multi-rotor decently, much less provide any useful advice. The guys at the Wilsonville HobbyTown actually tend to have more advice about it, but still hit or miss. I'd love to find a nice field to fly in locally, especially if I continue with the hobby and eventually get a fixed-wing craft like I've been planning, but you're right about the area lacking any real resources for it. ImplicitAssembler posted:The Quanum goggles are actually getting decent reviews: Thank you! This is exactly the type of thing I was hoping to find when I made the post. I think I'm gonna get that and eventually upgrade parts from there as needed. Cannon_Fodder posted:The TBS is a really cool frame. I love the gimbal setup on the front. A buddy of mine got some 3d printed parts together and can pan straight up or straight down. It's def more of a camera platform than a zoom-worthy FPV machine. The integrated pdb is loving cool if you can make full use of it. I recently got myself a Quadrevo PowerOSD on my zmr250 that could do pretty well off the TBS to tell you voltages and so on. I'd be getting the non-gimbal TBS frame this time due to it being $75 without it and $600 with it, but good to know that it's a solid frame. Unless you meant that your friend used the 3D printed parts to make the cheaper frame able to pan up/down? I think I'm gonna pull the trigger on the kit and frame later today unless anyone posts a different recommendation for that cheap. Really appreciate the advice.  Edit: Yep, just purchased the kit and TBS Discovery frame from HobbyKing. Used their "wait on the page" discount trick to get $5 off the kit too. Will post videos and such when it all arrives. 
Mina fucked around with this message at 21:32 on Aug 26, 2015 |
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Aug 26, 2015 18:04
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Is there anywhere to get CCW m5 locking nuts? One of the nuts that came with my motors disappeared and it's a CCW shaft. I know I can get them on eBay but I'd rather just get a regular locking nut instead of one of those bullet-shaped cone toppers. edit: Just bought a replacement bullet off eBay. Next time I'll just buy all CW motors and proper locking nuts. some kinda jackal fucked around with this message at 03:59 on Aug 27, 2015 |
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Aug 27, 2015 02:45
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Martytoof posted:Is there anywhere to get CCW m5 locking nuts? One of the nuts that came with my motors disappeared and it's a CCW shaft. I know I can get them on eBay but I'd rather just get a regular locking nut instead of one of those bullet-shaped cone toppers. https://www.google.com/search?q=Tea...SA6321&tbm=shop
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Aug 27, 2015 04:00
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Es bueno! At five bucks I'll pick these up just because I hate the look of bullet tops :|
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Aug 27, 2015 04:01
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Krittick posted:Thank you! This is exactly the type of thing I was hoping to find when I made the post. I think I'm gonna get that and eventually upgrade parts from there as needed. I honestly would part it separately for a little more so you could have the v2 http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__78127__Quanum_DIY_FPV_Goggle_V2_w_5_inch_LCD_Monitor_Kit_AR_Warehouse_.html http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__65997__Skyzone_Plug_N_Play_%3Cspan%20style= edit: make sure you leave the page open until it offers you a lower price. moron izzard fucked around with this message at 04:59 on Aug 27, 2015 |
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Aug 27, 2015 04:51
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A Yolo Wizard posted:I honestly would part it separately for a little more so you could have the v2 I am so glad that I checked this thread in time to cancel my order and re-order with those instead. Thanks!
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Aug 27, 2015 05:49
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So I took my P3A for a night flight last night. Turns out the camera isn't that good in the dark. I launched from the in laws second story porch. A bit of a clenched landing it was. A gust almost blew the drone into the wall. Lesson learned. Don't try to land near buildings on your second flight. 
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Aug 27, 2015 12:48
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Nerobro posted:While we're at it. Guess what I'm doing at lunch today? What's your opinion on the Blade Nano QX FPV? Was thinking about grabbing one myself.
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Aug 27, 2015 13:10
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Does anyone a decent store that ships from EU and has reasonable prices? Some stuff (mainly the transmitter  ) has been on backorder with HK for months and at this rate will not show up until drones are outlawed completely. The local prices on this stuff are pretty silly.
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Aug 27, 2015 20:15
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Generator posted:What's your opinion on the Blade Nano QX FPV? Was thinking about grabbing one myself. It's really very good. Flight times aren't bad, in the four minute range. Video quality is plenty good enough for flying around the house. Actually.. I can post of "actual flight video" from last weekend in a bit. If you excuse the pit that is my house.
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Aug 27, 2015 20:57
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Whelp, got my 333 Exemption today. The requirements to keep the blanket COA are kinda insane, but I figured that. Now to register and get N-numbers. On a side note: this guy got a 333 for his paper airplane. http://www.forbes.com/sites/johngoglia/2015/08/27/faa-approves-first-ever-commerical-drone-operation-in-a-paper-airplane-yes-really/
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Aug 27, 2015 21:29
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Elendil004 posted:Whelp, got my 333 Exemption today. The requirements to keep the blanket COA are kinda insane, but I figured that. Now to register and get N-numbers. Congrats! What kind of work are you going to do?
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Aug 27, 2015 23:29
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ImplicitAssembler posted:Congrats! What kind of work are you going to do? I've been doing photo/video work for well over a year, just finally had a client worth getting the 333 for.
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Aug 27, 2015 23:35
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I think I'm just going to figure out a way to mount the 5v polulu to my flight controller, since I just realized that everything else in my build had multiple voltage support, and could handle 4s directly if I wanted to. also hahahha http://www.theverge.com/2015/8/27/9210047/drone-exemption-333-faa-hot-air-balloon-license moron izzard fucked around with this message at 06:42 on Aug 28, 2015 |
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Aug 28, 2015 06:32
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A Yolo Wizard posted:I think I'm just going to figure out a way to mount the 5v polulu to my flight controller, since I just realized that everything else in my build had multiple voltage support, and could handle 4s directly if I wanted to. if it's a naze or something similar: 
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Aug 28, 2015 14:01
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Elendil004 posted:Whelp, got my 333 Exemption today. The requirements to keep the blanket COA are kinda insane, but I figured that. Now to register and get N-numbers. I'm surprised so many people are going for the exemption given the requirement for a FAA certificated pilot including an up-to-date biennial flight review to be the drone PIC.
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Aug 28, 2015 14:29
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fordan posted:I'm surprised so many people are going for the exemption given the requirement for a FAA certificated pilot including an up-to-date biennial flight review to be the drone PIC. As I understand it, its an FAA Commercial certificate, no less.
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Aug 28, 2015 14:59
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fordan posted:I'm surprised so many people are going for the exemption given the requirement for a FAA certificated pilot including an up-to-date biennial flight review to be the drone PIC. Many people are counting on the FAA having no time, or resources to go after people in the what, year left until actual regs exist? If not less? MrYenko posted:As I understand it, its an FAA Commercial certificate, no less. Anything will work, see above where the guy is getting his Balloon License.
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Aug 28, 2015 15:04
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MrYenko posted:As I understand it, its an FAA Commercial certificate, no less. I think that was in their first pass since that's what would be required for commercial aerial photography for a manned vehicle. Then (only slightly) saner heads prevailed at the FAA and they realized what they cared about was knowledge of airspace and regs which all pilots should have. Though that still doesn't explain why they want the BFR and a medical when needed for the certificate. Here's the text they put in the 333 exemptions: quote:13. Under this grant of exemption, a PIC must hold either an airline transport, commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal government. The PIC must also meet the flight review requirements specified in 14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate. Elendil004 posted:Many people are counting on the FAA having no time, or resources to go after people in the what, year left until actual regs exist? If not less? Then why even get the exemption and bring yourself to the attention of the FAA? Even if the rules change as proposed in the future, if the FAA thinks this is an "issue" they can easily look back and it wouldn't take much work to compare the 333 list against the certificated airmen list. I suppose it might be useful if you have clients who know what the exemption is and is looking to maybe limit their liability by requiring it.
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Aug 28, 2015 15:49
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Many folks get it because clients require it to cover their asses (even though it's silly). Once there are real regs the FAA will give two shits about this entire process, making it even more of a joke. The FAA has enough work making up "near misses" anyways. edit: Remember, this is the agency that just certified a paper airplane as an aircraft fit for commercial use. I can't wait for Peter Sachs to call the NTSB everytime he gets a papercut or the plane "Crashes". It's all absurd, the FAA has it's head completely up its own rear end (or if you prefer a pun, in the clouds) and it would be funny if it didn't affect my bottom line. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26FlXnxO90M Elendil004 fucked around with this message at 15:57 on Aug 28, 2015 |
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Aug 28, 2015 15:53
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For the first time in ages I have two fully functional mini quads at the same time (instead of one or more broken ones): FPV race meet this weekend with a course that goes around a pond, so we'll see how long that lasts.
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Aug 28, 2015 17:50
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I'm still learning how to fly my 250 quad racer I built a few months ago, and it's time to re-stock on props. I can mostly keep it going flat and level, hover in place, but bank turning is still hard. I originally got 3 blade props, as that's what was recommended to me to learn on, but I'm seeing a lot of racers with 2 blade props. What's the functional difference between 2 and 3 blade props, and should I move to 2 blade props?
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Aug 28, 2015 20:17
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Takkaryx posted:I'm still learning how to fly my 250 quad racer I built a few months ago, and it's time to re-stock on props. I can mostly keep it going flat and level, hover in place, but bank turning is still hard. I originally got 3 blade props, as that's what was recommended to me to learn on, but I'm seeing a lot of racers with 2 blade props. What's the functional difference between 2 and 3 blade props, and should I move to 2 blade props? 3-blade can have more thrust but is less efficient than 2-blade props. The general advice seems to be that you should stick with 2-blade props unless you have a specific reason as to why you want 3-blade props. There's more specifics than that if you google the differences, but that's the main one I know of.
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Aug 28, 2015 20:34
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Takkaryx posted:I'm still learning how to fly my 250 quad racer I built a few months ago, and it's time to re-stock on props. I can mostly keep it going flat and level, hover in place, but bank turning is still hard. I originally got 3 blade props, as that's what was recommended to me to learn on, but I'm seeing a lot of racers with 2 blade props. What's the functional difference between 2 and 3 blade props, and should I move to 2 blade props? On top of what the other poster said, 2 blade props have a CHANCE (albeit slim) of landing flat in a crash, escaping damage. 3 blade props are going to break every single time because there is no way they can turn where a blade won't be hitting ground.
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Aug 28, 2015 20:57
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Arrest that rear end! posted:For the first time in ages I have two fully functional mini quads at the same time (instead of one or more broken ones): What's the frame you're using on the left? Looks nice and tiny. Also, any tips on cutting that braided sleeving to size without it unraveling first? I can't seem to get it to not fray.
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Aug 28, 2015 21:35
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Martytoof posted:Also, any tips on cutting that braided sleeving to size without it unraveling first? I can't seem to get it to not fray. Cut it with sharp scissors then melt the tips of the fraying ends with a lighter so they blob together, that worked for me.
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Aug 28, 2015 21:42
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Martytoof posted:What's the frame you're using on the left? Looks nice and tiny. It's a custom designed and cut 180mm, only two ever made!
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Aug 28, 2015 21:50
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32MB OF ESRAM posted:Cut it with sharp scissors then melt the tips of the fraying ends with a lighter so they blob together, that worked for me.
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Aug 29, 2015 00:00
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Oh yeah, I thought about the melting thing but not about the tape. I think the tape would work better since I could expand the tube to fit some bigger stuff, wrap it with tape, then cut. Would be harder to keep the tube expanded while trying to melt the ends as they'd start to fray by that point. Is there any serious difference between the output of a 600TVL and a 480TVL FPV cam? I know the 600TVL is the one that everyone recommends but is it noticeably better or is it not really going to make much difference when I'm zooming between trees?
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Aug 29, 2015 03:08
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Re: batteries on top instead of on belly. Are there actually functional and operational pros/cons? I can see battery on top would be easier to switch and otherwise handle and manage. Every multirotor I have had (all two!! of them) have had batteries on the bottom though.
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Aug 29, 2015 10:07
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Whatever placement gets the center of mass closest to the plane of the props is ideal. It is much easier to have it on top in most cases.
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Aug 30, 2015 02:17
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Ok so what do you guys think about the TGY-i10 for quad and fixed-wing flying? Not that I have to have the fancy touchscreen remote but it seems to be the only decent option for me that isn't very basic and limited or super expensive. My options seem to be: TGY-i10, ~$180 9XR Pro, $100 + battery + module + receiver Taranis, $220 + shipping from china + (likely) ~$60 in taxes and duty This is mostly because HK are retards and don't stock a lot of TX stuff in the EU and the other options are either local stores ($$$) or ordering from china, ($$).
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Aug 31, 2015 01:06
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Can you change the TX module in those? Also I wonder how badly the backlit LCD dings that 1700mah battery.
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Aug 31, 2015 01:55
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That's a good question - I thought yes, because why the hell not, but looks like the only way to get another module is to solder it in. Here's the manual for the Flysky i10, which is apparently the same thing: http://rc.305.cz/storage/Flysky_FS-i10_manual.pdf How limiting would this built-in module be? Obviously I'd prefer having the flexibility but if the standard one is decent enough I could probably deal with it and mod it eventually if really necessary. Still this does suck. Nobody seems to mention battery life. I can imagine it's worse than it would be without the screen but as long as it lasts more than the batteries in the aircraft that could be ok. Edit: Actually, where can one get the Taranis for cheap in the US? I might have someone coming over in the next few weeks who could smuggle it in for me. mobby_6kl fucked around with this message at 08:29 on Aug 31, 2015 |
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Aug 31, 2015 07:45
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| # ? May 17, 2024 18:33 |
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Wait, you in the EU or the US now? You're confusing, because you talk about EU stock, then ask about procuring in the US. Either way, the Taranis is an awesome remote and has a JR slot, so you can go switch system without ditching the remote, or go full on 32 channels (with a second transmitter in the JR slot, be it FrSky or something else). That said, overhere in Europe, the Taranis seemed out of stock almost everywhere when I was looking to buy one. Of all things, I found someone on Ebay with stock, for 273€ delivered (with aluminium case but no receiver).
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Aug 31, 2015 12:23
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