It’s coming up on winter and like everyone else I decided it was time to build a Tiny Whoop. Luckily there are a lot of guides on how to build one, but unfortunately if you have a Taranis the OrangeRX module doesn’t work great and is often sold out. A way to get around using an OrangeRX module is to use the BeeBrain flight controller.
Instead of buying a stock Inductrix and replacing the motors and flight controller it’s easier and cheeper just to buy all the parts separately.
BeeBrain Tiny Whoop Tutorial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6U0boGN96E
Quadcopter Parts ($111 + shipping):
Frame – $8
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01344GKD4
or
http://www.RaceDayQuads.com/products/inductrix-frame-clear-whoop-frame
Props – $2
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01344STS8
or
http://www.RaceDayQuads.com/products/eachine-prop-set-for-inductrix-and-6mm-motors-red-green
Motors – $14
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M4QRVA1
or even faster motors
http://www.RaceDayQuads.com/collections/tiny-whoop-motor/products/19600kv-super-insane-inductrix-whoop-motors-fastest-inductrix-motors-6x15mm
Flight Controller – $50
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M4QR6WX
or
http://www.RaceDayQuads.com/products/beebrain-fc-tiny-whoop-flight-controller-frsky-compatible
Camera and Video Transmitter – $37
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MQ2HMQA
or
http://www.RaceDayQuads.com/products/vm275t-crazepony-aio-whoop-camera-25mw
Accessories ($272 + shipping):
Batteries – $14
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KUOYSE4
Charger – $9
http://www.banggood.com/X5A-D-3_7V-1S-3A-Upgrade-Battery-Charger-Set-For-Blade-Inductrix-Tiny-Whoop-p-1116150.html
Controller – $190
http://www.banggood.com/FrSky-2_4G-ACCST-Taranis-X9D-Plus-Transmitter-p-940819.html
or
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__67750__FrSky_2_4GHz_ACCST_TARANIS_X9D_PLUS_Digital_Telemetry_Radio_System_Mode_2_.html
or
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019JQ7EMW
Controller charger – $5 (if the controller doesn’t come with one)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__45031__FrSky_AC_DC_Charge_Adapter_US_Version.html
or
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010HDI4QG
Goggles – $50
http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-VR-007-5_8G-40CH-HD-FPV-Goggles-Video-Glasses-4_3-Inch-With-7_4V-800mAh-Battery-p-960761.html
Android cable – $4 (for connecting the flight board to your computer)
http://www.amazon.com/Micro-Charge-Techoland-Enhance-Experience/dp/B00W1VC2TS
Tools ($38 + shipping):
Screw driver – $10
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00002X29G
Wire cutters – $10
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VRTM8XU
1 soldering iron – $10
http://www.amazon.com/60-Watts-Soldering-Iron-listed/dp/B0006NGZK0
Soldering wire – $2
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008OSBBI0
or
http://www.banggood.com/0_8mm-Soldering-Wire-60-40-Tin-Resin-Flux-Dispenser-Tube-Rosin-Core-Solder-p-990164.html
Welder glue – $6 (excellent for re-enforcing the frame)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005UJNH7E
The BeeBrain performed much better than the stock Inductrix flight controller and I can now fly much further without losing signal. I have been having tons of fun flying this little quadcopter around my house. I get between 2 minutes and 30 seconds and 3 minutes of flight time. One big difference between the BeeBrain and the stock flight controller is the quad won’t automatically stop when the batteries are low, so make sure to keep a timer to avoid over discharging. To set up timers on your Taranis checkout out this tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmC0RGopffg