My first Tricopter. Step by step building guide.

Multirotor systems are more and more popular nova days. I was impressed by this new type of flying objects and decided to build one. My building and flying experience I gain from fixed wing models only.
About a month ago I found this video on youtube



it amazed me with the simplicity and accessibility.

After a short conversation with my friend Max who is experienced multirotor pilot I was convinced to start building my tricopter. Based on my friend's advice these parts were ordered from the HobbyKing:

Turnigy Talon Tricopter (V1.0) Carbon Fiber Frame
MultiWii PRO Flight Controller w/MTK GPS Module
20CM Male to Male Servo Lead (JR) 26AWG (10pcs/set)
TGY-306G Ultra Fast/High Torque MG Digital Alloy Cased Servo 3kg / .06sec / 21g
Turnigy D3536/9 910KV Brushless Outrunner Motor
HobbyKing 40A BlueSeries Brushless Speed Controller
USBasp AVR Programming Device for ATMEL proccessors
Atmel Atmega Socket Firmware Flashing Tool
Wooden 13x4.5 propeller (1pc/bag)
Wooden 13x4.5R propeller (1pc/bag)
Turnigy nano-tech 3300mah 3S 25~50C Lipo Pack
Turnigy Pure-Silicone Wire 16AWG (1mtr) BLACK
Turnigy Pure-Silicone Wire 16AWG (1mtr) Red
Turnigy Heat Shrink Tube 25mm Transparent (1mtr)

For this set up I've ordered four motors and for ESC so I will have one spare set (just in case). There are two batteries in my order also, connected in parallel they will give me 6600mah and double the current. Number of propellers depends on your pilot skills (I have ordered an extra pair of each). I did not order any power distribution boards or power connectors as I feel comfortable with soldering gun and want to avoid dead weight.

Right now MultiWii Flight Controller is on backorder and while I am watching the paint dry this blog has been created to keep you guys informed.
This post will be updated every time I progress with the assembly so please keep checking for the updates and feel free to leave your comments.
Also I am always looking for the advice as I mentioned before I have lack of experience in this type of models.

Feb.17 Updates
Last afternoon I received the parcel with all my parts. No visible damages to the box and everything was packed very well. One of the propellers had a crack though.
Quality of the frame is good and I have't discovered any missing parts but some manufacture defects delayed the assembly, e.g. one of the shafts that goes into pivot mount had no tread, carbon parts for tail assembly had smaller slots than the carbon sheet thickness.
I took me two hours (including driving to the tools shop) to assemble the frame and mount motors — looks awesome.

Feb.18 Update
Don't have too much time, but moving forward.
Flashed ESCs with Simonk firmware using kkMulticopter Flash Tool 0.71 beta2USBasp AVR Programming Device for ATMEL proccessors and Atmega Socket Firmware Flasing tool. Works like a charm and I spent 15 minutes maximum. The firmware I used has a Bootloader also. It will give me opportunity to update the firmware in the future using just servo cable and Turnigy USB Linker.


To be continued.

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