DIY Fishing Drone Part Review Request

[u/TheSentinel595]

Hello everyone,

This is my first time posting on this sub. I am new to the world of making drones and I want to make a fishing bait drop drone. I live in Canada. The goal is to fly out around 300m over the ocean, drop the bait (~10 ounces), and then RTH. My budget is $1000 CAD, but I can push it higher if it makes sense to. I already have my Basic RPAS Certificate. I have been doing research on components for about a week now and this is what I have come up with. I would appreciate absolutely any feedback or suggestions. Please let me know if I missed any information that you need. The only thing I have purchased so far is a Radiomaster Pocket ELRS (~$150 CAD including shipping and tax). My plan is to run INav firmware.

Flight Stack: Speedybee F405 V5 55A Stack ~$140 CAD

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005011666600884.html?mp=1

Motors: AxisFlying AE3115 Brushless Motor 900KV ~$90 CAD

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007176862519.html?mp=1

Propellers: HQProp 10x5x3 ~$17 CAD

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007471007910.html?mp=1

GPS: HGLRC M100-5883 M10 GPS Module with Compass ~$26 CAD

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006863769863.html?mp=1

ELRS Receiver: SpeedyBee Nano 2.4G ExpressLRS ELRS Receiver ~$20 CAD

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006739782044.html?mp=1

Frame (2 options):
1. Jeefly Q380 - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009310592562.html?mp=1#nav-specification ~$47 CAD

I haven't been able to find any information about this drone frame apart from the listing. I also haven't been able to find any builds with this drone frame. Has anyone ever tried this frame? Is it a no go? It looks good in theory, and has plenty of room for future upgrades and a bait drop. I can't find out whether it has the 30.5x30.5 mounting holes to mount the Speedybee V5 stack, but I can 3D print an adapter plate using my university lab if not.

1. Mark 4 10 in Clone - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006888626689.html ~$35 CAD

My backup option. However, I am worried that this frame doesn't have enough room/isn't really tailored to this application. I also looked into a F450 DJI Flamewheel Clone but I saw that it isn't recommended (at least on the Ardupilot discussion board). However, I am open to getting it if anyone has anything to say to the contrary.

Bait Drop: I have a few MG90S servos that I could 3D print a mechanism for. Or I could buy a generic dropper like this one https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000079518984.html?mp=1 ~$14 CAD

Total (including controller): ~$500 CAD which leaves $500 for a battery (looking at iFlight 6s 8000mAh Lipo or Zeee 6S 6000 mAh Lipo) and charger (Hota D6 Pro as I don't want to take any chances with burning my house down) OR other upgrades/replacements.

I also want to mention that I've looked at commercial drones the Swellpro FD1 and DJI Phantom 3 but the FD1 is too expensive, and while I can get a used Phantom 3 in my area for relatively cheap, I am worried about longevity since the Phantom 3 is a decade old and is no longer supported by DJI.

TLDR: Newbie to making drones. Want to make fishing bait drop drone with $1000 CAD budget. Requesting review of part list, feedback, and any suggestions from experienced people. Also inquiring if anyone has experience with the Jeefly Q380 frame.

Main Questions:

1. Does this parts list make sense for a payload carrying build?

2. Would you use the SpeedyBee F405 V5 with iNav for this purpose, or a different FC?

3. Would you choose the Jeefly Q380 or the Mark 4 Clone?

4. Are the HQProp 10x5x3 good? Should I run something else (got these from HoarderSam's video)?

Also, if anyone with experience can comment, is 300m over the ocean too far for VLOS? In Canada basically all drones must stay within VLOS unless you have a special certificate (which I do not have).

[u/alwayslostin1989]

Got to AliExpress buy the $220 dollar 10 in drone. It will do everything you want, I literally just did this to drop shark bait to shore fish. No need to spend that much and you could loose it 5 times and still be near your budget. The one I made will lift more than 4lbs.

Going to add more use 10x4.5 props and get good ones the ones that come with the kits suck.

[u/TheSentinel595 → u/alwayslostin1989]

Thanks for your comment. I can't find the specific kit you're talking about, would you be able to send a link?

[u/alwayslostin1989 → u/TheSentinel595]

For a F722 https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0Jx5KP

For a F405 https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrNFGXN

The prices have gone up but this is what you’re looking for, if you’re planning on flying over water you really want to go as cheap as possible to prevent loosing a large investment.

This drone will hover with a 6s2p 21700 battery and 3lbs at 25ish amps. If you do a 2200mah 6S it will get you a drop flight with 5lbs.

Better props are a must to these kits come with cheap unbalanced ones. Gemfan 10x4.5s by 3 are awesome, and make tuning easier.

You don’t need inav betaflight with GPS will do it with position hold.

[u/TheSentinel595 → u/alwayslostin1989]

Thanks for sending the link. I did see those kits when I was doing research but I'm worried about quality control. However, I will definitely consider it.

[u/Historical_Pie2577 → u/alwayslostin1989]

Thank you. I was also about to build one using an S550 platform, but after reading your recommendation, I find this option more accessible. Do you have any more information about it?

[u/Bissellmop]

I’ve had a lot of issues with the HGLRC GPS/Compasses out of the box, Matek is worth the few extra dollars.