# Worth it or scam? **URL:** \ **Category:** Racing Quads, Self-builds & FPV\ **Created:** [13 October 2024 20:58 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306 "2024-10-13T20:58:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Howard78](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/howard78/32/68392_2.png) [@Howard78](https://greyarro.ws/u/Howard78)\ **Post date:** [14 October 2024 12:10 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306/23 "2024-10-14T12:10:13Z")
The stuff is old mostly as has been said. I sadly fell for buying stuff like this when i didn’t know any better. I’m sure that between us we can recommend a good alternative. Perhaps share with us what you would like to do and your budget we can give you some direction. ---
**Author:** ![GunjaFPV](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/gunjafpv/32/72376_2.png) [@GunjaFPV](https://greyarro.ws/u/GunjaFPV)\ **Post date:** [14 October 2024 12:33 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306/24 "2024-10-14T12:33:03Z")
> [@Howard78](#): > > Perhaps share with us what you would like to do and your budget we can give you some direction. Yeah that’s a good call. For a radio that’s future proof for example you could get a radiomaster pocket (if you hated the hobby I’d buy it off you, lol). Goggles, there are decent options for analogue to get you going… Ranging from 70/80 quid up to £700+ for the HDZeros with analogue modules! Then for drones, if you want a whoop 65/75mm for indoors, and still wind outdoor flying, then you looking just under 100 upwards. And you can get the Darwin tiny and baby apes for a little over £100 too. Then you want chargers, batteries and props really. Goggles are expensive for a good pair, but they do last. As Howard says, what you want from the hobby? Also if buying second hand, see it all working. I sold a drone yesterday and they saw it working before I sold it, so… ---
**Author:** ![VenoPlonk](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/venoplonk/32/184001_2.png) [@VenoPlonk](https://greyarro.ws/u/VenoPlonk)\ **Post date:** [14 October 2024 12:50 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306/26 "2024-10-14T12:50:31Z")
would have to get back to you on what I want out of the hobby I already have a TBS Mambo radio ---
**Author:** ![Howard78](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/howard78/32/68392_2.png) [@Howard78](https://greyarro.ws/u/Howard78)\ **Post date:** [14 October 2024 13:27 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306/27 "2024-10-14T13:27:47Z")
Ok, so it looks like you’d like to go down the Fpv proper route rather than DJI out of the box. Mambo is a good TX. I have a tango 2 which is similar. You can fit crossfire receivers to pretty much any fpv drone apart from things like the avata or DJI fpv. Your next step is to decide on goggles. Analogue will be cheaper and you’ll be able to find more used but if you catch the bug, you will upgrade to digital - everyone does. Once you’ve got the above figured out then you can buy a compatible drone off eBay or pre built or buy a kit and build yourself. Buying used is a good option once you know what you want. Hope that helps a little. Please fire off more questions if you have any ---
**Author:** ![VenoPlonk](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/venoplonk/32/184001_2.png) [@VenoPlonk](https://greyarro.ws/u/VenoPlonk)\ **Post date:** [14 October 2024 13:46 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306/29 "2024-10-14T13:46:16Z")
I already have a DJI Mini 2 SE and love it but I want something with more excitement so FPV is the way I bought the Mambo on the recommendation of some peeps here and then some other things came up financially ---
**Author:** ![DeanoG60](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/deanog60/32/60175_2.png) [@DeanoG60](https://greyarro.ws/u/DeanoG60)\ **Post date:** [14 October 2024 14:08 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306/30 "2024-10-14T14:08:47Z")
The mambo is a fine radio indeed. Just to note though when you’re putting the shopping list together make sure to include a TBS Tracer receiver (RX) as this will be required to be installed into any FPV drone you go for or add it to the list of the parts if you’re planning to build your own. 👍🏻 As it’s this that allows your mambo to talk to what ever drone you decide to buy or build 👍🏻 This is also one of the main reasons that nobody here is recommending buying that bundle because it’s all out dated stuff. The Mambo, where it’s not the current eco system but it’s certainly much more up to date with modern FPV gear. FPV, if not going the DJI route is a mammoth learning curve and one that will require a lot of research on youtube and other resources, due to the complex nature of it. There isn’t a quick easy buy this kit and you’re good to go out there. It’s all about learning to build crash and repair your gear. I’d say Think of a budget, then double it because there is loads of extras one off’s to buy things that are needed but once you have it you have it. So once you’ve been in the hobby for a while it gets cheaper (maybe… 🤣 unless you’re like most of us and end up saying stuff “like might start a new build” 🤣) but Starting out from scratch is expensive as you’ve gotta buy things like chargers soldering iron flux solder heat shrink wire motors props the list is endless lol but most of that stuff is once you have it you have it and haven’t got to buy it again so it gets cheaper as you move along in the hobby. ---
**Author:** ![VenoPlonk](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/venoplonk/32/184001_2.png) [@VenoPlonk](https://greyarro.ws/u/VenoPlonk)\ **Post date:** [14 October 2024 14:23 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306/31 "2024-10-14T14:23:30Z")
Ahh right okay I get you so heavy outlay but gets cheaper as you move along that makes sense ---
**Author:** ![Earwig](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/earwig/32/112833_2.png) [@Earwig](https://greyarro.ws/u/Earwig)\ **Post date:** [15 October 2024 01:37 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306/32 "2024-10-15T01:37:39Z")
> [@DeanoG60](#): > > The mambo is a fine radio indeed. Just to note though when you’re putting the shopping list together make sure to include a TBS Tracer receiver (RX) Or maybe an ELRS TX module? I know you’re not a massive fan 😁 but it opens up a lot more (cheapish) options for BnF? e.g. (as @GunjaFPV mentioned) > **[DarwinFPV Baby Ape Pro V2 3" Analogue FPV Drone](https://www.hobbyrc.co.uk/darwinfpv-baby-ape-pro-v2-fpv-drone)** > > DarwinFPV Baby Ape Pro V2 3" Analogue FPV Drone- 3S with Analogue FPV. ELRS and FrSky versions available. The ELRS version of, course, not FrSky. Damn, it’s a minefield. I have one of these and it’s a fun little flyer. I also got one for my son to try and get him ensnared in the hobby. A bit cautious of making hard recommendations because of all the compatibility complications, but something like this? > **[ELRS ES24TX Pro Micro TX Module](https://www.hobbyrc.co.uk/elrs-es24tx-pro-micro-tx-module)** > > The ExpressLRS Micro Pro TX is an ultra long range radio module that fits in a standard JR bay. Of course, you still need goggles, some batteries and a charger. Batteries are sort of disposable, but a sound choice of goggles and charger should see you right for some time to come. Skyzone Cobra X are a solid choice for reasonably priced analog box goggles, especially if you wear glasses, but you should find plenty to choose from in that department. ---
**Author:** ![GunjaFPV](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/gunjafpv/32/72376_2.png) [@GunjaFPV](https://greyarro.ws/u/GunjaFPV)\ **Post date:** [15 October 2024 06:55 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306/33 "2024-10-15T06:55:40Z")
> [@Earwig](#): > > Or maybe an ELRS TX module? I know you’re not a massive fan 😁 but it opens up a lot more (cheapish) options for BnF? I dunno about Tracer (I assume the mambo is tracer?), but yes, in 2024 unless you kitted out with Crossfire kit (which you’re not), then ELRS is the way to go. Just checked the tracer RX on Hobby RC, and out of stock (the ONE tracer module) ![image](https://d1q8cepst0v8xp.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/5/0568071b8e80ed64e3ffaa94a75fefc4a0316512.png) yes, Crossfire in stock, but a lot of BnF don’t have option for crossfire (they have no RX versions, but then you’re soldering). So yeah an ELRS TX module the way to go. Could get a crossfire module for twice the price of an ELRS one… In short @VenoPlonk the radio link between the quad and your controller talks a language. And they need to match. There are quite a lot (TBS Crossfire, TBS Tracer, ELRS, FrSky, spektrum, etc loads more). For simplicity sake your radio I believe uses Tracer and you can’t get many (if not any) bind and fly quads with tracer (I will be proved wrong). You can plugin a module to use different “languages” (protocols). Crossfire was the gold standard, and it’s very good, Tracer is another by TBS (and I dunno much about tracer TBH). ELRS has pretty much taken over these days (as it’s open source and anyone can make hardware for it, making it cheaper and available). It’s as good as Crossfire and “possibly” (let’s not argue about that here guys…) better. Though what we can probably all agree on, is avoid FrSky! And just for clarity there now two versions of ELRS. I’d stick with 2.4 for now (not 868/900) unless you buy one of the Nomad dual 2.4/868 TX modules for the radio side, then you’re laughing (and something I may do very soon!)! ---
**Author:** ![Earwig](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/earwig/32/112833_2.png) [@Earwig](https://greyarro.ws/u/Earwig)\ **Post date:** [15 October 2024 07:30 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306/34 "2024-10-15T07:30:59Z")
P.S. BnF = Bind ‘n’ Fly. Basically, the quad is supplied built and ready to go, with a specific type of receiver. All you need to do is bind it to your controller and you’re flying. And have some of the correct batteries, of course. And possibly do a bit of Betaflight configuration to set the controls up. It’s never _quite_ as straightforward as it sounds. But BnF is the second easiest option below a complete “Ready to Fly” rig, which will generally either be rather pricey or not be “pro” enough to last you much beyond getting your initial skills honed, or being a good base for expanding your fleet. ---
**Author:** ![VenoPlonk](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/venoplonk/32/184001_2.png) [@VenoPlonk](https://greyarro.ws/u/VenoPlonk)\ **Post date:** [15 October 2024 08:21 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306/35 "2024-10-15T08:21:13Z")
Thank you so much for all the help guys you’re right there is so much to learn and take on board and such like, so I’ve spoken to the seller and he is saying he only bought most of the item a few months back brand new so can people elaborate why the stuff be “older” is gonna cause me issues now and/or later another question I have it seems a large part of the community has a hard on for ELRS and believe that is the one and only “language” to use is there a reason some people are so married to that? Lol. ---
**Author:** ![GunjaFPV](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/gunjafpv/32/72376_2.png) [@GunjaFPV](https://greyarro.ws/u/GunjaFPV)\ **Post date:** [15 October 2024 08:39 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306/36 "2024-10-15T08:39:09Z")
> [@VenoPlonk](#): > > so I’ve spoken to the seller and he is saying he only bought most of the item a few months back brand new so can people elaborate why the stuff be “older” The radio (I think is a JR/Graupner MX-22) I can find forum posts in 2009 for it… The guys a liar. He bought “new” a few months back? This quad/Flight controller… ![image](https://d1q8cepst0v8xp.cloudfront.net/original/3X/0/8/08b09378c90f729629762b321cc14ec1256e8da2.png) Looks like PWM style servo connectors on there… Again not sold for years… Liar. Can’t tell on the second one. A “hard on” for ELRS… Hmmm… I mean if you want to be able to control your quad more than 20 meters away and not lose your investment, then yeah… I like ELRS. Crossfire would also be absolutely perfect at range too. A radio released at least back in 2009… Not so much! The charger you can still buy… Umm… > **[IMAX B6 80W Battery Charger Lipo NiMh Li-ion Ni-Cd Digital Lipro Balance...](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005028773427.html)** > > Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com I wouldn’t but OK. Also as I think @Earwig said earlier, why so many 1S batteries, and. no 1S quad? The goggles will receive analogue perfectly fine, and if are the V3, I think (not 100% sure here), has a HDMI in, so you could add walksnail module for digital at some point… You can probably pick those up for £150-£200 from eBay, etc. It’d be the only thing I’d be interested in, if didn’t have analogue goggles. You have a perfectly fine radio (the mambo), you need goggles, and a quad. Charger… You;d need a 12V power supply, but… > **[ISDT Q6 Nano BattGo 200W 8A Lipo Battery Charger Colorful Pocket for 1-6S...](https://uk.banggood.com/ISDT-Q6-Nano-BattGo-200W-8A-Lipo-Battery-Charger-Colorful-Pocket-for-1-6S-Lipo-Battery-p-1663605.html)** > > Only US$35.90. Get the ISDT Q6 Nano BattGo 200W 8A Lipo Battery Charger at Banggood. This colorful pocket charger is perfect for 1-6S Lipo batteries. Shop now! It’s your money mate, feel free. ---
**Author:** ![Howard78](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/howard78/32/68392_2.png) [@Howard78](https://greyarro.ws/u/Howard78)\ **Post date:** [15 October 2024 09:07 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306/37 "2024-10-15T09:07:57Z")
I’d agree with @GunjaFPV on this. The gear is mostly old gear. If he bought it recently it was 2nd hand. Even the frame looks like an old one. Seems like the seller is chancing his arm. The elrs idea is a good one for budget too. You can pick up an ELRS BNF drone for cheap these days - then its just a case of deciding on goggles analogue or digital ---
**Author:** ![Earwig](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/earwig/32/112833_2.png) [@Earwig](https://greyarro.ws/u/Earwig)\ **Post date:** [15 October 2024 09:26 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306/38 "2024-10-15T09:26:04Z")
> [@VenoPlonk](#): > > why the stuff be “older” is gonna cause me issues now and/or later There’s every possibility you could get all the stuff off this guy and it would all work fine. Which is great until something goes wrong, or breaks (and it _will_), or you want to add another quad. Then you’ll find there’s no compatible parts on the market (which always has stock issues at the best of times). But, he does seem to be overestimating it’s worth a little. ELRS is current flavour of the month for the reasons @GunjaFPV mentioned previously: It’s Open Source which means anyone can make the stuff without having to get a licence from the technology holders which in turn tends to make the parts easier to come by and cheaper. The potential downside is that they won’t be as tightly regulated, so there’s a potential for a slight drop in quality control, but I don’t think you’ll find anyone on here who’s flying ELRS and has had any major issues. I had one of those chargers as my first and it’s perfectly adequate. These days I only use it for bench power and trying to coax batteries that have stopped playing nice with my SkyRC Q200 back to life. 😱 ---
**Author:** ![DeanoG60](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/deanog60/32/60175_2.png) [@DeanoG60](https://greyarro.ws/u/DeanoG60)\ **Post date:** [15 October 2024 09:38 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306/39 "2024-10-15T09:38:15Z")
> [@VenoPlonk](#): > > it seems a large part of the community has a hard on for ELRS It’s future proofing, the latest control protocol. So has the most life left in it before being subsided by something else. FlySky FRSky even Crossfire and Tracer (The last 2 are still viable) are all old technologies when it comes to radio links. ---
**Author:** ![GunjaFPV](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/gunjafpv/32/72376_2.png) [@GunjaFPV](https://greyarro.ws/u/GunjaFPV)\ **Post date:** [15 October 2024 11:22 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306/40 "2024-10-15T11:22:14Z")
> [@Earwig](#): > > and it would all work fine And I’d absolutely want to see it “all working fine” if you do go this route! ---
**Author:** ![VenoPlonk](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/venoplonk/32/184001_2.png) [@VenoPlonk](https://greyarro.ws/u/VenoPlonk)\ **Post date:** [15 October 2024 12:01 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306/41 "2024-10-15T12:01:47Z")
Thank you once again everyone and if I do go this route I am gonna make sure it all works out and I’ll also the questions you guys have highlighted I’m thinking it gets my foot in the door and maybe I can build my own quad down the line with more up to date hardware and use my Mambo and maybe sell his radio, we shall see ---
**Author:** ![Earwig](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/earwig/32/112833_2.png) [@Earwig](https://greyarro.ws/u/Earwig)\ **Post date:** [15 October 2024 12:49 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306/42 "2024-10-15T12:49:07Z")
> [@GunjaFPV](#): > > And I’d absolutely want to see it “all working fine” if you do go this route! Me too. > [@VenoPlonk](#): > > I’m thinking it gets my foot in the door and maybe I can build my own quad down the line with more up to date hardware and use my Mambo and maybe sell his radio, we shall see It would, but there’s a fair bit of tat in there you don’t necessarily need and as soon as you start looking at building your own quad you’ll see how much other stuff may or may not need to bring everything up to current standards/availability. Just as an example (I am absolutely not saying, “go and get this,” it’s for illustration only, and definitely check everything for compatibility before making any purchase), this would also get your foot in the door for about the same amount of money (in fact, with a [HobbyRC discount code](https://greyarro.ws/t/hobbyrc-discount-codes/11101/96), that all weighs in at a smidge over £340). ![image](https://d1q8cepst0v8xp.cloudfront.net/original/3X/f/6/f639143b2b0a8667ba4ee0ab2e1fbf6137e3a898.png) I replaced my recommended Skyzone Cobra X goggles as the current version is about £220, and they’re also out of stock. As I say, this is just to show another possible path for the budget. Don’t take it as gospel, and, of course, the final decision is entirely yours. But it’s fun doing a bit of vicarious virtual shopping. ---
**Author:** ![DeanoG60](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/deanog60/32/60175_2.png) [@DeanoG60](https://greyarro.ws/u/DeanoG60)\ **Post date:** [15 October 2024 13:40 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306/43 "2024-10-15T13:40:48Z")
that’s a much better route into the hobby as well because HobbyRC are very good with their warranty as well, so if something doesn’t work, you can send it back. Something that is lacking from buying from some bloke on facebook marketplace. I can also vouch for the FatShark scout goggles as they were my starting pair of goggles 👍🏻 pretty good goggles comfortable with built-in DVR for recording the goggles screen 👍🏻 ---
**Author:** ![VenoPlonk](https://greyarro.ws/user_avatar/greyarro.ws/venoplonk/32/184001_2.png) [@VenoPlonk](https://greyarro.ws/u/VenoPlonk)\ **Post date:** [23 October 2024 00:39 UTC](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306/44 "2024-10-23T00:39:12Z")
Funnily enough the guy has now dropped the price on everything in the bundle done to £300 which means he’ll probably take £250 lmao, I said to him it was highly priced [Previous page](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306.md?page=1) [Next page](https://greyarro.ws/t/worth-it-or-scam/85306.md?page=3)