Good Morning from my Robotics Lab! This is Shadow_8472, and today, I am sidequesting into the world of drones for my first actual bot. Let’s get started!
I was seriously considering going for the PIXXY platform for what seemed like the longest time. Right now, I don’t know where I stand on what to build. I just want to find something I know I won’t run out of non-printable parts for. PIXXY appears to be a dead platform at second glance as many of the parts listed for it 404 on me. I’m willing to look into alternative parts for the same platform, though.
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The first penetration attempt into the field was a big let down. Preassembled drones can run cheaper than the electronic goodies needed to build an open source design, and I am not ready to design my own chassis based off a stripped down model, or even a kit. The experience felt a little… bitter, even if it was only over the phone.
On the other hand, getting a preassembled drone would give me a quicker feel for how a drone is supposed to fly.
Another thing to consider: replacing a drone from a factory will cost more if it breaks than printing up a single replacement part. Besides, one of the rules I laid out for myself is to only use free, open source stuff whenever possible.
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OK, OK, I gave it some more thought, a prearranged kit (not preassembled) wouldn’t be so bad if all the parts are standardized anyway. I would still want to make sure the parts are ones that will fit with whatever drone I decide to print.
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I didn’t seem to come to any substantial conclusions this week, 
but my father and I did finish the temporary case once and for all. The breathing holes on the sides have window screening stapled to them and we got some cheap J channel to hold the door, which is now a slide up model. Screws hold the rails for the door in place, and a little black duct tape protects the clear panel from further scratches as it slides.
Final Question: If I don’t go with building the Pixxy, what printable model should I go for?