If you're going to build an RC multirotor (tricopter, quadcopter, octocopter or whatever) then you will need a controller and this is a look at the KK2 controller sold by HobbyKing.
Although it doesn't have fancy features like altitude hold, GPS, return to launch or waypoints, it is a very nice little unit that, thanks to an onboard LCD, can be "tuned" without the need for a laptop.
The quadrotor frame and hardware used in this review would test the abilities of any controller so I'm pleased to say that once the right values have been dialed in, the KK2 is certainly up to the task.
Pro's:
- onboard LCD makes setup a breeze
- supports a wide range of multi-rotor craft (up to 8 motors)
- has self-leveling capabilities thanks to onboard accelerometers
- very realistically priced
Con's:
- build quality was only "okay" (my LCD was intermittent and some soldering wasn't "perfect"
- requires some "dialing in" to match the dynamics of the airframe/motors/ESCs
- the self-leveling isn't too impressive, a bit slow.
Certainly, if you've got $30 burning a hole in your pocket and you want to get into multirotors, this is a definite item to put on your shopping list.