I have a 3DR Quad Frame B with an ArduPilot Mega 1. I've want to do aerial video. What's the biggest battery I can use that will give me the longest flight time. At what point to I blow out the ESCs and the ArduPilot. I'm running a 3000Mh 3s. How much higher can I go?
Any help is appreciated.
Replies
Hey Joshua, I'm testing a range of batteries on my 3DR Quad C at the moment, 880kv motors, 20amp ESCs and 11x4.7 APC props. I'm currently flying 2650mah, 4000mah and 5000mah 3S packs, and I'm about to test out some 4S packs of equivalent weight to see if that's a win. I was amazed when I flew with the 5000 pack, I was expecting it to fly like a dog but it seemed just as responsive as it does with the 2650 packs. So far the ESCs stay cool to the touch, so I haven't tested with an amp-meter yet, but I will do before I fly with the 4S packs.
Although I haven't put them through enough cycles to know whether they'll work out in the long run, the Turnigy nano packs are pretty awesome for power to weight (and price!) ratio. Nice neat square profile too, so they strap in tight against the bottom panel.
The ESC and motors can handle 2S to 4S so you could go with a higher voltage pack. Not sure about the weight but there are higher capacity batteries available like 5,000 mAh and 8,000 mAh.