I have an FPVRaptor which I'm planning to use for conservation purposes. The bundled motor and prop combo is noisy, so while OK for learning and testing, may well be too disturbing to wildlife when used in the wild.
Can anyone suggest any ideas to run the plane with much less noise? I'm thinking that a carefully balanced multi blade prop combined with a higher end motor is the way to go, ideally allowing the prop to be spun at a lower speed, but are there other considerations?
Thanks!
Replies
The FPV Raptor does sound something like a swarm of bees, which may be a problem for some animals. In my experience the lower kV pancake motors and high quality props (create less vibration) help to reduce noise. We often don't' realise how much noise is related to vibration and bad bearings, and if these can be reduced theoretically noise can come down.
To my knowledge the only way to properly quiet a fan (prop) for a given RPM is via playing with the aerodynamics and using tricks like serrated trailing edges. Effective, but they greatly decrease efficiency. And unless you plan to get in their faces you may find that most animals will be curious rather than frightened. I've seen videos of multirotors getting crazy close to deer and they reacted more bewildered than afraid.
Lower kv bigger prop will help if there is room to fit it.