DJI Mini-style drone running ardupilot

I've had the idea for this quad for nearly a month, but have not been able to sort out how to execute it and hope I can get some ideas here.

The goal

This project would aim to make a quad that has:

  • Endurance: The DJI Mini 2 can fly for 20-30 minutes
  • Portability: The Mini series is foldable and very compact, and while the style of folding the mini/mavics use is difficult to recreate, I want to have the drone compact and able to fit in a backpack
  • Affordability: The quad shouldn't exceed US$500
  • A Gimbal Camera: The Mini has a gimbal camera which is very nice quality as well as mounted in the front so there is no need for extended landing gear.

Execution

I have two ideas for how to make this drone:

  • CNC Carbon Fiber
  • 3D printed

If I went with CNCing carbon fiber, I would design a two-sheet system commonly seen in drone frames, with the top sheet protruding allowing for a gimbal to be mounted. The battery in the back would(should) balance this out. I'd need to research how to make folding or collapsing arms.

If I chose the 3d printing method, I would make room for a 20*20mm FC/ESC stack and practically clone the Mini 2's frame. I've seen a mavic clone online, so I might even just downscale that a bit as a starting point.

If anyone can contribute ideas to this, I'd appreciate it!

You need to be a member of diydrones to add comments!

Join diydrones

Email me when people reply –

Activity