Discussions

Hi and thanks in advance for any advice you can give regarding motor selection for my hexacopter project. I’ve been reading the forums for weeks now and I have to say how wonderful it is having everyone share their successes and also their unfortunate failures.

My plan is to build a hexacopter for FPV along with filming via HD camcorder (undetermined model but small size). Looking to get maximum flight time so looking for a moderate to heavy lift design to accommodate high capacity batteries. This seems to be the golden grail of multicopter designs and hopefully I can come as close as possible with the help of the seasoned pro’s on here.

The parts I have chosen to date will be Rusty’s UAP1 frame with the hex upgrade (approximately 567 grams) along with .625OD carbon fiber or thin walled aluminum booms. For camera mount I’m looking at the Alware 3 axis model (440 grams). In the end I should end up with a frame with a top weight less than 1500 grams or 3.3lbs. The controller will be the new Ardumegapilot board and hopefully that will work well.

I’ve looked hard at the DJI Wookong units but having the waypoint feature of Arducopter has me hooked and not looking to spend the money on DJI’s waypoint package.

The one thing that I’m having trouble figuring out is the motor/prop combination that will offer the lift capacity I’m looking for but also offering the most efficient for longer flight times. I’m not looking for a fast or acrobatic copter but something that will offer smooth and stable flight.

So there is my current plan and hopefully someone who has built or knows of a similar copter may be able to offer advice on the motors to get this in the air.

Thanks again,

Glenn