I am trying to DIY a less expensive frame for my quadcopter, with APM2.
I do have 2 options for arms: aluminum arms or balsa wood arms.
Each arm should be approx 1 foot longer.
The body will be a CD-DVD case.
For aluminum: 1/2'' U square section aluminum - weight for 4 all arms - 183 grams
For balsa wood: 1/2'' Square (plain) section - weight for 4 all arms - 68 grams
I need pros and cons.
I did notice aluminum could induce vibration along arms, but is stronger, and 3 times heavier.
Balsa is more flexible, less stronger and 3 times less heavy, less vibration.
The quadcopter will have GoPro cam anf FPV gear. Mainly for aerial pictures and FPV, not fully aerobatics.
Thanks,
Chris
Replies
Thanks for reply.
My 1st Quad was complete, see link below. I decided to make it as H-frame.
It is flying well and weight 1Kg
http://diydrones.com/forum/topics/h-frame-quad-for-10-weight-1kg-wi...
I use 1/8 inch (0.125 nominal) aircraft plywood in my DIY frames. I add 3DR parts as needed - they are very good.
For arms, I use 0.75 square Al tubing.
Here's a sneek peak of Q2, my 2nd build....
As it sits on the balance, it reads just over 422 grams. There are two battery boxes integrated into the lower frame plate. The arms are shorter than the stock 3DR 'B' arms but slightly longer than the 'C' arms. The center frame is larger to make a cleaner mount of the ESCs.
The plywood was cut on my DIY CNC router.. an ugly beast of a project that needs rework for better accuracy.
-=Doug
OK, I am thinking to go with balsa wood, but instead of using a 1/2" stick section (rectangular), to use 2 x 1/4" balsa stick for reinforcement, glued together. This will be more strong, less vibration, less heavy and no radio interference as aluminum or carbon.
Any other suggestion is welcome.