Discussions

Hello,

Recently found this forum after developing an interest in building a Multi-rotor DIY UAVs. I would like to ask a few questions.

I am interested in building an ArduPilotMega-brained Multi-copter (hexa or Octo) that can do the following:

1. Primary usage: using it in a UAV / Mission Planner configured autonomous mode
2. Carry a small video camera to record the flight during the mission. Not FPV, just onboard recording
and download to PC after mission completion is OK.
3. Flying time minimum of 30 minutes. I know this is a ballpark number, due to outside weather conditions vary actual times.  So I am thinking still-air flying time.

Before I get all carried away do you think this is a realistic goal, especially the 30 minute flight time?
Would an Octocopter be a better platform to support longer flying times (because it can carry more battery oomph)?
It would be fun to eventually do the FPV thing, but not right away. Of course I realize heavier = lower flight times. I'm a Sport Pilot and fly a 2 seater weight shift trike (only skinny people in the back seat now).

After reading several posting I get some general perceptions that include:

Hexa can carry more weight than Quads (and Octos more than Hexas).

Hexa are 'safer' in that if a motor or two fail during flight it may not be a disaster, just panic and screaming  :). Octos are more so.

A lot of discussions about Hexa seem to morph into the 'heavy lift' category where the goal is to carry a big camera for short time flights. I cannot say I've seen a lot of discussion about lengthening the flight times.

And then the Octocopter discussions go even further in this regard about heaving lifting (2 to 5 KG payloads). And Octo discussions seem to be in the flight time range of 9 to 15 mintues with all of that weight.

I found this website: http://www.ecalc.ch/xcoptercalc_e.htm  but it is a little much for me right now. Are there any other simpler calculators that ballpark things like: overall aircraft weight/ number of engines/propellors / batteries choosen / flight time?

I also realize that I might be biting off too much for a first-timer. So building something modest just to get flying is not unreasonable. But when
you live by the motto: 'anything worth doing, is worth over-doing'  this comes with some difficulty. :)

Anyway, before I fall too far down the rabbit hole some sensible, experienced feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks for your time,
Mike