Lifting 900g with 3DR Y6

Posted by Fredrik G on July 18, 2014 at 11:46am

Hi,

My first post here. I've been searching the forum for info on this, sorry if I've missed something.

I have a 3DR Y6 2013 DIY [1] that I've been flying for about a month, very happy with it so far. When I bought it I expected (naively) that I'd be able to put my Sony NEX-5T on it, but quickly realized that it is way too heavy. My flight times are pretty low already without any additional load. The camera and a light 2-axis gimbal [2] is 900g.

- Does anyone have experience lifting a ~900g camera/gimbal rig with the 3DR Y6, with decent flight times?

- If, what motors, props and battery are you using? I am looking at motors popular with the Tarot 680 [3], would these be suitable for the Y6? They provide 580 g of thrust at 50% throttle (4S, APC 11x4.7).  

- Is it at all possible to fit a gimbal this size under the 3DR Y6? (With tall landing gear of course.)

Would it be easier and more efficient to get a bigger flat hexa frame instead, as I may end up replacing many of my current parts anyway? Many NEX gimbals seem to be built to fit Tarot frames, and the frames have high clearance and proper gimbal mounts.

Any advice appreciated!
 

[1] APM 2.6, 850kv motors [1], 20A ESC, 3S 5000mA, 'B' motor config. http://www.unmannedtechshop.co.uk/hexacopter-motor-esc-combo.html

[2] Thinking about this one: http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__51513__ACK_Pro_Mid_Sized_Ball_Bearing_Brushless_Gimbal_With_Turnigy_4008_Motors_NEX5_And_GF3_Sized_.html

[3] http://www.foxtechfpv.com/sunnysky-v350816-700kv-motor-p-860.html

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Replies

  • DG July 18, 2014 at 2:27pm

    I've watched some of this guy's videos with a Y6. He has it loaded down and flies well.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXTDXf3RrrE&list=UUcRDGSFaw8cMW...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpaRRjKNUZs

    I just installed a 8000 mah battery yesterday and got a solid 15 minutes on my Y6 before the battery alarm went off on the copter at 3.7v. That was mixed flying mostly in PosHold mode. The throttle mid position at hover was identical to the 6000 mah battery.

    • Fredrik G > DG July 18, 2014 at 3:18pm

      Thanks, nice videos. I was waiting for him to get all three up at the same time though... ;)

      His video says the Y6 is 2.45kg with 10A 4S (I assume that's 2x5A). Mine would be around 2.2kg without battery, incl. camera + gimbal. But he seem to be using the standard 850kv motors.

      Is your battery 3S? What motors are you using?

    • DG > Fredrik G July 18, 2014 at 5:03pm

      4s battery, 850 motors CF 10 x 4.7 props at the moment.

      I don't see how his Y6 can only weigh 2.45 kg including batteries when he has all that equipment on.

      Mine weighs 1.4 kg with the receiver and telemetry. Add 2 5000mah batteries @~650g each and that's 2.7kg  right there. 

  • Emin Bu July 18, 2014 at 12:25pm

    Get yourself DJI H3D3 3axis(yes you need third ax for better picture even if you don't have retracts) go pro gimbal, there is nothing better at the moment at only 160gr.

    http://www.dji.com/product/zenmuse-h3-3d

    go pro 3+ is 73 gr. and picture from go pro is almost like sony....you can exchange fisheye lens...

    its a bit more expensive than tarot gimbal but its worth every penny,you wont regret....

    I am afraid that 3dr y6 wont be enough for bigger gimbal bcs of the weight of gimbal itself..

    this one is really minimalistic and its 686gr.

    http://www.rctimer.com/product_980.html

    • Fredrik G > Emin Bu July 18, 2014 at 12:39pm

      Hi Emin, thanks for the info.

      I've been looking at the H3D3, very impressive. However, I still want to investigate if it is possible to get my NEX in the air. I am not very fond of the fisheye lens of the GoPro, would prefer the narrower lens (and higher video/still quality) of the NEX.

      But again, if it turns out to be too costly/difficult with the NEX I'm considering getting a good GoPro clone (SJ4000) and a cheap gimbal as a temporary solution (until I can build a proper AP/AV rig).

      Cheers,

      F

    • Darryl Cannon > Fredrik G July 22, 2014 at 11:51pm

      I am not very fond of the fisheye lens of the GoPro...

      You are aware that the latest versions allow you to adjust the FOV from Wide (170*) to Medium (120*) to Narrow (90*) right?  They're just cropping in on the native resolution, but it doesn't look bad.

    • Fredrik G > Darryl Cannon August 11, 2014 at 1:01am

      Thanks, that's a good point. Looks very good, 1080, 60fps. Looking forward to seeing what the Hero4 will be capable of...

      However I already own the Nex and it is much better for stills, so I decided to follow through with it. Will perhaps regret it when I try to get the thing in the air (or crashes...)

    • Emin Bu > Fredrik G July 18, 2014 at 12:45pm

      go pro can use many more lenses if you pay another 200$ for that kit...

      http://www.back-bone.ca/

    • Fredrik G > Emin Bu July 18, 2014 at 1:21pm

      Whoa, that's pretty sweet. Sure it'll be heavier than my NEX though... (~350g with 16mm prime)

    • Emin Bu > Emin Bu July 18, 2014 at 12:50pm

      if you go for bigger frame this one looks very strong,practical and foldable

      this link for pictures http://www.emaxmodel.com/views.asp?hw_id=1469

      and here is best price http://www.foxtechfpv.com/kongcopter-fq700-foldable-quadcopter-fram...

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