APM 2.5+ top vs side entry on quadcopter

Posted by Greg McHugh on February 25, 2013 at 1:09pm

I am setting up a DJI F450 quadcopter with APM and was wondering if there are tradeoffs for using the top entry APM configuration vs the side entry APM configuration for quadcopters. I see almost all of the quadcopters using the top entry APM but it would seem that the side entry would allow shorter cables to the receiver and the ESC's. Is there a technical reason for using the top entry?

Greg McHugh

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Replies

  • Greg McHugh February 26, 2013 at 10:57am

    Thanks for the inputs. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something about using the side entry configuration. Looks like it is the way to go.

  • Peter Klimon February 26, 2013 at 12:23am

    I have a F550 and the Side option is the only alternate if you want to put the APM underneath the top frame. On the F550 I find that the side pins on the APM are better even if you put the APM on the top. It makes for a clearner install...

  • Developer
    Randy February 25, 2013 at 6:30pm

    I agree that side-entry is better..i started with top entry for my early APM 2.5s but now i do them all as side.

  • Bob Davies February 25, 2013 at 3:53pm

    Side entry is better. Esc and receiver cables are easier to manage.

  • Paul Morley February 25, 2013 at 3:48pm

    Hi Greg.  I chose the top entry and am using the F450.  Here's some pics to help with your decision.  I don't use any of the aux ports at the moment so i suspect if I choose to in the future, it might be a bit frustrating.

    F450-APM Side View.zip

    https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3692634143?profile=original
  • Henry ND February 25, 2013 at 3:01pm
    I got 450 knock-off from HobbyKing and I went with side entry exactly for reasons that you mentioned. The cables are shorter and (I believe) it makes for cleaner setup ...
  • Jeremy Zawodny February 25, 2013 at 1:45pm

    I have a DJI450 with the top entry... and while it works, I'd prefer to have side entry.  It would make it easier to put the RX where I'd like without lots of cable loops and stuff.

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