PROPS
In the learning phase, I have been going through a couple of sets of props. I have heard some people say that they don't like the props that come with the IRIS, but I like them because they are cheap. 3DRobotics sells the Push/Pull (2 prop) set for 8.00 plus shipping. I found that you can also get a set for $7.32 plus shipping directly from APC, the manufacturer.
The normal props (as of the time of this writing) are just 2.93 a piece and can be found at this link:
http://www.apcprop.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=LP10047SF
The push props (as of the time of this writing) are 4.39 a piece and can be found at this link:
http://www.apcprop.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=LP10047SFP
So unless you specifically need only the normal slow flyer props, it seems like buying directly from 3DRobotics is a good deal.
BATTERY
Also, the IRIS battery has a somewhat unique capacity at 3500mah. I have looked around at others and found that you can find a 3300mah battery for less than the $39.00 that 3DRobotics is selling theirs for. I thought about buying some of those cheaper batteries, but then I'd have to replace the connector with the XT60 connector. I just don't think the few bucks saved is worth the effort. Even though one of the two batteries I ordered with my IRIS was bad when it arrived, (and it was subsequently replaced immediately by the good folks at 3DRobotics), I really like these batteries as they seem to provide consistent performance. To me it's worth it to buy the batts from 3DRobotics. It's a great price and they ship them out quickly.
Anyone else's thoughts on this?
Replies
Hi, I am looking for some batteries for IRIS. Unfortunatelly 3DR batteries aren't avalaible in my area, so I searched for substitute. Becasuse I am new to this can you please advice me, if battery bellow is good choice. I want to fly IRIS with Tarot gimbal and GoPro. Will be additional 52g of battery weight important for pixhawk settings? I am also not sure about discharge rattings.
Battery 3S, 4000mAh
Capacity: 4000 mAh,
Discharge: 35C, max 50C (140/200A)
Weight: 314g
Size: 125 x 40 x 25 mm
Thanks in advance
I found a 4500Mah 4S battery that seems to fit the compartment measurements of 154x54x26 mm that someone else posted.
Kypom K6 4500mah 4s 35c size: 145 x 47 x 26 mm
http://mikrokopter.altigator.com/4500mah-4s-lipo-35c-p-41537.html
If you go with a battery like this double check with 3DR to make sure it will work AND also double check with the seller as this is a very tight fit, and battery batches can vary.
When upgrading to 4S I believe you will need a UBEC to supply 12 volts for the tarot gimbal.
The numbers I've plugged into ecalc are right on the edge max-power wise, so fly at your own risk! ;-)
http://mikrokopter.altigator.com/4500ma ... jtehsoceg1
High discharge lightweight Lithium Polymer Kypom battery pack K6 series.
Technical specifications:
Capacity: 4500mAh
Voltage: 4S1P / 4 Cells / 14.8V
Dimensions (HxWxL): approx. 47 x 26 x 145 mm
Continuous discharge rate: 35C
Weight (including cables & connectors): approx. 490 grams
Balance plug: JST-XH (this plug is compatible with all of our battery chargers)
Has anyone who has purchased these higher capacity LIPO batteries gone in and updated the BATT_CAPACITY parameter on their IRIS? It is set by default to 3500. I would think this is something that I would need to do.
If you look at http://copter.ardupilot.com/wiki/common-diagnosing-problems-using-l... it states for Sub Systems / Error Code: "6: Battery failsafe": "ECode 1: battery voltage dropped below LOW_VOLT or total battery capacity used exceeded BATT_CAPACITY"
With that I would recommend you set BATT_CAPACITY at about 80-90% of your battery capacity. Again, this is for a failsafe mechanism, you don't want to hit this / use this regularly. Also you will need to determine the sweetspot yourself depending on your IRIS weight, failsafe action and typical flight heights. I recommend to be rather on the conservative side.
My rule of thumb: At 30% battery capacity start heading home and makes sure you are on the ground and safe at 20% battery capacity.
I also regularly practice landing IRIS in a controlled fashion as quickly as possible in Stabilize mode.
I went ahead and purchased 2 more batteries from 3DRobotics. They had replaced my bad one that wouldn't charge upon arrival. Now I have 4 of these 3500mah batteries and so far, I have had very consistent performance from all of them. I labeled the batteries and make sure they all get rotated in to the flight schedule.
Found some different CF props - I don't know what kind of difference they would make.
http://www.rctimer.com/product_799.html
Many thanks 4 u r 2 helpfull replies Pete.
Many thanks 4 u r 2 helpfull replies Pete.
Zippy 5000mah fits.
This is a really inexpensive battery. Nice find.