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6S mini copter project

Posted by Rob on May 3, 2015 at 8:30pm

This is a work in progress.

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It's a rather conventional quadcopter but with a few tweaks.

The goal of this project is to make a small, transportable, waterproof, sturdy quadcopter that can carry go-pros and similar cameras.

Here's where we are so far:

  • 3D printed, sturdy, full-body design w/ integrated prop protectors
  • 6S
  • 250-300mm size
  • ~8min planned flight time
  • digitally stabilized onboard video (no gimbal, on post process, to warping effects)
  • waterproof
  • APM powered

And here's a video from one of the early tests.


We still have to test things like "underwater flying" and do some general all-around testing, plus small other improvements.

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Comments

  • Greg O May 6, 2015 at 12:48pm

    Mr Ali Shanmao on youtube shows 2.4ghz can work slightly underwater..

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

    Very interesting frame.. keep up the news..

  • Rob May 5, 2015 at 5:07pm

    Video stabilization is done via Sony's bionz processor of their action cam - its actually very good IMO so i'm happy with that as an alternative to a gimbal for "sportsy use".

    The cameras sensors and lens they provide are arguably a little lower quality than a GoPro4, but its decently close enough.

    6S provides enough power for the frame weight (300+gr 3d printed) and things like moving props in water, yes.

    Otherwise, it flies ok on 5S and 4S as well.

    6S also provides the longest flight time with that setup (its a small quad, ~250mm rotor to rotor)

  • Acorn May 5, 2015 at 2:05pm
    6S? Is that much power needed? I suppose it is if you plan to try to "fly" through water. Also water proof everything will be required. I wonder if a long whip antenna would do the trick to get you submerged at least a few feet.
  • David McCallister May 5, 2015 at 7:02am

    I'm very curious about your software stabilized video. Are you using a lens and sensor similar to the Parrot? 

  • Muscate May 4, 2015 at 3:26pm

    Thanks for the feedback guys!

    Yes, we want to be able to sink under water but we also expect quite a few changes as we test. The goal is not to be a "submarine replacement", since that would require ballasts, but being able to go 1 or 2 meters under water (at least so far) and re-emerge and take off.

    If that works well, we might consider a floater antenna and other changes for a more submarine-like experience :)

  • Developer
    John Arne Birkeland May 4, 2015 at 1:51pm

    Nice idea, but high frequency radio signals will be lost the moment you submerge in water, so at the very least you will need a "floater antenna" or something like that.

  • Joe Renteria May 4, 2015 at 5:55am
    So you want to be able to sink into water, navigate around, then surface and fly away?
This reply was deleted.