3D Robotics

A quad with everything for less than $100

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HobbyKing's done it again. Check out this deal: their mini-quad with four motors for $33.95! (Or $31.95 if you just let your browser sit open on that page for a few minutes). 

All you need to add to make a RC quad (in addition to your regular RC system and LiPo batteries) is:

That's $90 all told.  Now, in fairness, this is a pretty crappy little frame and it won't last past a crash or two. I also wouldn't expect too much outside in the wind. But what a great way to get started! 

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Comments

  • From where can we get the firmware to flash the board. Or do we have to write our own code and flash it?

  • yes, you're stuck with a 7" or smaller prop. Actually, 2200kV says 7" is pushing it (may low, low pitch). 6"x3 would be more appropriate.

  • Admin

    @Andreas,

    Larger diameter props usually call for lower KV motors. On a 12" dia prop I usually run under a 1000KV motor. Around 800KV to 1000KV.

    Just a thought.

    Regards,

    TCIII

  • @ Fabien Bruning

    Many thanks for the details of your quad !  :)

    Your description and pictures are very clear

    I wish you a good first flight when the weather over your place will be better

    I will be happy to read your comments !

    cheers

    JC

    @Andreas

    the DT700 motor Fabien used is Kv: 700rpm/v  on HK specifications

  • The HK motors have a 2200 KV rating and do not really fit the usual "use low KV for multi-copters" mantra.

    When is it OK to use higher KV motors? Personally I use 1100 KV motors and people have told me that it's too high.

  • A correction by the way, I chose the Turnigy Plush 30A which are only 11.60$ each, they're more expensive in the EU warehouse.

    The motor is indeed the DT700, total weight of the quad is about 1.5 kg with everything on it. 

    Complete specs:

    Turnigy Nano-tech 5Ah

    11x4.7 Props (note: these have 2.5mm holes, the DT700 shaft is 4mm. You need to drill, but they're cheap!)

    I'm curious about flight time myself as well, I assembled it with a friend the day before yesterday and it's snowing outside.. I think, with my testing of about 15 minutes and a battery half empty, I should get 20+ minutes. I also have a separate battery, it takes about 60-70% throttle to lift off so it should have plenty of power.

    The aluminum tubing is 20x20x1.5mm, it's weight is equal to 15x15x2mm but much stiffer. Would have preferred a thinner wall thickness but you can't really get those.

    The tubing interconnection is made by cutting half of the tube out of the other, so they fit inside of each other. They're secured with a single screw. There is a plate on top that also acts as a holder for the electronics box, which counteracts any rotational movement of the tubes. (may not be needed)

    By connecting the tubes this way, you can circumvent the use of relatively weak plate material as the center hub, the connection between each of the booms is now essentially half the thickness, 10mm, which you could never get with a plate. (unless it weights a ton)


    I hope you can see something in these pictures:

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    3692346021?profile=original

  • @ Fabien Bruning

    Hello Fabien,

    Read your answer and i am interested by your DIY quadrotor

    Could you please provide more details about it ?

    1)What is the aluminium tube section and thickness ?

    2)Is this the motor you are using ?

    3)which ESC did you choose?

    4)Also would be interested to get more details about your quadrotor like

    propeller size, LIPO battery and flying time you are getting

    Best regards,

    JC

  • getting started with a frame that lasts only one crash? xD

  • I got my quad for:

    1x 2m square aluminium tube: 12$

    4x DT700 :                                40$

    4x PLush                                   56$

    Which is still orders of magintude cheaper than any traditional hobby shop, I still don't know how they can make a DT700 for 10$.

  • Very nice post for people just starting out with quad building, they could always upgrade to a better frame once they feel comfortable doing so.
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