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A super-cheap stack cover for your ArduCopter

Posted by Kevin Klein on November 4, 2012 at 4:00pm

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I found a low cost, easy way to fabricate an electronics stack cover for your ArduCopter. You will need:

1 Ziploc Brand Container, Medium Square size

4 Rubber Bands, 1"-1.5" diameter

Modify the container by cutting 8 "posts" in the lip for fastening the rubber bands. See my closeup:

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Then simply fasten the container over your stack by running the rubber bands from one binding post, under the quad arm, and then up to the binding post on the other side of the arm, like so:

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Here is a picture of the completed copter. (The two black dots at the top are my arming and GPS status LEDs).

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Comments

  • Michael January 26, 2013 at 7:20pm

    I good one of the harder and thicker rubbermaid containers. Its clear so I don't have to wire extra LEDs.

  • Kevin Klein November 5, 2012 at 11:04am

    You'd be surprised - that plastic is pretty tough. It could easily make the difference between a couple of broken standoffs and a completely trashed APM.

    Also, I did intend to paint it, but it actually looks kinda cool when you have it powered up and all the LEDs are flashing. Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder.

  • Distributor
    Dany Thivierge November 5, 2012 at 10:01am

    Paint it up, do something, it is functional bu ugly (sorry, own opinion)

    I dont think any dome like that (cheap plastic) protect much in case of a crash, so i always fly without one. 

    But if it adds confidence for you go for it! Just give it some flair please! hehe

    good job onthe rubber bands, great way to make it fast to remove.

    Any pictures on your LED extension?

  • T3
    Ted Van Slyck November 5, 2012 at 5:43am

    Have you noticed an improvement in altimeter performance with this cover? I used to notice a big boost on my APM 1.0 with a dome, but the 2.0 is so good now I can't. I guess the protection from airflow helped smooth things out for it. 

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