Arducopter build: longer flight time

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Since my last post I've upgraded this quadcopter. Most important upgrade is the motors and props:

  • HK NX-4006 530kv motors
  • Graupner 14x8 props

With these, and a 170gr dummy weight on the gimbal, I get these numbers when hovering the quad:

  • 5000mAh 4S: 14A current consumption
  • 8000mAh 4S: 18A current consumption

It runs arducopter 3.0.1 on an APM2.5. Compassmot shows 12%.

Closeup of the motor mount:

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And the crate it sleeps in:

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Comments

  • The crate is from this shop: de-generaal.com. Although it's great for keeping it safe during rough transport, it does not come with foam, and its pretty big and heavy. For normal everyday use I use the case below: It's much lighter and as you can see it fits the quad without removing the (12") props:

    3701659946?profile=original

    I bought this case on eBay from pdp-trading, and it comes suppied with foam (also on the lid, but I removed that here).

    de Generaal's Legerdump een winkel met vele verrassingen
    de Generaal's Legerdump geeft u een ruim assortiment legerkleding, outdoorkleding, maar ook handige gebruiksgoederen
  • Nice setup!

    What crate are you using? I have been looking for a better way to store and transport my quad.

  • MR60

    Nice! 

    You benefit to use longer props and reducing your pitch; you will then consume less amps, keeping same thrust.

  • Developer

    What is very interesting here is that those battery and hovering current values show how critical weight is.

    By going from 5Ah to 8Ah you are increasing the battery capacity by 60% but also the weight, and as a result the  theoretical hover time using your current measurements is only 24% longer.

  • Nice!  The current increase suggests you're already getting close to your maximum weight/efficiency ratio where adding batteries won't help (or crossed it). So you're getting 25 minutes hover I guess. Weight 2.2 kg with payload?

  • Weights and flight times?

This reply was deleted.