The rugged Arducopter 3DR frame is now available in a Hexa version capable of supporting larger payloads and longer flight times. With the stock 850kV (purple) motors, a basic Hexa with ESCs, APM, GPS and an RC Receiver weighs in at 1356.3g and can lift more than its own weight.
This version supports a fancy new feature allowing easy access to the power distribution board. The entire stackup can be removed with thumb nuts to allow access to the central area between the base plates.
Lifting tests were performed with the following results:
Frame Weight: 1356.3g
Battery Weight (4S 5000mAh): 534.0g
Misc. Payload: 533.7g
All-Up Weight: 2424g
Flight Time in Hover: 12:10
Over 24 minutes endurance is possible in this configuration! (Using Misc Payload for a second battery)
Frame Weight: 1356.3g
Battery Weight (4S 5000mAh): 534.0g
Misc. Payload: 843.7g
All-Up Weight: 2734g
Flight Time in Hover: 10:00
Maximum Take-Off Weight Test Performed at 3190g
Tests with the larger motors are awaiting arrival of stock, expected around the end of February. You can order your kit with either motor set but the 880kV versions won't ship until February 29th. 850kV orders and orders without motors will ship next Friday, February 24th.
NEW TEST with the 880kV motors: (hovering in gusty winds)
Frame Weight: 1508g
Battery (4S 5000 mAh): 531.2g
Payload: 986.3g
Flight time: 10:17
All-Up Weight: 3025g
-- only about 140g extra payload for the same duration flight but conditions were considerably more turbulent for the 880kV test flight
Frame Kit: $199.99
Frame + Motors: $419.99
Frame + Motors + Electronics: $649.99
Comments
@Ayush look few comments above (from Jeff about DXF files).
If you were using the 5S 5000 mAh in you tests with the 880KV motors did you use a different ESC than the standard 20A 2-4 LiPO that ships (ArduCopter ESC 20 Amp) ?
0.16 pounds = 72.6 grams: 20g * 4 = 100g savings if using CF, so does a Aluminium Copter win the day on cost performance?
Hey, are the design files open source if so please guide where to find them....
Each arm weighs 49.4g
Check the original post for details of the endurance test with the new 880kV motors now shipping with hexas - could theoretically get very close to a 30 minute flight on this frame!
Jeff, do you know the weight of one of the aluminum arms? I'd like to see the weight savings of moving to carbon fiber arms. 1" OD x 24" carbon fiber round tubing is about .16 lbs. Thx.
@andy carbon seem to be the most preferred material for most, then G10 and down the list is aluminium. Most builders consider weight to be the key factor. Durability wise, if you crash generally al is easy to fix :) as for cost C is expensive than Al
Can I ask a fairly simple question regarding the merits of all Carbon Fibre vs Aluminium in Quads, Hex's etc
I appreciate cost and weight would be amongst them but for example is durability and transmission of vibration factors in this?
when will the kit be updated to APM 2
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