Arducopter Hexa 3DR Frame Now on Pre-Order!

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

Check hobbyking for batteries, I use the cheap turnigy/zippy batteries. Get something at least 20-30C rated (current rating x the Capacity)

The DX8 is fine, you could also use a Turnigy 9x from hobbyking but the range is questionable. Make sure you have RTL dialed in well if you use the 9x for longer range. I've nearly lost a quad with a 9x though the antenna was probably not mounted in an ideal orientation. The DX8 definitely just feels nicer to hold & use but it is pretty expensive and the 9x is functional.

I know Jani at Jdrones has a gopro mount and there's another at quadframe.com but we don't have one that will hold a gopro for a hexa right now. There's a version for gopro on our quad frames coming soon as well.

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Comments

Anish March 7, 2012 at 4:02pm

@jeff one could always change the module to openlrs for increased range on 9x :)
Rob_Lefebvre March 7, 2012 at 3:57pm

I also like the Turnigy branded batteries at Hobby King as a pretty decent low-cost battery.
Jeff Taylor March 7, 2012 at 3:14pm

Check hobbyking for batteries, I use the cheap turnigy/zippy batteries. Get something at least 20-30C rated (current rating x the Capacity)

The DX8 is fine, you could also use a Turnigy 9x from hobbyking but the range is questionable. Make sure you have RTL dialed in well if you use the 9x for longer range. I've nearly lost a quad with a 9x though the antenna was probably not mounted in an ideal orientation. The DX8 definitely just feels nicer to hold & use but it is pretty expensive and the 9x is functional.

I know Jani at Jdrones has a gopro mount and there's another at quadframe.com but we don't have one that will hold a gopro for a hexa right now. There's a version for gopro on our quad frames coming soon as well.

http://quadframe.com/
Jeff Taylor March 2, 2012 at 10:26am

Sorry that's a typo, supposed to be 4S 5000mAh
Jeff Taylor March 1, 2012 at 10:39am

The test with a 4S battery was done with the normal 20A ESCs which work fine with 4S batteries.

For us the extra 80g isn't worth the added cost of using CF and the added difficulty of working with it to protect ourselves from the dust made when it's cut or drilled.
Moderator

Ruwan March 1, 2012 at 5:53am

@Ayush look few comments above (from Jeff about DXF files).
andycross1 March 1, 2012 at 2:22am

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) ?
andycross1 March 1, 2012 at 2:00am

0.16 pounds = 72.6 grams: 20g * 4 = 100g savings if using CF, so does a Aluminium Copter win the day on cost performance?
Ayush Gupta March 1, 2012 at 1:52am

Hey, are the design files open source if so please guide where to find them....
Jeff Taylor February 29, 2012 at 2:38pm

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!

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