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
Cliff, I decided to only put in holes for + mode on the Hexa because the way the legs install, it doesn't make much sense to use X mode. If you are going to put a camera beneath the body, it will have the best visibility in +mode with the legs in the back and on either side in the front. The fiberglass plates are easy to modify though if the current holes don't work for your application. Let me know if you think it's something we should change!
Jeff--here's a assembly question. I'm assmebling my 3DR frame and notice the directions are in the '+' configuration. Looking at the design, I can't see a way to put it in 'X' configuration for an APM 1.x board--is that true? I'm proceeding with the '+' build, but would like to know if 'x' is possible...
Also, FYI, the bottom plate needed the holes drilled with a .12" bit to get them freed (binding) and some of the booms needed them drilled same due to the powercoating... Otherwise, the frame looks like it can take a beating!
Thanks very much @Jeff @Robert!
I also like the Turnigy branded batteries at Hobby King as a pretty decent low-cost battery.
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.
Sorry for stupid question and appreciate your help: I'm Moving up from Parrot drone to real Hexa copter (started the build last night)
Where Can I buy the following
Thanks in advance!
Sorry that's a typo, supposed to be 4S 5000mAh
Why did you use a 5S LiPO for the 880kV motor test? Didn't a 4S one work fine? ESC 20A?
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.
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