3DR Hexacopter to Y6 conversion kits are now available for less than $50.
A Y6 design is able to withstand a single motor out scenario (see above), provides a more open and stable view for cameras, and doesn't weigh as much as a traditional Hex because it uses less parts. We've come a long way in the last couple of years...
Those of you who have been with us for a while will remember our original ArduCopter kits.
I bought one, as I know many of you did. Mine is now hanging on the wall; a reminder of something that fueled obsessions, and made me think of new possibilities in life. That spirit is in many of us here at 3D Robotics, and is clearly evident in this latest offering that we are able to provide our customers.
Joe, our primary flight-ops engineer in San Diego came to us one day with a Y6 that was converted from one of our existing Hexacopters. Within a few weeks the amazing design and production team at 3D Robotics had created an inexpensive, custom tailored kit to convert our existing Hexa into a Y6.
I've personally done the conversion, and it takes about an hour. It's very straightforward.
This is fantastic news, but it gets even better. Throughout our ongoing expansion we are highly focused on quality documentation and improving ease-of-use. In that vein, Alex--our new technical writer-- created an AWESOME set of instructions for the new Y6 conversion kit.
Not only do we have the kit, and instructions, but we also have a tuned parameter file to get you up and navigating smoothly to over 150 waypoints that APM supports out of the box.
This is a huge step forward for us as a company, and demonstrates our commitment to provide our customers with high-quality, easy-to-use universal autopilots and aircraft.
We hope all of you Hex fliers out there appreciate this kit as much as we do. All of our traditional hex aircraft have been or will shortly be converted to the Y6. It flies like a dream.
High-fives for Joe and Alex!
Comments
Are 880kv motors ok to use with this conversion kit? don't really want to go buy 6 new motors
Really like the gear. Much better than what's traditionally used. Been implementing this type on all my builds for the last few years. Always wandered why 3DR didn't have a Y6 frame. The default firmware with some minor tweaks has generally always flown very well.
I found this, I think it will work very nice.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Two-Axis-Gopro-Camera-Anti-Vibration-Gimble...
@RC Tech - Fixed!
Whats up with the distributor pricing on that one? Same as retail.
Awesome, What you must now design for it is a Gopro or camera mount that clips on. As standard as it is now, is there space fore apm, gps, receiver, video transmiiter, minmme osd and camera?
Great Stuff! and instructions look great! We will also soon be stocking the Arducopter Y6 at our shop here in the UK soon!
@Dany - We have a framework that we are putting together to better service distributors. This will involve more roadmap types of discussions, and more forward planning on releases. There's always room for improvement.
I've set mine down heavy a few times, cracked a bottom plate, broke a bottom prop and the legs have held up.
This is not something I would ever intentionally put near flesh while it is spun up.
@Cliff - Nice Y there! I recognize the top plate. Great advice on dealing with one that's down a motor. It requires compensation. I'm going to see if we can get one to loiter with one motor down.
:)
Note recovering from a failure is still an art. Y's tend to rolling to the weaker side (failed motor/prop), and it's very easy to initially overcompensate, then undercompensate, resulting in rolling it into the ground. Just tap the throttle and use "heavy" hands and "zigzag" it down. But a much better situation than a flipping hexa/quad though...
That's great you guys kept the vertices of the deleted booms. They are very useful for other stuff, like attaching a camera boom (isolated with urethane coupler!) for FPV:
Oh no, not another product to support in the store! :)
hehe kidding, glad to see this one out. Can't wait to try it!
How's the crash test results on these legs? looks like they would snap in half in the middle...
There is something that really scare me on the Y6 or any other double motor/arms setup... this is for sure a frame you cannot catch in mid air!
3DR you need to give your distributors some head's up on the new products, would be nice to be able to coordinate launch and have actual products in store.
Now that you are getting way bigger I am sure you can find someone to manage that with us.
Dany
www.CanadaDrones.com
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