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Looks like a clone/unbranded DJI 550 frame from HK is avilable for $17.99. Seems like a good price. I just ordered one. Hope the quality is good. Will update everyone, when I get it.
BIG NOTE: It looks like this frame does not have the PDB(Power Distribution Board) built in. I actually like this better, since that means, holes can be drilled without worrying about a short.
UPDATE: June `14th, 2012
The frame has arrive here's some quick pictures:
Comments
I added the pictures to the actual frame that arrived today.
To check the quality of the arms, I did a weighing of the arms to see if there was a big variance. Seems to be pretty small. In grames:
Red arm: 52.4, 52.3, 52.6
White arm: 50.4, 50.4, 50.3
More updates at I build the frame.
One thing about the integrated PDB, though that I worry about is solder points lifting off the PCB, in flight. There's lots of high frequency vibrations from the motors. I would be less worried, if they were through hole.
Martin, that's a fair assessment. I'll follow up with some pictures, and impressions when my clone frame get's here in a couple of weeks.
There is now one with PCB available too for US$ 26.99
Also what I do notice on my non-clone frame is that because of the taper in the middle of the arm, there is a tendency to twist. Seems to have no effect on flight characteristics, as far as I can tell. As for vibration, I haven't actually measured anything, but I believe these arms to transmit vibration less than round or square tubes. This is because of the fact that tubes are by definition conduits and the longitudinal walls. On the other hand, the 550 arms, have no solid walls to conduct vibration, and with all the cross-bracing, I feel that the vibrations are dissipated before reaching the centre plate where the flight controller is mounted.
I guess something is always bound to break on a crash. If it's just an arm, it can be replaced. Kinda like a F1 race car, the flying parts dissipate the energy of the impact. ;-)
I've broken three arms in two crashes. buy a lot of spares...
They were both bad crashes, however I think there is a flaw in the design. There is a weak spot right by the motor mount. It's the same place I always broke my jdrones mount.
Jason
I'm flying the RM450 from RCTimer (http://www.rctimer.com/index.php?gOo=goods_details.dwt&goodsid=...) and am very happy with it so far... arms seem pretty strong and has had a couple of low level crashes without any issues.
Cre8it: You are thinking about shock absorbers/vibration dampeners, but when the entire arm flexes you get oscillations amplifying the vibration.
@john arne
full ack :-)
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