Not much space if you're going on holiday with the family in a Renault Clio. This design fits into a 52cm toolbox with transmitter and all accessories.
Just thought I'll share my crash resistant design that has evolved through many drops and repairs. On impact it is now usually just a matter of replacing a rivet or a prop. The electronics and battery can quickly be removed for installation on another airframe.
The props are 15" RC timers and as shown I get about 23min flight time with a slightly damaged 5000mAh 4cell Lipo at 1500m above sea level, 25 deg C.
The difference in spacing between front and rear props doesn't have a noticable effect on stability and it flies waypoints very well.
I'll post basic plans if anyone is interested or if you want an airframe let me know.
Update: Plans for the airframe
Comments
This is exactly what I am after. What a brilliant design!
I'm currently learning how to fly a MQX and starting to shop for my first build.
The goal is to make smth small and light enough to bring on a hike and with a camera system that won't be too jittery. This seems to be it!!! I'm also thinking about adding a 2 axis gimbal to this, hoping the extra weight won't drain the battery.
I'm going to build smth very similar although I was wondering how you get the custom places for the front and back? Do you go to your local CNC shop or order it online?
Thanks!
I did move the battery aft to help with balancing. I also have to trim back pitch pretty far but not all the way.
Jeff, wow! thanks for the pics - well built! You probably moved your battery right to the back to get the CG right if you keep the GoPro housing on.
Murray, thanks for the design. I built one according to your specs and I am very happy. Great job!
Murray, how's your frame doing? I have gone back to my X-frame from the H-frame because the H was about 350g heavier and flight time ended up being way less. I still prefer flying the H.
Where do you fly in PTA?
There is an intentional weak point which is the single rivets used as pivot points. On impact they usually shear off without damaging the arms and are very easily replaced. The battery under the frame also prevents it from damaging the electronics when it does the lawn dart thing.
not sure about your unbreakable plan but there is a sever weak point there.
yup exactly how i have been doing it... :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XKU9yBX4q8c
@Todd, no balancing of the props. In fact until recently I flew it with 2 chipped props and a bent prop shaft. Still handles well both manually and autonomously. Just don't fly way points at 6m/s or higher in wind. Tends to pick up major speed after turns - could be software related. I think the wide engine spacing helps with stability, maybe the slow turning props too.
The bent prop shaft just seemed to add jello to the Go-Pro footage at 30fps.
Only 2 negative things I found about the RCTimer 360kV motors are that they weigh about 80g each and the windings can get damaged quite easily, thereby ruining the motor.
@Graham: I remember seeing your H-frame quite recently and liking it. Can you maybe post the link to it again?
Nice clean build. I like it! Have you had to do any additional balancing on the props?
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