Folding Quadcopter for the holidays

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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

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Comments

  • Yes we need something like that. Problem with the supplied prop mounts is that the props are too thin. I added spacer nut and lockwasher otherwise it doesn't clamp. Also had to enlarge prop holes.
  • like this!!.....   prop mount   but the shaft diameter is too large of the propeller hole!

    I think that is better to save a drone with a screw..... rather view it it goes down!

    I don't know how this motor doesn't have a prop mount for four hole on the rotor.

    http://www.rctimer.com/index.php?gOo=goods_details.dwt&goodsid=545&productname=
  • Yes, I lost a prop on my first autonomous flight and smacked onto the tar at speed from about 30m up. Now I just tighten them VERY well. I'll be interested in safe prop mounts or even a prop-saver type mount that allows quick release?

    Only problem with battery position like that is that it needs to be removed for folding. Shouldn't be a problem with velcro straps. Also note small pads under the motors to give little more prop clearance when rotated on ground.

  • Now i like it!!!

    Goooooood idea!!! very nice landing gear.

    I have a mounting props like yours but are unsafe when tightening, you've never had trouble losing an prop?

    With yours monting props certainly get worse the vibration on video-camera...or not!!!

    Bye.

  • You're right Alex, the 15" one flies much more graciously. With 10x10mm arms I wouldn't bother raising the props. Looking at mine again I see they are also low. I switched the electronics and battery back to the 15" again today and I'm sure the neighbours are glad too. Thanks to all your input it now looks like this.

    The landing gear is from a poolnoodly-like foam that I stuck two foam strips to and attached with cable ties. Only weighs 15g and has potential for payloads.

    3692788195?profile=original

  • It is for me, your first project is better, but to fly through the branches of the trees is what is needed small propellers.
    But with these engines and propellers, the flight time is really a lot!
    it is true that if I raise the propellers get greater efficiency but my arms are 10x10 millimeters ..... if I remember correctly smaller than your original design!
    If I move higher up the engines I have to change the mounting system and does not suit me.
    A question! If I raise the propellers with Motor Prop Adaptor you think something changes?.
    Now with a 4S 3700mAh lipo flight 18 ~ 19 minutes, if I raise the propellers do not think I improve a lot!
    Very nice your video and very impressive flying among the branches of trees but I am convinced that your original design is better, because even with the new firmware 3.0.1 the risk of falling is much less than before.
    if you need clarification and advice I will be happy to help you if I can!
    thanks

     

  • That valley in the video looks ideal for a long range exploration mission!

    Makes me want to switch back to the airframe with 15" props now that I'm confident Arducopter 3.0 works well. The 10" quad sounds like a leafblower compared to the 15" one.

    Your props just seem mounted low. They are more efficient and quiter higher up. A friend of mine added triangular strips on top of the square tubes and heard a significant improvement.

    Landing gear under the motors won't work for me as I'm only using one rivet per arm. That makes it shear off at lower loads and quicker to correct slight misalignments after a hard landing.

    Here is a short video clip that shows why I need a quad that is easy to repair.

    http://youtu.be/pS4Z62JJ9xs

  • Hello to all and a special thanks to Murray Spoelstra.
    Today I did the first time to fly the drone and was stunned.
    Here you can see the finished work and a first test video...

    I'm looking forward to do a first fpv after a few flight test....i hope very soon!!!

    The characteristics of the drone are in the description on youtube link.

    Thanks for watching.
    P.S. I'm not a modelist is the first time in flight!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpB093CSuws

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  • The Black Mantra does look good, but the camera isn't protected and it also lacks landing gear. Today I added a front support just to let the quad stand better on the ground. I've decided the area around the battery is unbreakable. It is the same landing gear I've had for over a year on various configurations and through many, many crashes. My idea is just to have a practical device that I can quickly fix when I need to.

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  • Murray,

    Thanks for your inputs.  I've looked at the SSG before.  I think it's a little to light for the GoPro...at least for the GP1 and 2.  Maybe the GP3 would work better with it.

    mdrm,

    1200g AUW for a full FPV setup is good.  Most of mine are in the 1600+g range. Lighter is better for increased flight time.  The Black Mantra frame is cool looking and a quick folder.  I might have to look into it more some ideas.  I like this frame for folding and inexpensive...I like inexpensive...;)

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