I completed the maiden flight of my Ranger EX 757-3 today, with mixed results. The flying weight today was 6lbs, using a standard rule of thumb, the power requirements would be 450 - 600W. The supplied 3715/1000KV outrunner brushless motor only provides 300W.
The GOOD:
- Initial parameter selection flew the aircraft safely and successfully in Manual and FBWA!
- The build was good (no bits flew off)!
- All the systems checked out
- Pixhawk
- GPS/Compass
- Power monitor
- LIDARlite V3
- Airspeed sensor
- Modes checked
- FBWA
- Manual - now have a good trim
The Mediocre:
- Under powered, with the current motor and 6lbs flying weight takeoff and climb out were sluggish
- Batteries 2 x 5100mah 3S 8C batteries in parallel - which should deliver 40A each
- 40A ESC
- 25A motor (~300W)
- Looking to upgraded the motor to 450W plus and may need 60A ESC for 600W motor
Comments
From initial inspection it should be repairable. I figured it was the voltage issue not the motor. I'll have to look around and see what motor I can find. Thanks for your calculations. Maybe next time with a better motor my results will be better. Make sure you keep us up to date on your progress.
Once the airframe made a cruising altitude it flew very stable and landing soft but positive.
The original post has a plot of power vs airspeed/altitude
I flew my Ranger last weekend. Woefully underpowered with stock setup on 3s. Unfortunatly my flight had an abrupt ending. I love the idea of the platform but have yet to ever feel comfortable with it in the air.
Try 6S and a Tiger MN4012-9 with a Tiger 80A ESC. Bit pricey I know. I have one in this spec that I purchased lightly used from a person who had multiple rangers. I have yet to fly it but I have seen it fly well on a Vector but I am adding a Pixhawk 2 to it.
Better still -- ask on this thread. This is where you need to be. https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?2141115-The-Ranger-E...
Forward equipment bay:
Not visible:
Nice!
Any photos from the internal setup?
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