Payloader max prototype complete

Hughes:

- SAR mainly, but also looking at some B2B and construction applications. Any novel and/or amusing ideas for demonstrating autonomous missions and 5kg loads are welcome :-)

- Each is EPM is specced for 1kg but it is possible to fly with 1.5kg, but both flight manners and payload design need to be optimised. Too much lateral torque dislodges the payload. It can take significantly more if the payload can be stabilised across a wider footprint - this 2 x 2 grid does that. Of course, just doing some tests on the bench not mounted to a vibrating, moving airframe is not the same as real world flight, but I'm still pretty confident 5kg should be doable.
- 8 x sunnysky X4112s (400kv), turning 1650's on 6S. As mentioned - how you rate the efficiency loss of the coaxial will dictate total thrust. I can always down-prop to 15", and still have enough thrust...just. There's also the option of going to 17" on the bottom motors (though I'd prefer a steeper pitch on 16").

- Thrust calculated/estimated as: 8 x 2800g (est) x 55% = 12.320kg was my - hopefully worst case - calculation. 50% loss on the bottom props only? over 16kg. Downsize to 1555", and it's 10.5kg and 14.4kg respectively.

But now it's time for the real world, and hopefully a figure somewhere in the middle, or I'll never get it off the ground - even best case with max load = about 60% hover throttle...:-)

AUW is 4.2 + 5 = 9.2kg. Frame alone is off the peg foldable quadframe X8 this time, and is 1040g inc legs, plates, mounts etc. It's a chunky beast alright. I'm working on my own design which maximises the centre plate area and mounting options (and for future load capacity increases), and allows access to *all* components without dissembling the entire frame (eg if PDB or ESC die). This does mean using bullets for esc power to improve serviceability, but it's worked out ok so far (I use a gryphon PDB + dual bec ring elsewhere).

4 x EPM + My own "universal" CF mount plate + 5.2v BEC + cables = 280g. (included in AUW).

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Comments

Quadzimodo August 28, 2014 at 10:28am

Euan - Out of interest, why did you choose to place the ESCs near the centre frame rather than out next to the motors?
AKRCGUY August 28, 2014 at 6:44am

What airframe are you using and do the electro magnets have any adverse effect on the flight controller or compass?
Euan Ramsay August 28, 2014 at 6:11am

Hughes:

- SAR mainly, but also looking at some B2B and construction applications. Any novel and/or amusing ideas for demonstrating autonomous missions and 5kg loads are welcome :-)

- Each is EPM is specced for 1kg but it is possible to fly with 1.5kg, but both flight manners and payload design need to be optimised. Too much lateral torque dislodges the payload. It can take significantly more if the payload can be stabilised across a wider footprint - this 2 x 2 grid does that. Of course, just doing some tests on the bench not mounted to a vibrating, moving airframe is not the same as real world flight, but I'm still pretty confident 5kg should be doable.
- 8 x sunnysky X4112s (400kv), turning 1650's on 6S. As mentioned - how you rate the efficiency loss of the coaxial will dictate total thrust. I can always down-prop to 15", and still have enough thrust...just. There's also the option of going to 17" on the bottom motors (though I'd prefer a steeper pitch on 16").

- Thrust calculated/estimated as: 8 x 2800g (est) x 55% = 12.320kg was my - hopefully worst case - calculation. 50% loss on the bottom props only? over 16kg. Downsize to 1555", and it's 10.5kg and 14.4kg respectively.

But now it's time for the real world, and hopefully a figure somewhere in the middle, or I'll never get it off the ground - even best case with max load = about 60% hover throttle...:-)

AUW is 4.2 + 5 = 9.2kg. Frame alone is off the peg foldable quadframe X8 this time, and is 1040g inc legs, plates, mounts etc. It's a chunky beast alright. I'm working on my own design which maximises the centre plate area and mounting options (and for future load capacity increases), and allows access to *all* components without dissembling the entire frame (eg if PDB or ESC die). This does mean using bullets for esc power to improve serviceability, but it's worked out ok so far (I use a gryphon PDB + dual bec ring elsewhere).

4 x EPM + My own "universal" CF mount plate + 5.2v BEC + cables = 280g. (included in AUW).
Euan Ramsay August 28, 2014 at 5:28am

Custom firmware? Ahah...thought this would be supported natively from 3.2...

Then yes, I'll need that custom firmware.
Developer

Randy August 28, 2014 at 4:17am

I coincidentally received mine yesterday. The wiki page for use with ArduCopter 3.2 is here. Of course, I haven't personally confirmed that it works.. and actually it will need a custom build of the firmware to enable the EPM code. Anyway, please tell me if you want to test it out with that custom firmware.
MR60

Hugues August 28, 2014 at 4:02am

Nice.

What are your intended use of the EPM ?

Isn't each individual EPM spec'd to carry max 1Kg, thus 4EPM for 4Kg (not 5) ?

What motors and props combination do you use for 12kg AUW ?

What is the weight of your CF frame (empty, with landing gear) ?
Alexsey Novik August 27, 2014 at 4:15pm

nice!

please share your setup

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