Tarot T810 build log

I have been searching high and low for a good affordable large hexa system, with the main objective to lift 500gr (camera, FPV transmitter, etc) for as long as possible, and have the video stabilized.

The S800 looked ok, but due to some issues around the boom flexibility and cost, I ditched that idea. The Carbon Core, Steadidrone H6X also looked very nice, but once again cost played a big role.

So, I stumbled across the Tarot T810, for $330 I got the frame. I needed to add some extras for folding landing gear (not retract) and the camera rail mount which was not included.

I'm doing a build log to not only "hopefully" help someone out there, but also have a place to get some input from the community in getting the max flight time. The Hexa will be used for local security missions and possibly also help in the Rhino Poaching crises we're facing in South Africa.

My system:

Tarot T810 Frame
Sunnysky 4112S 400kv
40 Turnigy Plush
15X4.7" props
APM (of course!) - Looking forward to a maiden flight on AC3rc6
Martinez gimbal controller
Brushless Gimbal
Gens Ace 6S 5500Mah X 2
Estimated AUW including gimbal and camera - 5.3kg

The frame went together nicely, only issue I had was the hole in one of the landing gear braces was skew, I just drilled it straight with a bigger drill bit.

Here is a view of the frame in it's folded position. It folds nice and small - about 900mm in length

Here are the motors I'm planning to use, hopefully I get my flight time. Powerrrr! Notice the ESC mounting plates under the motor mount.

I like the prop attachment.

I also like the way the booms lock in place with a dovetail clamp, very secure.

Here is a shot of the little power distribution "lugs" - I just soldered all the power wires in place with huge amounts of solder.

I'm planning to install the ESC's under the motors, I have read about some scare stories on RCGroups about this idea, but I have never personally had problems with this.

I am however a little concerned about the wire gauge for power - using 16AWG to the motors and 12AWG to the battery. I'll do a full power test to see if they heat up, and by how much.

I'm wating for my ESC's to arrive, and will continue the log once they're here!

As promised, part two of the log. I got a little carried away with building this monster.

The power lines are just bunched up and put inside the frame, with small cable ties to try and hold everything in place so wires don't move around and cause compass deviations.

I soldered everything together, so no bullet connectors that can fail on me.

I cut up an pool noodle into 1X1X2 cm pieces for vibration dampening (something I learnt in traditional heli gyro isolation).

And basically just epoxied them to some sticky velcro (so I can remove it if need be). I also used sticky velcro to keep the APM in place.

Next was to do electronic placement. Basic rules I adhered to is to keep the recievers as far away from the transmitters as possible. There is a lot of space for electronic placement so this step was quite easy.

And here is a shot of the Brushless Gimbal, it can handle up to 500gr camera, stabilized by Martinez BruGi. I was hoping to add a small 850Mah 3S battery to power the Martinez BruGi and my video equipment, but it seems like there are some interference problems - I'll probably end up going with 2 small batteries to keep things simple.

Here is a picture of the finished beast.

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Comments

vova reznik July 9, 2013 at 5:18pm

Hi,

Can I see a close up of how you mounted the batteries to the LG?

Best,

Vova
Matt D June 30, 2013 at 4:30am

Looks very neat... where did you buy your motors and esc from?

Also what is the gimbal that yor using for this? Also, reading up in your comments what did you mean by T680 landing gear? did you get the proper T810 landing gear? or you swap it out for the T680?

Will you be showing any more posts? ie it flying

Thank you
100KM

Wesley Versfeld June 26, 2013 at 12:52am

18" props will not fit on the T810 frame, I think the max is 15" (possibly 16"). I saw there is a T960 frame, but I haven't investigated it properly yet - maybe it just has longer booms.

I also considered the SunnySky 4112's, they will be more efficient but I needed more thrust so I opted for the 400kv model - it had less A draw at my calculated thrust level - but if you have a lightweight copter, the 320kv's would be best. If you're using 320kv motors and you'll be flying on 6S (10000Mah) - the batteries will weigh 1.6kg (for both). The motors weigh about 150gr each, total 900gr. So you're already on 2.5 kg, not taking the 1kg frame, ESC's, APM, etc into account. 3kg will be a tough goal.

For longer flight I would recommend going for a Quad with 18" props on the 320kv's - the Hexa uses a bit more power, but it can lift more weight. I guess it depends on your application.

Also, I would rather go for the APM2.5 at this stage, as I (and I might be wrong here) haven't seen as much documentation and forum posts on the PX4. VR Brain is another alternative, but once again documentation is sparse.

Last thing, don't be concerned about being a noob, we all are :)
Digital Wings June 25, 2013 at 11:09am

Wow this service looks great. I may order the parts from there and try to cancel my direct Tarot order. Thanks again!
100KM

Wesley Versfeld June 25, 2013 at 9:21am

I got the frame, motors, etc from http://www.thanksbuyer.com/ - very good service. I got a call about 3 mins after placing the order asking me if I was sure I wanted the Tarot T680 landing gear with my T810 order. They fixed it for me over the phone and I got it 5 days later.
Digital Wings June 25, 2013 at 7:36am

Did you buy the frame directly from Tarot? I purchased mine last week but have not heard anything from them since.
100KM

Wesley Versfeld June 25, 2013 at 2:44am

First flight was a non event (just a 15 sec hover), and vibrations look really good.

Now I just need to sort out some strange compass behavior (posted here) and then we'll be set for first Alt Hold, Loiter and Auto missions.

Once completed, I'll be able to give stats on hover time.

For now, the AUW (Incl Camara, batts, etc) is at 5.3kg - and judging by the small hovers I've done in the garden and extrapolating an estimated hover time by looking at the voltage drop over time, I believe it should be good for 18mins.
100KM

Wesley Versfeld June 25, 2013 at 2:39am

As promised, part two of the log. I got a little carried away with building this monster.

The power lines are just bunched up and put inside the frame, with small cable ties to try and hold everything in place so wires don't move around and cause compass deviations.

I soldered everything together, so no bullet connectors that can fail on me.

I cut up an pool noodle into 1X1X2 cm pieces for vibration dampening (something I learnt in traditional heli gyro isolation).

And basically just epoxied them to some sticky velcro (so I can remove it if need be). I also used sticky velcro to keep the APM in place.

Next was to do electronic placement. Basic rules I adhered to is to keep the recievers as far away from the transmitters as possible. There is a lot of space for electronic placement so this step was quite easy.

And here is a shot of the Brushless Gimbal, it can handle up to 500gr camera, stabilized by Martinez BruGi. I was hoping to add a small 850Mah 3S battery to power the Martinez BruGi and my video equipment, but it seems like there are some interference problems - I'll probably end up going with 2 small batteries to keep things simple.

Here is a picture of the finished beast.
Digital Wings June 22, 2013 at 10:52am

Thanks for this build log! I'm purchasing the same frame. This will be very helpful with my build.
100KM

Wesley Versfeld June 19, 2013 at 10:12am

Unfortunatly I can't manufacture these, but I bought it from here. I do think your idea will work, but I would put the bolt through both plates for added strength.

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