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!
Comments
I think it's good that you are expressing your concerns. Foxtech send me some used ESCs at one point. I was a real battle to get them to agree that they sent me used ESCs finally they agreed to give me a store credit to the value of one ESC. But I don't think this is from Foxtech. This is from HongKong and the value is like $5. it's just some little brass sleeves of like 2.5 mm diameter. No explanation, no instruction no idea what it's for. Utterly useless unless I know what it's for.
Does anyone know what company belongs to that address? This makes no sense.
Well I guess I am screwed... because everybody knows my concerns for ordering from Chinese suppliers. Good job William!
I just got a strange package in the mail. I think it's for the T960 but their are no instructions or anything. All it says is T960 %#%#% 12 ^ 2.5mm -3mm #%#% (Note: [%#%#] refers to chinese characters).
The package contains 12 little brass shim like things. Anyone else get a strange package like this??
It was sent by:
Ms Huang
00852-27967391
Rm 229 Blkb Focal lnd
Ctr 21 Main Lok St
Hunghom Kin HongKong.
What the heck, I never ordered it or even asked about it?
Here is a Frame guy that i forgot about.
He has been around for a long time.
Excellent quality and cheep price.
He has a huge following in RC Groups.
You can mix and match what you want.
http://www.shop.aglhobbiesllc.com/UAP2-V2-Frame-Kit/UAP2-V2-Octo-Fr...
Tell me what you guys think of this
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__49497__Quanum_QFX_Plus_GPS_M... interesting!
William, thanks for the suggestion regarding Tarot's gimbal. I have looked at the Tarot 5D2 but I don't think it supports the weight allowance I am looking for.
Still researching away!
Hey Steven Tarot makes a gimbal almost identical to that canister and I've heard great things.
If that what you are looking for then go for the 960 with the 5008 props, nice flight time and get the gimbal to you can plug it into the A2, Wookong or Naza, but I think the A2 has the best stability.
If you want you can also get the gimbal controller separately from Tarot and then us what ever Flight Controller you want. APM 2.6 is good, Not sure about Pix-Wawk, but is supposed to be the new and improved APM, you could also consider the Open Pilot Revolution with all the bells and whistles. But if its ease of setup out of the box king of feel then go for the DJI stuff. Wookong, A2 or even the Naza.
In the end you can get a gimbal that looks almost identical to that from Tarot and the 960 for lift and flight time. You can get all that from FoxTech for an inexpensive price. Make sure you talk to someone before placing the order and tell them to go through the ESCs and motors to guarantee that they are not used.
This would fit your costs and weight concerns on a budget.
Just came out today.
DJI knock off for 119.00
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__49497__Quanum_QFX_Plus_GPS_M...
New stuff coming out all the time drive's me nuts.
I remember my first octo frame in 2009 for 2 grand and now they are 400 bucks. Ahhhhhhh
That is a very nice gimbal.
OH and video of X-8, i get it Ha ha Thats crazy cool.
This is getting interesting.
Cost per AUW weight come's to mind.
We all look at cost.
We all look at weight.
1st you need to nail down AUW. then set a budget $????. then fill in the blanks.
Here is an example i am working on, maybe this will help.
Someday someone should make a spreadsheet where you match cost & weight.
Battery 3s 4s 5s 6s 8s 2-4s 2-6s 2-8s 4-4s exc.
Frame size needed per weight, again select cost 400.00 1,200 2,500
:)
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