I've been working on getting a better range and endurance. This QAV-540 weighs 5.5 lb's and I just flew it for 18 minutes today. Previously 16 minutes was my record, the change is that I went up one inch in prop size. This is not stripped down for endurance, I want something that will fly a long time and do some work, like carrying a Gopro. This one was carrying a Gopro and a gimble.
Trying different battery types will probably be next as well as even larger props. I am using a FRsky Taranis and am using the X9R receiver, but will be changing over the the Rmilac LRS system. I have been using Open Pilot so far but will probably switch to the Pixhawk. I haven't set up the FPV yet, but will be going to a 1.3GHZ very soon.
Anyway, I'm pretty stoked about the 18 minute flight, but looking for better!
Comments
@ stubugs
Are those turnigy multistar motors and speed controllers? I've been having a major sync problem with the 390kv motors on my 6s hex with 12" props.
This isn't related to this situation... but is there an off the shelf ICE based generator ? Did I quick google search but I couldn't find anything.
I agree 12" sounds a little small for 370kv motors. Are you using 4s or 6s?
I like your printed GPS and Rx mounts!
Yes, I have some nice 15" props to try but have to make some longer arms to make it work, will post an update when I get to try that..
RE
A quick calculation puts it @ 15x4 prop,each motor should draw approx 112watts each producing 1.5kg (3.4pounds) of thrust each.
Or a 14 x 6 @130 watts 1.2kg of thrust each (2.6 pounds)
370 kv is very low so i expect some nice flight times
Hope this helps and best of luck with the endurance,hope to hear more of your efforts .
Basic physics, the quad copter flies by creating thrust proportional to weight.....
The smaller this column of air, the higher speed... energy is force times velocity of the air...
So bigger props will move a bigger column of air, with a slower velocity so since for same weight forces are the same, energy imparted (wasted) in the air stream will be lower.
So the bigger the props the better the efficiency....
I would think you could run 15" props with that kv.
Hi Cody
I am using 12-5 CF props and Tiger Motor 370KV Navigators (MN4010-14) The motors are available at EncoreRC.com.
Carl, yeh I read about that last year an it is amazing, but I suspect it was a very single purpose machine optimized for just keeping itself in the air and nothing else.
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