X8 + APM 2.5 - Setup Photos

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I've received a number of requests to show the detail inside the X8 that we've been trialing.  So here we go with some photo's of my terribly messy cabling, and configuration.  Hopefully the next one will be nice and tidy.

Most equipment is attached to the foam using velcro (aka hook and loop) that is stuck onto the equipment and then velcro'ed down.  I like this method as I can remove and move around equipment without damaging the equipment or the a/c.

The APM has some additional sticky foam on the bottom of it before the velcro was applied.  The intent here was to provide some vibration separation for the gyro's.

Below you can see where the batteries are placed.

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In the above photo you can see the X8 from the front and top.  You can see the 3DR telemetry radio half way down on the right hand side of the photograph.

3689479178?profile=originalHere you can see the pan/tilt mechanism, with the KX181 camera attached along with the cloverleaf "Fat Shark" antenna.

3689479144?profile=originalThe above picture is the video transmitter mounted on the foam behind the pan/tilt.  The antenna connection pokes out the top.  The velcro (hook and loop) that you can see is used to hold the batteries in place.  One flight battery (4S 3000mAH) and one "systems" battery (4S 1200mAH).  I get around an hour of service out of the systems battery and around 20-30 minutes out of the flight battery depending upon the task.

3689479110?profile=originalThe above photo shows from bottom in clockwise direction, my futaba 8 channel receiver, the uBlox receiver and the APM 2.5.  This is mounted in the immediate belly of the A/C as you remove the top.

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In the above photo you can see the speed controller for the motor at the rear of the A/C.

I hope all that detail shows everyone what they were asking about.  You'll have to excuse my terrible cabling as we put it together a bit slap'dash.  The next build will be much more interesting.

Coming up in the next few day's I'll post some video footage, and also some more details about our first gimbal enabled camera flights.

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Comments

  • 3692511223?profile=original3692511083?profile=original3692511192?profile=original

  • 3692510998?profile=original3692511163?profile=original

  • Hi there. I have a similar setup... Will be test flying my X8 with ardu 2.65 next week. Its raining here in Mumbai India... I have the Minim OSD as well with firmware 1.69 (i guess... or something like that) running on the OSD. I have the 3DR Radios and Mediatek GPS.

    BTW, I also have a pair of Feiyutech FY602 Radio Modems with me... The best part is that even those radios work with Ardupilot and they are 500mW (10km range) All you need to do is to match the pin configuration... I am powering my setup on 6000mAh x 2 Nanotechs. The AP is powered by 3 cell 1000mAh x 2 packs with a regulator.Got 70 amps ESC and GWS servos with a 900Mhz 1500 mW Video Tx and a Seawolf Pixim WDR camera.

  • Sure.  I have this motor and and this prop.  I run on 4S and it has unlimited vertical performance with that combination.  Running 4S was convenient for me so I can get a good 20mins flight from that configuration with the 3000mAH battery, especially in cruise.  I plan to mount another battery behind the little bulk head there (where the rx is currently) and connect them in parrallel to get double the run time.

  • Developer

    So from the pics i derive

    futaba receiver

    Castle Esc

    Castle Bec

    apm 2.5

    ublox lea 6

    4s 3000 flight battery
    4s 1200 - other

     

    What motor and prop are you running?

     

    i have a similar setup, and am at the put it all in the airframe, stage.

    my plan is to run 6s, castle bec, castle esc, on a 500kv 4260 motor, should be very overpowered

  • Post updated Michael with a battery photo included mate.

  • Developer

    do you have an overall pic? one that includes the batterys

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