DJI Flame Wheel F450 1st Build

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John Schneider

New Member
Hey Everybody,

I wasn't quite sure where to post this, so, considering I am a noob, I decided to stick it here. Weeks of thought, research and frustration have finally convinced me to build my first quad. After lots of online research as to which quad frames offer the most stability, I have purchased the DJI Flame Wheel F450 frame (only). I'm trying to keep costs low as I know that many crashes are on my horizon and parts will have to be replaced. My questions is: Does anyone have a (cheap) build that would work on the F450 frame? Right now I'm mainly concerned about fitting the right motors and finding the right props, but all suggestions are welcome :)

Thanks!
 
H

Hugh Hemington

Well-Known Member
Now that you have the frame, you can look at YouTube videos of other builds on that frame. Here's one:
2212, 920kv motors, 8" props, 3S lipo, 30a ESCs. Stay in that motor/prop/S range with compatible parts and you'll do fine, then match the ESCs to the motor requirements. At 450, you're not going to drive high kv motors, so clock speed limits of the ESC should not come into play. If you want the motors to fit neatly, diameter will be a factor, but you have the frame, and the data is readily available so you can find a motor that fits it. I assume you're going to shop HobbyKing for some parts.

Straight X is the most stable platform as it poses the least challenge for a controller -- no complex math there, pulling here, rolls there. Any decent controller will work fine, from DJI to Arduino. Is it a video platform? Or sport quad? Are you planning FPV?

If you are a new flyer, I'd suggest getting a small (200mm or less?) RTF quad you can learn on. One without as much stability as you'll enjoy with the flame wheel. If you haven't settled on a transmitter yet, you might consider Spektrum, with DSM2 since it will very likely bind with your learning quad and it's best to learn on the stick you'll fly with later. The smaller quads are good for learning head-in flight and mastering three-axis turns while not risking damage to something that will be more costly to repair, and you can generally fly them indoors. If you can fly a small quad so that aspect is 2nd nature, a larger one will be easier, crashes will be minimized and damage will be too as you'll know how to recover better.
 
J

John Schneider

New Member
Thanks for the replies!

@Hugh: Thanks for the very detailed reply. I have been looking all over the internet for diy builds for the flame wheel. Unfortunately, most of them (if not all) seem to be using the DJI motors that come in the flame wheel ATF kit. I will keep looking. But yeah, I'm definitely wanting a neat fit with the motors so I'll be sure to pay attention to diameter.

I would eventually like to do FPV with a quad and have the possibility to strap a GoPro on it. However, it may not be with this one. Right now, I just want to build a basic quad that can eventually be expanded/improved upon.

As for your advice in getting a mini quad, I think it's a great idea (I have a little experience with flying but could definitely use some more training ).

I'll keep you updated on the progress!
 
H

Hugh Hemington

Well-Known Member
Then you need a radio/receiver, servo leads, a 3S lipo, a charger (I got the Turnigy AccuCel6 and I like it), I'd get a 5v BEC to power the KK2 & receiver.
It looks like the motors and ESCs are both terminated in 3.5mm banana connectors, but you'll have to solder the two power leads of each to the distribution layer on the Flame Wheel. You need to check the dimensions of the battery bay to see what size lipo you can fit, but others are fitting a Turnigy 5000mah 3S with no problem.
While you're ordering, try to get just one set of 10 inch props too, just to play with. Others are using them successfully with your setup.
 
J

John Schneider

New Member
This may be a stupid question but: I know that the quad needs two CW Props and two CCW props, but this concept of 2 cw and 2 ccw doesn't apply for motors right? Motors all turn in the same direction? Or does the FC determine that?
 
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Hugh Hemington

Well-Known Member
There are three wires connecting the motor to the Electronic Speed Controller. When you fire the motors up the first time, knowing what direction you want each to spin. If any motor doesn't spin in the desired direction, and two will not, you reverse any two wires of the three. That reverses the rotation of that motor.
So you don't buy motors "counterclockwise", you make them that way by how you connect them.
 
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