First Build. Please review before I start buying parts. Thank you

H

HC100

Member
Hello all,

This is my first Quadcopter build. I have done a lot of research into parts but would like some confirmation that the parts I have chosen and their specs will all work together to create a successful quad. The purpose of my quad is just to fly really, not intending to do any tricks etc as it will also be my first time flying a Quadcopter.

I have access to machining equipment so I plan to machine both the frame and propellers myself. I will machine the frame using wood, hoping to have a frame weight of 200-250 grams. I plan for an X configuration with a motor to motor distance of 500mm.

The motors I plan to use are: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5688&aff=243268

I will machine myself props with 10" diameter and 4.5" pitch. Are these suitable?

I plan to use the following ESC's: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/..._Motor_Speed_Controller_SimonK_Firmware_.html

The motor peak current is 19A so I went with a 30A ESC.

I also plan to use the following battery: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...ipo_Pack_UK_Warehouse_.html?strSearch=turnigy 3000

At 3000mAh and constant discharge of 30C I think this will provide enough source current for all four motors.

I also intend to use this control board: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...mega328_PA_UK_Warehouse_.html?strSearch=multi rotor control board V3

As well as a 2.4GHz RC controller and receiver.

QUESTIONS:

1) Basically if you could take a look at the parts I have chosen and just confirm that they will all work together, and if not what suggestions do you have.
2) Are there any other parts I have missed off?

Thanks for taking the time to reply.
 
Jackson

Jackson

USA member at large
I would opt for a more popular flight control board. A KK2.15, CC3D or Naze32. You can find tons of good videos on setting these up.

Painless360 has a few very good ones.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=painless360

I would also opt for XT60 connectors, not those on the battery you listed.
HP60C1800S3.jpg


You would need it's mate coming off the quad.
 
Last edited:
GJH105775

GJH105775

Off and on
Moderator
HC100 said:
Hello all,

This is my first Quadcopter build. I have done a lot of research into parts but would like some confirmation that the parts I have chosen and their specs will all work together to create a successful quad. The purpose of my quad is just to fly really, not intending to do any tricks etc as it will also be my first time flying a Quadcopter.

I have access to machining equipment so I plan to machine both the frame and propellers myself. I will machine the frame using wood, hoping to have a frame weight of 200-250 grams. I plan for an X configuration with a motor to motor distance of 500mm.

The motors I plan to use are: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5688&aff=243268

I will machine myself props with 10" diameter and 4.5" pitch. Are these suitable?

I plan to use the following ESC's: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/..._Motor_Speed_Controller_SimonK_Firmware_.html

The motor peak current is 19A so I went with a 30A ESC.

I also plan to use the following battery: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...ipo_Pack_UK_Warehouse_.html?strSearch=turnigy 3000

At 3000mAh and constant discharge of 30C I think this will provide enough source current for all four motors.

I also intend to use this control board: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...mega328_PA_UK_Warehouse_.html?strSearch=multi rotor control board V3

As well as a 2.4GHz RC controller and receiver.

QUESTIONS:

1) Basically if you could take a look at the parts I have chosen and just confirm that they will all work together, and if not what suggestions do you have.
2) Are there any other parts I have missed off?

Thanks for taking the time to reply.
Click to expand...


You have a machine shop? It will be hard to use metal props (hard to make, but you already know that)

I agree with Jackson regarding the control board, though this one is rather simple and will work however it is not very configurable.

You probably want XT30 connectors on your batteries and power distribution board/cable, and do you already have a LiPo charger?

For a frame that big you could use a little bigger motors if you wanted. \
 
H

HC100

Member
Thanks for your replies, I appreciate you taking the time.

I will look into a more popular flight control board and XT 30/60 connectors on the battery, as well as slightly bigger motors. I will also need to purchase a LiPo charger yes!

Otherwise would you agree that I am good to go ahead with my project?

Thanks again.
 
H

HDtallrider

Well-Known Member
Jackson is right, XT60 connectors are everywhere! Go with those. GJH105775 is correct that you could use a larger motor with lower kv and even a larger prop based on the type of flying you said you want to do. Perhaps a 12x3.8 if your arms permit it. Also. The motors shown have very short leads. Hobby king and others have motor lead extensions. Get some long enough to allow you to mount your esc's close to the PD board/harness and keep your battery wires short. On inexpensive, I hesitate to say "cheap", esc's, the DC switching current of the caps are underrated and the caps are often switching more current than they are rated for and will go bad or, at the very least, under perform during abrupt maneuvers. The lifespan of the esc is also greatly shortened. This is part of the long battery wire issue. The longer the wire the more DC switching current the caps are subject to. The esc vendors cut corners so we can buy cheaper. You can keep the battery wires short and neat, or buy a ready to go cap pack from someone like Castle Creations ,or build your own cap pack to correct this problem. My suggestion is to just shorten the wires and fly happy.:)
 
H

HC100

Member
I am also struggling to find a battery with XT60 connectors, that have a high enough max source current (max current = capacity * C-rating). As my motors have max current rating of 23.2A, am I right in thinking my battery max current should be above 23.2*4?
 
H

HDtallrider

Well-Known Member
The link above will help you understand Lipo batteries. The 23.2 amp draw of the motor is telling you how fast it will draw down your battery at full throttle. That 23.2v max draw is horrible for a motor that size by the way. You should probably look at other manufacturers or you'll only be able to fly for a few minutes. Maybe a larger motor that won't have to work so hard. When you bring up the spec sheets for motors look at the efficiency column. Look at the rate % between 50 and 75% throttle. The higher the better. Read the above link. It should help you understand what you need for the build.
 
H

HC100

Member
thanks for the link and efficiency tip! I think they have a high current rating due to a lower Kv rating. Should I look to increase my Kv rating and perhaps reduce the size of my props and overall frame size?
 
GJH105775

GJH105775

Off and on
Moderator
HC100 said:
thanks for the link and efficiency tip! I think they have a high current rating due to a lower Kv rating. Should I look to increase my Kv rating and perhaps reduce the size of my props and overall frame size?
Click to expand...
Higher kv means shorter flights, but increased speed in general. Where are you buying from to not find batteries with XT60 connectors? have you looked into hobbyking.com (usually the best prices but shipping is really high so try to get from the closest warehouse to you)
 
H

HC100

Member
Thanks, I have been looking on hobbyking.com. But I am finding any battery 3000mAh and above uses bullet connectors?
 
H

HDtallrider

Well-Known Member
No. The lower kv motors are usually more efficient. Often the less expensive motor manufacturers have taken shortcuts in design and materials. Fewer poles, low quality wire, less care taken in the windings, lower quality magnets and the list goes on. Sometimes you will find a manufacturer use a 12 pole design for a tiny 1804 2600kv motor and then use the same 12 pole design on a larger motor like a 3510 400kv motor. Power, efficiency and smoothness plummet. So does manufacturing costs which was the idea for cutting corners. I don't know what your budget is but check out the specs on motors from Multistar, SunnySky, Cobra, Tiger Motor and if money is no object and only the best will do check out KDE Direct. Keep a inhaler handy to revive you....:D Use the specs to help you pick the right combo of prop and motor for your build. Generally speaking using a lower kv motor swinging a larger low pitch prop running on the lowest listed voltage for that motor will give you the most operating efficiency. Higher kv swinging a smaller high pitch prop on higher voltage will make you're quad boogy but at the expense of efficiency. It won't lift as much or fly as long. Choices,choices,choices........ This, to me, is just one of the things that make this hobby so interesting, and, some of the most fun you can have with your clothes on!!!! LOL Have fun. Go build stuff;)
 
Jackson

Jackson

USA member at large
HC100 said:
I am also struggling to find a battery with XT60 connectors, that have a high enough max source current (max current = capacity * C-rating). As my motors have max current rating of 23.2A, am I right in thinking my battery max current should be above 23.2*4?
Click to expand...

I thought you linked to these as your motors.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5688&aff=243268
Spec.Kv: 1050rpm/v
Operating Current: 6A ~ 16A
Peak Current: 19A
Weight: 56g
Dimensions: 27.6 x 32mm
Shaft Size: 3.175mm

Kit includes full accessories, including gold bullet connectors, prop saver, mount, spare rubber rings, shrink tube and screws.

Performance Data
Voltage Current Prop Thrust
11.1V 8.6A 8040 538g
11.1V 13.7A 9050 810g
11.1V 16.7A 1060 650g
Click to expand...

Looks like a 9050 prop puts you at ~13.7A with a good amount of thrust. Using a 2.2 (a bit of a cushion) multiplier means your quad can be ~1400 grams and perform well.
 
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