Geprc Rocket upgrades?

[lcarrel]

Hey all,

I've got the DJI rocket plus and I really love this quad. Instead of jumping into a full build I thought I could start by upgrading this thing. I figured with all the new beta95x type quads coming out I could find some newer parts. I am looking for a new AIO FC/ESC and new motors. I figure the aio will need to be the same size or smaller as it hardly fits in the frame with the air unit. And preferably it would have a higher amp rating to handle more powerful motors. As for the motors. looking for more power longer flight time.
Any suggestions are appreciated. I've been comparing newer models and have narrowed it down a bit but I'm not sure I know what i'm doing. Thanks friends!

 

[wafflejock]

Glad to hear you're enjoying the quad it looks like a fun one for sure.

Regarding the plan to upgrade there is a major flaw. Putting more powerful motors means in theory your motors can draw more power at max throttle, that said the battery isn't getting any bigger and so the bucket is still the same size the water in it is still the same amount but your hose just got thicker. That's to say you will get lower flight time if you increase the power consumption.

To increase flight time you have basically three options but they are all with costs:

1. Decrease the weight (less material on it that isn't helping it fly is less power lost to lifting that stuff and moving it around). Downside here is mostly you lose strength by giving up bumpers/thickness of material or other things.
2. Increase battery (bucket) size. Obvious benefit a 10% bigger battery can be drained at the same rate for 10% longer. Downside more weight for more battery which means your thrust to weight goes down and you're spending more energy moving around a bigger battery, at some point the weight of battery overcomes the thrust capability of the props/motors and it just sits on the ground (very sad). Added weight also adds inertia which reduces agility.
3. Run more efficient motors/props. If a motor is more efficient it uses the same power in to get more power out then it is making better use of the battery, problem here is hard pressed to find significant difference in efficiency of BLDC motors they are all pretty good (like 95% I think). Shallower prop pitch means less force/thrust per rotation/sweep so will get longer flight times but will also sacrifices some "agility" or ability to recover from dives or turn fast since aren't "gripping" into the air as much.

For a better solution than all three above I suggest just buy more batteries a parallel charge board (with fuses, and learn to use it from vids before trying) and getting a lipo safe pouch/bag to keep all your new batteries in

 

[wafflejock]

Also regarding custom build from scratch vs these upgrades, I understand partially not wanting to dive head long into the deep end but honestly you're going to be doing more work undoing things and trying to get them to fit than you would building something custom you can be proud of