Interchangeable FPV/FCB/S-BEC

[HDtallrider]

Hi all. I have been trying to simplify and hold cost down when building more than one quad. Towards that end I completed my prototype all in one FPV/ FCB unit that I can move from quad to quad. I used the bottom plate, trimmed, of an Alien frame. I then mounted the FPV camera and tx, the FC, the OSD, the rx and a couple power connectors and S-BEC's and the GPS. It uses one connection and some Velcro to mount it to the top frame of the quad. The components are velcro'd to the plate for cushioning and easy replacement. The prototype weighs 240grams and is balanced at the center of the FCB. The final will be much neater. I have to finalize the connection on the quad and the all in one unit and then I can easily move it to whatever quad I want to fly. I chose the MINI-x FCB because once you set the parameters to X quad and all your quads are X configuration, you don't have to change anything. I will post pics when I finish the final rendition. The prototype is UGLY!!! LOL I also need a name for it. Something other than " All in one interchangeable FPV/FCB/GPS/OSD/S-BEC unit".

 

[GJH105775]

It is certainly possible to make a dtep further, and have a FC/FPV/GPS/OSD/BEC/ESC unit that can move from quad to quad, etch your own PCB to make a little dock for it. Have like a 24 pin connector for information and a 26 pin connector for powering the motors power and input power. This would allow a square dock for the combination device. i really like your idea, as I am cheap haha.

 

[HDtallrider]

Thanks. Me too! I think I'm going to stick to a 2 wire bullet connection right now. I noticed you included ESC's in your " combination device". ( I like that!). I considered that. I currently have 4 quads under construction with power ranging from 2206 to 3508. I think I'll stick to specific ESC's for specific motor and quad requirements.

 

[GJH105775]

Yeah, that'll keep you from putting 30 amp ESCs on a quad that needs only 10 amp, but you can also get micro ESCs that are really great.

 

[GJH105775]

Something like this IDE cable for a PATA HDD to give you an idea of what I meant.

 

[HDtallrider]

I see what you mean about the pin connector. Would look more professional. Remember. I crash. A lot. The velcro will come apart more easily than the pin connector and would be less likely to transfer the crash energy to the rest of the quad. That was another reason I used velcro to mount everything to the combination device. Another reason I did not include ESC's on the combo device ( not bad! ) is plugging and unplugging the 12 motor leads. The other reason is the micro ones don't have a great reputation. The 2 biggest complaints are heat disappation and refresh rates. Anyway, I am going to continue to refine this idea. I have already decided to put 2 extra 12v leads on the next one. Maybe for LED's, retracts or whatever. Is this a great hobby or what!?!

 

[GJH105775]

I see what you mean about the pin connector. Would look more professional. Remember. I crash. A lot. The velcro will come apart more easily than the pin connector and would be less likely to transfer the crash energy to the rest of the quad. That was another reason I used velcro to mount everything to the combination device. Another reason I did not include ESC's on the combo device ( not bad! ) is plugging and unplugging the 12 motor leads. The other reason is the micro ones don't have a great reputation. The 2 biggest complaints are heat disappation and refresh rates. Anyway, I am going to continue to refine this idea. I have already decided to put 2 extra 12v leads on the next one. Maybe for LED's, retracts or whatever. Is this a great hobby or what!?!

I did not think about heat dispensation, I am used to working with an aluminium frame, so heat is no problem haha. I just use the frame as a heatsink.