Long Endurane Quad

[Alex Clark]

Designed and build a custom quad over the last few months that got a first long flight last week. 43:13 flight time. Anybody have similar stories?

 

[GJH105775]

Welcome to the forum.

I have seen a few people now able to get flight times of over an hour. By using Li-Ion batteries. You really have to limit the current that the quad can draw. But they get longer times because you don't hurt them by discharging them too much. But 43:13 is a really good flight time. Do you have a build log, or care to share the parts used? Pictures are great too. . I'll be really interested to see how Amazon pulls off it's quadcopter delivery service in the way of flight times. With them and Google funding it we may have some fun stuff to come.

 

[Alex Clark]

I have some images. Large blades. 15x5 T-Motor props were key. Draws 260 watts in flight.

 

[GJH105775]

I wonder how big it'd have to get for solar foil to become efficient?

 

[Jackson]

Welcome to the forum.

I have seen a few people now able to get flight times of over an hour. By using Li-Ion batteries. You really have to limit the current that the quad can draw.

I've seen folks putting together packs using the over priced Panasonics.

For those so inclined here's a better choice, from one of the premier names.

http://www.batterysupports.com/sanyo-36v-7a-34ah-ur18650bl-18650-high-drain-liion-battery-p-425.html

Also note these folks will also spot weld some tabs (much better than soldering) for you.

Here's a comparison, this tester would not go higher on the amp draw due to the Panasonic's lower C rating.

Much less voltage drop under load the whole time and they have better mAh (more runtime) at the typical voltage cutoff RCers would use.

 

[GJH105775]

@Jackson Thanks for that link. I have looked a little for some good-n-cheap high drain li-Ion cells, to use on another project.

 

[Alex Clark]

Our setup is certainly not cheep. Custom water-jet frame, 470kv T-Motors, 15x5 blades, 20 amp speed controllers and 16,000 mAh battery. The frame is designed to have a custom power distribution board in the upper center plate that is not currently installed. Lots of electrical tape to keep things from falling out during the first flight.

 

[GJH105775]

Haha, big as crap batteries, and it is so tidy.

My quad is currently is currently sporting ESCs wrapped in electrical tape, because I have a little more to do with them. Mine is anything but tidy and neat xD.

I really like looks of it, so what is the current AUG? By my estimates it cost around ~$680 (with no shipping, tx or rx), and around $900 with everything. How close is this?

 

[HDtallrider]

Cool quad! I am intrigued by it being able to hoist a 16k battery and the air frame and doing it so efficiently! I am trying to come up with a battery/ frame combo for my T motor 3508 380kv motors. I have RC Timer 15x5 CF props for them. The 50% thrust for these is 490 grams so with a little fudge factor I can hover at a AUW of 1800 grams. A 4s 16k battery weighs over 1150 grams. How did you build a frame/ motors/ electronics etc large enough and light enough? Did I mention I want FPV as well? I have been banging my head against the wall trying to design a quad with long flight times that doesn't fly like a brick! Any specs you care to publish would be welcome.