Project 600-650 mm Quad

[NCFRC]

I'm looking at slowly putting together a 600-650mm quadcopter.

Would the 600mm Hobby King frame be even worth considering or
is a $100 Tarot 650 the only way to go.

I understand we're not talking products in the same league but I'm not
thinking about spending $1000 in electronics either.

I read where some use 800kv motors and some us 1200kv motors.
I'm leaning towards a 3 cell battery " not sure why " and if I had the
larger motor , you wouldn't have to give it as much throttle , correct ?

 

[NCFRC]

Has anybody used one of these frames ?

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...h_Mid_Crab_Landing_Gear_600mm_White_Red_.html

 

[NCFRC]

With these motors ? How do I know what size prop will work ?

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__25076__NTM_Prop_Drive_Series_28_26_1100kv_252w.html

 

[NCFRC]

I don't even know how these darn things work ?

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...html?strSearch=NTM Prop Drive 28 Series Acces

 

[NCFRC]

I'm leaning towards this vs. taking too big a step up from the Syma X5's.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=61574

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/..._Module_8ch_Receiver_Mode_2_v2_Firmware_.html

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=20753

Roughly $285 plus shipping

Has anybody seen a better bang for your buck ???

 

[NCFRC]

Thoughts ???

 

[GJH105775]

Make sure you order from the warehouse nearest to you (If they have stock). I made the mistake of not and it cost me almost $50 more than it would have for shipping. As for the radio I think it would be a great choice, as you have 9 channels (you should have at least 6). As for the battery it is one that many people pick, but (correct me if I am wrong) mutistar is a little better brand for quads (you probably don need 45C discharge). Also if you don't have a LiPo charger make sure you add one. I am new to quadcopters, but I have messed around with electronics for about 7 years.

 

[GJH105775]

Here: I found one with a little higher MaH (capacity) that weighed less. 6grams less and 800MaH more. Smaller physical size. It is also a little cheaper. So basically all around better (except for it's 10C constant discharge rate and 20C burst). Mutistar batteries are designed specifically for mutirotors. Also use this calculator to get a rough idea.

 

[NCFRC]

I just ordered one of these. I'm going to learn on the Syma X5's outside this summer and slowly build this Tarot.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=66610

 

[GJH105775]

I hope you got the last one, because they are now on back-order .


I don't know if you read the review, but here it is as follows:

This frame turned out to be an excellent choice for me (first time builder/flyer). The folding arms and legs help absorb the hard landing/crashes to prevent any critical breakage. The center frame is very sturdy too. There is not a lot of real estate for controller, battery, etc so you might consider ordering extra battery plate and posts to create a double deck. You can drill holes in the carbon fiber but you need to be careful. I am going to order another Tarot 650 to act as a spare. The feet will snap after several hard landings. An alternative is replace the feet with 1/4 water supply line from a hardware store. Use a three foot piece tape feed through the legs and duct tape the ends together. Then slide the duct tape section into the leg T-coupling and tighten the allen screws. This approach is a great way to setup the quad for training to minimize damage. Hope this makes sense...

 

[GJH105775]

Just noticed that this frame can drive 12'' props, your motors can do around 9. It really does not matter, but it is just a little extra weight. Did you do this so you can upgrade in the future?

 

[NCFRC]

I figured if I was going to spend $40-$50 on a basic frame , why not spend a $100 on one that should last and be able to get
parts for in the future.

It's shipped ,,,, yes , most of the reviews are quite positive.

 

[GJH105775]

It looks like a really good quality frame. Fold-able and carbon fiber.

 

[NCFRC]

For $105 Shipped ,,,, I think it's a heck of a deal.

BUT , I am very open that I need to spend quite a bit of time flying those Syma X5's this summer before
I even think of Launching something like this.

 

[GJH105775]

Lower KV motors are more efficient, but less reactive/agile. 880kv motors can push around 12'' props at 4.5 pitch while staying below 20 amps. What type of thrust do you need?

 

[NCFRC]

I honestly don't know how to figure the thrust.

This is what they reccomend for equipment.
Required:
5ch Radio system
Flight controller
Propeller size: 10~11 inch carbon fiber propeller
Motor: 620~980KV 2212~4006 brushless motor
Battery specifications: 11.1~14.8V 3000~5000mAh
Brushless ESC: 20~30A

 

[GJH105775]

This has a thrust calculator among other things http://www.ecalc.ch/xcoptercalc.php. This calculator is solely for thrust (easier to use but less thorough http://personal.osi.hu/fuzesisz/strc_eng/ ). As for the thrust most recommendations I have seen is that you need at least double the thrust as weight, but weight taking up only 1/3 thrust is much better. The first calculator will help you to decide on your setup. It is really nice as it allerts you to over amp draw on the ESCs, battery, and motor. It also tells you things like minimum manoeuvrability.

 

[NCFRC]

Thanks a lot ,,, I appreciate all the help.

I'll add up all the weights of estimated components and go from there.

Efficiency vs. manoeuvrability I'd guess are the trade offs.

I'll get the numbers and budget accordingly.

Have you ever put one together similar to this ?

 

[NCFRC]

I hope you got the last one, because they are now on back-order .


I don't know if you read the review, but here it is as follows:

This frame turned out to be an excellent choice for me (first time builder/flyer). The folding arms and legs help absorb the hard landing/crashes to prevent any critical breakage. The center frame is very sturdy too. There is not a lot of real estate for controller, battery, etc so you might consider ordering extra battery plate and posts to create a double deck. You can drill holes in the carbon fiber but you need to be careful. I am going to order another Tarot 650 to act as a spare. The feet will snap after several hard landings. An alternative is replace the feet with 1/4 water supply line from a hardware store. Use a three foot piece tape feed through the legs and duct tape the ends together. Then slide the duct tape section into the leg T-coupling and tighten the allen screws. This approach is a great way to setup the quad for training to minimize damage. Hope this makes sense...

Banggood has them for $98.99 shipped

 

[GJH105775]

Mine runs 1400kv motors and swings 9x 4.7 props. It is not off the ground yet, but I have all on the electronics done. I just need to mount the last three motors and do wire management. Once that happens I''ll be ready for flight.