I'd like to build a compact gopro quad...

T

tig5

Member
Hey guys,

I've spent the past few months fooling around with a couple of Hubsan X4 quads. I have a background in videography and have had a lot of fun with the X4 but, not surprisingly, have been left wanting a little more in the camera department!

I'm more of a mechanical chap with some experience in electronics and I feel like I might have the best chance at getting what I want if I DIY, plus I think I'll probably enjoy it :)

I like to travel, especially by motorcycle and I've been thinking how cool it would be to have a more compact quad that I could take on trips. This would essentially be a toy but I'd like build a decent quad that would allow for upgrades/additions if possible. I like the features of the Phantom 3 but I'd like to make something a bit more compact if possible.

If I wanted to build a quad that could:
Carry my Hero 4 Black with a gimbal
Have a flight time > than 10 minutes
Have a range > than 1km
Have GPS, ultrasonic and barometric sensors and possibly FPV

How compact do you guys think I could conceivably build? I understand I'll lose stability and I'm sure you understand I'm quite new to this sort of thing. I'm not at all opposed to kits and have no experience with arduino.

Your thoughts would be appreciated....oh and price....hmmmm...under 1k, but the cheaper the better.
 
I have a 280 from VooDoo with 6" props that i'm sure would fly the extra weight of a gopro, in fact I used to tie extra weight to the thing to reduce the responsiveness during my big learning curve... I have discovered the throttle curve on the controller to reduce responses now, but it is still very quick reacting. The problem with the smaller hobby quads flying cameras is the noise from the faster motor/prop combinations. I also built a 350 Rakon Heli with powerful motors and components but it is still overly responsive compared to my wifes QX350. The Rakon Heli frame is a replacement frame for the OEM QX350 frame but I didn't use QX350 components. It would fly much more mildly if I had, but that would still be rather large for your desires. There is a new drone on the market that would meet your expectations:

https://www.kickstarter.com/project...e-the-portable-rugged-totally-different-small
 
Thanks guys,

I realise I'll be compromising in stability if I go small but I think for this build I'd prefer compactness as most of the shots I'd like to take will be reasonably static.

I've found a few good looking folding frames:

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/pro...er-Shaped-Cross-Frame/227513_32304481914.html

http://www.besthobbymall.com/transformation-300-quadcopter-aircraft-frame.html

http://www.goodluckbuy.com/280mm-ca...copter-frame-kit-gopro-camera-compatible.html

But I'm not sure what the folded dimensions are or whether they'd be suitable for a gimbal etc.

I guess a foldable 350 would be ideal in terms of packed dimensions. What do you guys think about the options above?

Any further recommendations?

Cheers
 
I do like the way the 300 folds back in on itself, that QX350 looks nice but I think I prefer the squarer folded away footprint.

Besthobby recommends EMAX MT12204 motors, do these sound about right?

In regard to a controller, I'd quite like to implement a "follow me" mode in the future if possible. Any suggestions?

Thanks for the thoughts.
 
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