Quadcopter

[cynr100]

I have just started a new project , primarily I want a rotary wing but am getting very frustrated with my attempts in 450 size helis.I was going to purchase a quad straight out but the $300+ got me thinking, having learnt a few lessons from single rotors start from the ground up . There are heaps of vids out there doing this, then I saw the HK Q450 at $12 for a fibre glass + quad with integrated PCB (the importance of this will come to light during the build).
Rather than waffle on now, if there is any interest I will post my progress here.
All my bits are to hand again if anyone is interested I will post the list and update any changes as they occur.

I sound confident..... ......but your encouragement would be appreciated.

[iflylilplanes]

I'm planing on getting the same quad, just low on funds this month, new glasses next month, but I will get there. I will be interested in your build, I was planing on using the 450 park motors for mine with 30amp Plush ESCs, what are you planing on for engines?

[cynr100]

The parts list so far:

HK Q450 frame - PCB integrated - $12.00
hexTronik DT750 Brushless Outrunner 750kv - $11-30 (4) = $45.20
TURNIGY Plush 18amp Speed Controller - $11.33 (4) = $45.32
Slow Fly Electric Prop 1045R SF (4 pc - Green Right Hand Rotation) -$3.29
Slow Fly Electric Prop 1045SF (4 pc) - $3-52
Hobbyking KK2.0 Multi-rotor LCD Flight Control Board - $28.99
TURNIGY 3A UBEC w/ Noise Reduction - $4.18
USBasp to flash KK2.0 - $9.99 (eBay)
FrSky D8R-IIplus Rx - ?? (swapped for FlySky module & 8ch rx..... retail $30??)
StarBrite liquid electrical tape - $12 (JayCar)
Assorted M3 & M4 nuts bolts and washers - $13 (Bunnings)
Male to male servo leads ( 5) -$7.99 (http://myworld.ebay.com.au/hobby-bitz-4 ... 1497.l2754) added 5/3
So far the cost is $177.49 add the cost of a 4ch Rx and 3s 2200 there is not much change left from $200.
Now at $185.48
This project was originally conceived as a tricopter running 450mm arms hence the DT750 motors (and I believe the 18amp ESC's were to be sufficient) but............. after a quick fit of 2 motors and rotors the poor old frame does look to be overpowered. The DT750's each offering 1kg thrust @18amp using 1045 props
By the end of this weekend I should have a pic up of the motors, rotors, ESC's installed using the PCB as the power distributor. This will allow all the electronics to be installed between the 2 frame boards, the battery underslung and the top deck will be free for FPV
I am concerned about the ESC's now but I will be doing a static run as soon as I can. If it indicates a liftoff at 10amp draw that will do, my budget is blown.

[iflylilplanes]

The KK2.0 board, I've heard mostly good things from all over, the only fence sitter is Bruce, I'm waiting for part 2 of his review. I,ve wanted to try one in a fixed wing.

[Keith]

Keep an eye on the ESCs with 750s, they may get a bit warm.. I use the 25A.
I also cut the shafts down on the 750s as there a bit long. They have a strange size mount as well which I cannot find a replacement for...?

[cynr100]

Thanks Keith, I may have been mislead from what I had read and selecting the 18amp ESC. I have decided to do a "bench test" to see how close the 18's are to their limit.
My weekend target may not be met
The 750 mounts don't align to the Quad mount to enable a 4 point fix, but 2 should be enough. I'll be testing 3x15 N,B,W with Locktite or cable ties (if I can get the mount firmly fixed).

Dave, the KK2.0 is only $30, grab one from the Aus w/house when you can, they are "cheap as beans". Bruce is biased towards fixed wing (self proclaimed) I believe he will be surprised with the flight results. Like all things eletronic they will take some tweaking to make perfect though.

[cynr100]

Bench test results:
Battery Turnigy 2200maH 25-35C with 70% capacity
hexTronik DT750 v Turnigy Plush 18a ESC
1045R prop WOT (30sec) produced 132w @ 12.5a
1147R prop WOT (30sec) produced 151w @ 14.2a (wont fit the quad but thought I 'd test for a possible tri)

After these results the project is still on
I ran the 1147R for 5 min at 9-10a (indicated), the motor can was hot to touch and the ESC was warm

I feel that there is something I have missed in my testing but will keep going as the end product is the teller.

[cynr100]

My weekend target is met.......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X82611ezNA

If you are interested in multicopter use of the KK2.0 go here http://www.oddcopter.org there is a lot of info around (too much actually and never the stuff you want) this guy does it well, good info pics and vids.

Dave, I don't know if he has references for fixed wing use, I didn't look....

[Jolly-Swagman]

Waht you need is these 10CM Male to Male Servo Lead (JR) 26AWG (10pcs/set)

Ideal for connecting your reciever to the HobbyKing Quadcopter Control board.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=21758&aff=362637

[cynr100]

Thanks Jolly , but not available in the Aus warehouse so I have gone here
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/5x-Male-to-M ... 3cceeda7a0
Half the number for twice the price....... ........ but no postage and will be here in 4 days from past experience.