Welcome to Multi-Rotor UK. Please login or sign up.

Friday,March 29, 2024, 02:28:03

Login with username, password and session length

Shoutbox

Bad Raven:
26 Mar 2024 08:41:05
 :(
Andy7:
25 Mar 2024 14:49:21
An excess of work and rain.  :thumbdown:
Bad Raven:
23 Mar 2024 18:12:38
Almost a personal Blog, it would seem. LOTS of members, but NO posts.  :-/   :shrug:
Gaza07:
06 Mar 2024 16:59:49
Anyone still here  :shrug:
ched:
24 Dec 2023 11:48:48
Hope you all have a Great Christmas and a happy New Year.
Bad Raven:
20 Dec 2023 06:17:47
 ~~   :beer2: 
Gaza07:
19 Dec 2023 22:20:27
Merry Christmas All  :beer2:
Bad Raven:
01 Dec 2023 06:59:57
New Simulator Section started!   :beer2:
Bad Raven:
17 Jun 2023 06:52:23
Yes, smaller, same as lots of things as time passes.
Andy7:
08 Jun 2023 22:49:18
 ~~
Members
Stats
  • Total Posts: 201,420
  • Total Topics: 20,260
  • Online today: 31
  • Online ever: 530
  • (Tuesday,June 26, 2012, 08:34:46 )
Users Online
Users: 0
Guests: 23
Total: 23

Theme Changer





3d - Printworx

550 clone build

Started by flybywire, Friday,September 27, 2013, 18:57:25

Previous topic - Next topic

flybywire

The postal forces of the world have beaten a path to my door over the last couple of weeks, activity has been frenetic.  Well, perhaps not frenetic, but full of research anyhow.

Here';s a pic of the parts amassed so far.  AR 8000 on the way from Phil Greeno, 6 Afro esc';s winging their way from China (HK). :smiley:  These are new to me, but as they come pre flashed with the magic SimonK firmware, I';m up for it.  I hope they work with a Naza!   :hmm:




Looks like I';ll be busy over the next few days.

Can';t wait to get airborne!  :waiting:

trying out the positioning:

http://flic.kr/p/gsqyUt

Reading the Naza M V2 manual again, I notice that the 2.4 Ghz Bluetooth Datalink doubles up as the BTU as well (when in range of the ground unit), so if you have a BTU connected, it can be removed when you purchase the Bluetooth Datalink kit, saving weight, power & cash.  When I finally get myself one I';ll update this post if that is actually the case.




Gimbal tuned..



Props balanced & ready to go!  Just got to pay for it now!  :blink
I needed some motor hex bolts, here is a great supplier: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251002183279?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Something I';ve noticed is that Naza v2 has extremely quick sat lock, virtually instant, no yawn inducing yellow flashing.  Good news.
Blog: [url="http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff"]http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff[/url]
The spiritual home of fpv large
Keep it emax, capiche?
Hardware? sure, I got hardware!

Hands0n

Liking that build a lot.  Where did you get the landing gear from? I';ve a Tarot to be built and slung underneath the Hex when she';s built and flying reliably.  Those look just the ticket. Not too large. Some can be mahoosive!
--
Danny
"Its better than bad, its good"

Current FCs: Pixhawk, APM 2.6, Naza M V2, Naze32, Flip32+ CC3D, KK2.1.5
Aircraft: miniMax Hex, DJI 550 (clone) TBS Disco, 450 Firefly, 250 Pro, ZMR250, Hubsan X4, Bixler 2

flybywire

#2
http://www.firstpersonview.co.uk/multicopters/spares/dji-f450-f550-landing-skid

They seem to be out of stock, but most multi rotor suppliers sell them. I have them on my quad too.
http://www.buzzflyer.co.uk/DJI-Spares/DJI-450-550-Landing-Skids/p-183-2537/

Always something else to buy eh?

:smiley:
Blog: [url="http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff"]http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff[/url]
The spiritual home of fpv large
Keep it emax, capiche?
Hardware? sure, I got hardware!

Hands0n

Nice, I don';t think I';ve seen those before.  I can see how it mounts, think I may go for two sets and have a spare pair of legs just in case  ::)  Not wishing to tempt fate, of course. 
--
Danny
"Its better than bad, its good"

Current FCs: Pixhawk, APM 2.6, Naza M V2, Naze32, Flip32+ CC3D, KK2.1.5
Aircraft: miniMax Hex, DJI 550 (clone) TBS Disco, 450 Firefly, 250 Pro, ZMR250, Hubsan X4, Bixler 2

flybywire

#4
NB: To be read aloud in a ';Clive James'; accent.

Yesterday afternoon, I spontaneously (not combusted) decided to take the hex out to the back yard, ostensibly to get the compass calibrated, which was really the last of the setup jobs yet to be completed. 
I had been deliberately resisting all temptations to maiden her in said yard, as I had recently decide to tighten up my policies vis-a-vis flight testing.  A sensible move, and one that all newbies to this site & more relevantly to this hobby in general would be wise to adhere to.

Basically, in the past, after completing what would seem an age of construction and pre-flight tests, there would ensue an irresistible urge to rush out the back with the shiny new quad/hex etc, and promptly attempt to lift the thing off the ground under it';s own steam, so to speak. 
Needless to say, more often than not it has led to ';accidents'; and much self recrimination on the part of the transgressor.  Yesterday was, unfortunately no different.
(N.B You can ditch the droll Aussie accent now!)

It all began well enough, rain had disappeared, wind had died down to a virtual 15 mph flurry.  Calibration, or rather the strange almost tribal ';Naza dance'; was completed effortlessly first time, as it happens.  That accomplished, I felt that a cursory spin up of the old motors would be in order, and as I did so, felt an irresistible urge (you know what';s coming) to raise the throttle a little..a little more...yes! she';s off!  Whoa!  Something doesn';t feel quite right, put her down..
So I landed her, safely.  ';Sensible Andy'; would have pulled the power, turned off the Tx and returned beloved hex to loft-style bijou man-cave pending full flight debrief/inquiry.  Then, at the first opportunity he would have driven the 4 or so miles to safe flying site, replete with soft forgiving grass, and proceeded to complete all flight tests and gain trims etc.
So what did the real Andy do?  Yes, you guest it, had another go!  Not a disaster, but a definite chance to say, yes, it does fly, but there is something still not set up perfectly and we need to land this thing and turn the f****** thing off and stop messing around.
Ok, so third chance, this time I lose focus or the plot or something, and it drifts towards the solidly built wooden fence (i know it';s solid I built it!) I get her down sharpish, but of course a prop just clips the fence panel and it';s knackered.  Kerching!


Oh well, nothing really I guess, except they';re HK carbons (cheapo';s) decent but scarce, so I';ll have to mix and match Grpnr EP';s.

So I bet you';re asking, ';What';s the big deal here Andy mate?';  Well, the real big deal is that somewhere along the line, I have managed to fry my IRC 600 Mw VTx!!!  :cry Yes, fried.  I felt it and it was red hot on the antenna.  I do know they chuck out some heat, but this was electric bar heater hot!  Damn!  I know it did work, ';cause I set up my iOSD mini last week, worked fine.
I think that all the setting up I';ve done with it connected may have attributed to its demise, as it has not been cooled by the propwash?  Answers on a postcard please.  :laugh:
On a characteristic knee-jerk reaction I';ve ordered another from HK international W-H, as I wanted to use up the $28 credit I had collected.
Oh well, I was down yesterday, but today I';ve thought about it philosophically, well tried to!  The hex did fly ok, I';m pretty sure it';s just the gains being too ';sloppy';, and I';ve already upped the Atti gains by 20 (to 120).  Also, I';ve never flown a hex before (except for this: http://www.multi-rotor.co.uk/index.php?topic=4527.0), so wasn';t quite sure what to expect.
Any of you out there with a 550/Naza want to share your experiences/gains, Id appreciate it.  ~~

Oh, yes, I forgot, for the newbies hereabouts, do not, I repeat do not attempt to flight test your beloved machines in your back yards (unless you own a farm of course) as it will surely end in woe (and stupid needless expense, frustration and recrimination!).

Happy (and safe) flight testing.

Andy

Blog: [url="http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff"]http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff[/url]
The spiritual home of fpv large
Keep it emax, capiche?
Hardware? sure, I got hardware!

flybywire

#5
Oh yes, I forgot to mention, I got the frame from these guys: (currently out of stock, but ebayer tells me he';s expecting more stock very soon).

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271270536565?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

I must say it is very sturdy, and the more I look at it I think it does compare very favourably with DJI';s own.  The frame plates are quite thick, and seem to have the slots/holes in sensible places.  The arms are of a sturdy and rigid material, again very comparable to DJI';s arms (I have a DJI 450 for comparison).
Of course the price is where it scores points, approx £18.50 plus £5.24 standard shipping.
One criticism tho';, there were no motor bolts, so you';d need to spend c. £5 on some m 3x8';s.
Recommended *****!
Blog: [url="http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff"]http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff[/url]
The spiritual home of fpv large
Keep it emax, capiche?
Hardware? sure, I got hardware!

Hands0n

I';m reasonably certain that I';ll be tempted to perform the initial hover in the back garden. If for no other reason than alll my resources are in the house!  The proper maiden can be in the field  :smiley:
--
Danny
"Its better than bad, its good"

Current FCs: Pixhawk, APM 2.6, Naza M V2, Naze32, Flip32+ CC3D, KK2.1.5
Aircraft: miniMax Hex, DJI 550 (clone) TBS Disco, 450 Firefly, 250 Pro, ZMR250, Hubsan X4, Bixler 2

flybywire

Quote from: Hands0n on Wednesday,October 23, 2013, 14:06:34
I';m reasonably certain that I';ll be tempted to perform the initial hover in the back garden. If for no other reason than alll my resources are in the house!  The proper maiden can be in the field  :smiley:

Tread carefully Master Danny, use the ';force'; with caution!  BTW are you using a Naza for your hex or some other? running on black magic & DOS?  If the former, what gains are you considering/AUW motors etc?  PLease let me know what works for you.

Andy
Blog: [url="http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff"]http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff[/url]
The spiritual home of fpv large
Keep it emax, capiche?
Hardware? sure, I got hardware!

Hands0n

Andy, I will be veritably pooping myself on the first hover. Thats how I lost my quad several weeks back when the FC took over and shot it skywards never to be seen again!  I may try and work up some kind of ground tether. I';ve a garden table with a umbrella pole hole in it that I could drop a spool of tether below so it doesn';t get caught up in the props downdraught.   

In terms of FC I intend using an APM 1.5 seeing as I';ve had such a great success with my Firefly 450 quad. I know what to do and look out for this time.  I already have the APM 2.5 sitting in its pukka case waiting to be mounted onto an aircraft. They really fly so very well when set up properly.  Also the new code version 3 code will have auto-PID setting that is looking really good from the testers feedback.

The Naza M Lite is staying on my Alien 450 quad - it flies really nicely, save for the Turnigy 1100KV motors that I am really going off.  Thinking of fitting some Sunnysky same as on the Firefly 450 quad. They';re lovely motors.
--
Danny
"Its better than bad, its good"

Current FCs: Pixhawk, APM 2.6, Naza M V2, Naze32, Flip32+ CC3D, KK2.1.5
Aircraft: miniMax Hex, DJI 550 (clone) TBS Disco, 450 Firefly, 250 Pro, ZMR250, Hubsan X4, Bixler 2

flybywire

Danny, those motors sound sweet, can you give me a link pls?

I like the motors I use (Turnigy 22/15 900/200w, but always looking out for other stuff.  My ';posh'; quad has 4 Torxpower motors, similar size, they all swing 10" blades without worrying.  Put it this way, you wouldn';t want to get your hand in them that';s for sure!

Andy
Blog: [url="http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff"]http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff[/url]
The spiritual home of fpv large
Keep it emax, capiche?
Hardware? sure, I got hardware!

Hands0n

Here you go Andy, the Sunnysky X2212 980KV motors that I have on my Firefly 450 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4x-Sunnysky-X2212-980KV-Brushless-Motor-Multi-rotor-Quad-copter-1047-1145-prop-/251267628004?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a80b7bbe4

I';d read good things about this motor and they were true.  I';m using them with 10x45 Gemfan carbon reinforced props from @fruitsalad on this forum. They';re near silent compared to my Turnigy D2836/8 1100KV  ::)
--
Danny
"Its better than bad, its good"

Current FCs: Pixhawk, APM 2.6, Naza M V2, Naze32, Flip32+ CC3D, KK2.1.5
Aircraft: miniMax Hex, DJI 550 (clone) TBS Disco, 450 Firefly, 250 Pro, ZMR250, Hubsan X4, Bixler 2

flybywire

Well, I can breathe a sigh of relief after today';s results, and put The tawdry events of last week firmly behind me.  A trip to the field earlier on today with 3 spare 5000 mAh lipo';s turned into a hugely enjoyable event.

I thought i';d capture the precedings using the onboard GoPro, the wireless pvr & my trusty Sony TG1.  This way i am able to observe things that i may have missed whilst concentrating on the flying.   :smiley:

I';ve run out of time today, what with one domestic disaster to another, so i';ll cobble som vid together tomoz let you see for yourselves.  Just have to say though...Naza v2 is superb! Formidable!

Till tomorrow then...

Cheers

Andy
Blog: [url="http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff"]http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff[/url]
The spiritual home of fpv large
Keep it emax, capiche?
Hardware? sure, I got hardware!

flybywire

Here it is!  yesterday';s exploits in a field, with a hexa-copter, and a lot of wind (of the meteorological variety of course)
On the whole, I';m very pleased with the results of my labours, it wasn';t massively expensive, starting with Flying Monkey';s £200 Naza v2 + GPS deal, which prompted the build in the first place.
Afro esc';s have been used, and seem, well, ';invisible'; really.  Not sure what an esc should be like, but the craft seems to handle well, and I didn';t notice any of that horrible wobble I get with some other esc';s.
As I say, and can be seen by the movement of the trees, it was very windy, but overall the Naza coped well, I think I have some vibe issues, even tho I did balance the props, they';re only cheap carbon-ish HK';s, except for one which is a Grapner 10x5 Elektroprop.  Also, the gimbal needs a bit more trimming, it tested out ok in a static test in ones man-loft/hanger, but of course that';s not real world.
It';s not a disaster, as the way it flies, I may well remove the GoPro/gimbal and just have it as a blast around machine, who knows!

Andy  :bounce:

550 Clone Hex Maiden from Andy on Vimeo.</p>
Blog: [url="http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff"]http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff[/url]
The spiritual home of fpv large
Keep it emax, capiche?
Hardware? sure, I got hardware!

Hands0n

That hex flew really nice on its maiden.  I was up there with it ::)  Given the amount of rather obvious wind that it was in I thought it did rather well.

Its really gratifying seeing one';s creations get airborne.
--
Danny
"Its better than bad, its good"

Current FCs: Pixhawk, APM 2.6, Naza M V2, Naze32, Flip32+ CC3D, KK2.1.5
Aircraft: miniMax Hex, DJI 550 (clone) TBS Disco, 450 Firefly, 250 Pro, ZMR250, Hubsan X4, Bixler 2

flybywire

Yep, i think there';s a lot to be said for the hex, that little bit more in reserve than the quad, i can appreciate the difference now.  As you say, even in the 30 mph winds it was able to hold steady.
I need to look at the gimbal again, a drawback with the hex is the arms coming into view, if i continue with the gimbal i may look at moving it forward, and lipo backwards.

The iosd mini was really nice, not too intrusive in the goggles, i particularly like the orientation indicator, it may have it over the ezosd in my opinion.
Only thing I miss slightly is the mAh consumed, but hey-hum.
Also if you have a naza then the iosd mini is a no brainer really (imho).

P.s is there a metric/imperial choice option?  I';ll have to check.

Andy :beer2:
Blog: [url="http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff"]http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff[/url]
The spiritual home of fpv large
Keep it emax, capiche?
Hardware? sure, I got hardware!

Hands0n

I am not convinced I will stay with Naza if I can get (a) my APM 2.5 tidied up a bit more, it is really close and (b) I invest in a Pixhawk when they become available (new generation of 3DR FC).   So right now I have a MinimOSD for the APM kit, it is stupidly configurable.

If I stay with Naza M Lite I will seriously consider an IOSD or EZOSD to go with it. Mostly so I can keep an eye on battery, but also like to see a Home Direction indicator. I get a bit lost up there ::)
--
Danny
"Its better than bad, its good"

Current FCs: Pixhawk, APM 2.6, Naza M V2, Naze32, Flip32+ CC3D, KK2.1.5
Aircraft: miniMax Hex, DJI 550 (clone) TBS Disco, 450 Firefly, 250 Pro, ZMR250, Hubsan X4, Bixler 2

Daz

i have the same set of dji legs, i was going to use them on my dji f550 that i';ve just finished but after testing it i could not get a decent view from the gopro and not have the legs or arms in frame as well. think i need some taller legs for mine.

nice build and vid  ~~

flybywire

#17
Quote from: Daz on Monday,November 04, 2013, 10:32:04
i have the same set of dji legs, i was going to use them on my dji f550 that i';ve just finished but after testing it i could not get a decent view from the gopro and not have the legs or arms in frame as well. think i need some taller legs for mine.

nice build and vid  ~~
THanks Daz
Yes, there is a bit of an issue with the legs in shot, I';ve just moved my gimbal forward, as I like the legs themselves, (and have them on my quad as well).
I had to rethink the lipo mounting as the quad was out of balance, so I';ve now mounted it underneath, behind the gimbal.  I have a meter of 3mm shock cord on it';s way from an ebay trader for a few pence, which I will hook up to support the 4 cell, so it doesn';t end up like a Lancaster bomber!  ~~

Too Windy from Andy on Vimeo.</p>
Blog: [url="http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff"]http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff[/url]
The spiritual home of fpv large
Keep it emax, capiche?
Hardware? sure, I got hardware!

flybywire

So I';ve just added the 3mm shock cord to hold the newly positioned lipo.
Once you start fidllin';...I also reversed the gimbal sensor to how it should be, maybe my imagination, but after I';d been back into SBG software to rejig, it seemed more responsive some how.












Oh, I also balanced each motor/prop in turn, on full chat.  Takes nerves of steel and a first aid kit in reach, but managed to get things a lot better.  TBH, most were pretty much Ok, just needed a slight adjustment, but one was a blighter!  Couldn';t get it whisper perfect, but a major improvement.
Bring on the weekend.  :waiting:
Andy
Blog: [url="http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff"]http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff[/url]
The spiritual home of fpv large
Keep it emax, capiche?
Hardware? sure, I got hardware!

Hands0n

Awesome - I hope you get it up this weekend  ::) :rofl: ::) ::) ::) ... Taxi  :laugh:
--
Danny
"Its better than bad, its good"

Current FCs: Pixhawk, APM 2.6, Naza M V2, Naze32, Flip32+ CC3D, KK2.1.5
Aircraft: miniMax Hex, DJI 550 (clone) TBS Disco, 450 Firefly, 250 Pro, ZMR250, Hubsan X4, Bixler 2

flybywire

Quote from: Hands0n on Friday,November 08, 2013, 23:54:53
Awesome - I hope you get it up this weekend  ::) :rofl: ::) ::) ::) ... Taxi  :laugh:

Ooh matron!  Blow me down the khyber pass.
Blog: [url="http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff"]http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff[/url]
The spiritual home of fpv large
Keep it emax, capiche?
Hardware? sure, I got hardware!

Hellhawk

I really liked your hex build and post so i have just ordered the bits from hobbyking to build one.
Great video of the maiden flight.

Thanks for the ideas.

flybywire

Quote from: Hellhawk on Friday,December 20, 2013, 11:54:04
I really liked your hex build and post so i have just ordered the bits from hobbyking to build one.
Great video of the maiden flight.

Thanks for the ideas.

Cheers Hellhawk, you won';t be disappointed!  I have now reduced mine to ';low rider'; status, without the gimbal, as I want a frame for having a bit of fpv fun, without worrying about gimbals/gopro';s etc, and it flies real nice, super stable, but quick off the mark as well.  I can recommend the Afro esc';s, they really add an extra layer of smoothness to the project.

Andy
Blog: [url="http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff"]http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff[/url]
The spiritual home of fpv large
Keep it emax, capiche?
Hardware? sure, I got hardware!

Hellhawk

Hi flybywire,

I will be keeping it as a lowrider too as I don';t have a Gopro. I will however be fitting one of the HD camera that look like the key fob from car keys.
I did buy the Afro with SimonK firmware. I figured that for the extra cost I may as well have the better motors and esc';s.
The motors are NTM Prop Drive Series 2826 1350kv.

As I am new to this type of thing I have no idea if this combination is the best but it was what recommended when I bought the frame and there is a guy on You Tube singing the praises of the SimonK firmware esc';s

I will be fitting FPV at some point as this for me at least will make it more like being at work. I am ROV crew and have been for a long time.

Cheers

flybywire

Quote from: Hellhawk on Friday,December 20, 2013, 14:21:21
Hi flybywire,

I will be keeping it as a lowrider too as I don';t have a Gopro. I will however be fitting one of the HD camera that look like the key fob from car keys.
I did buy the Afro with SimonK firmware. I figured that for the extra cost I may as well have the better motors and esc';s.
The motors are NTM Prop Drive Series 2826 1350kv.

As I am new to this type of thing I have no idea if this combination is the best but it was what recommended when I bought the frame and there is a guy on You Tube singing the praises of the SimonK firmware esc';s

I will be fitting FPV at some point as this for me at least will make it more like being at work. I am ROV crew and have been for a long time.

Cheers

Sounds cool!  Wowsers!  Those motors will make it hum & burn!  BTW, I took those landing legs off as well, they';re fine in themselves, but I love the look of the hex without them on, plus, without gimbal I don';t need them, and it does look nice  ;)
Oh, and I have put the lipo back centrally on top plate, (with two Velcro straps), it balances best like that.

If the field is wet, I use my three legged camping chair/stool to lift off from, and land it in my hand!  P.S only do this when you have mastered ordinary landing/conventional!!

Andy

Look forward to seeing some pics, compare notes etc.  I may stick a keyfob cam on, as I missed rare footage of the ';Red Kite'; last time.  :cry
Blog: [url="http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff"]http://ajwillis303.wix.com/stuff[/url]
The spiritual home of fpv large
Keep it emax, capiche?
Hardware? sure, I got hardware!