Which Quad frame

[NorcoT]

Hey all, im looking at buying a new quad frame (again!). Plan for this frame is for 12" props, lifting a gopro and gimbal for stable flight to do filming with. I used to have an Ironman Tarot 650 which was really good quality frame, but I sold it after a while as my motor setup wasnt up to the job (65% throttle to hover which wasnt too great). Anyhow now that i';ve purchased myself some Multistar 690kV pancake motors with 12" props i';m looking at building another quad for the job.

Down the frames, I need it to fold basically, I do some hiking and usually take my 450 with me at the moment strapped to my bag which I then fly to get some scenic videos. I plan to the same with a 550 to 650 sized frame, so it should fold in some way to make this easier.

The frames that i';ve shortlisted are:

[attach=1]
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__61379__Tarot_FY650_IRON_MAN_650_Quad_Copter_Carbon_Kit_TL65B01.html

[attach=2]
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__51425__HobbyKing_174_Alien_560_Folding_Quad_Copter_Carbon_Fiber_Version_Kit_.html

[attach=3]
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HJ-H4-Reptile-4-Axis-Quadcopter-Carbon-Fiber-Folding-Frame-Kit-with-Landing-Gear-/131157434058?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item1e89979eca

[attach=4]
http://www.goodluckbuy.com/daya-550-alien-carbon-fiber-folding-4-axis-fpv-quadcopter-frame-kit.html


Any thoughts? Experiences? Comments?

Thanks!

[flybywire]

Have a look at the Xugong 10, I';ve had mine now for over a year, and it really fits the folding brief very well.  I get all my kit in a small rucksack, and there are no fiddly nut & bolt combo';s to assemble/disassemble at the field.   A big plus this time of year! 

[NorcoT]

I did consider the xugong but I';m not sure it';d work so well with a gimbal and 12" props for my filming setup?

[flybywire]

I did consider the xugong but I';m not sure it';d work so well with a gimbal and 12" props for my filming setup?

Well, you mentioned a gopro, which I too use, and also have a 2 axis gimbal, which I made easily myself, although of course if you have a bit of dosh kicking around, you can buy anything ready made if you want.  I just threw it into the mix, as it is a very good quad in its own right, but comes into its own as it folds easily.
As for 12" props, yes, if you have to have them, then it';s probably not the frame for you!

The advice I would give when considering buying any kind of multi for film work, is to work out exactly what results you';re after before you push the button on a frame.   

[NorcoT]

Top notch advice :) That';s my experience so far as I purchased a Tarot 650 in the past and it was overkill at the time.

My aim with 12in props is mainly to avoid having to change over from all my 3s batteries, I could stick to 10in if I go for 4s lipo';s to get the extra trust.

I already have a 2 axis brushless gimbal, which works wonders on my F450 but AUW is around 1700g which is resulting in high throttle to hover, so more power means change of motor and prop, therefore the props are getting a bit too large for the 450. The other option was to move to 4s on my current setup but I feel it is time to move away from my cheap  NTM motors..

Anyhow so here I am, new frame. I feel the Xugong would be an excellent replacement for my F450, but perhaps not what I';m aiming for in the long run. I will have my 450 for fun / fpv flying, and a larger 550 or 650 for filming.

[criticalmass]

interesting post as i rapidly outgrow my f450!!!

I was looking at the alien and the Tarot 650 but would like to retain my E300 system. Not sure if this will cut it on a Xugong.

[NorcoT]

interesting post as i rapidly outgrow my f450!!!

I was looking at the alien and the Tarot 650 but would like to retain my E300 system. Not sure if this will cut it on a Xugong.

I';ve already had an Ironman in the past, it is a very good frame and quality is brilliant, but it does weigh 450g or there about, compared to the F450 which has a frame about 200g. With the E300 system I think both the Alien and Tarot would fly, but would be pushing it if you are looking to put a gimbal and camera on. With that said Im guessing you are on 3s lipos, you could push up to 4s to get the extra lift.

This was my problem first time round, I got the ironman with a setup similar to the E300, it flew and with a gimbal + gopro it could still fly but was definitely under powered with a 3s lipo.

I';m leaning towards the alien more due to the way it folds, the ironman folds down flat with the gear too but as I will have a gimbal attached I guess having a non folding gear on the alien is ok. The Tarot is still very long when folded as the arms are still inline.

[criticalmass]

Hmmmmm. As I feared. Just shelled out for 3 x 5A/h 3s so not really wanting to upgrade batts just yet.
Might go for a Y6. It';s the Fpv I';m keen to explore more tbh.
Thanks for the advice though.

[NorcoT]

dont let me stop you trying it out, maybe do a little research into the weights and thrust first, maybe strap the expected additional weight to your f450 and see if your thrust is up to the job