Okay, so I have a 350QX. But because of the molded countoured body and small size I'm finding it difficult to do much with it beyond what it is stock. I'm also not too impressed with it's ability to maintain level hover with the camera mounted to it's stock mount. Once I get the gimbal installed more toward the CoG I'm hoping it is less drifty. Also hoping the GPS has an easier time getting a lock with the camera on (I have wireless disabled, but it still seems to be interfering).
So, I'm gathering up pieces for a new quad.
My goals:
- 500+ size.
- More customizable platform from mounting components.
- Space for a larger battery pack setup for extended flight times.
- FPV camera and tx setup.
- GPS for return to home and hands off hovering and perhaps programmed waypoint flights.
What I've got for parts already:
- EagleTree OSD system. eLogger with GPS/compass and OSD expanders. Got it new but cheap off ebay.
- KK2 (think it's 2.1.5 version) controller is on the way (from China... couldn't find a reasonable price on a US sourced one). Already have the programmer cables.
- Unknowingly ordered up a minimosd. Have the programmer cables already. Didn't realize at the moment I ordered that this was designed to work with an APM based controller.
- Beholder lite gimbal and Hero3+ cam.
- 9 channel Rx (planning on having tilt/pitch control on the gimbal, going to test on my 350QX, supposedly can bind it in parallel with the 350QX when using DSM2 protocol).
What I'm thinking:
- Castle Creations quad pack of ESCs. Not sure what current rating I'll need yet. But I've had great luck with CC ESCs so far on my helis so thinking I'll keep it going.
My questions:
- I've got the KK2 on the way and the Eagle Tree OSD system, but I can easily go APM and utilize that minimOSD instead and pick up a GPS/compass module for it. Which is better? Looks like APM/minimOSD route has more capabilities, but maybe it makes sense to stick with the eagletree + KK2 combo to start off with. I can resell the minimOSD or hold it until a later build (maybe a hex?).
- What frame should I get? I'm just starting to look into this. I'm not looking to custom build a frame this time around, but I could see buying a frame and buying optional mounting surfaces or gimbal mounting rigs as needed. Looking to have 6-8" height from the landing skids/stilts/ground up to the gimbal mounting plate/location. Maybe a vibration isolated plate for mounting gyro/controller and cameras.
- Is there a good one stop shop for fasteners, silcone/rubber grommets and vibration reducers, standoffs, screws and other hardware for these kinds of builds?
Once I have the frame and electronics picked out I can do a weight calc and see what kind of motors and props I'll need, and then size the ESCs accordingly.
Multi-rotor gurus, please chime in!
So, I'm gathering up pieces for a new quad.
My goals:
- 500+ size.
- More customizable platform from mounting components.
- Space for a larger battery pack setup for extended flight times.
- FPV camera and tx setup.
- GPS for return to home and hands off hovering and perhaps programmed waypoint flights.
What I've got for parts already:
- EagleTree OSD system. eLogger with GPS/compass and OSD expanders. Got it new but cheap off ebay.
- KK2 (think it's 2.1.5 version) controller is on the way (from China... couldn't find a reasonable price on a US sourced one). Already have the programmer cables.
- Unknowingly ordered up a minimosd. Have the programmer cables already. Didn't realize at the moment I ordered that this was designed to work with an APM based controller.
- Beholder lite gimbal and Hero3+ cam.
- 9 channel Rx (planning on having tilt/pitch control on the gimbal, going to test on my 350QX, supposedly can bind it in parallel with the 350QX when using DSM2 protocol).
What I'm thinking:
- Castle Creations quad pack of ESCs. Not sure what current rating I'll need yet. But I've had great luck with CC ESCs so far on my helis so thinking I'll keep it going.
My questions:
- I've got the KK2 on the way and the Eagle Tree OSD system, but I can easily go APM and utilize that minimOSD instead and pick up a GPS/compass module for it. Which is better? Looks like APM/minimOSD route has more capabilities, but maybe it makes sense to stick with the eagletree + KK2 combo to start off with. I can resell the minimOSD or hold it until a later build (maybe a hex?).
- What frame should I get? I'm just starting to look into this. I'm not looking to custom build a frame this time around, but I could see buying a frame and buying optional mounting surfaces or gimbal mounting rigs as needed. Looking to have 6-8" height from the landing skids/stilts/ground up to the gimbal mounting plate/location. Maybe a vibration isolated plate for mounting gyro/controller and cameras.
- Is there a good one stop shop for fasteners, silcone/rubber grommets and vibration reducers, standoffs, screws and other hardware for these kinds of builds?
Once I have the frame and electronics picked out I can do a weight calc and see what kind of motors and props I'll need, and then size the ESCs accordingly.
Multi-rotor gurus, please chime in!