New FPV Quad Build

[durangoflyer]

I have enjoyed my VC-450 framed quad running various equipment layouts for close to a year now, but it's time to step up my game a bit. Tom over at hoverthings.com has come up with a new FPV frame that facilitates an open FOV in the front without the propellers being in the picture. I have one of the camo ones coming to give it a try this year. Another change I am making is going to new motors, props and 4S for the power system. Going to keep my Plush 18 ESC's and my Wii control board for now, but might go CC Open Pilot when they become available again. I have some big choices to make when it comes to RC control freq and video for this layout. I am contemplating a GoPro with video out paired with a small 5.8ghz Tx with CP antenna. Would be nice to find a non-gps OSD that would give me voltage, current and RSSI. I would like to get some opinions of those that have used the SD live out on a GoPro on a multicopter.

Also I am not sure what I am going to do with the RC control link. I have an AR7000 with Sat Rx ready to go but I just don't know if I would trust trying to fly out to 500m all the time. I have Dragon Link, but it seems like overkill for a 1km or less flight platform. Plus I only have two DL rx's right now and they are in plane projects, so I would have to swap one out for each flight assuming I have Rx antennas fixed in place in each plane. Another option might be to use a FlySky 2.4 system for just the quad. I have heard of people going 2km on those.

[Kevinv033]

Great! I got a camo frame on the way as well. I have everything just waiting for the new frame. I'm excited to see your build too. Your vc450 is a nice build, so I can imagine this will be as well. What motors are planning on running?

I've used the video out of the gopro. It's ok if you are in wide open area. It is slow to react to exposure changes, but that's not too bad. The one thing I didn't care for most was that the image shows up as letterboxed 16:9 in my goggles so the it looks even smaller than normal dedicated fpv camera.

[durangoflyer]

Yeah, that does not sound good on the GoPro out. I guess I will stick with a proper CCD camera for my down-link. As far as motors go I am looking close at some RC Timer ones that will work with a 4S setup and props in the 10 inch range. They won't break the bank either.

[KC10Chief]

I'm waiting on one of the FPV frames as well. I'm a ways down on the waiting list, I fear. It sure looks awesome!

[durangoflyer]

I don't know when I will get my frame either. Could be awhile. I just sold my 3S KDA motors this morning, so I have the funds to pick some new ones. I am going to hold off buying anything else for the new build until I can weigh the frame and get a better idea about equipment layout and AUW.

[durangoflyer]

Do you guys know if Tom is including that top plate too? Like a curved looking protective shelf...

[Kevinv033]

I hope that top "plate" comes with the frame!!

As far as RCTimer motors, I have used the 2830-14 750kv on 4s on my tricopter for awhile. Worked well. I had also used them on a UAP1 quad that was about 1.7kg. They felt nice on there too. I haven't tried them on my VC450...

What motors are on your short list?

[durangoflyer]

There is an 850kv version of the 2830 I was looking at getting.

[KellyR]

How did you guys get on a waiting list for the Hoverthings FPV frame? I want to get that with their Naza build. I've emailed both Tom & Paul, but not hearing back. I must admit I'm becoming a bit dissolutioned & frustrated. :(

[durangoflyer]

Some time last week, Tom announced he was going to start cutting camo and black FPV frames. I had asked to be put on the list via RCG and he sent private invitations to those he had RCG screen names for so we could pay and be on the cut list to go out soon. I think he will likely open up an order page for everyone once he gets the private waiting list cleared. That guy works long hours cutting frames and it cuts into his family life as well as his play time too. I'm just glad he is so cool about it.

[Akoni]

The HT FPV frame comes with the top protector plate included. I've got mine and am trying to decide on motors right now. I still worry about this flying as well as the VC450.

[Dogsock]

The HT FPV frame comes with the top protector plate included. I've got mine and am trying to decide on motors right now. I still worry about this flying as well as the VC450.

It's a little heavier frame but I think it flies equally well to my vc450. Although I have a OPCC on my vc450 and a NAZA on my HT-FPV and it has a different feel. I haven't expereince any of the tail wag that Juz experience with his prototype frame.

[durangoflyer]

I canceled my order for my FPV frame. I don't think I am going to gain anything significant over my existing 450 frame to warrant the cost. I am going to get 4s motors and 4s pack and then optimize and FPV setup for duration after that.

[Akoni]

I canceled my order for my FPV frame. I don't think I am going to gain anything significant over my existing 450 frame to warrant the cost. I am going to get 4s motors and 4s pack and then optimize and FPV setup for duration after that.


Unless you're really enamored with the spider look or strongly detest having props in your view, I think the VC450 will prove the more agile flyer due to it being easier to centralize the mass of the quad. It's also nice to only have to 'stock' one type of arm for the 450.

I'll leave the naza on my 450 and put the opcc i just recently scored on the ht-fpv and see how that goes.

[chatch15117]

450 ia bauss.... i like having props in view

[KC10Chief]

I have a FPV frame coming to me as well. My VC-450 is pretty well loaded down with a 3S 5000mah 40C battery and all of my FPV gear. I plan to build my FPV frame with a 4S battery setup and put all of my FPV gear on it. Then, I'll just keep my VC-450 for flying around and having fun with. I'll keep it light for doing aerobatics. I'd like to add stuff to my FPV setup as well like an OSD. I also don't mind having the props in view. In lower light conditions, they can be a bit distracting though.

[durangoflyer]

My project is back on track! I just ordered the Carbon Bird 4s motors (775kv) and two 2200 4s 45c lipos. I will do some test flying LOS and then get FPV gear back on it. This thing should be a rocket on 4s!

[durangoflyer]

Oh, still going to use my VC 450 frame and warthox WM+ board.

[durangoflyer]

Motors came last night. They are nice quality, but there is a problem with the included mounting hardware and the mounting plates on the VC 450 frames. I thought about reversing the shaft and mounting the motors like I did the KDA 22's, but the shaft clip was not holding the bell on very securely as I would like, so I put the shaft back and ordered 4 back mount kits for hacker 20 motors so I can mount them the way I did the KDA 22's. Should work well, but may have to balance the motors if the adapters are not true. The Carbon Birds come with really nice spinners, but I can't use them. ;)

[chatch15117]

ive used the kda and iwas not impressed, they are weak and overheated on 4S

[durangoflyer]

I had a chance to test fly my new setup this evening. Went well, but I need to do some trimming on the TX and adjust CG a bit. I am using the same frame, flight controller, ESC's, radio gear and props.

New Gear:
Carbon Bird 775kv motors
4s 45c 2200mah pack
RMRC 1 gram 520tvl camera
RMRC 800mw 1280 TX
Step down regulator & LC filter

I mounted the camera on gel gyro tape and the picture is rock solid with no vibration waves. I put the foam back on the landing gear for the first few flights as I am really rusty.

I lift off at slightly under 50% throttle and the power is nice. I logged about 7 mins landing at 3.82v per cell.

[durangoflyer]

Have made some changes to my setup. I put my HK OSD back on, swapped the 800 mw Vtx unit out with my old 300 mw unit and built my own windmill Vtx antenna. Foam landing pads are off and I am ringing this thing out in the valley behind my house almost every day! I am getting about 8 mins a flight and it is fast on 4s!