My not so successful quad experience...

[PilotKeeg]

So, in September I decided to build a quad from scratch because of the many awesome videos I have seen with multicopters. I really just like the different feel of hovering and being free to move in 3 axis at once. I also really want to get back into aerial photography.

I wanted to build my first multirotor as cheaply as possible (~$100) so I went with the following as per recommendations on the "other" forum.

10x4.7 apc props
rc timer 18 amp escs
rc timer 750kv motors
HK Quad Controller

At first I built the frame with balsa arms with a ply center but after crashing immediately on my first takeoff and breaking the arms like twigs, I rebuilt the frame using fiberglass arms.

On my second attempt I crashed immediately also. I do not know if I have the board setup wrong or what because when I test the gyros inside the board gives power to the correct motors. I have read the hk board manual and have followed all the steps but this thing just keeps trying to kill itself!


So a few questions:

• Could someone share their settings for the hk board? I really don't know what the pots should be set at.

• Does my quad frame look ok? I thought that anything that had four arms on it would fly lol.

• Does every multirotor noob have these problems or is it just me??

Whatever, I'm taking multirotors much less seriously than fixed wing fpv. So far, I've just laughed at my crashes

I hope my quest into this part of the hobby goes well, I'm just looking to have fun!

[Danub]

Dude I am right there with you. . . I have been killin' my PMQ I trashed 8 motors and 12 motor mounts and at least a half dozen props.
Hang in there man don't give up we will get it!!!
I do not know about the HK board but if you stop by Enthlapys PMQ thread both him and Derek_s are using them.

[Kevinv033]

Yeah it takes some getting used to. At what point does the crash happen? Few feet off of the ground? Higher? How is your quad behaving right before it crashes? Your frame looks ok. Your pretty much right, anything with four arms will fly.

You might be having tuning issues. Maybe your rates are too far out of "the zone." what i normally do a new build is power it up over my head and move it around by hand. I tune it so that it starts to ocpscillate, then back down the rates a bit. Also check that CG is perfect.

I am not sure about the KK board but I think it doesnt have auto leveling, which is great for learning. If youre learning in rate mode, i'd probably add some expo at the radio if you haven't already.

[Derek_S]

I think the trick to a successful 1st few flights with a multi is a somewhat meticulous setup.

Here is what I recommend...Read this:
http://www.kkmulticopter.com/index.p...d=55&Itemid=57

It is a pre-flight guide. It will help you determine if everything is setup right. For several of us, the yaw gyro had to be reversed. If you have something like this reversed or spinning the wrong way, then the quad will be impossible to fly.

[Enthlapy]

Pilot,

Can explain what is happening with the quad that makes it crash? Its possible that the config is wrong or the motor arnt plugged in correctly. My default firmware on the HK KK board was for a + config. I will try my best to get you going. Just need more info.

[Kevinv033]

I think the trick to a successful 1st few flights with a multi is a somewhat meticulous setup.

Here is what I recommend...Read this:
http://www.kkmulticopter.com/index.p...d=55&Itemid=57


It is a pre-flight guide. It will help you determine if everything is setup right. For several of us, the yaw gyro had to be reversed. If you have something like this reversed or spinning the wrong way, then the quad will be impossible to fly.

That's a great start.

Pilot,

Can explain what is happening with the quad that makes it crash? Its possible that the config is wrong or the motor arnt plugged in correctly. My default firmware on the HK KK board was for a + config. I will try my best to get you going. Just need more info.

Pilot, give us as much info as you can. I had some issues way back when I was starting to fly multirotors and it was mostly configuration related—motors in the wrong outputs or frame configuration incorrect.

[Enthlapy]

If it's easier for you to call me thats fine just PM me.

[Glenstr]

I "cheated" for my first quad and bought a Gaui, after reading quite a few threads and all about the setups, programming, tweaking etc., I decided to get something more or less RTF and the Gaui, although it has it's detractors, seemed the way to go. I also don't have the time or skill set to be making these things up from scratch.

I have to say I am happy with my decision, the assembly was easy and straight forward, and adding my rx and intitializing the ESC's was relatively easy, even for an RC noob like me.

Having said that though, this winter or spring I do want to build one, something big enough to carry a good payload like a DSLR, and I'll probably go the multi-wii route. In the meantime, I'll have all winter to sharpen my flying with the Gaui.

Here is my 3rd flight with mine, 2nd is on the same channel:
(turn your volume down, I forgot to lower the level when rendering in Vegas 10)


View this video on YouTube

[BloomingtonFPV]

make sure your pots are trimmed the right way. Mine were reversed, which caused a feed-forward loop rather than a feedback loop. If it started turning right, my tri would suddenly jerk to the right in a death spiral...

[PilotKeeg]

Thanks for all the advice everyone, I will definitely look at my board setup and try again this weekend. I'll post my results, hopefully all goes well this time.