OpenPilot Copter Control FPV Quad

[Kevinv033]

Since I loved Copter Control so much on my tricopter, I had to build myself a quad for specifically for fpv fun in smaller spots. I bought a VC-450 frame from hoverthings.com with two extra single-tabbed center plates so I could have a tad more room for the FPV gear. I have to say it's a really nice glass fiber frame.



Here's the gear list:
Hoverthings VC-450
OpenPilot CopterControl
ExceedRC 2210-1080kv brushless motors
HobbyWing 30A ESC
GWS 9x5x3 props
Turnigy Nanotech 3S 4000maH
3S Lipo Alaram
ReadyMadeRC 300mW 1.3GHz Vtx with inverted vee
GoPro Hero HD onboard+flight cam using RMRC GoPro cable
DragonLink
ReadyMadeRC 1.3GHz Vrx (x2)
RangeVideo diversity
ReadyMadeRC 1.3GHz tuned patch and a stock whip

Update: Added a ReadyMadeRC 420XV camera for FPV and HK Super Simple OSD.

Here's the first FPV maiden

View this video on Vimeo

This one's from this AM after some finer tuning

View this video on Vimeo

I've spent a few weeks tuning, tweaking and balancing props and motors to get it to fly as smooth as possible. Copter control seems to have made this tuning step pretty painless. Most of my time was spent balancing out mechanical vibrations.

[Ian Davidson]

These are a couple of the smoothest FPV multi-copter videos I've seen. Amazing! If only you could mount the GoPro so not to seen the rotors, but truly fantastic videos Kevin!

I wish I had a OpenPilot Copter Control board, but the last time I checked they were out of stock everywhere and ITAR export restrictions meant I couldn't get one delivered to the UK.

[Kevinv033]

These are a couple of the smoothest FPV multi-copter videos I've seen. Amazing! If only you could mount the GoPro so not to seen the rotors, but truly fantastic videos Kevin!

I wish I had a OpenPilot Copter Control board, but the last time I checked they were out of stock everywhere and ITAR export restrictions meant I couldn't get one delivered to the UK.

Thanks, Ian. I spent many hours tuning and balancing. Not to mention figuring out a GoPro mounting solution that would eat vibrations. I am ordering some extra center plates and hardware to move the GoPro a little lower on the frame to remove the props from view. I have kinda grown to like the props and motors in the view, but it's nice to have options. Right?

[Scooter]

The best part is at the very beginning. You got all settled in for some flight time, powered that sucker up, and WHAMMM!!! Straight into the trees. Hilarious. Don't worry, that'll be me soon enough. Finally ordered the Futaba 10CHP (sold out most everywhere) and the Gaui is on it's way. I've got some time off from work these next few weeks, so I'll have plenty of time to build my quad. Hooray!

Look forward to seeing more videos of the FPV flights.

[BELADOG]

great vids!
any LV alarm or OSD?
I'm ready to set up one of my quads but am still weary.
You provided some great motivation! Thanks

[Kevinv033]

great vids!
any LV alarm or OSD?
I'm ready to set up one of my quads but am still weary.
You provided some great motivation! Thanks

I do actually use an LV alarm and HK Super Simple OSD. I don't normally fly very far from my launch point…maybe a half mile at the most, so it provides the basic info I need. I have a DOSD laying around that I may end up installing in the future.

The best part is at the very beginning. You got all settled in for some flight time, powered that sucker up, and WHAMMM!!! Straight into the trees. Hilarious. Don't worry, that'll be me soon enough. Finally ordered the Futaba 10CHP (sold out most everywhere) and the Gaui is on it's way. I've got some time off from work these next few weeks, so I'll have plenty of time to build my quad. Hooray!

Look forward to seeing more videos of the FPV flights.

Cool! Good luck! I had another battle with a tree today...I lost 3 props. Sadly, my GoPro wasn't recording. Oh well...

[Kevinv033]

So I lost a prop mid-flight about 2 weeks ago. I only broke two arms. The rest of the frame was in pretty good shape, except for some minor stress marks on one center plate.

Here's a vid of the crash.


View this video on YouTube



Well, with any crash and rebuild you get the opportunity to improve on the original. I installed a power distribution board instead of having the ESCs wired together.



I also put servo braid on the wiring and mounted the CopterControl on nylon standoffs instead of stainless steel screws and dampeners.





Lastly, I ordered a 4-tabbed center plate for the bottom. This will carry the GoPro and the larger footprint will provide a place to move batteries around depending on CG needs. I normally fly with 3S 2200-4000mah, so I need some room to move.



I also added an EagleTree Elogger under the DragonLink since I had it laying around from another project. Not sure if I want to use this or a DOSD I have sitting. I am inclined to use the EagleTree since I don't have a current sensor for the DOSD and I'd like to monitor amp draw as well as capacity used...



This frame hold alot...I originally wanted it minimal, but as you can see it's getting kinda crowded.

[Scooter]

Kevin, I watched the video. Man, that looked violent. I'm surprised the GoPro didn't pick up the expletives you must have been screaming as that thing dropped out of the sky. One quick question for ya, how much does your whole quad weigh and what's the payload capacity with all things considered?

As for me, I just built most of the Gaui 500X S yesterday. I got stalled out because I don't have the receiver yet. Once it and the radio arrive (beginning of next week?) I should be back on track. I want to mount my Contour GPS cam to the quad for it's first flight. I only have one battery for the quad right now and it's a Hyperion 3S 4200. Gaui claims that the frame can hold up to 2200 grams so I was just curious about general weights of quads once kitted out and about how much flying time I can expect. So for now, I'm going back to tooling around on Real Flight 6. I can usually land their quad now, although some of them might be hard landings =)

[Kevinv033]

My AUWs for Quad + EagleTree OSD/Logger + RMRC 100mW Vtx + RMRC 420XV camera + GoPro = 987g

with Lipo:
[1] 4000mah = 1360g
[2] 3000mah = 1270g
[3] 2200mah = 1220g

[connection]

hey mate, just wondering what your flight times you are getting with the 4000mah battery?