BUILD : My QAV500

[Kevinv033]

My first build log ever. Whoop! Hopefully, this is helpful to some folks.



Close up of the power distribution pads



I installed my motors first since I have long motor leads. I then soldered the motors directly to the ESC.



I am using Hobby King F-30A flashed with wii-esc.



The motor mounts accept 16mmx19mm and 25mmx19mm mounting patterns for motors. There are also mounting holes for NX-4008 motors. I am running Avroto 2814-11 (770kv)



This is the center of the PDB plate. It has pads for the 4 ESCs. On either side, there is are pads for battery leads. You could easily add pigtails to both sides and run two packs in parallel.



Prior to installing the lower frame spacers, I added a dab of loctite blue to all metal-metal screws.



Install all short (10mm?) spacers.



I've shortened up the battery wires so the ESCs fit neatly between the two plates. There isn't much room down there. My F30A just made it. I am sure smaller ESC will be fine. I am not worried too much about cooling. The ESCs haven't been more than slightly warm to the touch. I'm pulling ~14A in general flight.



Soldered in XT60 pigtail and installed G10 plate. Next up is mounting the arms.



Bottom frame complete.



Next up are the CF landing gear legs. These work by compression. I started the set screws in with a drop of loctite blue.



Then slide clamp on to the arm and insert CF leg until it is flush with the top of the clamp. Tighten the set screws.



Here's the leg installed.



Next up is installing the bobbins that separate the two frames.

***Important tip!***
Before you install the bobbins, break in the nylock nut a bit to make it easier to screw on. The alternative is to use non-nylon locking M3 nuts.

Several early users have broken the bobbins on install. They can be repaired with DAP silicone adhesive, but better safe than sorry. The bobbins will be available for sale at some point, so it's good to have a handful of spares in your flight box.



I install the bobbins to the top frame first with the nylon locking nuts. Then I used normal nuts on the bottom. I just make sure to always check them on preflight.



Here I've installed my FC of choice.



Some finishing touches to wiring. I just added a bit of servo braid to make it look it little cleaner.

Some final pics before the maiden.






*Disregard the helical antenna on the EzUHF...it was only used for backyard testing. I have a dipole on there now.
Installed Components:

OpenPilot CopterControl
Avroto 2814-11 770kv motors
HK F30A ESC with wii-esc
APC 10x4.7 (now Graupner 10x5)
EzUHF

FPV Gear:

RMRC 300mW 1.3GHz Vtx
RMRC 600XV camera
DIY Cloverleaf
EzOSD
GoPro Hero 2
fpvmanuals LayerLens

[Kevinv033]

Did a little FPV this morning after switching to Graupner 10x5. I am pulling about 5-6A more than on APC 10x4.7, but it feels a bit better in the power department.


View this video on Vimeo


View this video on Vimeo

Here's my stabilization settings for CopterControl.


https://dl.dropbox.com/u/11670/multi.../qav500-cc.uav

[Kevinv033]

**Reserved 2

[Danub]

Very Nice!! Smooth lookin'

[Dogsock]

Nice work Kevin! Awesome build log. It will certainly help me when i can get a few extra dollars for a frame!

[Kevinv033]

Thanks guys. Please make sure when you do you builds to break in the nylon lock nuts for the bobbins. I think Tim will be shipping the new kits with standard M3 nuts instead of nylock. A few early users have broken the bobbins at the install...They can be repaired with a silicone adhesive.

[timnilson]

Kevin -- nice build log and great photos! Your build log is more informative than the still meager build manual. I will link to this and Paulo's build log from the manual for now.

And yes, I will ship the kits with regular M3 nuts for the bobbins going forward.

[KellyR]

Kevin,

Wow, what a great build log! Very detailed with awesome pics. Although, I'm not sure the design of this aircraft is completely original. It looks vaguely familiar. Ok, they added props, but...

[man2000me]

I iust finished and test flew mine. 5hr total work from start to test flight. Reminds me of a flying school bus... Actually i think my son has a hollow toy plastic bus...

I did however put the power board on the bottom.

[S_Dave]

Kevin,

Many thanks for doing this. It looks really great! Mine came this morning and we'll start assembly tomorrow. (Thanks, Tim!!)
Still waiting for components from other vendors: the motors, ESC's, and props but have the Naza w/GPS and radio stuff. We'll follow your build and it should go well.
Cheers,

Dave