poss new build

[apollo7]

Right, here goes 
I am toying, repeat just toying with the idea of selling my Phantom 3s, and stripping out my AQ600, with a view to building a new Quad, the AQ has SS x3108 900 kv motors, with 11" props and Naza V1, i get about 16 mins flight time on this with 4s 5200mah but i would like a smaller frame, and longer flight times from same lipo, so what frame, motors/props should i look at for longer flight times, i would have gimbal/cam and fpv on this build....if it goes ahead

[ched]

Normally smaller frame = smaller props = lower flight time.
The phantom is very very good at what it does you will have difficulty matching flight time and features especially if you are trying to go for a smaller frame.
Normally lower kv motors and bigger props is longest flight times but the frame has to be big to take props.
I will watch the thread as it's always interesting to see what people come up with.

[apollo7]

I was thinking a frame about 500 motor to motor, but this would mean going to smaller motors, saving a bit of weight as the 3108`s are pretty heavy, i would also still use the Naza V1 if i were to do this, but like you said the phamtom is hard to beat for features

[shawdreamer]

I can get 20-25mins usually quite easily out of my H-copter with a 4000mah 3s.

thats a 500mm frame
700kv motors flinging 1030 cf props
apm 2.8

but I likely only get those sort of flight times because I designed and built it from the bottom up with weight reduction in mind. If I was restricted to buying over the counter frame parts I suspect I wouldnt be able to achieve the same results.

If your willing to go DIY on its arse you could probably put together a suitable frame using cf board and tub even without the use of 3d printing parts (which Im fortunate enough to have as a option)

[mo_miah]

Why would you want such long flight times?
you can't fly more then than VLOS of your spotter so after a few laps of the field you can land and swap batteries
unless you are planing to fly a few miles out and back again its more fun to have a 5" quad that you can throw around the air
if you wanted one to take photos then does it really take that long to get your shot?
i think you may end up sacrificing too much to gain extra flight time when you could easily land and swap batteries

[shawdreamer]

with Apm's or Naza'a at the helm you can pre program their flights (have them orbital film etc) and let them off the leash while you tear about with your smaller frames and the larger frame takes some 3rd person footage for you.

besides that if your after a decent shot it can take a fair while depending on how particular you are to get it, If your into your photography to any degree you quickly realise a "quick snapshot" just isnt gonna satisfy your eye and it rapidly takes on more of a art form than a hobby in itself.

[mo_miah]

might have to look into doing a big build too then lol

[apollo7]

Hate to say its going to be a good while till i make any decision on this, but the idea is there, and i will be running the numbers to see if what i have in mind is going to bear fruit so to speak, my thoughts behind selling the Phantom is to sort of "go of grid" with the quad, rather than being "track able", not that i plan to do anything wrong, just dont want big brother keeping a beady eye on what i fly and where i fly, also i dont fly drones so much as i prefer flying wing planes, hence looking to have one quad that does what i want.
If i go for this i figure i will start the build over the xmas hols. I do have in mind the possibility of designing a plywood frame to reduce weight and get the build just how i want

[ched]

Let us know your ideas. Always interesting to see what others are doing.
Good Luck.

[apollo7]

If i go with a ready made frame it will more than likely be the HJ-H4 reptile kit, there is plenty of room on this to fit a gimbal, fpv plus it folds well to stow away, and is large enough to take the existing motors and props, but i could go up to 12" props if needed
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HJ-H4-Reptile-Carbon-Fiber-Folding-4-axis-Quadcopter-Frame-Kit-Landing-Ge-G8O4/232793366445?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

[hoverfly]

I use this frame for my A/P when the D.J.I.  is not appropriate , it handles a gopro and gimbal no problem.

[apollo7]

I use this frame for my A/P when the D.J.I.  is not appropriate , it handles a gopro and gimbal no problem.

Hoverfly, how do you rate this frame, do you find it nice and sturdy, and plenty of room for equipment?

[hoverfly]

I like the frame .I built it with the power supply and  esc in between the two decks to keep it tidy, then made a mess of the top deck by nailing on the fpv radio and  f/c.
It has 3510 630kv motors with 12 inch carbon props,the pitch of which i can't remember. goes well with a 5000/4cell.
It's not the most aerobatic of quads due to the weight but it's rock solid  for photography.The landing legs are the weakest part of the frame  although quite adequate for their purpose. For the price it's a snip.

[apollo7]

Thanks Hoverfly, starting to think this might be the right frame for what i have in mind, and all the electrics from the AQ600 will work with it, the frame kit i am looking at has better landing gear

[hoverfly]

Yup, got one of those as well,  Greedy i know but  even a back up quad needs a backup.


funny january poems

[apollo7]

So i am still keen on this venture, but looking at frames, will need to stick to the X3108 700kv motors and 11" or 12" props, any other frame suggestions?