The new props came in on Thursday, and the beast had a few trial runs today.
First - the Frame. I built this a few weeks back, but never got around to posting it. The prototype is a three limbed copter with no rudder servo. It's main purpose is to test the lifting capacity, and ensure that all of the electronics are working properly.
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| Tricopter top view, with bonus lens cap |
I initially connected the limbs to the main plate using some rubber tubing to reduce the vibrations, both to improve the readings of the Gyros and to improve video quality when I get to that point. However they caused a weak point in the design, so I'll likely use a method similar to David's from RC Explorer for version 2.
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| Anti-vibration joints |
Despite the huge and heavy nature of version 1, when I started it up it had enough power to lift itself, although it didn't like to do so evenly originally. A lot of the issues had to do with rotor directions, and the channels on my transmitter. Purists will probably hate me, but I intend to put the rudder and throttle on one stick, and the strafe controls on the other, which will simplify flying it as a camera platform.
At this point however a few of the channels are reversed, and apparently need to be programmed by USB, so in order to make sense, the craft needs to be flown backwards.
Anyway, tests:
And the damage so far, due to a spontaneous decision to test inside. Note to self, probably not an inside toy.
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| Had an argument with a laundry basket... |
What I've learnt
- It seems to self level ok once it gets up, so don't try to hover down low
- I really need to fix the channels and orientation (Needs a USB programmer for the transmitter)
- Don't turn on CCPM in the board settings - I'm not sure what it does, but it stops things from working
- It needs some skids or something to land on
- Tighten the mounting bolts on the motors, otherwise they jump off and tangle the wires in a crash
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