A quick Quadcopter Update

It’s been a couple of weeks since I started so here’s a quadcopter update.  I’m yet to turn a screw in the assembly process but have started the long hard road of research.  Yes that’s right I’m doing this backwards.  Research started about 10 minutes after I ordered parts and so far I’ve been lucky… 

How does Aaron build a Quadcopter?  (Insert snickering from the guys at IntoFPV.com about me being a noob)

Step 1:  Buy a bunch of gear
Step 2:  Buy some extra gear
Step 3:  Think a bit
Step 4:  Work out what gear I still need to buy

The above has led to the below!

Step 5:  Quadcopter Update: Buy More Gear!

Working from my previous post I’ve placed a couple of orders to address my shortage of bits.  Again I let hunting bargains be my primary driver and have ended up spending on Hobbyking.com and AliExpress.com.

Power Management

Matek Micro PDB
Matek Micro PDB

Matek Micro PDB w/BEC (5V and 12V)
Price Paid (RRP): AUD8.13
Weight: 3.5g

Features:
• 2oz copper and 4 layer PCB
• ESC and battery solder tabs in pairs
• Regulated 5V and 12V with output LED indicators
• Short circuit tolerant (5sec/min)
• Micro size and weight

Specs:
Input Voltage: 7~21VDC (3S~5S LiPoly)
ESC outputs continuous current: 20A per output
ESC outputs peak current (10secs/min): 25A per output
BEC 5V output: Designed for RC Receivers, Flight controllers, OSD and Servos.
BEC 5V output: DC/DC synchronous buck regulator, efficiency is up to 95%
BEC 5V output voltage: 5.0 +/- 0.1VDC
BEC 5V output continuous current: 2A
BEC 12V output: The battery should be 4S~5S LiPoly
BEC 12V output: Standard output designed to power cameras and video transmitters, etc
BEC 12V output voltage: 12.0 +/- 0.2VDC
BEC 12V output continuous current: 2A (max 2.5A 5sec/min)
Dimensions: 32 x 22 x 3mm

The Matek Micro is a small PDB that should suit my frame and low-weight target.  Ultimately it was well priced compared and easy to get via Hobbyking than doing a single small order from AliExpress.

Wiring

HobbyKing Super Clean RC Male to Male Extension set (100mm)
Price Paid (RRP): AUD2.17
Weight: 8g

JWT connectors, 4 pin – 5set/bag
Price Paid (RRP): AUD2.47
Weight: n/a

Charge Cable w/ Male XT60 <-> 4mm Banana plug
Price Paid (RRP): AUD4.55
Weight: n/a

This little bundle was to do the obvious things like neatly link the Flight Control and Receiver.  I’ve got the extra plugs so that I can trim things down for super neatness if my OCD starts running away with the project.  Being able to charge my nice LiPo battery will also be a bonus!

Sundry!

Oh what a sundry!  The first I’d already flagged as essential.

USBasp AVR Programming Device for ATMEL proccessors
Price Paid (RRP): AUD5.72
Weight: n/a

Now I’m going to be able to flash my flight controller with the best Firmware.  I suppose I had better work out what the best Firmware is!

Propellor Balancer
Propeller Balancer

Yep.  While it may be a bit premature I’ve picked up a cut-price (50% off) propeller balancer rig via AliExpress.  Once it arrives I’ll give more details

What next?

I’m not sure.  Once this bundle arrives I think I’ll be in a good position to start assembly!  There’s still no radio gear (and to be honest the AUD270 price of the gear I want is a stumbling block) and I desperately need more batteries because only having a few minutes to flying time per pack between charging is going to suck while I’m learning.

 

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Aaron

Geek, Car Guy, Former entrepreneur looking for the next big thing while doing the things I should have done 20 years ago. Key pusher and thinker for a large organisation who dreams to be doing something else.

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