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 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!
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.
