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Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: TheAnonyMoose on May 19, 2014, 10:53:06 PM

Title: Check this quadcopter build, I need advice as im a newbie
Post by: TheAnonyMoose on May 19, 2014, 10:53:06 PM
This is the current build I have, nuts and bolts excluded as I can figure that out later. If you can suggest better parts/deals please do.

This will all be running via a rasberry pi B model.

========================================================================
1 x GPS antenna = $13.5: http://www.cooking-hacks.com/internal-gps-antenna (http://www.cooking-hacks.com/internal-gps-antenna)
1 x GPS shield = $139: http://www.cooking-hacks.com/gps-shield-for-raspberry-pi (http://www.cooking-hacks.com/gps-shield-for-raspberry-pi)

Possiblities:
4 x 1090kv motor = $60: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=18151&aff=588847 (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=18151&aff=588847)
4 x 920kv motor = $100: http://www.quadrocopter.com/DJI-Phantom-Replacement-Motor_p_919.html (http://www.quadrocopter.com/DJI-Phantom-Replacement-Motor_p_919.html)

2 x 14 inch propeller pair = $20: http://www.quadrocopter.com/14x55-Multi-Rotor-Propeller-Pair_p_972.html (http://www.quadrocopter.com/14x55-Multi-Rotor-Propeller-Pair_p_972.html)
2 x 8 inch propeller pair = $15: http://www.quadrocopter.com/APC-10x47-SlowFly-Propeller-Pair_p_374.html (http://www.quadrocopter.com/APC-10x47-SlowFly-Propeller-Pair_p_374.html)
=========================================================================

Now for my main questions:

1) Would any of the above be able to get me around 15-20+ m/s ascent?

2) I want to maximize battery life (I havent included one) I want to be able to run the above for around 3 hours+ with a fast recharge rate, can you suggest a battery capable of that?

3) What is the best camera for high quality, wide angle photographs/video for less than $300 (and that can interface with rasberry pi)

Feel free to answer any or all of my questions, and suggest anything you want.

EDIT:
I failed to mention I have access to a 3d printer and printing is around $0.05-$0.10 per cubic centimeter of material, I plan on using it to make a lightweight frame for my quadcopter
Title: Re: Check this quadcopter build, I need advice as im a newbie
Post by: jwatte on May 20, 2014, 02:32:25 PM
First, 3 hour flight time for a quadcopter is probably not realistic. The weight of the battery drives up the need for power for motors which drives up the weight of the battery more, ...

Second, A 3D printed body may delaminate under force. For things like brackets, 3D printing can work fine, but for things like the main struts/arms, I wouldn't rely on that.

Third, why a GPS shield? A USB GPS stick or puck can be had for half of that price, as can a TTL-UART GPS. The shield may be slightly more plug-and-play, though.

Fourth, I'd suggest going to a quad copter forum to get a wider range of advice.
Title: Re: Check this quadcopter build, I need advice as im a newbie
Post by: waltr on May 21, 2014, 11:50:09 AM
I fully agree with all of jwatt's comments.
Your expectations are completely off base including the idea of using an R-PI as the flight controller. You need to do a lot of web searches and lots and lots of reading. Then decrease your expectations to about a tenth.