Derek's New 290mm Quad Custom Build

[Derek]

Yeah, the skids are a bit Goblin inspired, lol. I've had a few "less than soft" landings lately and I just wanted to something that would "maybe" add a bit of cushion to the landings, instead of bouncing directly on the belly of the quad. I think this will really help....and it looks cool, too!

[Derek]

Well, I just learned something. Apparently I've been using the wrong batteries on my quad. Not necessarily "wrong" because it did fly and it did fly very well.

I was just watching a video by Bruce, at RC Model Reviews, and he was talking about "appropriate" batteries for our models. He did an equation (MAH * C Rating = Amps). It was very educational. The maiden FPV flight of my quad was with a 3S 2200mah 25C pack. So, that's 2.2 * 25 = 55amps that the battery can put out. I also have some 3S 2200 45C packs. So, that's 2.2 * 45 = 99 amps that this pack can put out. Same capacity but it should deliver more power.

So, if I'm going to continue to fly the 2200's on my quad, it's the 45C packs from now on.

Even the 4S 1800mah 40C pack would mean 1.8 * 40 = 72amp.

***Mind Blown***

I did not know this before today.

[Stambo]

Bruce is very good at explaining things like this.
I also note he is not very fond of the Zippy compacts that I currently use.
At the learning stages, almost any battery that you can get in the air will suffice.
As your skill increases, so does your battery requirements.
Flying hard I can have my 3s 1800 25c hitting LV alarm in less than a minute now so I need some higher C packs soon.

[Derek]

Bruce is very good at explaining things like this.

Yes he is good at explaining things. I've been a fan of his for a couple of years now. It's really great that he does what he does to help the rc community.

At the learning stages, almost any battery that you can get in the air will suffice.
As your skill increases, so does your battery requirements.

There is some definite truth to what you just said here, Stambo! I imagine if I'm just in a lazy cruise around the field, any pack will do. Once I start getting more comfy and start demanding more, the higher C ratings will come into play.

[Derek]

What is it called when a satellite rx is used instead of an actual rx?

Is it complicated to install and set up?

[KevG]

not sure what its called but that's how I have mine set up,

Here you go Derek this is what I followed,

http://www.netraam.eu/nazewiki/pmwiki.p ... mSatellite

[Derek]

That's a great link, Kev! Thanks for that!

Here's a curious question...I have a 6 channel Spektrum rx on my ECHO 290....if I take that off and just use the Spektrum rx, how many channels do I have access to?

[KevG]

All of them,

[Derek]

Really? So, using my DX8, I'd have all 8 channels?

[KevG]

yes from what I understand, but be aware you wont get full range, and they wont tell you how far.

you can only put one sat on there so no diversity either........

[Derek]

hmmm, sounds like I should just stay with the AR600 rx. Thanks Kev!

I'm just trying to find ways to save a bit of weight and gain a bit of space....but I surely don't wanna lose full range.

[danhampson]

Have a look at these derek. Phils mate mentioned them on Friday.

http://www.lemon-rx.com/shop/index.php? ... path=59_70

[Graham Lawrie]

Have a look at these derek. Phils mate mentioned them on Friday.

http://www.lemon-rx.com/shop/index.php? ... path=59_70

Looked into these a while back but they were out of stock:( I read up on these and they seem very good:)

[Derek]

When these batteries come back in stock...

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... duct=59330

I'm strongly considering getting a pair of them for my ECHO 290 quad. To find the amps that the battery can handle, I am following this equation - Amp hours x "C" rating = amps that the battery can handle. So, that would be 1.8 x 65 = 117amps. That should far exceed anything that my heavy quad can demand.

The $40 price tag is quite intimidating but if I can get the performance that I want, I suppose it would be worth it.

Or, maybe I just need to keep the ECHO 290 as a "slower flying aerial" quad and then build a smaller LIGHTER quad for faster FPV action, lol. Something that I can use the 4S 1000-1300mah packs, lol.

[Lee]

Those are some pricey batteries Derek .
Looking at getting a couple of those lemon RXs now for my two mini quads.

[Derek]

Yes, they are pricey batteries. No doubt! But I need to figure out something to keep the LVM from beeping when I give full throttle. My quad really is quite heavy. I'm thinking that the 6" props are just too much for a 3S pack. Even my 4S 1800mah 40C doesn't seem to be enough because the LVM beeps when I give full throttle.

But, like I said, maybe I'll just keep this quad for "non-speed" FPV and build a LIGHTER and smaller quad for some heart pounding, fast paced action.

[Stambo]

The smaller 250 sized quads are definitely the way to go for proximity style FPV.
They are lighter, more agile and much more robust than the larger machines.
As long as you stick to the more recognised frames you will have a very strong machine the will handle a "bit of a hiding".
I have yet to break an arm on my ZMR/RCX 250 but I did get to see a new frame on the weekend that HK are selling for about $15.00
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... Blue_.html
I saw it fly and crash multiple times with the only damage being the usual props.
I am tempted to order a couple to base my 4s machine on, the second being for spare parts just in case.

[danhampson]

I've seen those as well I was thinking of building one for the kids but the other half thinks they are a bit young yet.
so I've got myself all worked up for another build and have seen this http://miniquadfpv.com/product-category/thugframes/
thinking 4s 2000kv'ish

[Derek]

I'm curious about your opinions. Because my 290 quad weighs so much, I'm thinking the HQ6045 props are just too much prop and that is causing my LVM to beep when I give full throttle. Do you think it would do better if I went back to the HQ5040 props? I'd go out and test it, myself, but it's raining here (again) and it's suppose to be rainy through the week.

[danhampson]

On porket at the end of a flight the LV alarm is going constantly flying anything but hover but when I come to charge the pack they are at around 3.81v per cell.
What voltage are the cells after flight?

Higher discharge and mah packs would help

If you were to change props I would try some 6040's or some 6030's first, you have a lot of weight for 5" props to propel.