Constellation Quads: "Taurus 110" - Brushless Micro Quadcopter

thingiverse

I've been working on this little micro quad for the last month or so and I'm excited to finally share a result. I'm really hoping some of you decide to build and fly this little guy. I think it's a lot of fun and a bit different from your average micro. Have had five or so test flights. The first one has been posted at the bottom. <H3>Project Goals:</H3> <ol> <li>Simple design, easy to make and repair.</li> <li>Made from common and low-cost materials</li> <li>Lightweight</li> <li>Protection for vital components.</li> <li>Compact design with centralized mass. </li> </ol> <H3>Concepts I'm experimenting with:</H3> <ol> <li>Vertical Arms - Reduced profile generates less drag. Combined with pusher props should allow for very high airflow efficiency. In addition the strength of the arm in relation to the direction of thrust is greatly increased. This should allow for a lighter weight arm with better rigidity than a traditional 'flat' frame quad.</li> <li>"Capital H" Shaped Frame - Combined with vertical arms should allow for a more aerodynamic profile in forward flight. Vital components are sandwiched and protected by the frame and carbon spars. Allows for a very flat profile and high mass centralization. Combined with inverted motors, the center of thrust is now very closely aligned with the center of mass.</li> <li>Inverted Motors - Motors configured as "pusher" props theoretically should provide slightly higher thrust and efficiency. Frame drag on the intake side should have less of an effect than on the outlet side. Inverted motors also allow for a more compact build with less of the props in the FOV. </li> <li>ePC Polycarbonate Filament - Experimenting with eSun ePC filament. Trying to find a balance of easy to print and high strength/weight ratio.</li> </ol> <H3>Current Specs</h3> <ul> <li>Wheelbase: 112MM Corner to Corner</li> <li>Dry Weight: 90g (Ready to fly w/out battery)</li> <li>Frame Weight: 26.6g w/out hardware</li> <li>Props: 2" to 2.5"</li> </ul> <H3>Build Materials:</h3> <ul> <li>10mm x 2mm Flat Unidirectional Carbon Stock - Cut 4pcs to 74mm.<a href="https://alofthobbies.com/carbon-fiber-strips.html" title="Carbon Strips at Aloft Hobbies">ALOFT Hobbies</a> </li> <li>eSun ePC Filament - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/eSUN-1-75mm-PolyCarbonate-Filament-Printers/dp/B06ZZKXHCM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1521667598&sr=8-4&keywords=esun+epc" title="ePC on Amazon">Amazon</a> - Although at this scale many other materials will work.</li> </ul> <h3>Instructions: </h3> <ol> <li> Print 2x Motor Mounts</li> <li> Print 2x Reverse Motor Mounts</li> <li> Print 2x U Joints</li> <li> Print 1x Main Body</li> <li> Print 1x FC Riser</li> <li> Print 4x Standoffs, Place close together and use a brim!</li> <li> Cut 4pcs of 10x2 carbon to 74mm.</li> <li> Press fit carbon into printed parts, CA may be used for more permanent joints.</li> </ol> <h3>Designed around these components:</h3> <ol> <li>HGLRC Flight Stack - <a href="https://www.hglrc.com/collections/flight-controller/products/hglrc-xjb-f44032-f4-flight-control-d-shot-version-40a-bl32_40a-3-5s-esc-blheli_32" title="HGLRC F4 Stack">HGLRC</a></li> <li>DYS 1104 7500KV Motors - <a href="https://www.getfpv.com/dys-be1104-7500kv-brushless-motor.html" title="DYS Motors at GetFPV">GetFPV</a> - I'll prob be replacing with Emax or Sunnysky motors in the near future.</li> <li>Wolfwhoop Q4 VTX - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076P37X84/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" title="Q4 VTX on Amazon">Amazon</a></li> <li>Runcam Micro Swift Camera (v1 or v2)<a href="https://www.getfpv.com/runcam-swift-2-micro-2-3mm-lens.html" title="GetFPV">GetFPV</a></li> <li>Tattu 450 mAH 2S or 3S - See "battery recommendations" below. </li> <li>Gemfan Flash 2540 Props - <a href="https://www.racedayquads.com/products/gemfan-2540-flash-tri-blade-prop" title="Flash props at RacedayQuads">Raceday Quads</a></li> <li>Frsky XM+ or RXSR Receiver - <a href="https://www.racedayquads.com/products/frsky-r-xsr-s-bus-micro-receiver" title="RXSR at Raceday Quads">Raceday Quads</a></li> </ol> <h3>Battery Recommendations:</h3> Tattu <a href="http://www.buddyrc.com/tattu-450mah-11-1v-75c-3s1p-lipo-battery-pack-with-xt30-plug-long-size-for-h-frame.html" title="3S Long">3S Long Style</a> OR <a href="http://www.buddyrc.com/tattu-11-1v-75c-3s-450mah-lipo-battery-pack-with-xt30-plug.html" title="3S Fat">3S Fatty Style</a> - -I recommend the "Long" version. You can also use 2s "Long" style batts as well, it's still got a lot of power. Battery clearance is an issue so just be aware if you want to try other batteries out. <BR> <H3>Upcoming Revisions:</H3> <ol> <li>Battery Skid Plate with integrated landing gear.</li> <li>Improve support for whip antenna</li> <li>Improve receiver mounting</li> <li>Improve rigidity at U-Joints</li> <li>Nylon frame version</li>k </ol>