See the scad file for parts list, printing and tuning instructions.
I've been flying and building "mini quadcopters" for a while now, from 65mm "whoops" to 5-inch freestyle, and several points inbetween. This project is to build an aircraft with a few oddball goals:
Relatively safe around people (prop guards)
As customizable as possible for future uses
Good cinematic stability
Decent acrobatic performance
Good flight time
Enough lift capacity for a decent camera/etc.
These goals implied a few project starting parameters:
Off-the-shelf FPV quad electronics
5-inch props and paired motors/electronics for performance
A 3D printed frame, allowing for any customization, and ease of in-the-field modifications with basic hand tools
Prop guards and a "pusher" configuration so faces/etc aren't sliced up
Still on the to-do list:
Full analysis of flight characteristics of different materials. I am currently printing in Matterhackers ToughPLA, which prints quickly, and is pretty durable. Final material choice might be Nylon+CF, PETG, or something else, but these take more effort to print well, and generally print more slowly, so I am starting with PLA for quick iteration.
Continual tuning as the design changes, and my skill at Betaflight tuning, and motor/prop selection improves
Setup with iNAV for autonomous operation
Version 0.3
Version 3 has several improvements:
Lowered motors, reducing arm size and increasing rigidity
Spaced out the props forward/backward to make space for side lightts/etc.
Added mid-frame bulkheads to add rigidity
Improved tuning parameters (in SCAD file) greatly reduces vibrations and extends flight time
Unfortunately, v0.2 has the vibes pretty bad, which show up as "jello" in the FPV view. (v0.1 did too) I believe this is primarily due to parts of the craft not properly secured: The battery can wobble because the strap slots are too close together. The gopro wobbles a lot on it's mount, and when removed the FPV jello is dramatically reduced. Also wires inside could be secured. v0.3 is coming.
Version 0.2
The second version, v0.2 improves on v0.1 in a few ways:
v0.2 is designed in OpenSCAD. v0.1 was designed in FreeCAD. Both were designed to be fully parametric, and while it's easier to get a nicer looking design in FreeCAD with chamfers and such, the OpenSCAD design is much easier to modify and evolve the design.
Bell-shaped motor mounts are more rigid and allows the main body to be shorter
The prop ducts are solid, rather than slotted, to reduce noise.
Unfortunately, v0.2 has the vibes pretty bad, which show up as "jello" in the FPV view. (v0.1 did too) I believe this is primarily due to parts of the craft not properly secured: The battery can wobble because the strap slots are too close together. The gopro wobbles a lot on it's mount, and when removed the FPV jello is dramatically reduced. Also wires inside could be secured. v0.3 is coming.
Version 0.1
The first version, hereby named v0.1 actually flies pretty well, even with a default tune from BetaFlight 4.3. Future iterations will include an improved frame (various definitions of "improved") and possibly additional electronics for air-dropping, lights, GPS navigation, etc. Here's what's in it now:
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