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fpvmanuals QAV500 Build Log

Posted by kevinv033, 27 June 2012 · 987 views

qav500 multrotor FPVMANUALS quad
My first build log ever. Whoop! Hopefully, this is helpful to some folks.

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Close up of the power distribution pads

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I installed my motors first since I have long motor leads. I then soldered the motors directly to the ESC.

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I am using Hobby King F-30A flashed with wii-esc.

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The motor mounts accept 16mmx19mm and 25mmx19mm mounting patterns for motors. There are also mounting holes for NX-4008 motors. I am running Avroto 2814-11 (770kv)

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This is the center of the PDB plate. It has pads for the 4 ESCs. On either side, there is are pads for battery leads. You could easily add pigtails to both sides and run two packs in parallel.

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Prior to installing the lower frame spacers, I added a dab of loctite blue to all metal-metal screws.

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Install all short (10mm?) spacers.

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I've shortened up the battery wires so the ESCs fit neatly between the two plates. There isn't much room down there. My F30A just made it. I am sure smaller ESC will be fine. I am not worried too much about cooling. The ESCs haven't been more than slightly warm to the touch. I'm pulling ~14A in general flight.

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Soldered in XT60 pigtail and installed G10 plate. Next up is mounting the arms.

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Bottom frame complete.

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Next up are the CF landing gear legs. These work by compression. I started the set screws in with a drop of loctite blue.

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Then slide clamp on to the arm and insert CF leg until it is flush with the top of the clamp. Tighten the set screws.

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Here's the leg installed.

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Next up is installing the bobbins that separate the two frames.


***Important tip!***

Before you install the bobbins, break in the nylock nut a bit to make it easier to screw on. The alternative is to use non-nylon locking M3 nuts.


Several early users have broken the bobbins on install. They can be repaired with DAP silicone adhesive, but better safe than sorry. The bobbins will be available for sale at some point, so it's good to have a handful of spares in your flight box.

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I install the bobbins to the top frame first with the nylon locking nuts. Then I used normal nuts on the bottom. I just make sure to always check them on preflight.

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Here I've installed my FC of choice.

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Some finishing touches to wiring. I just added a bit of servo braid to make it look it little cleaner.

Some final pics before the maiden.
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Installed Components:

OpenPilot CopterControl
Avroto 2814-11 770kv motors
HK F30A ESC with wii-esc
APC 10x4.7 (now Graupner 10x5)
Turnigy Nano-tech 4S 2650-3300mAH
EzUHF

FPV Gear:

RMRC 300mW 1.3GHz Vtx
RMRC 600XV camera
DIY Cloverleaf
EzOSD +

Locosys

LS20031 GPS


GoPro Hero 2
fpvmanuals LayerLens

Here's the maiden.

View on Vimeo

Here's some FPV. Switched from APC to Graupner 10x5.

View on Vimeo

Did a bit more tweaking and the PID is getting close to perfect.





I think I have it dialed in now

View on Vimeo

Headed out to AUVSI in Las Vegas, Nevada. Got some flying done.





What camera do you use for the photos, those are really nice photos man!
Thanks, Alex. I use a Nikon D700 and these photos were taken with the AF-S VR 105mm f/2.8 and a AF 50mm f/1.4D. The mirco/macro lens makes things look crazy!
Very Impressive!
nice a clean build..

do you think all those spacers in the 'dirty' section of the part are needed? or would less do the same job?

very nice and detailed pictures

thanks for sharing
Kevin, where did you get the mesh you have surrounding your servo wires? Amazing images, as always!
Dacat, you could probably get away with removing some at the expense of rigidity. It might be a savings of 10-15g maybe?

Sam, I buy servor braid form HobbyKing. You can get it in other colors as well. http://www.hobbyking...?idCategory=466
MMMM MMMM an AF 50mm f/1.4D Yummy!!! Man I would die for a 50mm f/1.4 for my Cannon. Very nice build and beautiful photos.
Thanks, skimmer.

You guys have the 50mm f/1.2!!!
I cant get my escs inside..are yours a very tight fit Kevin?
Justin,

It is a very tight fit, but ts not putting any pressure with the esc I am using. I positioned them in a way remove any pressure on the esc. What esc are you using?
Hi Kevin, are you selling this frame?

Hi Kevin, are you selling this frame?


Hi bluehash, I am not selling this frame. You can get one from getfpv.com. I think it's a very nice frame. Fun to fly.
Thanks!

Justin,

It is a very tight fit, but ts not putting any pressure with the esc I am using. I positioned them in a way remove any pressure on the esc. What esc are you using?


HK 30A things that Alex flashed for me. They just fit.
BTW, Kevin, are you using the gopro live out or separate FPV cam?
Those are the same ESCs I have too. They do just make it.

Btw, I am using a RMRC 600XV camera as fpv camera. Love it. I should update my pics.
Hey Kevin, can we get a pic of your latest settings? I'm keen to compare them to mine.

I'm using the MT2216 900kv motors on 4s, lots of power! I'm still trying to tune mine just right like yours and Juz's :) Then I'll be able to post some videos.
Hey Kevin, that's a really good build-blog.
Love the pictures. The QAV500 looks really good in general but you're a great photograph, too.

Hey Kevin, that's a really good build-blog.
Love the pictures. The QAV500 looks really good in general but you're a great photograph, too.


Thanks!
Did you use loctite for all the engine mounts, and assembly screws except the bobbins?

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