Users struggle to configure and tune copter builds, especially small copters. This proposal is the first of a series to construct and tune a fairly typical copter of a certain class. Where possible/logical partner technology will be used without compromising the quality of the build.
This proposal is to independently build and tune two 7" Long Range copters. Long Range copters play to ArduPilot strengths (autonomous missions, long range, high quality FPV/video) but also prove quite difficult to tune due to less stiff frames, motors optimized for power consumption and weight.
Brilliant idea and project Andy,this will help so many,my 7 incher flew away but about to start on other one with diff specs to yours but should be fun.Please Mr arducopter approve this request as help so many to get the best from arducopter including me.
P/S Andy,I can supply midnight oil to get project completed yesterday,lol
This is actually really hard, as I haven’t yet found a good frame that can accomodate the electronics and a proper GPS. It’s also incredibly fiddly to build. The closest I’ve got is my Armattan Tadpole whoop, but that has a lot of rough edges.
I built one that’s 238gr with a 2S 3500 Li-ion. But, no Vtx or camera so it doesn’t really qualify for the purpose most build small craft for. If they were added and a smaller Lipo used it could be sub 250gr but as Andy says no good place for even the tiny Matek GPS module. “Fiddly” is the perfect word for it.
My whoop is 181g inc battery 4k video camera and GPS, but I almost never get a good fix from the GPS. I suspect the answer is a battery strap mount or even a little over battery cage - but I don’t have a 3D printer so can’t experiment. Other option is a pole - might try that next.
Strange thing Andy, I remembered your sub 250 was working fine.
This is mine (about one year of test!). It’s not cool but it works. The GPS fix is ​​a bit slow but it works (bn220), it flies for 15 minutes and would still fly if there were esc without cutoff voltage at 3.2V. In the log I found 74 Km / h of max speed in poshold and the optical flow sensor (in favorable conditions) maintains the position even at 25m of altitude. Telemetry on radiomaster TX16 and Yaapu script.
Sorry for 6 USD camera
I put the BN180 on my 2 "arducopter, it works, but the BN220 is better.
Also try with the separate compass (see my photo above).
At the moment not even DJI has a sub 250 FPV, only the “big” DJI FPV
If your flight controller allows it, power the GPS from USB, without powering anything else especially VTX. So you can power FC and GPS from USB with power bank without disturbances and the fix will take place in less time, then connect the battery. Use a separate compass. It has to work
Yeah, looks like the 220 is actually physically quite a lot bigger for 0.4g heavier - so 22x20mm vs 18x18mm. We’ll see - I have ordered a couple. The Matek is bigger again and I don’t like the lack of flat mounting underneath - I tend to put them in a TPU cover which makes them even bigger. Also this is on a BeastH7 so no I2C and no compass possible.
My bn220 is also attached with a simple double-sided tape. It has withstood notable impacts due to the LIDAR TF LUNA (only 5 gr) which does not work well even if the altitude reading is correct. I’m afraid it’s a code problem. If the code worked well, we could have a 250gr sb with frontal obstacle avoidance and precision altimeter
Absolutely awesome new’s James,will help so many people and hopefully will bring many newcomers into arducopter,and Andy thank you for doing this your a star