I just checked messages in AliExpress and found this message.
Apparently the problem is caused by the pandemic not customs. I think it’s odd they say not to place an order but the only way to get this information is after placing an order.
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- I’m very sorry, due to the epidemic, banggood’s EMS is restricted. We currently only support air freight, but the freight is very high.
- If you purchase a lot of things in China, you can contract a container, and we can send you to the designated warehouse in China, so the freight cost is very low.
- You can also buy from our Chinese distributors.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001113285374.html?spm=2114.12010615.8148356.4.48e326cfmdSaD0
This is a good deal using the AliExpress link above. The Fighter VTOL Kit is $697 with free shipping using the AliExpress Standard Shipping.
Something to consider with whether to purchase it through AliExpress of Banggood is the Banggood warehouse is in the USA. I ordered mine from Banggod and it arrived three days later. I paid more than the AliExpress price but I think I received it a lot faster.
I’m also a bit warry of purchasing from the UUUDrone Store. @teccs didn’t have a good experience using the store.
Banggood still has 7 according to their website.
I agree. In the U.S., we have the Banggood option for only $3 shipping. Hopefully, in other parts of the world, the AliExpress Standard Shipping is still free.
I was able to purchase a Fighter VTOL from Banggood. The shipping only took three days.
I’m a bit concerned about ailerons on my airplane kit. Based on how nicely everything was made, I think the ailerons where supposed to be shipped attached to the wings.
Here are some photos of the wings and ailerons.
I’m curious if @GregCovey or others who purchased this kit had ailerons which were still attached.
A less important issue is the white film. The corners of this film arrived with some slight damage.
The aileron damage is disappointing but I can certainly continue with the build. Is this sort of damage normal or is it something I should complain about? Of course I’m already complaining about it but should I contact Banggood and request replacement parts? I don’t think I’d be as annoyed if I hadn’t spent as much as I had on this kit ($775.12 including shipping and tax).
- The problem of aileron breakage is also partly due to the design. The joint is too thin and easy to break. I have already given technical feedback, and I will improve it in the next batch.
- You can use foam glue to link the sections, and the hinges inside the accessories can play a strengthening role.
- The Fighter VTOL assembly tutorial is being translated into English, you can try to see if you can watch it normally.
OK sounds good to me. I don’t think it will cause a problem.
Thanks for the reply sharing the video link.
Duane,
It does look like shipping damage but the black aileron hinges are the main strength of the hinge so you don’t even need to reconnect the foam, if you want. Alternatively, you can use a small amount of Foam-Tac to reconnect the hinge area and then make sure it flexes properly before mounting the black hinges.
Many people complain that the foam hinges break over time so the black hinges provide a better solution without additional force on the servo.
The ends of the white film get trimmed off so you won’t even use the bent part of the ends.
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I’ve watched enough of ArxangelRC’s videos to know the foam usually ends up cracking but I wanted to be the one to cause it to crack. I think complaining about it here was enough to get the disappointment out of my system. It was nice of @makeflyeasy to acknowledge the issue.
It’s good to know the foam itself wasn’t the main hinge mechanism. I know foam hinges should be strengthened and it’s good to see the kit provides stronger hinges.
Thanks for the suggestion of Foam-Tac. I don’t think I’ve used that glue before. I’ll make sure and find all your glue recommendations in the other thread.
That’s great to hear. I’m glad I don’t need to worry about wrinkled edges.
Thank you for letting me know this info. It makes me feel a lot better about this build knowing there’s so much help available on this forum.
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@ddegn The T-motor 4120 kV250 should work great for the 12S stock configuration. I believe it is the closest in 12S spec to the stock MFE motor. The reason I bumped up to the 4130 kV230 was for a little bit more wiggle room in thrust since my MTOW is near maximum.
Just make sure you use the correct motor matched to the correct power supply (6S or 12S) as they are not interchangeable. T-Motor bench test charts recommend props based on the motor specs and the pitch will vary based on motor speed. It’s a bit of a rabbit hole looking at all the pairings/options so I would pay closest attention to what the thrust produced is relative to Amps and throttle.
Cheers,
Christian
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I made sure I purchased 12S motors and ESCs. I’m presently planning on using the same ESC for all 5 motors. Does the forward drive motor need a different ESC?
I like to think I have a pretty good technical background but motor and propeller selection still seems like a black art to me.
I actually have a thrust stand somewhere in my basement. At some point in the past, I planned on testing motor and propeller combination on the thrust stand. I just have too many other competing projects which keep me too busy to use the thrust stand. I finally resorted to my usual method of dealing with too many projects. I started another project.
Personally, I prefer using Blenderm or even regular packing tape. Even if there’s a mechanical hinge attaching the aileron. Sealing the hinge gap improves its aerodynamic effect.
Good luck.
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Duane, so I specifically asked about ESC/motor pairings and a T-Motor representative recommended the AT 115A UBEC to me for my forward flight motor. I suspect this had more to do with what T-Motor had available rather than 3rd party ESCs that would fit the specifications. The VTOL motors also had a specific type of ESC that was recommended (FLAME 60A HV and not the ALPHA series). I have not played with enough different combinations of motors/ESCs so I can’t comment specifically on compatibility between brands. I know there is overlap based on other builds from other pilots.
I like to think I have a pretty good technical background but motor and propeller selection still seems like a black art to me.
Same. There is a significant element of personal preference here once you sort out the basic physics. For practicality, you want to pair a prop and motor that will be the most efficient for the type of flying that you plan to do.
I actually have a thrust stand somewhere in my basement. At some point in the past, I planned on testing motor and propeller combination on the thrust stand. I just have too many other competing projects which keep me too busy to use the thrust stand. I finally resorted to my usual method of dealing with too many projects. I started another project.
I promise you are not alone in this regard 
Cheers,
Christian
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I second this.
I use thin, but strong, packing tape when there is not a mechanical hinge piece to reinforce. Works really well.
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I don’t mind purchasing T-Motor parts if that ends up being what I need but I’d prefer to use less expensive parts until I feel like I know what I’m doing.
Do you if T-Motor ESC can be programmed using those ESC programming cards? Years ago I made a program which would program ESCs which used those programming cards. It would be convenient if I could use the same program to with the T-Motor ESCs. I really dislike having to listen for beeps and to try to set my throttle to the correct value.
Thanks a bunch for your input. I’ve built smaller 'copters but this is my first attempt at making a quad plane. This is also the beginning of my journey of trying to learn to use ArduPilot. I really appreciate the help of this forum.
Yes, that behemoth ESC was what was recommended.
Do you if T-Motor ESC can be programmed using those ESC programming cards? Years ago I made a program which would program ESCs which used those programming cards. It would be convenient if I could use the same program to with the T-Motor ESCs. I really dislike having to listen for beeps and to try to set my throttle to the correct value.
On the AT 115A product page it states “…support LED programming card setting parameters, simplify the setting process.” So that sounds like it may be possible. I agree that counting beeps is annoying.
-Christian
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I missed that. Thanks.
I’m pleased to learn this. With the program I wrote for the Propeller microcontroller, it’s really easy to program an ESC.
I haven’t ordered the T-Motor ESC myself. I think I’ll see how the 80A one from AliExpress performs before I spend more for the T-Motor ESC. I don’t think I’ve heard anything negative about T-Motor products (other than the price) so I’m not opposed to purchasing their gear if the less expensive gear doesn’t do the job well.
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I have a brand new AT 115A ESC. I decided it is way more than I need and it’s heavy. Make a reasonable offer if you are interested.
Have you discovered eCalc? It’s a great tool to help select props and motors.
Dave
Have you selected batteries? I can’t find a 12s battery that fits the very spacious battery compartment. I ended up going with two Tattu 17000mAh 22.8V 15C 6S1P Lipo Battery Pack for a whopping $800.
Dave