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Thursday, March 15, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 6 - Stable-ish

Good news, I have got it to come very close to what you would call 'fly' :p

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYOsrRToJtg

I had to invert the yaw gyro on the board. I have to correct all of the controls on the transmitter (they were very off, and one was incorrectly inverted).

I went back to an X mode/config. Battery is close to dead but I really wanted to get one strait flight after all the things I fixed. I am on KK multicopter firmware v4.7.

Next will be an outdoor flight on a fully charged battery.

Here is a list of all items ordered to date. Some were not needed, some just for the fun of it. If I knew everything I would have needed up front I also could have saved on shipping.

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/12-led-red-blue-fast-strobe-light-flexible-strips-dc-12v-pair-117626

G4 1W 95-Lumen 6500K 21-LED Dome White Light Bulb (DC 12V)
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/g4-1w-95-lumen-6500k-21-led-dome-white-light-bulb-dc-12v-51039

Order 5 - eBay
F00113 Hobbywing Program Card for Heli Brushless ESC
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/130617998623?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_1898wt_1396

Order 6 - HobbyKing
TURNIGY Transmitter Strap
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=11982
Hobby King 2.4Ghz 6Ch Tx USB Cable
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=9043
450 Size Heli Blade Balancer Adapter (3mm)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=14928

Order 7 - GoodLuckBuy
1-6S LiPo Battery Voltage Checker Tester with Dual-Speaker Low Voltage
Buzzer Alarm
http://www.goodluckbuy.com/1-6s-lipo-battery-voltage-checker-tester-with-dual-speaker-low-voltage-buzzer-alarm.html
GWS 9050 9x5 3-blade Rotating Propeller CW 4-Pack
http://www.goodluckbuy.com/gws-9050-9x5-3-blade-rotating-propeller-ccw-4-pack.html
GWS 9050 9x5 9050R 3-blade Rotating Reversed Propeller CCW 4-Pack
http://www.goodluckbuy.com/gws-9050-9x5-9050r-3-blade-rotating-reversed-propeller-ccw-4-pack.html
M3 Plastic Nylon Hex Nuts for Multicopter Flight 20pcs
http://www.goodluckbuy.com/m3-plastic-nylon-hex-nuts-for-multicopter-flight-20pcs.html

Order 8 - BuyInCoins
Power 12V 5A Supply Adapter for iMAX B5 B6 RC Charger
http://www.buyincoins.com/details/power-12v-5a-supply-adapter-for-imax-b5-b6-rc-charger-product-4866.html
New RC Helicopter Plane CCPM Servo ESC Checker Tester
http://www.buyincoins.com/details/new-rc-helicopter-plane-ccpm-servo-esc-checker-tester-product-4861.html

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 5 - Upgrade and start over

I have upgraded the firmware to 4.7 on the KK multicopter board. I ran into several issues but the short story is, use these guides to help you avoid the issues I had:

"quadcopter (x-mode build log)"

http://multicopter.forestblue.nl/quadcopter_build_log.html

"KK flight-controller setup guide"

http://rcexplorer.se/Educational/kkguide/kkguide.html

To extent on the short story, 4.7 has a lot of changes and the are annoying but they result in a much better flight with more control.

Go read the two sties or at least just the first one.

I have broke too many props, and it turns out that the set of two blade props that I bought have too small of a shaft hole (*giggle*).

New props are on order from China... I may stop by a local hobby shop and see if they have any I can buy way over priced just so I can get this thing off the ground.

Oh, also, make sure your transmitter have all axes are centered and not are inverted. If you have a very simple/cheap Tx but you can get a USB cable to configure it, do.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 4 - Outdoor

I thought that I likely damaged enough furniture trying to fly indoors, so I would try outdoor. At this point the reversed gyro on the KK board was not sitting well with me. I for sure can reverse it in the 4.7+ software via the PC + USB cable, but that has a bug with M4. A lot of good that does me...

Outdoor test flight number one. Unsuccessful attempt to fly outdoors. It was quite windy and the battery was low.

Not exciting, but a good test of using a GorillaPod (flexible camera tripod) on the ContourHD. I think it vibrates too much. Will need to mount the camera on top or bottom.

Forward and backwards were reversed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJB9I1IMYng

I have gone back to version 2.2 of the software/firmware. This *should* be what came on the board when I got it, however it doesn't seem to be allowing me to reverse the pitch gyro using the directions everyone talks about, seen here:

http://www.kkmulticopter.kr/index.html?modea=manual

Under "4. Gyro(Servo) direction reversing"

This did work for me on firmware version 4.7. However we all now know about the M4 issue in that. I have yet to try firmware v4.5, ect. I Need to get time this week to try that out.

I also need to balance more propellers. I also need to order more propellers... I have a set of two blade props, but the recommended props for these motors were three blade. Also, I hear that three blade are quieter. Sounds good, if its true :)

Two motors are way off balance because I put on unbalanced propellers. This was a temporary fix.

Next outdoor attempts. Just trying to get trim and gyros right, and reverse gyro direction for pitch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trCoMyGas8U

When trying to use the 'Gyro direction reversing' steps, I somehow changed something with the yaw, causing it to spin up and out of control when I used yaw.

I reset the KK board settings using 'Clear all settings [servo & stick centering]'.

Part 2 of trying to fly that day. Nothing is resolved. Not owrking great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFfBIsglmTQ

I also have a battery drain issue. I am sure that the battery is not powerful enough. Here is my calculation... try to follow me here...

ESCs are rated at 20A Max. There are four of them. 4 * 20 = 80A Max draw (plus board and Rx).

The battery is rated at 30C Constant draw, and 35C Max/burst. 35C is 35 times the current rating, aka the mAh rating of the battery. This battery is 2.28 Ah (2280mAh). Therefore in one C (aka cycle) this battery can output a maximum of 35*2.28 Amps. That it 79.8 Amp Max. That is less than that max of my speed controllers.

Often, the battery is only lasting me a few minutes of testing. That's not even fly time.

When I am at about 3/4 throttle, the battery monitor starts to beep even when the battery is at a full charge. Has happened twice at least.

I have also had a few times where I increase the throttle but the motors do not speed up. This also leads me to thing it is either a battery or ESC issue.

I will need to buy a bigger battery. I planned to anyway, but though it would be to extend flight time not to maintain flight.

Last attempts for the day. Same issues. Thought I'd just try to fly it even with pitch backwards.

Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEqBNmGw0co

Until next time...

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 3

Build is done! That went much faster than I thought it would. I guess all of my research, forum reading and video watching was useful.

I ran into an issue where the "XCopter v4.7 KK" doesn't properly power motor number 4. More info on the issue here:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1584924

Until the issue is fixed, use version 2.2 for an X4/XQuad.

Another issue that I ran into is that some KK blackboards come with the pitch gyroscope backwards. If you test the pitch (typically right hand stick's forward and back) and it is backwards, you need to reverse it. It may also be Transmitter specific. I'm not sure. Directions here:

http://www.kkmulticopter.kr/index.html?modea=manual

Under "Gyro(Servo) direction reversing"

I recorded the first flight with version 2.2 (which is what the KK board shipped with) before the M4 issue with two cameras. Here are the videos:

Quadrocopter - 2012-03-10 - X525 XQuad - First flight - Camera 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHmOIwNLe9c

Quadrocopter - 2012-03-10 - X525 XQuad - First flight - Camera 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSCyF9n6NZI

Tomorrow I plan to take it outside and try to calibrate the gyro potentiometers on the KK board to stop drifting in any direction (pitch, roll, yaw).

More videos and info to follow in the future.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 2

Great news! The majority of my parts have arrived!

I got:

propellers (2 and 3 prop sets with spares), flight controller (with usb cable) (with one extra by accident), battery charger, battery (2280mAh 35C), motors (1100kv), frame (X525), speed controllers (20A), power distribution board.

First and second shipments to arrive:

Third shipment to arrive:

More to come when I start building tomorrow!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 1.5

Just an update...

I got the Tx, Rx, Power wires, Power connectors, ESC wires and ESC connectors.

Still waiting on:

Frame, Flight Controller, Battery, LEDs, motors, props, ESCs, ESC programmer and Tx USB, Tx strap, prop balancing bar, and much more.

I found a good idea for my idea of "Switch on quad for battery to save from always disconnecting the battery (likely not possibly because of amperage required)".

Rather than a switch, I can use this removable positive wire idea this guy used:

http://static.rcgroups.net/forums/attachments/5/1/1/2/9/a2876469-216-power%20wiring.jpg

I hope the other shipments will be in soon!

I will also provide an update and hopefully video soon of me figuring out the Tx and Rx. Perhaps me making the power and ESC wires and connectors.

One question I have to find the answer to: What is the voltage for the Rx, and how do people power it? I still have no figured out how people power the flight control boards either.

I found that this Rx should be 4.8-6 volts, but do people just use a resister and I have never seen anyone ever talk about it in a build before?

Until next time.... Keep your stick on the ice :)

Update: Found some info that I noted to look into above. Flight controller gets power from ESCs. Receiver gets power from Flight controller. On the KK, they are all connected, as seen in this schematic: http://www.kkmulticopter.com/images/stories/kk55_board.jpg

More details here if you want them: http://www.kkmulticopter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=161:kkmulticontroller-v55-qblackboardq&catid=57:pcb-schematics&Itemid=65

Other people have also had these questions about Rx and FC power. Some good answers were provided, but I think the schematic is the best. Here are a few forum posts where the questions were answered:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=26594

http://www.fpvuk.org/forum/index.php?topic=3334.0

I expect some future questions to be answered on this other site I found while trying to learn more, it is known as "Quadrocopter and Tricopter Info Mega Link Index". It can be found here: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1097355

Some videos I plan to watch tonight to get make sure I know what to expect:

How to Solder Bullet Connectors to Brushless Motors and ESC

How to Solder Deans Connectors in under 1 minute

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 1 - The Parts & Plan

I am building a quadrocopter/quadcopter/multirotor. They go by many names. They come in many different types. This one will be mine.

Lets start with the parts list of everything I have ordered:

Hobby King 2.4Ghz 6Ch Tx & Rx V2 (Mode 2)

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=9042

2200mAh 30C - 35C 11.1v LiPo RC Battery For Trex 450 V2

http://www.goodluckbuy.com/2200mah-30c-35c-11-1v-lipo-rc-battery-for-trex-450-v2.html

8x4.5" 8045 8045R CW/CCW Rotating Propeller For MultiCoptor 2 Pairs

http://www.goodluckbuy.com/8x4-5-8045-8045r-cw-ccw-rotating-propeller-for-multicoptor-2-pairs-.html

GWS 9050 9x5 3-blade Rotating Propeller CW 4-Pack

http://www.goodluckbuy.com/gws-9050-9x5-3-blade-rotating-propeller-ccw-4-pack.html

GWS 9050 9x5 9050R 3-blade Rotating Reversed Propeller CCW 4-Pack

http://www.goodluckbuy.com/gws-9050-9x5-9050r-3-blade-rotating-reversed-propeller-ccw-4-pack.html

Hobbywing Skywalker 20A 2A-BEC Brushless ESC for Quadcopter Multicopter 4-Pack

http://www.goodluckbuy.com/hobbywing-skywalker-20a-2a-bec-brushless-esc-for-quadcopter-multicopter-4-pack.html

KK MK X525 V3 QuadCopter Folding Frame Friber Glass MultiCoptor Red/Balck

http://www.goodluckbuy.com/kk-mk-x525-quadcopter-folding-frame-quad-rotor-friber-glass-multicoptor.html

KKmulticontroller V5.5 Controller Board V2.2 Program with Config: QuadCopter

http://www.goodluckbuy.com/kkmulticontroller-v5-5-controller-board-v2-1-program-with-config-quadcopter-.html

M3 6 + 15mm Plastic Nylon Pillar Hex Spacer Male/Female 20pcs

http://www.goodluckbuy.com/m3-6-15mm-plastic-nylon-pillar-hex-spacer-male-female-20pcs.html

MultiCopter Copter Power Battery to 8 ESC 8 Led Strip Connection Board

http://www.goodluckbuy.com/multicopter-copter-power-battery-to-8-esc-8-led-strip-connection-board.html

Reinforced Protection Cover Plate for KK MK MultiCopter Controller Circuit Board (2-Pack)

http://www.goodluckbuy.com/reinforced-protection-cover-plate-for-kk-mk-multicopter-controller-circuit-board-2-pack-1.html

VANTAGE 50W B6S+ LiPo NiMH Battery Balance Charger

http://www.goodluckbuy.com/vantage-50w-b6s-lipo-nimh-battery-balance-charger-.html

XAircraft X650 L1010 Battery Fastener 2pcs

http://www.goodluckbuy.com/xaircraft-x650-l1010-battery-fastener-2pcs.html

XXD A2208 1200KV Brushless Motor for Quadcopter Multicopter 4-Pack

http://www.goodluckbuy.com/xxd-a2208-1200kv-brushless-motor-for-quadcopter-multicopter-4-pack.html

Car Cigarette Lighter Adapter for Battery Chargers

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=8819

Nylon T-Connectors Female (10pcs/Bag)

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=11962

Nylon T-Connectors Male (10pcs/Bag)

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=11981

3.5mm 3 wire Bullet-connector for motor (5pairs/bag)

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=10255

Hobby King Battery Monitor 3S

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=7223

Turnigy Pure-Silicone Wire 12AWG (1mtr) BLACK

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=9674

Turnigy Pure-Silicone Wire 12AWG (1mtr) RED

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=9673

Turnigy Pure-Silicone Wire 14AWG (1mtr - 69A) BLUE

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=9648

12-LED Red / Blue Fast Strobe Light Flexible Strips (DC 12V / Pair)

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/12-led-red-blue-fast-strobe-light-flexible-strips-dc-12v-pair-117626

Got two pairs. That 4 total, wired and sold in pairs.

G4 1W 95-Lumen 6500K 21-LED Dome White Light Bulb (DC 12V)

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/g4-1w-95-lumen-6500k-21-led-dome-white-light-bulb-dc-12v-51039

F00113 Hobbywing Program Card for Heli Brushless ESC

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130617998623

Total cost: Just under $360 CAD with shipping for all parts.

A few notes on why I got some of the parts that I did:

- KK board is cheap. Great starter board. I can always buy a better one with more features later after I learn to build it and after I learn to fly it.

- Some of the wiring, connectors and parts will be extras, but I'd rather get extra than to wait for it later.

- I shopped around for good prices. I think I could have done a bit of a better job (like ordering from one place only one to save on shipping) but you have to learn somehow and you can't spend all of your time searching for the best price for every part.

- I will be using X-quad mode to allow for the camera to record good video between the arms

- I considered an X400 or X450, but I went with an X525 for more stability and hopefully the ability to carry a heavier load later.

- 2200mAh will likely only give 10 minute flight time, but its a start

- I got 2 and 3 blade prop sets. I want to try them each out. They were cheap.

- I hope the XXD motors and Hobbywing ESCs don't suck.

The Plan (order of operations, if you will):

- Build frame

- Do wiring (including power distribution board)

- Attach motors, ESCs (electronic speed controllers), receiver, voltage alarm

- Attach wiring to all parts

- Configure ESCs (with programming card)

- Charge battery? (no one ever talks about this step so I don't know if they come pre charged or not)

- Mount board

- Wire board

- Attach battery

- Check motor directions

- Balance props

- Test fly

- Configure KK controller board pots (potentiometers)

- Attach ContourHD camera

A few notes for myself. Just a few things I think I may forget or that other people don't always do and I want to do/try.

- Switch on quad for LEDs

- Switch on quad for battery to save from always disconnecting the battery (likely not possibly because of amperage required)

- Record every step of the build. For me and for others to view later

- Use thin foam when attaching things that may need vibration dampening

That is all for now. I cannot wait for the parts to come in!!!!!

Everyone else has a blog!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 6 - Stable-ish

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 5 - Upgrade and start over

Monday, March 12, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 4 - Outdoor

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 3

Friday, March 9, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 2

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 1.5

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 1 - The Parts & Plan

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Everyone else has a blog!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 6 - Stable-ish

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 5 - Upgrade and start over

Monday, March 12, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 4 - Outdoor

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 3

Friday, March 9, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 2

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 1.5

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Quadrocopter Build - Part 1 - The Parts & Plan

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