QAV500 FPV quad
 

Building a QAV500 to shoot video around the island.

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...73177587_n.jpg

Four 4008 motors, four Tiger 18A 400Hz ESCs, and will use a DJI NAZA flight controller. Probably run Eagle Tree Systems OSD Pro for FPV flight info.

The GoPro that you see mounted is the forward-facing GoPro. Next to it will be the FPV camera. On the rear will be another, downward-facing GoPro.

Re: FPV quad
 

Nice. Those quad copters look like a lot of fun.

Re: FPV quad
 

I researched which to get for quite a while.

Decided on this one because the rotors don't appear in the video, it has vibration isolation between "clean" and "dirty" portions of the airframe which provide for vibration-free video, and it is designed to carry multiple GoPros.

The QAV500 FPV Quadcopter Frame by fpvmanuals — fpvmanuals

Re: FPV quad
 

I really like the QAV500, it is a great looking frame.

Is there a reason you went with the Tiger 18A? Do you know if its the Silabs or atmega chip based esc? Do you plan on flashing with simonKs new firmware? I know the pancake motors have had trouble in the past with flashed firmware; however, simonK has released a new firmware that seems to work really well with pancakes. I would like to mention F-30A esc flashed with simonk firmware is about the best esc for multirotors right now. They are also dirt cheap <$10 an esc from HK.

Do yourself a favor and do not run Eagle tree OSD. Its a perfectly fine OSD but mucho overkill for multirotor. Its also a wiring nightmare. A skylark Tiny3 or similar would be a better match. Or if you want a big gun OSD, the RVOSD5 is a much better choice, it has a cleaner install.

Re: FPV quad
 

For ESCs and motors I went what what the guy that designed this rig suggested. No need to flash the ESCs, and no need to spend more money when I already have ESCs on the bird. :lol:

The OSD system may be overkill for a quad, but who knows what I'll use it for later. No sense in buying twice.

Re: FPV quad
 

Awesome, sounds like you have it figured out.

Re: FPV quad
 

I hope so.

We'll see, I guess.

Re: FPV quad
 

Jeeez, do you ever rest?

Re: FPV quad
 

I rest when there's nothing to do. :lol:

Re: FPV quad
 

Packages arrived today.

Carbon 10x5s, 480-line video camera, 600mW 5.8GHz TX/RX system with cloverleaf antennas, and a bunch of OSD (On Screen Display) equipment and sensors from Eagle Tree Systems.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...44452678_n.jpg

Re: FPV quad
 

Broke out the Fluke, got pinouts for the camera, hardwired it to the TX, powered it up on the old Rivergate 30A power supply, and brought the RX inside and powered it off a 3-cell Li-Po. Everything worked great.

Next will be wiring the camera and TX to a 3-cell Li-Po and range testing the video TX/RX.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...09856258_n.jpg

Re: FPV quad
 

Got all of the wiring for the video system completed. Also tested it all and started installing the various sensors and such for the Eagle Tree OSD unit.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot..._9094818_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...68747439_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...22245625_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...38506009_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...98840615_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...85033630_n.jpg

Re: FPV quad
 

Much better.
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...95521666_n.jpg

Re: FPV quad
 

I'll be following this with great interest as I intend to build a FPV quad this year as well, and this frame is at the top of my list. Looking forward to your insights and videos. No doubt you have some nice landscapes to fly around there...

Re: FPV quad
 

Nice "thumbsup"

But personally i would have gone for a 700 tvl sony effio-e camera to fly by.
I just have to get some free funds, then i would love to get a "QC" too.

Re: FPV quad
 

That looks like a nice camera at a good price. I might have to look at them later. I'm sure one could be gutted to pare it down to just the camera without all the IR LEDs and housing.

Probably cheaper as well. :lol:

Re: FPV quad
 

So you've got a bird with a camera...where's the vid?


Also, I love your decapitated multimeter. "thumbsup"

Re: FPV quad
 

Had to get the flight controller.

FINALLY got it. :mrgreen:

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...49040827_n.jpg

That decapitated multimeter is awesome to have at times. So many times I've not been able to read the meter because I had nowhere to put it in sight.

Re: FPV quad
 

Your gonna like that Naza, I have programmed 2 now and with my little knowledge they both work great. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
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Re: FPV quad
 

Very nice JIA!! Great choice in equipment.

Let me know how those props balance out, I have a few in SF and similar to about every prop I've tried they all need some good balancing. The Graupners have been the closest so far in the E-Prop style.

Even tried a set of Xoars on the Hex, took just as much tape and sanding as a set of $4 props.. :roll:

Agree with CD13, those Naza's are the easiest FC's to work with.

Can't wait for the video!