A Guide to Constructing a 5″ HD Freestyle Quad with MEPS Components
Posted by sheryl
from the Hobbies category at
23 Dec 2023 07:06:41 am.
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Constructing a high-performance 5-inch quadcopter involves meticulous planning and strategic component pairing. This guide explores the process of assembling a powerful drone using MEPS motors, ESC, and FC integrated into an Armattan Marmotte frame with a Caddx Walksnail digital VTX. This compact yet robust drone is tailored for mountainous flights and is compatible with a GoPro, ensuring both portability and performance.
Components Selection:
Selecting appropriate components is crucial for optimizing performance. The MEPS 2306 2450KV motors complement the Marmotte frame and align well with 4S LIPO battery usage. The MEPS 20 x 20 mm stacked 45A ESC & F7 FC suit the space constraints of the Marmotte 5″ frame. However, accommodating the Avatar HD unit necessitates 3D-printed mounts due to its Marmotte-incompatible 25 x 25 mm mount.
Building Process:
Planning and Wiring Diagram:
Before diving into assembly, creating a comprehensive wiring diagram ensures seamless connectivity and mitigates soldering and voltage inconsistencies. This step streamlines Betaflight UART configuration. MEPS flight controllers' JST-SH connectors facilitate easy ESC & VTX component connections, requiring soldering only for RX, GPS, and buzzer to the FC.
Frame Assembly and Component Placement:
Commencing with the frame assembly, integrating motors and strategically planning component placement is key. The Marmotte frame’s tight configuration allows for a 20 x 20 mm or 30 x 30 mm stack, leaving space for the VTX and other components. The optimal layout situates the 20 x 20 mm FC/ESC stack in the center, while the Avatar HD VTX necessitates a 3D-printed mount for compatibility.
Power Hub Setup:
Mounting the slim MEPS Electronic Speed Control at the frame’s center, with careful consideration for motor cable routing underneath, ensures protection against frame contact. Employing grommets secures the ESC in position, with extenders facilitating FC mounting above it. Plastic covering for motor cabling maintains wire organization and protection during crashes.
VTX and Flight Controller Installation:
Installing the Avatar HD VTX with a tray mount determines remaining space for wiring. MEPS flight controllers' JST connectors simplify connections with the mounted ESC and digital VTX. Wiring the RX outside the drone frame, especially for 20 x 20 mm flight controllers, streamlines the process due to space limitations.
Configuration and Testing:
Post-component connections, configuring Betaflight settings, defining motor directions, assigning RX modes, and testing the VTX OSD layout are crucial steps. Overcoming Avatar HD's interference with GPS involves mounting the GPS unit atop the battery and utilizing a Vifly GPS Mate for GPS lock and a battery-powered buzzer for safety.
Betaflight Configuration:
Updating Betaflight Configurator, flashing the drone with the latest firmware, and configuring settings relevant to this build—such as CRSF protocol, GPS, PIN IO, OSD (HD), and VTX—are essential. Additionally, associating "VTX PIT MODE" with a transmitter switch and configuring Crossfire, telemetry output, and other modes completes the setup.
Conclusion:
Constructing a 5-inch HD freestyle quad using MEPS components demands precision and strategic planning. From component selection to meticulous wiring and configuration, each step contributes to a high-performance drone tailored for mountainous flights while accommodating a GoPro for capturing aerial adventures.
Tags: drone building
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