Mosquito

By verkoda on Mar 13, 2018

4  963  7

A very fun, and very simple build. Based on an easy DJI F450 build, a Pixhawk flight controller runs the primary show of flying the drone, as well as controlling the gimbal pitch. Also in the video system, the relay function of the Pixhawk controls the shutter and mode of the GoPro.

Known issues include short flight time, and occasional gimbal spasms and lock-ups.

Photos

Part List

Frame

Multirotor Kit Frame/Heighten Broaden Landing Gear For RC F450 Quadcopter F3N4 702383062018 (2 builds)
Ebay.com
$17.58

Flight Controller

Pixhawk PX4 2.4.8 Flight Controller NEO-M8N GPS Radio Telemetry OSD 3DR 915Mhz (3 builds)
Banggood.com
$169.89

ESCs

4 x SimonK 30A 2-3S Brushless ESC With 5V 3A ESC For RC Model (3 builds)
Banggood.com
$33.76

Motors

4 x DJI 2212 920kv CW Brushless Motor for DJI Phantom F330 F450 F550 Quadcopter Hexa
Ebay.com
See Site

Propellers

4 x Gemfan 1045 Carbon Nylon CW/CCW Propeller EPP for RC Drone FPV Racing Multi Rotor (4 builds)
Banggood.com
$10.84

FPV Transmitter

5.8Ghz TX2000/MW/2W Long Range FPV AV Video 8 Channel Transmitter Module
Ebay.com
$34.99

Receiver

FRSKY X4R-SB Receiver - Pinless (176 builds)
Racedayquads.com
$24.99

Batteries

Floureon 2 Packs 3S 35C 5500mAh 11.1 Lipo Battery with XT60 Plug for RC Helicopter Airplane Hobby (6.30 x 1.77 x 0.98 Inch)
Amazon.com
See Site

HD Camera

GoPro HERO3 White Edition Action Camera Camcorder Wi-Fi CHDHE-301 818279010008
Ebay.com
$69.99

HD Camera

GoPro Hero5 Session, 1080p (303 builds)
Amazon.com
$230.41

Misc Parts

RC Quadcopter Flight Controller Anti-vibration Mount Damping Plate for APM
Ebay.com
$6.89

Misc Parts

2-Axis Brushless Gimbal Camera Mount with 32bit Storm32 Controller for Gopro 3 4 FPV Black
Goodluckbuy.com
$46.99

Misc Parts

Ublox NEO-7M GPS Module with Compass for APM2.6 Flight Controller Pixhawk RC411
Ebay.com
$19.51

Misc Parts

AHDBT-302 Newmowa 1300mAh Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Rapid 3-Channel Charger for Gopro Hero 3, Gopro Hero 3+, AHDBT-301, A
Amazon.com
$16.99

Misc Parts

Crius MAVLink-OSD V2.1 On-Screen Display MinimOSD for APM Pixhawk MWC Telemetry 799418412184
Ebay.com
$15.19

Misc Parts

Boscam 5.8G 40CH RX-LCD5802 800x480P 7 Inch TFT LCD FPV Monitor + Holder Mount 712096460612
Ebay.com
$119.88

Misc Parts

Readytosky 3DR Radio Telemetry Kit 915Mhz 100mW Air + Ground Module Open Source for Standard Version APM2.6 APM2.8 pixhawk 2.4.6
Amazon.com
$1.00
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Discussion

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JC250   Mar 14, 2018  
1

Maybe smaller pitched props? What’s your thrust to weight ratio as of now?

verkoda   Mar 20, 2018 

Can you direct me on how to calculate that?

JC250   Mar 20, 2018 

The pitch of the prop or the thrust to weight ratio? Thrust to weight ratio is calculated by taking 75% of the static thrust (thrust measured in a stand), multiplying by number of motors, and dividing by the total weight of the drone with battery. The way you find the static thrust is by searching for a thrust test using the prop u use and again taking 75% of that to get the thrust of in air flight. You also would like to note the amp ratings of the motor. If the thrust to weight ratio is too low, it would result in having to draw more amps to stay in the air. This could be caused by under proping the motor, resulting in not getting the thrust that u could potentially get from the motor. You also have to make sure that you are not over proping the motor, which would result in a great loss of efficiency. Another problem u might be having is not outing the props on right. Make sure they r right and right side up. Keep the numbers up.

JC250   Mar 20, 2018 

Also what’s your all up weight including battery

Whiffles   Mar 13, 2018  
1

I've got fond memories of my first F450. It was fun until I started trying to tune the gimbal. Getting decent footage was a wild goose chase. I later stripped it down to a simple LOS GPS rig and it became fun again. Sometimes I wish I hadn't sold that rig.

verkoda   Mar 13, 2018 

How did you go about maximizing your flight time with a gimbal?

Whiffles   Mar 13, 2018 

It's really a matter of weight. These frames are quite heavy particularly with an alu gimbal. I don't think more than 8-13 minutes is achievable unless it's a lightweight DJI.

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