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This is my first long range build. This build has been nearly 5 months in the making. My goal with this build is to have a quad that can fly at least a mile away using the R9 system by Frsky. Also, I wanted to use parts I already have experience with to make this build as straight forward and reliable as possible.

Hardware Notes:
I used the same frame, except with 6 inch arms, (the same one that survived the fire, hence the name) and camera from my Hooter Butter build.

From my LowkeyStyle build I used the same FC, 4in1 ESC, 30x30 version of the VTX and 1900kv version of the motors.

For the long range system I decided to use the R9M module and the R9 Slim+ because it seemed easy to set up with the Q X7 and the price was right. I experimented with a couple antenna mounting solutions for the RX antennas and finally made a custom mount out of an old gopro mount. It was a stuggle to get the R9 system dialed in until they released a new firmware version. With this antenna orientation and firmware I've had solid RF performance. So far the furthest I'v flown is just over a mile with no issues.

The ESC, FC and VTX stack fits nicely in this build with 25mm standoffs. This makes mounting everything clean and easy. I have a 1000uF 35v capacitor on the battery lead.

As part of trouble shooting failsafes I added a capacitor to the RX. With the new fireware im not sure if it's necessary, but its pretty easy to add a cap to the slim+. I just used connector 2 and removed all the wires except the + and - wires and soldered them to a 470uF 25v capacitor.

And of course what would a long range build be without GPS? Having GPS has been awesome. I love being able to see my speed, having a home arrow in my OSD and having return to home failsafe.

Even though I have a bottom mounted battery I added foam landing pads to the ends of the arms to keep the props from striking the ground on landings and takeoffs.

For a gopro mount I couldn't find a 3d printed one for this frame I liked so Im just using a piece of yoga foam I cut into a 30 degree wedge.

I've tried two different 6 inch props so far. The EMAX Avan long range bi blade prop and the HQ V1S tri blade props. With an 1800mah battery I can fly for about 5 min and cover about 4 miles with the EMAX props and I can fly for about 4 min and cover about 3 miles using the HQ props. I think ill probably switch back and forth between props depending on where I'm flying and how far I'm trying to fly.

Software Notes:
FC: Betaflight 4.0.2

ESC: Blheli_32 running DShot 1200, motor timing is set to AUTO.

RX: F.Port 190201

If you have any question about my build please feel free to comment with a question.

UPDATE: I added a gopro mount from thingiverse and the Ethix facehugger gopro protector. The gopro is much more secure now and it got rid of some jello I was getting in vidoes too.

I started using the HQ 6x4x3 V1S props and I really like the way they feel. I also bought two XILO 2250 mah 4S batteries and with the new props I can cruise for about 6 minutes and cover ground pretty quick.