RotorX - Switchback (Helmet and Sling Print)

By Wholelottanope on Jan 02, 2019

12  270  1

Add this to the backlog of build pictures that I've had for a while now but only just put up.

This is almost the same build as the external HD one with the GoPro print. That build can be found here:
https://rotorbuilds.com/build/15783

Fair Warning. No one likes building this frame.
This is a structural stack frame meaning the electronics stack is sandwhiched between the top frame and bottom frame portions. This makes the build a little awkward. This also means that replacing or working on any of the internal components in the stack usually requires taking it completely apart.

Tired of complaining yet? Ok, Good.

This little quad will run 3" and 4" props. Most people are running 1404 3600kv motors although some have gone up to a 1407 with some frame mods.
On RX1404 3600kv motors on 3" props it's exceptionally quiet as well as being under 250g which lifts alot of the restrictions on where you can and can't fly.
*with the Runcam Split Mini v1 it tops out at 274g with an 850mAh 3s

The AIO flight controller/4in1 ESC helps with the weight savings although some people have shown them to have short lifespan. (they do not like 4s and 6500kv motors - true story).

This build also shows it built up with two different canopy prints. One is the Helmet which is the best so far for jello-free footage and the other was the low-sling type that the Switchback was originally shipped with. The low-sling carries a bit of vibration so if this is for a Split Mini type build be sure to do the Helmet type.

Hopefully the pictures help with anothers build process.

=)

Photos

Part List

Frame

RotorX Switchback 3 Inch Frame Kit (11 builds)
Airbladeuav.com
$39.99

Flight Controller

HGLRC F4 ZEUS (5 builds)
Team-blacksheep.com
$50.00

Motors

4 x ROTORX RX1404V2 - 3600KV (3 builds)
Team-blacksheep.com
$59.96

Propellers

RotorX Triblade RX 3044TX Props (3CW, 3CCW) (32 builds)
Airbladeuav.com
$2.49

FPV Camera

RunCam Split Mini 20x20 (14 builds)
Airbladeuav.com
$79.99

FPV Transmitter

TBS Unify Pro 5G8 HV (SMA) (596 builds)
Team-blacksheep.com
$49.95

Antenna

TBS Unify Pro 5G8 Linear Antenna (92 builds)
Team-blacksheep.com
$6.95

Receiver

TBS CROSSFIRE NANO RX (SE) - FPV LONG RANGE DRONE RECEIVER (412 builds)
Team-blacksheep.com
$29.95

Batteries

AirBlade Basic 850mAh 3S 11.1V 75C XT30 by Tattu (4 builds)
Airbladeuav.com
$13.49
Show stores (2)

Discussion

Sign in to comment

Rice_Bowl   Jan 06, 2019  

its a hard frame to build but i see it so commonly here in rotorbuilds. Maybe its a favorite? im working on my 3" too and its less than 110g atm without a battery. I am going to switch out the motors to emax 1306b since its kinda the hype rn for lightweight 3" and i used the Amax gravestone 135mm frame. Its such a great frame for me since battery is top mounted and it really looks like a mini 5" freestyle quad! maybe check it out~ i got tons of space with mine that i even got to slam the top plate lower.

Guides & Reviews

Jun 21, 2021

AirbladeUAV has done it again and this time they've brought long range to the 5" class! Based on the popular Transformer Mini, the new Transformer 5" Ultralight adopts a lot of the same design philosophies with larger props and more payload capacity. It can fly upwards of 20 minutes on a 4 cell Li-Ion battery pack and in ideal conditions it's got a range of over 4 to 5 miles. In this guide I'll walk..

Read more
Mar 04, 2021

With the release of the DJI FPV Drone cinematic FPV has become a lot more accessible, but you certainly don't want to crash a $750 drone! The QAV-CINE Freybott is a compact, lightweight cinematic FPV drone that can take a hit and keep going. It's a lot safer to fly indoors and around people. With a naked GoPro or the SMO 4k you can capture some great stabilized footage. In this guide I'll show you..

Read more