Orange Micro 2.5

By joshielevy on Oct 13, 2019

8  1,042  3

Overview

This 130mm micro build uses my own frame design, cut out of 3mm carbon fiber on a Bantam CNC mill. This frame design is the 1st iteration, with the goal of easily fitting all the electronics without having to do any workarounds, and keeping everything out of the way of the propellers.

Overall weight was 80g dry, 132 with my battery of choice. Not exactly a toothpick, but then again the arms are really beefy, and the roll cage should give me better protection.

Frame

The design of the roll cage is roughly inspired by the HGLRC Hornet. It uses just 2 spacers, and slots into the bottom plate. Arms are replaceable, which I haven't seen much in micro frames, but I really didn't have a choice because of the size of my CNC mill. I'll call it a feature.

Otherwise, I wanted a lot of slots for zip ties, to give many options for securing parts, antennas, loose wires, etc.

After cutting the frame out of the CFRP sheet, I roughed up the surface in a sand-blasting cabinet, followed by priming and painting. Painting definitely is something I need to do better next time.

Electronics

This is the first time I used a buzzer, and I gotta say, it's annoying to configure and troubleshoot when every time you remove the battery you get a delayed 110 db in your ear. I used the iFlight SucceX micro because it seemed almost exactly the same as the GEPRC Stable F4 mini, which I love and have used before, except a few bucks cheaper. So far I'm not impressed: the VTX won't get out of 25mw mode. Hopefully I'll be able to get a replacement.

The frame was specifically designed to have enough space for the FrSky XM+, with slots for a zip tie to hold it in place.

Motors

I used the 1104s because of weight, and it's more than enough power for this frame. These HGLRC Flame motors have been reliable for me, so I'm using them again on this.

Photos

Discussion

Sign in to comment

Jodie Froster   Oct 13, 2019  

So your attachment is interesting. I see the way your vertical side plates are held down with the captive nuts, and that there is a "pinch point" beneath them of the tiniest little points. Are those holding up to the impacts and vibration of regular use?
Also: the way you have used the 2 decending columns of carbon in leu of a 3rd screw, or butting the arms together is cool, does it work? do the arms wiggle?
I really like the orange paint job. I also really like that you have cut your own frame without spending a truckload of cash on a mill!!!

joshielevy   Oct 13, 2019 
2

I don't have enough flights to answer your question - but the similar roll cage system on the HGLRC Hornet has held up for me without any breaks so far. Though I can definitely see some weak points in the roll cage, it may hold up just fine for the flying that I do.

As for the arms - zero wiggle. Same for the roll cage - zero play, zero wiggle. Rock solid.

As for the Bantam mill - I got it used a few years ago for some electronics projects, and over time it just keeps proving how useful it is for other types of projects.

joshielevy   Oct 13, 2019  

Cost isn't exactly correct: the CFRP sheet will actually make up to 16 micro frames, so that part is more like $6.

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