Finally got around to building a Long/Mid/Free Range set up. The frame is an AR8 from SCULPTCOPTER. It is an 8" frame, but I'm running 7" props on it, with a 6s battery and 2806.5 motors. I built it 5 mm lower than the standard configuration to get the CG as low as possible, so it was a pretty tight build and I had to design some shelves to mount the receiver and VTX.
I also designed a camera and gopro session mount along with some antenna mounts for the duel CROSSFIRE NANO diversity antennas.
Since GPS is mandatory for long/mid range, I designed a GPS mount that locates and orients the FOV for maximum clearance at cruising speeds.
AUW ended up being pretty hefty at about 1 kg with a 6s 2200 mah battery and GOPRO.
It's a heavy bird, but it flies super smooth and can do moderate freestyle. I've let it go 2 Kilometers so far and am still testing out props, but with the NANO diversity and GPS rescue mode, I'm pretty confident on letting it go farther!
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hey i have almost exactly the same setup -frame but ehat kind of flight tkmes are you getting on yriblades im only managing 5-7mins and i feel thats not
I have tried three different Props (DAL, HQ 7X3, and KingKong 7040) and two different 6S size batteries (1500mah and 2200mah). The 2200mah last about 30-60 seconds longer, so I think I nearing the point of dimishing returns with the larger battery. I get about 6-9 minutes pending on how I fly. Full freestyle flight is about 6 minutes, cruzing with some Freestyle is about 7 minutes, and all cruzing = 8+ minutes. There is a video I posted of some flights. Those flights were all about 7.5 to 8.5 minutes.
You get top marks: componenet selection, orginazation, fitment, and visual impact. All 10/10.
You have made great strides in your 3-D printed part design. I feel like you still have some work to do there, you have a LOT of extra weight.
That being said, I imagine it's an amazing experience the way it is :)
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Awesome build! Any chance you would share 3D print files?
I can place them on Thingiverse. I have several gopro mounts for the AR8 now. Ones that are lowered to accept a foam block between the GoPro and mount, so u can use ReelSteady Go. I'll let u know when they are up on Thingiverse.
cool bro! I can't find anything on thingiverse for an AR8. Their search engine doesn't work that good.
OK, All parts are now on Thingiverse. They are under AR8 Drone Frame Components. There is a description of parts and the Stand offs that these parts where designed for in the summary. There were previously no other parts or items for the AR8 on Thingiverse, but there are now, so you should be able to get them all.
Thank you so much!!