Initial Build Summer 2019...

I always want to have a copter capable of carrying a GoPro, so here we are. At first I planned to build a ImpulseRC Reverb, but then the Apex has been released before I placed my order and I changed my mind instantly. But I was not that happy with the suggested KISS setup by Mr. Steele. Unfortunately I have not seen other setups then the Kiss based one on the web .. so I think it's a good thing to share my build as my components are more or less the default stuff which is available in all the shops everywhere.

As I have good experiences with the Mamba stack on my Micro Reverb I decided to use here the big one. I have chosen the F405 stack as the price was that good and I don't see a good reason for a F7 stack when using BetaFlight at the moment. I know they are more future proof, but as soon as Beta Flight does not support F4 targets anymore I will by a latest greatest F7 stack at this time and will be served better (hopefully) then with a stack available today. I assume this will take at least one or two years (again, hopefully). The lack of available UARTS is not issue for me as I don't use cam control. Usually I configure my cam's only once when I get them and don't change setting afterwards.Although I am really very very happy with the T-Motor motor's on my Micro Reverb I have decided to go with the Xing 2207 1800kv as I heard only good things about them. So want to give them a try .. beside of that I like the design :-)

All the other components (RX, Cam, VTX, Buzzer) I have taken from my spare part's box as I already had them at home and I have not damaged anyone of them in this summer. So I think I don't need to have them as spare at home.

When taking about the cam .. This is currently a RunCam Swift Mini (Not the second edition or the Jonny FPV edition, the first one). I plan to buy a JonnyFPV edition as I'm interested in the difference, but for now I'm happy with the one I have.

One thing to mention regarding the R-XSR: I'm using FPORT and are happy with it. This interface should be available on every FrSky receiver.

The build was easy and straight forward, the frame kit's quality is awesome as usual for a ImpulseRC kit. It turns out that the hight of the mamba stack is quite high when using all the supplied spacers. So I decided to use round 3mm spacers without a tread. They are 3mm high, 6mm outer diameter and have a 3mm hole. They can be used with screws included in the frame kit. Between the ESC PCB and the FC PCB I used the spacers which came with stack. So I saved some hight and the R-XSR fits well on top of the stack.

I already performed a first test flight with BF 4.1 ... everything shiny so far. I have observed some prop wash at the end of power loops, but all PID's and filters are stock so far, so I'm sure that this can be fixed by disabling the low pass 2 filers. Vibrations are no issue at all, so turning of these filters shall be no issue. the video quality is also quite fine, no noise issues so far. The cam is OK, but the dynamic range is not that good as the one I'm used to at the Micro Reverb where I'm using a RunCam Phoenix.

As soon I'm familiar with the frame and have flown some packs I plan to create a YouTube video with flight footage. Once this is done I will add the link here. I will also post findings and news related to this build here, so stay tuned if you are interested ;-D

DJI FPV Update Summer 2020...

I have been flying this frame since autumn 2019 and are still more than happy with it. This summer I decided to migrate to the DJI FPV System and update this build by installing a Caddx Vista. The rear 20mm stack mount is perfect for doing this. The most time consuming task has been the antenna placement. At first I have tried to find a 3D printable mount which fits my needs but then I decided to design my own. My plan was to use a Foxeer Lollipop V3 Stubby and tilt it 45 degrees upwards. After several iterations I'm very happy with my final design which is shown on the pictures. If you are intrested in the design you can find it here: https://a360.co/3jJH4CY

I also decided to switch to HQ Prop ETHIX Watermelon props as there are way more quiet and their propwash performance is also much better. I also have to change the position of the capacitor as the vista needs all the space in the rear section. I have seen several other builds with capacitors connected with extension wires so I gave this a chance. I have used AWG 20 wires and secured the pins of the capacitor by using the glue used to secure UFL Antennas on receivers. I have had this already at home and it does job very well. I also reused self adhesive noise canceling foam used for desktop PC's and wrapped the capacitor with it. This prevents all kinds of vibrations caused by the capacitor as it is not secured in any other way. The rest of the build is unchanged.

The next change is already planned .. migrate to Immersion RC Ghost ;-)