TBS Source V Box Frame (Dji Build)

By Thesoobz619 on Jun 01, 2020

11  730  0

TBS Source V Box Frame Dji

I recall saying to a mate that is die hard racer, racing looks boring AF i can't see myself getting into it. Originally started trying to hit gates to help me learn the basics of throttle control, hitting gaps, and just general control.

The last 3 months i have been mainly flying the Immersion RC Helix for practice but saw this Box frame or Vertical racing frame.
Had an extra Airunit so thought I'd slap it in there and give it a shot.

They sell this frame in a few different spots but you should get it at Pyrodrone Link below.
TBS Source V

About The Build

Purpose:

  1. Racing Digital Dji Quad. (Wanted to see if i could fit it in there).
  2. Take a shot at a box frame to see the difference and test durability.
  3. Expand building knowledge.

Build Difficulty: Intermediate

This build was an intermediate because of irregular shape of the frame and the limitation of stack height.

  • Can't increase stack height (Limited to the height of the arm that attaches to center plate)
  • Placement of ESC (if using Individual ESC)
  • Camera mounting options provided are not great.
  • New open source frame (Not many TPU designs for printing/Available for purchase)

Frame Assembly:
I tried taking as many pictures to help setup.

  • The instructions are not the greatest.
  • A lot of the press fitted plates are a bit difficult to pop in.
  • Back arms a bit longer than the front two.
  • Used TPU printed m3 spacers for the FC/PBD.
  • The carbon bototm plate edges are not chamfered (Actually none of it's chamfered. I'm pointing out the bottom part because it will shred your lipo straps. I used a diamond file and chamfered it myself. Alternatively you can use electric tape avoid lipo strap loss.

DJI airunit requires the four cables (if using an separate receiver) Albert Kim's YT Dji setup video
Dji setup quad is generally a cleaner build because it eliminates a lot of extra wiring from the VTX and Camera.

  • Power (7.4 - 17.6v)
  • Power GND
  • UART RX (Connects to FC TX) <- for custom OSD
  • UART TX (Connects to FC RX <- for customer OSB
    You will need the SIgnal and Sbus for DJI controller

Component Selection

  1. Flight Controller: Matek F722-SE
    • To fit the Airunit I needed to use an FC AIO with PBD.
    • Matek F722-SE is an awesome board with some awesome options. The best option being (Vbat controller by User1)
    • Board does not have a regulated 9v , 12v or 16v.
    • I run 4s so my airunit is powered by Vbat (which is convenient because i can switch my airunit on/off)
  2. Motors: Emax RS2306 2400kv White edition (these were some left over motors from previous build)
    • I have other motors picked out to have obtain a lower weight but i couldn't resist matching it to the White TPU i had.
  3. DJI Airunit: only had the full sized unit available.
  4. ESC: Tattu Blheli_s Esc, 30A ESC
    • These on a lot of my builds because i was able to get 4 esc for $14.99
    • Ability to flash JESC to enable RPM filtering
  5. Props: HQ V1s 5x4.8x3
  6. Antennas: Stock DJI MMCX antenna
  7. TPU Parts:
    • Airunit Mount Used this design for bottom (screws into the 30x30 stack and top of airmount. i played around with the scaling and made top just thin enough to give separation from the carbon. Double sided adhesive was used and the spacing was perfect to provide enough clearance to hold the air unit.
    • Universal Dji Antenna mount It's a two part tpu piece that fits on the back standoff.
    • Diagonal Turtle Arch Fin Designed for Floss but fits on this build.
    • Fixed 45 degree camera mount

Final Thoughts

I will eventually swap out the 2306 motors for some lighter 2206 or 2207. Probably the Emax 2206 RSII motors since i picked up a bunch on sale. $2.99 per motor!
Current setup is pretty heavy for a race quad but still flies extremely well. Current weight: 387g

  • Switching the motors would drop the total weight down by about 30-32 grams.
  • Switching from DJI Airunit (Camera + VTX: 45.8 grams) to the DJI Caddx Vista (Camera + VTX: 29 grams) = 16.8 grams
  • switching to Caddx Vista would also give a bit more room for a AIO ESC which could potentially save

Probably could use a different camera mount design and save some weight on the TPU but i think it looks nice. All in all with those two changes the quad can potentially be at a decent weight of 338g.

I'm totally digging the way this frame flies. Final thought final thought.. the frame is 26-30 bucks!! It's worth a shot. If you have multiple quads i would transplant existing build in the frame. You will notice how differently it flies.

Cost

  • Tattu ESC flash sale $14.99 for set of 4.
  • Props (30% Off bulk discount 20 sets) @pyrodrones

Flight Video

Photos

Discussion

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