TomoQuad's "Katana", 4" INAV Build

By Diesel on Jan 31, 2021

5  869  0

TomoQuad's "Katana" 4" INAV Build

When I first started with building and flying RC models, "Fun Scale" was a popular class of models. When one could have the scale lines of a famous full scale aircraft while still having a nice easy model to fly. As some full scale airframes do not make good flying scale models. My attempt here as with my other project "Shiner" are not to achieve​ ultra long range, or the farthest range possible, but to have a fun, and solid quad I can take farther then normal, or average distances. Considering where I live Ultra long range could take me out over open ocean. I guess one can gain altitude and test out the "Flat Earth" theory with the camera(s). As long as I can get in and out of a nice scenic valley, and get some mountain surfing in during mild trade winds I'll be happy. So I would really consider my goal with this quad as "Fun Range". I'm also finding that using eCalc really helps to plan my builds.

A couple of issues I ran across with this build. The Flight controller for one. I really like alot, but it would have been nice to have a 4v5 pad powered by usb for the GPS, and receiver. I also learned that you do not want your Lost Model Alarm to0 close to the GPS/Compass module. I was having trouble with GPS lock/ and compass calibration until the beeper was moved more then 15mm away from the unit. I'm sure there will be more updates to come.

TomoQuad's "Katana" INAV Build Weights

More testing needed
-175g w/o battery (Heavier then I would have liked)
-282g w/Powerhobby 2s 7.4V 2000 mah Lipo ,max amps used 13 amps (14:00 min mixed flight time down to 3.5 volts per cell)
-246g w/Venom 2s 7.4v 1300 mah Lipo ,max amps used 9 amps (10:00 min mixed flight time down to 3.5 volts per cell )

Update 2/7/2021
More testing needed. The max amps used on the 1300 mah pack went down even though I could have swore I was a little more aggressive on the throttle. Also it feels kinda punchy with the 1300 mah pack.(it's no slacker) 10:00 min max flight time. Very interested to see what the next few flights show.

Update 2/7/2021
Received a 2s 1300 mah Venom battery. Weight after replacing the connector with an xt30 is 71 grams bringing the total fly weight too 246 g, 4 grams under 250. Looks like a little wiggle room in case I pick up some grass and dirt after a crash! Getting ready for a flight test.

Update 1/31/2021
Finished another flight. It's looking like about a 13:00 min mixed flight time down to 3.6 volts per cell with the 2000 Mah pack.

Update 1/30/2021
Sorry for the delay other things, and the weather were kinda putting things on hold. Calling the the build finally done! Just flew a third battery pack. A hover flight, line of sight really. I cheated With the pids and copied the numbers for the Flywoo Explorer. I wasn't sure where to start with a dead cat style frame. I liked the way it flys right away! I could tell it's a little on the heavy side with the 2000 Mah pack. I'm gonna try a 1300 Mah lipo before I look into playing with Li Ion cells. The 1300 pack I'm looking to try should bring it down below 250 grams.

Update 1/23/2021
Just finished a couple of battery packs with another quad, and well I had recently upgraded my old Eachine EV800 goggles (non diversity). I've had them for years. I can remember getting them when they were still relatively a new product. I'm now sporting a set of EV800Os, all I can say is "I don't think we're in Kanasas any more Toto".

Update 1/22/2021
Got some soldering done on the flight controller. Harnesses for the LMA,VTX, and GPS soldered.

Update 1/21/2021
9:30 PM Started wiring the Flight Conroller. Lost model alarm wiring first. there wasn't much documentation I could find, but a semi graphic lol.

Update 1/21/2021
Awaiting one final item, Started working out the power/drive system (Esc/Motors) . Found a battery to try from Powerhobby. This Company is new to me, but at
about 103 grams for a 2000 mah 2s lipo I'm willing to take a chance on something new. Plus it's dimensions​ were a better fit for my liking.

Update 1/13/2021
Final Parts order made with AirBlade. They had a couple of TPU items that looked tempting. Pleasent correspondence with them, turned out they were out of red filament for the vertical T-Mount that I'd like to try, I asked for black. Final parts list created. This will be the build.

Update 1/12/2021
Another parts arrival from Race Day Quads! The Esc, VTX, and stack mounts are here. Along with some m2 screws from Monster Bolts.

Update 1/10/2021
Another order placed today. Decided on a Flight Controller. It wasn't even on the orginal list until it was discovered it does have a barometer. Perfect as I orginally wanted an F4 Board for this build.

Update 1/8/2021
Frame and camera here. Motors on the way went with the 6000kv. More parts on the way. Focused on "Shiner", Crossfire Upgrade. Still to make final call on the flight controller. Needs to be 5-6v minimum voltage. Baro, and SCL/ SDA also a must.

Update 12/18/20, Current max target of 140g. parts weight estimate about 120 grams of max target of 140. Not including wires and connectors.

Photos

Part List

Frame

Katana 2 UL-LR 3" 4" 5" Frame Kit
Tomoquads.miiduu.com
$37.95

Flight Controller

Matek F722 Mini SE 20x20 Flight ControllerDefault Title (4 builds)
Racedayquads.com
$59.99

ESCs

Diatone Mamba F30 Mini 30A 2-5S 20x20 4in1 ESC (10 builds)
Racedayquads.com
$21.99

Motors

4 x ECO Micro Series 1404 - Brushless Motor (3700/6000kv) (4 builds)
Pyrodrone.com
$51.96

Propellers

GemFan Hurricane 4023 3-Blade (30 builds)
Airbladeuav.com
$2.99

FPV Camera

Caddx Turtle V2 1080p 60fps Mini HD FPV Camera w/ DVR - Red (73 builds)
Getfpv.com
$51.99

FPV Transmitter

HGLRC Forward MT Mini 20x20 25-600mW 5.8GHz VTX - U.FLDefault Title (3 builds)
Racedayquads.com
$25.99

Antenna

RushFPV Cherry Antenna 5.8Ghz (2 builds)
Airbladeuav.com
$20.99

Receiver

Team BlackSheep TBS Crossfire Nano Receiver (SE) (412 builds)
Airbladeuav.com
$29.99

Batteries

Powerhobby 2s 7.4V 2000mah 50c Lipo Battery with EC3 Plug
Ebay.com
$19.99

Radio

Jumper T12 Pro OpenTX Multiprotocol Transmitter
Graysonhobby.com
$99.99

Radio

FLYSKY FS-i6X 10CH 2.4GHz RC Transmitter Controller/W iA10B Receiver Upgrade Cable for RC Helicopter Plane Quadcopter Glider (2 builds)
Amazon.com
$59.98

Goggles

Eachine EV800 5 Inches 800x480 FPV Goggles 5.8G 40CH Raceband Auto-Searching Build In Battery (26 builds)
Banggood.com
$57.99

Goggles

Eachine EV300O 1024x768 5.8Ghz 48CH OLED HD 3D FPV Goggles Diversity with New Rapidmix RX Receiver Built-in DVR Headtracker Foca
Usa.banggood.com
$469.90

3D Printed

AirBlade Crossfire Immortal-T Antenna Mount (8 builds)
Airbladeuav.com
$6.99

HD Camera

GoPro Hero 5 Black 4K Ultra HD Action Camera 12MP + Waterproof Case For Sport cf
Ebay.com
$105.71

Hardware

(10) M2 - 0.40 x 10mm Button Head Socket Caps Screws, 12.9 Alloy Steel ISO 7380
Ebay.com
$4.84

Hardware

2 x Matek M2 x 5mm Anti-Vibration Standoff Soft Mount 4 pack
Racedayquads.com
$5.98

Misc Parts

JHE20B Quad Finder LED Buzzer Beacon w/ Internal Battery (7 builds)
Pyrodrone.com
$6.99

Misc Parts

Matek M8Q-5883 GPS Module w/ Compass (53 builds)
Racedayquads.com
$33.99

Video Receiver

Boscam FPV 5.8G 8CH 200mW AV Wireless Receiver RC305
Amazon.com
$28.99

Video Receiver

Foxeer Echo Patch 5.8G Antenna 8DBi for FPV Racing
Pyrodrone.com
$18.90

Video Receiver

Crazepony FPV Panel Antenna 5.8G 14dBi High Gain RX RP-SMA Male for Multicopter Phantom Monitor FPV Goggles etc
Amazon.com
$16.99

Video Receiver

Foxeer Micro Lollipop 15cm SMA 90° 5.8GHZ RHCP
Pyrodrone.com
$11.90

Video Receiver

Amazon.com
Amazon.com
See Site

Radio Module

TBS Crossfire Micro TX V2 (154 builds)
Team-blacksheep.com
$69.95

Battery Charger

Eachine WT50 6A 50W AC/DC Balance Charger Discharger For LiPo/NiCd/PB Battery
Usa.banggood.com
$41.36

Soldering Iron

NEW WELLER SP40NUS LED MEDIUM DUTY SOLDERING IRON GUN KIT 40W 120V 6854285
Ebay.com
$15.99

Accessories

3.5mm Stereo Female to Dual 3.5mm Stereo Male Adapter Cable - 6 IN
Showmecables.com
$2.63

Accessories

Micro USB OTG Host Cable Adapter Male to 2.0 Female For Android Tablet / Phone
Ebay.com
$2.15
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