Calimero Remix

By Chrswn on Dec 13, 2021

6  118  0

So... about a month or so ago, I started a project to create a micro, race worthy, 3d printed frame. I had some specifications that I was not willing to comprising with.

1 The frame needed to be slightly stretched X style
2 I wanted to the camera to site as close to the propline as possible
3 The frame needed to be under 10g
4 It needed to print successfully with less than 4m of filament (because I bought a PLA silk trial pack and each solor is only 4m long)

I first made my own 3d designs. If you didn't see my previous designs, they are also here on RB. After the second "working" prototype, I realized that my designs had a fatal flaw. The arms didn't have enough stability near the motors. The rotational torque from the motors at high RPM's caused vibrations at high throttle which reached the camera and flight controller. I thought about adding a brace between two motors to give extra stability, but this created more drag and additional weight.

I decided to take a look at some designs that I knew were functional and there were two that stood out. The first is the Calimero frame by Dave_C and the second was the Echo by Tarkusx. Both frames have a similar style with 2 arms extending to each side of the motor. Now that I found a solution for the vibrations, I just had to modify one of these frame to make my perfect racing frame.

In the end, I esstentially took the Calimero frame, mirrored the back half of the frame stretched it out. This created room for the camera to sit in front of the FC. I then cut out the middle and added my own mount for the FC/Cam (which just happened to turn out like a W or an M depending on orientation). And made some cuts in various places in an attempt to reduce weight as much as possible. The frame comes in at about 9-9.5 grams depending on the color/type of filament used.

If you're not interested in my suggested print settings, then scroll to the bottom for flight footage and build specs
Printed in PLA on Sovol Sv01
Standard 200 degree nozzle and 60 degree bed
40% infill and 3-4 walls. 20% will also work. 100% infill works too, but has unncessary weight
I added a brim around the outside, but that's our preference.

The frame flies great. No vibration and the vertical arms offer low drag. Dry weight as built is about 48g and I prefer a 430mah 3s lipo.
1203 6400kv motors
Crazybee FC
Aio 25mw camera
xm rx
Gemfan 65mm props

Flight Footage (skip to the end for crash testing. It has taken every crash so far)

I'm enjoying the frame at the moment, but I am going to try and reduce weight while maintaining the frame stiffness and durability. Another pilot from Rotorbuilds suggested Carbon infused PLA which I think would be a good place to start. If anyone else has some ideas, I'd welcome your suggestions.

Photos

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