Backstory

This build took bit longer than expected, I started collecting the parts in April 2024 and finally completed my first test flight on Nov 2024. I was inspired to try something different like the iflight Helion 10, but I did not want to pay $1000. So, why not build my own? At the time, the Helion frame was not available to be purchased separately, and it is only sold as a complete ready-to-fly setup. I like the looks and design of Helion frame, because it is similar to the AOS 7 arm design with a dead cat layout. I want to keep the props away from the camera’s view and that is the reason for the dead cat layout where the camera is mounted infront of the motors. One last thing, I do not want is a frame that does NOT have any supports for the arms. Long story short, the best frame that I was able find is the Rekon 10 and it is reasonably priced too. Fast forwarding to Nov 2024, I noticed the Helion 10 is now available but with a hefty $300 price tag and AOS UL 10 is also available at CNCDrones.com. If I would have a choice to purchase an 10” fame six months later, I might rather try the AOS UL 10 instead because the success I have had with all their frames.

The Build

3D Prints - The first thing I do with all my builds is to figure out all the 3D printed parts. Since the Rekon 10 is NOT a common frame, there were not much options for existing STL files on sites like Thinkiverse. The framekit came with a few different 3D printed accessories but unfortunately most of it did not suit my needs. The only thing what was useful was the DJI O3 mount and everything else I needed to create. Even though this frame is a deadcat layout, I can tell the prop will still be in the FPV cameras view, so I modified the same camera mount that was used in many of my previous O3 builds. This version is a prototype with a friction fit adjustable angle FPV camera mount. The camera also sits between a soft silicon vibration dampeners to reduce any vibrations or jello that the O3 systems is known to have.

Next up is the GPS and antenna mount. The mount they included did not work with the SMA connectors that I am using. I wanted the antennas removable, so it is easier to transport the quad. For this mount, I started with a Rekon 7 gpm mount, but I to make some modifications so it will accept an SMA connector, the Flywoo GOKU GM10 Pro v3 GPS, and TBS Immortal T antenna.

The last item is arm guards, but I was not sure if I wanted use one for this build. I was lucky enough to find a Rekon 7 arm guard that I liked and I was able to remix the STL to something compact like you see in the picture.

Wiring – For the motor wires I wrapped them inside 1/4 inch PET Expandable Braided Sleeving that I bought from Amazon. To keep the wiring nice and tidy, I ran the motor wires under the flight controller and soldered the wires from the inside. This is mainly for aesthetic reasons because it is a pain to replace a motor. Also take notice of the O3 air unit in mounted to the rear of quad. The camera cable needs to be replace with a longer 200mm cable because the original is too short.

I was being lazy and did not want to figure out 2 different locations for the Diversity Crossfire RX, so I went with a regular Micro RX instead. I did not use a nano RX because I have so many micro RX and space is not an issue for this large frame.

The Flywoo GOKU GM10 Pro v3 GPS wiring harness exits from the bottom of the GPS so it makes it more difficult to run the wires. To solve this problem, I rotate the GPS 180 degrees and that is why the GPS looks like it is upside down when you look from the top.

Test Flight

Lipo Battery - Initially I was planning to use the CNHL 2200mah and 1800mah 6s lipos that I was using on with the AOS 7” quad, but I think they are going bad because the voltage is sagging a lot when I tried to do anything other than cruising around. I did not want to buy new Lipo batteries so I took two Lumenier 1550mAh 6s lipos and double side tape them together. Beore doubling up the 1550mah Lumenier packs, I tried flying it as a single pack and did not fly very well because it was too light.
Next up are lithium Ion batteries:
• EVE 40PL 21700 4000mAh 70A Battery
• Molicel 21700 P42A 4200mAh 45A Battery

Videos

Here is a DVR footage with me crashing at the end:

This is the same flight as above, but the recording from the GoPro: