This quad turned out AWESOME!! I managed to get a Split in there, along with a TBS Unify Pro HV and ia6c receiver. (Just about as much as you could fit in this quad).
I've silicone conformal coated all of the boards to shield from the morning dew/lakes. I couldn't source the "MG Chemicals Silicone Conformal Coating" everyone recommends using (out of stock for weeks), so I went with Electrolube's equivalent. It comes in a handy 15ml bottle with an applicator brush on the lid and is only ~$10 with free shipping from RS. I am yet to drown the quad, so I'm not sure about its performance, but specifications wise it should work perfectly. I'll Keep you updated.
Fitting the Split's main board into the Japalura was very easy due to the built in PDB of the CL Racing F4 FC, leaving plenty of room in the stack. However, I did need to add an additional micro BEC under the FC to power the Split that requires 5v 650mA. After a conversation with the board's creator, he (Cheng Lin) advised that "650ma is a bit too much on the 5V I have onboard. You can try to use the 5V near the led strip. But I don't know how reliable it is." So a uBEC it was. It is super small and fits nicely under the FC (I've foam taped it to the underside of the FC).
I've mounted the split so the wifi card can still be inserted and removed. Furthermore, there is enough room below the Split that allows me to "easily" remove it's SD card if needed, without taking the frame apart (which is many peoples concerns).
The Japalura frame is not designed for a mini FPV camera like the Split. The Split did come with an adaptor that made it fit, however, this positioned the camera's lens way too far back in the frame, which basically meant the view was more frame than anything else. I fixed this by designing and 3D printing a custom adaptor to position the camera so the lens is right at the front of the frame, while still being protected by the aluminum and CF. It's perfectly positioned now, with basically no frame visible in the FPV or in the HD recording. The props can be seen in the bottom corners of the feed, however, with a little more tilt they are out of view. The mount is available from https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2452877
I've zip tied the TBS Unify Pro HV's SMA antenna connector through its two little holes onto the antenna holder of the Japalura. It holds well, time will tell.
Overall, for my first scratch quad build, it was a fun and tight build. I enjoyed it right through the design, assembling, reassembling, re-reassembling, re-re-reassembling, and final assembling process. More reassembling to come soon I'm sure after unintentional landings.
Happy Flying!
Nice build, would be interested in seeing some flight footage when you have it
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Hi mate, I have a near identical 3 inch build, but I'm struggling to fit the tramp and ia6c in there. I see you sandwiched your unify between the split and the reciever, does it get too hot in there?
G'day,
Yep its in there.
I'm running the unify off 7.6v from the pdb/fc and operating at 25mw Vtx power.
Having a low input voltage will make it run cooler and having a lower vtx power will also keep it cooler. Also im not using the vtx's onboard 5v output at all.
With this setup it does get warm but not hot enough to cause any problems (so far).
Im planning on designing a 3d printable mount to hold the unify and rx in place while increasing circulating airflow.
(I.e. less foam tape)
Hi,
Any progress in creating that 3D printed mount for the vtx and rx?
Sorry, haven't got there yet. Been swamped.
I am still planning to though, I'll post here when I do.