RC Model Reviews

I have just started a new project , primarily I want a rotary wing but am getting very frustrated with my attempts in 450 size helis.I was going to purchase a quad straight out but the $300+ got me thinking, having learnt a few lessons from single rotors start from the ground up . There are heaps of vids out there doing this, then I saw the HK Q450 at $12 for a fibre glass + quad with integrated PCB (the importance of this will come to light during the build).
Rather than waffle on now, if there is any interest I will post my progress here.
All my bits are to hand again if anyone is interested I will post the list and update any changes as they occur.

I sound confident..... ......but your encouragement would be appreciated.

I'm planing on getting the same quad, just low on funds this month, new glasses next month, but I will get there. I will be interested in your build, I was planing on using the 450 park motors for mine with 30amp Plush ESCs, what are you planing on for engines?

The parts list so far:

HK Q450 frame - PCB integrated - $12.00
hexTronik DT750 Brushless Outrunner 750kv - $11-30 (4) = $45.20
TURNIGY Plush 18amp Speed Controller - $11.33 (4) = $45.32
Slow Fly Electric Prop 1045R SF (4 pc - Green Right Hand Rotation) -$3.29
Slow Fly Electric Prop 1045SF (4 pc) - $3-52
Hobbyking KK2.0 Multi-rotor LCD Flight Control Board - $28.99
TURNIGY 3A UBEC w/ Noise Reduction - $4.18
USBasp to flash KK2.0 - $9.99 (eBay)
FrSky D8R-IIplus Rx - ?? (swapped for FlySky module & 8ch rx..... retail $30??)
StarBrite liquid electrical tape - $12 (JayCar)
Assorted M3 & M4 nuts bolts and washers - $13 (Bunnings)
Male to male servo leads ( 5) -$7.99 (http://myworld.ebay.com.au/hobby-bitz-4 ... 1497.l2754) added 5/3
So far the cost is $177.49 add the cost of a 4ch Rx and 3s 2200 there is not much change left from $200.
Now at $185.48
This project was originally conceived as a tricopter running 450mm arms hence the DT750 motors (and I believe the 18amp ESC's were to be sufficient) but............. after a quick fit of 2 motors and rotors the poor old frame does look to be overpowered. The DT750's each offering 1kg thrust @18amp using 1045 props
By the end of this weekend I should have a pic up of the motors, rotors, ESC's installed using the PCB as the power distributor. This will allow all the electronics to be installed between the 2 frame boards, the battery underslung and the top deck will be free for FPV
I am concerned about the ESC's now but I will be doing a static run as soon as I can. If it indicates a liftoff at 10amp draw that will do, my budget is blown.

The KK2.0 board, I've heard mostly good things from all over, the only fence sitter is Bruce, I'm waiting for part 2 of his review. I,ve wanted to try one in a fixed wing.

Keep an eye on the ESCs with 750s, they may get a bit warm.. I use the 25A.
I also cut the shafts down on the 750s as there a bit long. They have a strange size mount as well which I cannot find a replacement for...?

Thanks Keith, I may have been mislead from what I had read and selecting the 18amp ESC. I have decided to do a "bench test" to see how close the 18's are to their limit.
My weekend target may not be met
The 750 mounts don't align to the Quad mount to enable a 4 point fix, but 2 should be enough. I'll be testing 3x15 N,B,W with Locktite or cable ties (if I can get the mount firmly fixed).

Dave, the KK2.0 is only $30, grab one from the Aus w/house when you can, they are "cheap as beans". Bruce is biased towards fixed wing (self proclaimed) I believe he will be surprised with the flight results. Like all things eletronic they will take some tweaking to make perfect though.

Bench test results:
Battery Turnigy 2200maH 25-35C with 70% capacity
hexTronik DT750 v Turnigy Plush 18a ESC
1045R prop WOT (30sec) produced 132w @ 12.5a
1147R prop WOT (30sec) produced 151w @ 14.2a (wont fit the quad but thought I 'd test for a possible tri)

After these results the project is still on
I ran the 1147R for 5 min at 9-10a (indicated), the motor can was hot to touch and the ESC was warm

I feel that there is something I have missed in my testing but will keep going as the end product is the teller.

My weekend target is met.......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X82611ezNA

If you are interested in multicopter use of the KK2.0 go here http://www.oddcopter.org there is a lot of info around (too much actually and never the stuff you want) this guy does it well, good info pics and vids.

Dave, I don't know if he has references for fixed wing use, I didn't look....

Waht you need is these 10CM Male to Male Servo Lead (JR) 26AWG (10pcs/set)

Ideal for connecting your reciever to the HobbyKing Quadcopter Control board.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=21758&aff=362637

Thanks Jolly , but not available in the Aus warehouse so I have gone here
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/5x-Male-to-M ... 3cceeda7a0
Half the number for twice the price....... ........ but no postage and will be here in 4 days from past experience.