UniCopter Hex XL MT4008 with 2-Axis DLSR Gimbal Test (4 min 10 sec)

Introducing the new UniRotor universal multicopter... configure it as a quad or hex and convert between configurations in minutes. Strong, light, and durable.

Some key features:
- Quick change removable 250mm to 370mm arms
- Can be disassembled and assembled in minutes.
- All aluminum and PVC plastic incredibly strong frame
- Supports x4, I4, Y6, IY6, X6, or I6 configuration
- Supports nearly any motor with props up to 16 in in quad or Y6 configuration
- Supports any speed controller
- Supports any flight controller and FPV system
- Quick change camera mount system
- Supports 2 or 3 axis gimbals from GoPro to EOS 5D.

The Unicopter is available as bare frame with 4 or 6 arms and Ready to Fly. Motor options for RTF include:
- JDrones 870kv for 10 or 12in props gives up to 1kg lift capacity in Hex configuration
- Tiger MT4008 with 14 or 15in props gives 2 kg lift capacity and up to 30 min fight time (18 min on 5000ma)
- Pulso MK3836 motors with 13 in props gives 2kg lift capacity at higher disk loading.

RTF frames can be ordered with DJI Naza GPS, WKM, Mikrokopter, APM, KK, Y6, or Hoverfly. Others are possible but only those listed have been tested.

Contact KISCopters@gmail.com or jazcamap@gmail.com for details and pricing.

Ok, here is a preliminary of the waterproof hex. Same as the quad except round casing with 300mm to 450mm arms (renderings are 400mm). Gopro hard mounted on a wire isolator. Snap on booms. Same old stuff.

Building one now. Will have pics of it flying with 300mm booms soon.

Here is the overall design for a new octocopter. Key features include:

- Commonly available material to make replacement parts for arms, clips, etc.
- Can support any current control system
- Modular gimbal mounting system
- Breaks down into a 450mm x 20mm x 20mm box, bag, etc. Assembly and breakdown can be done in less than 5 min.
- Energy absorption in case of a crash. The arms will break away before bending or breaking.
- less than 2kg empty weight with up to 7kg fly weight.
- Can be easily upgraded to 20mm or carbon arms.
10min + flight times with EOS 600.

This is a prototype so please let me know what you think.

Note that the panoramic stabilized gimbal is just shown for reference. To fly with this gimbal requires hand launch or retractable landing gear. I am working on the later.

Here is a new prototype design for an indoor quad. It uses 10mm arms (TREX450) with the motors mounted midway and a collision ring around the outside. Depending on motors and props, it is capable of lifting a GoPro on 2D gimbal or NEX-5/7 for up to 15min. In current configuration with jDrones 20a SCs and 850kv motors with 10x4.7 APC props, it flies 12 min on a 3s2200 pack with GoPro and gimbal.

We should have these available in production in a week or two. Stay tuned.

Here are some panoramic gimbals we've been working on for internal use and possible sale.

The key to a successful spherical panoramic is keeping the rotation axis vertical for the entire revolution. Two ways to do this; take the shots as fast as possible thus limiting the movement of the aircraft, or stabilize the rotation axis.

For the first, it requires a camera capable of at least 6 frames per second for 3 seconds. This limits to high end DSLRs or Sony NEX-5/7. The DSLR is a quite heavy lift with a good fisheye lense, over 1.2kg at least. Haven't tried the Sonys with a fisheye but that should be a viable option.

For the later, its all about balance. The stabilization system we've been working on is based on stabilizing the rotation axis with the onboard controller by suspending the rotation mechanism from what is, in effect, a powered universal joint. Seems to work well enough but we need more testing.

What are you using?

Quadrotor dunk test (4 min 26 sec)

This is a short demo flight of my new waterproof quad design. This one is fully waterproof except for the motors and can be operated off of smooth water.

I designed this rig primarily as a test to see if it could be done and the speed controllers would not overheat. It was an outstanding success as you can see. In all normal conditions the SCs are will within operating temp range and only under heavy loads or with big props on 4s is there any issues with temp.

We use these rigs for offshore work filming regattas and marine events. Having lost one or two non-waterproof ones over the past years I needed something I would not have to worry about flying over water. Here it is.