Because recent events have kept me sequestered on the computer and in the shop...

Yet another tool to help make things that are accurate and cool like this 80% version of the DWFoamies Juka40


DIY Benchtop CNC Build Article

First video-

DIY Benchtop CNC (3 min 30 sec)

After messing around with this idea on and off for nearly a year I have finally gotten it finished and flying beautifully. I went through quite a few iterations of the front motor mounts but now have them pretty much dialed in and working perfectly.

I have never really liked the idea of a "Quad" plane as they have too much hardware and weight to be efficient in forward flight so I decided to do a tri-copter set-up like the E-Flite Convergence with two front tilt motors and a fixed rear motor. Flight control is handled by a Matek F405-wing board running Arduplane/Chibios firmware and works brilliantly!

Here is a link to the build page - http://www.itsqv.com/QVM/index.php?t...n_VTOL_Project

Cheers!
Mark



Video-

Mini Talon Tilt Rotor VTOL (5 min 32 sec)

Folks here on RCGroups and on FB have asked about some of the test tools I use to get the recommendations, charts and numbers I use in my posts. This article describes the build of a tool with the ability to set a steady state RPM while flying, like a cars cruise control. It also measures and logs the RPM plus two temperature probes. It is only applicable to brushless motor equipped aircraft.

This DIY tool first came from a need to be able to test components at steady state power, current and RPM levels to fully understand the loads being placed on the components. The first version of this device served to regulate the RPM at a steady state regardless of voltage supply to test battery packs and ESC's. I then re-configured the tool to regulate the current pulled from the ESC to further test battery packs in a controlled environment without the need for an expensive lab quality power supply.

The latest effort is to make this a stand-alone tool that can be used easily in-flight as a means to help with choosing the best motors & props for maximum flight efficiency on an FPV fixed wing project. The goal is to have the ability to set the RPM then fly for a short period (5+ minutes) and capture the logging info. Doing this on several different props running the same airspeed in every case will give excellent real-world comparison information.

The build article for this device which is still a work in progress, can be found here-
DIY - In-Flight RPM Regulator and...Continue Reading

Here is a tool you can make to help with super lightweight foam wing protectors, skids, canopy's, etc. Everything was sourced from (US) hardware stores and WallMart and total cost was <$60.

Here is more information on this project-

Hobby Vacuum Former

Another wing (again)! At 840mm this one is the baby brother to my C1 and Zeta FX-61. I built it to carry in a backpack and at 512g AUW should be a fun and easy traveler!

Here is more information on my build-

WingWing Z84 Build page

UPDATE

I have added two more versions of my welder. One with an arduino controlled timer to replace the momentary switch and the second one utilizing a more professional spot weld controller.

Here is more information on this welder project-
DIY Battery Pack Spot Welder

And here is my first pack assembled using this welder-
Spot Welded 3S Pack



With Arduino timer-


Utilizing the JP weld controller-
...Continue Reading

Another plane! Decided to try something "Bix" like for a change. Really like the plastic fuse and the kit components. Kit quality is quite good too.

Here is more information on my build-

Strix StratoSurfer Build Wiki

This is my version of a super fun project found here on RCGroups by poster cyborgcnc. It works exceptionally well balancing both motors and props (and both together). Here is a link to cyborgcnc's project pages:

RCGroups - Dynamic Propeller Balancer Build

This link is to my Wiki write-up on how I did this project.

Project Build Page

This project is really an extension of my earlier Forward Offset Pan & Tilt and my recent Lightweight Pan and Tilt. The Lightweight P&T used printed gears and this unit uses "Store Bought" Acetyl gears which (for me) work much more smoothly. Built to the below specs, it will turn 390 degrees and tilt 110 degrees total. It is designed around the Turnigy™ TGY-R5180MG 180 Degree Metal Gear Analog Servo and a pair of 32 pitch Acetyl gears from ServoCity. It is a bit more robust and with the new gears much smoother. It will cover the entire 390 degree sweep with standard servo output of 1000µs to 2000µs and centers very well.

So, here is my 390 degree Pan & Tilt

Build Wiki

390 degrees rotation and light weight!

Another wing! At 1200mm this one slots in nicely between the Wingwing Z84 and the Zeta FX-61. It is a great small flyer easily thrown into the car or onto a backpack and at 895g AUW seems like it will glide forever!

Here is more information on my build-

C1 Chaser Build Wiki

After buying and building several Pan and Tilt set-ups I got tired of how cheaply the purchased ones were and how flimsy most were. The biggest problem has always been the pan axis is simply never robust enough. When I did find something that was strong enough (for me) it was always too heavy, too expensive, to complicated with gears or belts or presented too much wind area.

So, here is my Heavy Duty Pan & Tilt

Build Wiki

385 degrees rotation is just enough!

Another number 2 . On this second Mini Talon build I have designed a 3D print "Kit" which helps keep things organized and aerodynamic. Like the Number 2 FX-61 I have really put the 3D printer to work and come away with what looks to be a very nice plane in all respects. Check it out here:

Build Wiki

Ready!

On this second FX-61 build I have decided to go lighter and swoopier (smoother). I have really put the Maker Select 3D printer to work on this project and still managed to keep it to 1613g AUW even with the 32 PLA prints used in the build!

Here is the link to my build pages and print files on this project:

Build Wiki

Almost Ready!

Here is a short article on what I call the "Mel Method" after learning this from RCGroups poster Melsailsnorth. Basically it is a method of bonding Kevlar fabric to an EPO or EPP foam plane using thin CA for the purpose of creating a skid plate or wing joiner that is darn near indestructible.

Enjoy!

Go to Article!

The folowing links to my build pages on the baby brother to my full size Talon X-UAV. Enjoy and drop me a line if you have comments or questions.

Build Link

And with brushless gimbal!

I've been asked a lot about how I have setup a folding prop in my pusher planes so here is a picture and a link to my Wiki page on this.



Wiki Article - How To - Set-Up a Pusher Style Folding Prop



Typical set-up using a 3D printed stop insert:

Here are some pictures and details of my inexpensive mobile launcher I use for my Phantom and Talon FPV planes.

Enjoy

Mobile Launcher build pages

The folowing links to my build pages on the very Drone-ish FPV Models Talon X-UAV. Enjoy and drop me a line if you have comments or questions.

Build Link

That's a LOT of wing!

For those that really want to fly long distance, round cells could be in your future

So I got one set of three of the Panasonic 18650PF round cells, soldered them up and ran a pile of tests. I then built a 3S3P pack and you can see the build here:

How To - Build an 18650 Li-Ion Pack

Ready to wrap!


UPDATE!
Pack complete and flight test successful! (see the Wiki for more information)


Cheers!
Mark

Came up with some pieces to make my 9XR more stable when sitting on the bench.

9XR 3D print files-
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:648524

Folded out


Folded up


Feet too!
...Continue Reading