Hi guys,

I've effectively built my (AP) Tricopter, however have a final challenge!...

The camera will be mounted under the frame, however this then requires more ground clearance, so the camera mount + camera aren't fouling the ground, before and after takeoff - while the Copter is on the ground !

So what landing gear ideas are you using to provide this additional ground clearance ?

I did buy landing gear designed for a large class R/C Heli, thinking this would be quite a big item, with space underneath once fitted for camera etc, however thats not the case - it still wont be "tall" enough!

Originally Posted by SkyEyes

Hi guys,

I've effectively built my (AP) Tricopter, however have a final challenge!...

The camera will be mounted under the frame, however this then requires more ground clearance, so the camera mount + camera aren't fouling the ground, before and after takeoff - while the Copter is on the ground !

So what landing gear ideas are you using to provide this additional ground clearance ?

I did buy landing gear designed for a large class R/C Heli, thinking this would be quite a big item, with space underneath once fitted for camera etc, however thats not the case - it still wont be "tall" enough!

Never used landing gear..... I just hand launch and catch....

Hi Signguy, thankyou for your reply. Yeah, good point, if its a plane

However it is actually a Tricopter, therefore a little more tricky to hand launch and catch?
Nice to have the Copter setup and primed on the ground, then stand back and take her up. Especially when you have to play around with camera equipment on the craft each time, prior to the "flight" (or hover).

As the Tri frame is made out of " [ " shaped rods, I'm planning to cut and shape a few metal strips, that'll just be bolted to the frame and shaped underneath, to form Skids.

.... LOL - Or perhaps I could hand launch the Tricopter into the air, using the same approach as a Boomerang !!

Big toss, and up she goes - now I just need to stop her spinning, bit of opposite cyclic, and bring her into a stable hover! Ahhh, easy.

Would certainly make on-board video fun to watch, if a little giddy!

Long pool noodle legs
works for me and I have a short set of legs for when I just fly


my 2 cents
Rob

Hi SkyEyes,

I use use these on my bicopters when slinging cameras underneath:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...dproduct=10019

and sometimes even these:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...dproduct=10022

You'll have to cut the feet or grippers off your heli gear and then attach them to these struts - if you want skids.

All told, a relatively expensive solution compared to ~$12 for standard heli gear.

Gary

Originally Posted by SkyEyes

Hi Signguy, thankyou for your reply. Yeah, good point, if its a plane

However it is actually a Tricopter, therefore a little more tricky to hand launch and catch?
Nice to have the Copter setup and primed on the ground, then stand back and take her up. Especially when you have to play around with camera equipment on the craft each time, prior to the "flight" (or hover).

As the Tri frame is made out of " [ " shaped rods, I'm planning to cut and shape a few metal strips, that'll just be bolted to the frame and shaped underneath, to form Skids.

I hand launch and catch all my multicopter, tri's and quads. I wouldn't try it with a heli, but the multi's are pretty easy to catch. Just set them up close, at waist level. Apply just enough power to make it climb very slowly, walk under it and grab the center under the copter ( away from props ) Thats it, easy

Stick legs is my preferred option





The hexacopter is still being built, but I literally finished building the undercarriage legs yesterday so I can post a better photo soon

Cheers!


David