Tbock's blog View Details
Posted by Tbock | Jun 16, 2016 @ 05:12 PM | 10,571 Views
I did a few mini multirotor builds this winter and paid close attention to the point when it started getting hard to keep the build looking clean. LOS builds can be tricky enough, but FPV builds really take some creative thinking to keep the wiring clean and manage space efficiently. To keep my builds looking clean, I like to use FrSky D4R-II receivers and run PPM on Naze32 rev5, or X4R running SBUS for Naze32 rev6 or RMRC Dodo. I found that even when using this compact style receiver, I still had trouble keeping the build clean. I wanted to focus my attention on making a compact and versatile mount that would work on almost any frame, so I based my design on the 36mm form factor. I also wanted to make a mount that I could see using on every frame I have, and have it fit without compromise. To do this, I needed to incorporate as many antenna routing options as I could fit while keeping the footprint within ~36x36mm and still light weight and low profile. This would allow you to use the mount for any frame made for Naze32, Flip32, RMRC Dodo, APM Mini, and many others. What I came up with is a line of mounts that are so versatile and clean that I can't imagine building a copter without one!

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Posted by Tbock | Jul 16, 2015 @ 12:43 PM | 89,116 Views
If you're like me, you've just realized that your shiny new DJI Phantom 3 is far from indestructible. Even a "rough landing" can cause enough damage to your camera gimbal that your only option may be to completely replace the whole camera/gimbal assembly!

Every once in a while, there's an "Option B": Buy someone else's broken gimbal and hope that you can piece together one working gimbal out of the two. You might be upset with DJI for making such a fragile gimbal, but that's the price you pay for the great flight time.

I'm here to offer a third option, and I truly believe that it should be considered "Option A". I've spent weeks testing and refining a 3D printed alternative for DJIs aluminum Phantom 3 gimbal arms. I've assembled a gimbal repair kit that includes the yaw arm, roll arm, specialized tools, and video instruction on how to perform the repair. I also offer email and phone support to anyone who buys my kit.

I know many of you are skeptical about a 3D printed part being strong enough to replace the stock aluminum arms. It's a justified concern, but not all 3D printed parts are created equal. There are many people out there selling parts who don't have the necessary skills or experience to print quality parts. About 80% of parts being sold aren't even designed by the people who print them. I'd like the chance to prove to you that the "average" 3D printed part doesn't even come close to showing the full potential of what...Continue Reading
Posted by Tbock | Mar 19, 2015 @ 11:21 PM | 14,466 Views
Thanks to all the compliments from my RCG customers, my Taranis mods and FrSky antenna mounts have become more popular than I had ever imagined. Over the past six months, I have sold hundreds of parts to more than a dozen countries across almost every continent!

That was only the beginning! I've been looking for ways to expand my audience beyond RCG and eBay, and selling through established retailers was part of that plan. Things are starting to come together now that Aloft Hobbies has added my products to their inventory of FrSky parts, accessories, and upgrades.

Here are some links to my products on AloftHobbies.com


Taranis Speaker Module

FrSky PCB Antenna Mount

Whisker Antenna Mount

MORE TO COME!!!


I would like to thank you all for your past business, and hopefully your future business as well. If you use my mounts or upgrades and would like to help boost the reputation of my products, please click the "write a review for this product" link in the listing on AloftHobbies.com
Posted by Tbock | Mar 08, 2015 @ 07:01 PM | 14,786 Views
It's time for something new! This is a great mod for anyone that plans to upgrade (or has already upgraded) their Taranis to a LiPo or LiFePo battery. I designed this to be installed easier than you can imagine. It's almost impossible to do it wrong! This mod guides itself into the perfect position without any guesswork. You will not need to modify the case in any way, there are only two wires to be soldered.

What do you get with this kit?

6-pin harness with a 3s balance plug and your choice of 4mm bananna plugs, xt60 or Deans connector.

A bracket that I designd specifically for the Taranis X9D and X9D Plus that's prewired for simple, straightforward installation.

Instructions:

1. REMOVE YOUR BATTERY!

2. Loosen the nuts on the two 3-position switches labeled "SE" and "SG". It would be a good idea to wrap these toggles with tape and label the top.

3. Remove the six screws from the back of the transmitter and carefully open the case. Note that the two toggle switches are tied to the front half of the case. Place the transmitter on the table face up as shown here.



4. Remove the LED from the lower-right in the back half of the case and un-plug the stock charging port. Now, remove the charging port entirely by pulling upward on it. I chose to tie the LED in a safe location because it no longer serves a purpose. You can remove it or re-install it if you wish.



5. Take the new charge adapter and plug the 6 pin adapter in about half way.
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Posted by Tbock | Dec 07, 2014 @ 08:13 PM | 17,488 Views
I've started to make antenna mounts for FrSky receivers. This one is for the X8R with PCB antennas. These are 3d printed black PLA. The bottom is 14x35mm. This uses heat shrink to hold the antennas in a light weight mount. Heat shrink and 3M tape is included.

Price is $6 + shipping





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Posted by Tbock | Dec 07, 2014 @ 08:03 PM | 13,692 Views
I've started to make FrSky antenna mounts. This one fits receivers like the D4R, X4R, D8R and many more. It's made from 3d printed black PLA. The bottom is 14x35mm. Right now I have yellow, red and blue. I plan to add more colors soon.

Price is $6 each + shipping




Posted by Tbock | Nov 25, 2014 @ 05:49 PM | 14,753 Views
I spent some time fine tuning the EZ Taranis Speaker Mod. The V2 is a little less powerful than the V1, but is perfectly matched to the Taranis. Best of all, there is no soldering and no gluing on this version. The mod comes completely assembled and ready to plug in. Simply pop out the stock speaker and click this one in its place, it's that easy!

I've had a lot of fun customizing my Taranis with the huge collection of new sounds that I downloaded here. The sound pack has to be my favorite mod yet and it's 10x better with a speaker upgrade.






A lot of you may think that a speaker upgrade sounds like a silly thing to do, and to be honest, I thought the same thing. There were times that I thought about turning off the sound altogether. That tin can voice drove me nuts! I only did the upgrade in the first place because I like to mod things. I was surprised how much I enjoy this mod. The sound quality and volume are much better than stock. With the simplicity and quality of this kit, it's hard to call this a mod at all. I think calling it an upgrade defines it better.

I'll post this ad in the fs/w section when these kits are in stock. PM me if you want to check availability.
Posted by Tbock | Nov 25, 2014 @ 05:44 PM | 32,043 Views
If you've ever looked into upgrading from the stock antenna on your Taranis then you've probably noticed that it's a big job. All of the common mods require you to cut or drill the back housing. Most people will shy away from chopping into their brand new $200 investment, and if you've ever bought a "modded" toy off of the forums then you know why.

I took some time looking at the problem and figuring out the best solution. What I came up with is half 3d printed PLA and half CNC cut g10. It requires only 4 tools to install. A philips screwdriver, a tweezer , a needle nose plier and a soldering iron. This antenna comes fully assembled and just pops on place of the stock antenna. No cutting, no drilling, no gluing and no mess. This mod is 100% reversible.





What you will get:

-5dbi rp-sma antenna
-Antenna base assembly with rp-sma and U.FL* connectors
-U.FL surface mount connector*

*As of 11/17/2004 all kits are being shipped standard without the U.fl connector. It has been found to cause high SWR numbers in a few cases.
If you want to try it anyway, let me know and I'll include it with your shipment. Kits purchased from Aloft Hobbies will still include the U.fl connectors.


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