Camera mount #6, rotor speed, and flying in space

4000mAh
camera mount #6
8 minutes until voluntary shutdown
no wind

Took almost full power to get up with camera mount #6, a reversion to the 4 leg monster, but had 2 successful flights with perfect landings. This time the camera was right side up and the skids were placed directly on the balsa. The idea was to make the tightest coupling between camera and copter to try to reduce sympathetic oscillation.

Even though there wasn't any wind, the 4 legged monster seemed more stable than the camera table. The key seems to be minimizing the camera mount surface area impacted by rotor downwash in addition to maintaining a tight assembly. Unfortunately, still had considerable tail oscillation.

Got higher than last time, high enough to clearly see Chevron world headquarters and almost high enough to see Pleasanton. Without any clouds, there was no horizon to see.

Analysing camera audio of the 4 legged monster revealed a rotor speed of 1600-1700rpm during high altitude hovers. Takeoff occurred at 1600rpm. With the camera table, rotor speed was 1500-1600 in high altitude hover but the lack of calm wind made rotor speed during takeoff unknown.

The Lite Machine says if the rotor exceeds 2000rpm, rotor failure followed by Baghdad @ home follows. Very hot motor after 4 minutes of flying. 6` is probably the maximum blade pitch.

For the 4 legged monster we have the data to estimate the current draw.
8 minutes of flying including ground effect
75 minutes of 2A charging
-----------------------------
Current draw of at least 20A without ground effect.

With that out of the way, time to run out a fresh 3300mAh without the camera. Got it way up into Orion and Cepheus for some nose-in high altitude turns. Flew right between Sigma Orion and Zeta Orion, a gap so large compared to the copter they must be lightyears apart. Felt like flying a spaceship.

The RWB LED's are so effective with orientation and lighting the rotor at high altitude, the Magorator is now just a redundant safety margin.

3300mAh
25min to exhaustion
No wind