CJMCU micro quad buid

[C0d3M0nk3y]

I'm building a micro quad with the intended use of indoor FPV. I saw the idea on this post on Oscar Liang.

Specs:

MK 10: CJMCU micro quad

motors: Hubsan X4 replacements
RX: FrSky VD5M
props: Hubsan X4 replacements

battery: nano-tech 1S 300 mAh 45C

FPV: Spektrum SPMVA1100

motor to motor distance: 86 mm
all up weight: 43 g
​

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

I picked up a CJMCU on eBay. Here's what it looks like:





I added some pins and made a quick cable to connect to my FTDI adapter.





Then I was able to connect it to my computer and flash it with Cleanflight 1.8.1.

 

[narcolepticltd]

Ah hah! You bit on this one! Saw this a few weeks ago, but too many project brewing at the moment. Definitely going to watch this thread to see how it progresses and how you like it.

 

[cranialrectosis]

Oh man this is cool!

 

[jhitesma]

I've been wanting to build one of those since I first saw talk about them on the MW forums last summer.

I'd build it just for acro though For brushed FPV I'm waiting for Peabody to release the brushed sparky:

http://buildandcrash.blogspot.com/2015/03/brushedsparky-v02.html



Basically a sparky2 integrated into a micro frame with built in 5.8g vtx and 440 openLRS compatible RF module for control and telemetry. He says he's working on finding a manufacturer and has a few possibilities lined up.

The CJMCU boards are still really tempting...but I'm crossing my fingers that Peabody can get the brushed sparky's mass produced before a brushless build pops up on top of my project queue

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

For brushed FPV I'm waiting for Peabody to release the brushed sparky

Yeah, I've been watching those, but since I didn't have any idea on a timeline, I pulled the trigger on the CJMCU.

 

[jipp]

looks fun.. could be quite the adventure being so small with FPV.. i guess you would know what its like a fly to fly around the living room?

chris.

 

[jhitesma]

Yeah, I've been watching those, but since I didn't have any idea on a timeline, I pulled the trigger on the CJMCU.

From what Peabody has said I get the feeling it won't take as long for the brushed boards as it's been taking for sparky2, and it sounds like sparky2 is getting really close as well. I suspect we'll be seeing both become available before the end of summer...but that may just be me reading too much into the progress he's been making

The one issue I've heard with the CJMCU boards that concerns me a little is that people have been disappointed in the performance from the motor drivers. I've seen a few reports of people modifying some of the components but still not being happy with the performance compared to other brushed drivers which has led to some confusion over what could be causing it. Even so they still look like a blast and I really want an indoor quad that I can fly in full acro with my good TX. The nano QX 3D I just picked up isn't quite fitting the bill...the only acro mode it has is the 3D mode and that's completely different than a normal acro mode! I really wish horizon had included a traditional acro mode on it...but I guess then people wouldn't have a good reason to buy both a 3D and a non 3D QX

 

[SnowRocker88]

A baby FPV quad would be so sick. BUT, IDK if I have enough indoor area to have enough fun to justify it. I may convince myself at some point tho. $100 for a tiny FPV quad? Man, I've got everything else! How sick!

 

[Spastickitten]

Amazing! I would love to make one but don't have money -_-

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

I'm using the FrSky VD5M receiver.



It's tiny.



I took it out of the case and removed the connectors.



I attached it to the quad with a couple pieces of foam tape and soldered all of the connections in place.



Channel 5 is connected to PA8 on the board.

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

I'm using nano-tech 1S 300 mAh 45C batteries.



The problem with these batteries is that the polarity is reversed on the battery connecter compared to the batteries used on the Hubsan micro quads (and the connectors I'll be using).



It's pretty easy to switch the connector though.

 

[jipp]

looking good. i like these micro projects.. iv always been fascinating by things that are either on the small end of the scale, or the large.. dunno why... none are very practical when you get to a point of no return. but it sure is neat when something is miniaturized with skill. plus think of all the fun you will be able to have flying in spots your normally could not. i guess it also helps the industry really wants and can use smaller and lighter parts.

chris,

 

[Spastickitten]

How does that fly LOS

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

I'm using some motors for a Hubsan X4 that I picked up from Amazon.



To install them securely, I slid a piece of heat shrink tubing in the holes next to the motors.

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

When I ordered the motors from Amazon, I also ordered a bag of props for the Hubsan X4.



Here's what it looks like with the props on and everything secured with some hot glue:



I took the foam tape off of the rx and held it in place with hot glue too.

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

For FPV, I'm using the Spektrum SPMVA1100 that I picked up at my local hobby shop.



I just stuck it in place with some velcro and soldered a connector for it to the battery connection.

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

The all up weight is 43 g.

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

looking good.

Thanks!

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

How does that fly LOS

I think it's the best flying micro quad I've tried. That's probably mostly because I can set it up the way I like with Cleanflight and fly it in rate mode. The nano QX is the only micro quad that comes close.