QAV400 quad build

[C0d3M0nk3y]

I'm really liking FPV on minis, so I'm going to try out a larger quad. I chose the QAV400. I plan on using it for more AP-like flying, but not necessarily AP. I'll keep track of my progress here.

Specs:

MK 13: Lumenier QAV400

motors: SunnySky X2216-9 1100 KV II
ESCs: Rotorgeeks 30A v2 (BLHeli)
FC: BrainFPV v1.1
RX: FrSky X8R
props: HQ 8x5

current sensor: AttoPilot 180A
12V regulator: Pololu 2117
battery: Lumenier 4S 3300 mAh 35C

GPS: uBlox NEO-M8

camera: GoPro HERO3+ Black
video switch SmartFPV 3 channel
FPV camera: Sony PZ0420
FPV TX: ImmersionRC 5.8 GHz 600 mW
FPV antenna: ImmersionRC 5.8 GHz SpiroNET

motor to motor distance:
all up weight:
​

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

Here are the frame parts and aluminum arms.

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

I'm using Rotorgeeks 30A ESCs with SunnySky 2216 1100 KV motors swinging HQ 8x5 props.

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

For the flight controller, I'm going to give the BrainFPV a try.

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

Arms attached to PDB:





ESCs soldered on:

 

[BanditJacksRC]

this looks very cool. I have been waning to try out that brain sometime, but it is a bit too pricey for my taste! lol
I will be following this one

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

this looks very cool.

Thanks.

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

Clean plate attached.

 

[Ocean]

Any reason for a QAV400 over other options like the CineTank or TBS Disco, especially if it is mostly for AP?

It was the fact that I have a mini that for me pushed me towards a Cinetank Mk2 for a 400 size quad, as I felt I didn't need aggressive style flying (as a QAV400 does better) as my miniquad could do it for me, thus I opted for a Cinetank as it is considered better for AP.

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

Any reason for a QAV400 over other options like the CineTank or TBS Disco, especially if it is mostly for AP?

The CineTank was my second choice. I went with the QAV400 mostly for the ability to add a gimbal easily.

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

These motors have a very long shaft coming out of the bottom of the motor.



I put the motor in a plastic bag and used the shaft to poke a hole in the bag. Then I put some tape around the hole just to make sure I had a good seal. I did this to make sure any metal shavings wouldn't get pulled into the motor by the magnets.



I cut the shaft off with a bolt cutter and cleaned up the sharp edges left after the cut with a file. I repeated this on the other 3 motors.

 

[mpbiv]

Nice build! You always do a great job with the documentation

I've got a QAV400 running Naze32 and it flies really nice! Had it for about a year now, but sadly it doesn't get much flight since I got into minis.

You will definitely love the BrainFPV! I have one on my Blackout and the OSD is super nice. There are so many other nice features too if you plan to run a GPS antenna. I'm building a Flying Cinema Tankito 30 Carbon right now and I am considering ordering up another BrainFPV for it.

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

Nice build! You always do a great job with the documentation

Thanks!

You will definitely love the BrainFPV! I have one on my Blackout and the OSD is super nice. There are so many other nice features too if you plan to run a GPS antenna.

Yes, I'm planning on running GPS to try everything out.

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

Motors and landing gear installed:



Bottom plate attached:

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

Pins soldered on the FC:

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

FC installed with ESC wires connected:

 

[jipp]

nice. this thway i want to ease into ap. ill keep short. typing one handed. bad fall last night, night morning in er. so i will be lurking for a while i heal.

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

nice.

Thanks.

bad fall last night, night morning in er. so i will be lurking for a while i heal.

Ouch. Hope you heal quickly.

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

Receiver installed. I'm using PWM for control.

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

I picked up a uBlox NEO-M8 GPS on eBay.



I haven't seen much documentation on the wiring layout, but this is what I think the wires are: