TwitchFrames mini tricopter build

[C0d3M0nk3y]

I'm building a TwitchFrames mini tricopter. I'll keep track of my progress here.

Specs:

MK 9: TwitchFrames mini tricopter

motors: Cobra 2204/32 1960 KV
ESCs: KISS 18A v1.1
FC: Naze32 acro rev5 (Cleanflight)
RX: FrSky D4R-II
props: HQ 6x4.5
servo: Turnigy TGY-211DMH

5V regulator: Pololu 2831
12V regulator: Pololu 2117
battery: nano-tech 3S 1300 mAh 45C

FPV camera: Sony PZ0420
FPV TX: ImmersionRC 5.8 GHz 600 mW
FPV antenna: VAS 5.8 GHz BlueBeam Ultra

motor to motor distance: 200 mm
all up weight: 436 g
​

 

[narcolepticltd]

awesome! glad you guys are getting started before mine shows up... the more build threads to peruse the better!

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

awesome! glad you guys are getting started before mine shows up... the more build threads to peruse the better!

Mine's actually not here yet either, but I'm getting pretty excited about it.

 

[cranialrectosis]

4 build threads now for this copter. Way to go Twitchity!

What is the 12V regulator for?

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

4 build threads now for this copter. Way to go Twitchity!

Yeah, you guys were having way too much fun without me. I had to get in on it.

What is the 12V regulator for?

To get a clean 12V source for the FPV camera. The video transmitter I'm using has a regulated 5V output, so I'm going to step that up to 12V, which the FPV camera requires. I'm going this route instead of powering the FPV camera directly from the battery for a two reasons: to eliminate any interference from the ESCs in the video, and to make sure that there is always enough voltage for the camera to operate properly (and not too much if I go up to 4S).

 

[Twitchity]

All these new builds are going to make my tri sad since everyone is running 2204's. You guys are forcing me to go out and buy new motors...

 

[cranialrectosis]

All these new builds are going to make my tri sad since everyone is running 2204's. You guys are forcing me to go out and buy new motors...

Use the 1806s for a Y-6 version just for diversity's sake.

To my knowledge this will mark the 5th build on FT.
1 with DYS 2300kv 1806 motors
1 with SunnySky 2300kv 2204 motors
2 with Cobra 1960 2204 motors
1 with Cobra 2300kv 2204 motors

If I am not mistaken we are all running 6" rotors, probably HQ 6045s. We could use a Y-6 in here, but the tri is just so much freaking fun to fly!

Codemonkey, you are running the 1960kv motors. Are you thinking of future 4S ability?

 

[Mustang7302]

All these new builds are going to make my tri sad since everyone is running 2204's. You guys are forcing me to go out and buy new motors...

Check your PMs. There is an offer you cannot refuse.

 

[Twitchity]

I think you already know the answer... PM sent.

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

To my knowledge this will mark the 5th build on FT.
1 with DYS 2300kv 1806 motors
1 with SunnySky 2300kv 2204 motors
2 with Cobra 1960 2204 motors
1 with Cobra 2300kv 2204 motors

This is going to be fun.

Codemonkey, you are running the 1960kv motors. Are you thinking of future 4S ability?

Yeah, that's why I'm going with the 1960s over the 2300s.

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

My frame arrived today. I haven't dealt with CF much, but these parts look really good to me.

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

I picked up a couple of batteries to try in addition to the nano-tech 1300.

 

[Twitchity]

That Lumenier battery looks to be pretty powerful. I didn't know they made a 60C-120C 1300mah battery. I really like the way my tri flew with an 850mah battery so that 1000mah should be nice.

 

[narcolepticltd]

I think I might have ordered a few too many nano-tech 1300's =P. Interested to see what kind of flight times you end up with on the 1000.

 

[C0d3M0nk3y]

That Lumenier battery looks to be pretty powerful. I didn't know they made a 60C-120C 1300mah battery.

They're fairly new. Probably overkill for the tricopter, but might come in handy on a quad.

 

[stealthattack]

Looks like a nice frame, do you have a link to where you purchased it? I can't seem to find it by that name on google.

 

[stealthattack]

Oh wait, to you sell these by email Twitchity? Oops my bad. Anyone have an overall weight of the frame before electronics?

 

[Twitchity]

Oh wait, to you sell these by email Twitchity? Oops my bad. Anyone have an overall weight of the frame before electronics?

Correct, these are all sold by email; I haven't created a web store yet. I have a frame I will be shipping out later today so I'll throw all of the parts on the scale and get a weight for you. Just waiting on USPS to drop off some hardware to complete the kit.

 

[narcolepticltd]

Looks like a nice frame, do you have a link to where you purchased it? I can't seem to find it by that name on google.

Twitch makes quality frames! My kit is weighing in at 105 grams with all the included hardware (including the included matchy matchy prop lock nuts). It measures 200mm from motor to motor in each direction. Pretty sure we're all running 6" props. I'm still waiting for all my orders to be delivered to form voltron, but there are several build threads on this frame currently in progress here.

 

[stealthattack]

That's not bad. Very cool looking frame. If I kill my ZMR I will take one motor, make a mighty mini, and use the other 3 for one of these. I assume the yaw control is awesome on a tiny tri. Thanks and good luck on these builds!