TREX 450 Pro APM/FPV build update 1

Completed a few items from the list today!

DONE:-solder new  wiring plug on 1258Mhz video transmitter, I hate DF13 connectors! They are too fragile. Replacing with two JST connectors
DONE:-mount 1258Mhz video transmitter, but still need a zip tie to double secure.
DONE:-mount FPV camera
DONE:-mount “minimosd extra” HUD video overlay (already programmed, procedure here), but still need a zip tie to double secure.
DONE:-foam up Microphone for wind, place inside frame
DONE:-mount 900Mhz telemetry, but still need a zip tie to double secure.

P1010087 (Large) P1010089 (Large) P1010095 (Large) P1010090 (Large)

TO-DO
-mount magnetometer, upgrade HMC-5983
-wire and mount power supply (BEC) for discreet power for APM and 433Mhz rx to prevent brownouts due to servo electrical draw
-balance props, remove weight if all possible. Tape is last resort.
-mount servos
-remove and Blue-loctite all bolts, careful to keep off loctite off plastics
-mount 433Mhz receiver
-make 433Mhz dipole antenna, or turnstyle type
-make 900Mhz antenna
-program ESC, set RPM governor. 2500rpm???
-add foam over barometer, to smooth the pressure differential. Makes APM more stable in auto and loiter.
-set up RC transmitter for *airplane*, APM likes non-mixed inputs
-program APM (arduino/gyro/flight controller/arducopter)
-set servos 90 degrees and tie in linkages
-double check all electrical
-full power up, test all electrical
-evaluate RF noise for RF interference abatement, LCfilter/torroid placement, planning on using none due to shielding, component spacing and twisted pair cat5 wiring throughout. Don’t want the extra weight. Use a RTL-SDR for evaluation.
-lightly lube all gears
-double check all mechanical parts
-spin up motor while copter is anchored, evaluate APM vibration log
-test RC inputs work with mechanics
-log all up weight (auw)
-check final center of gravity (CG)
-take pictures, this is the best it will ever look
-check ground station FPV gear and Mission Planner
-maiden 1, spin up, frame tied to ground. Test control surfaces
-maiden 2, take off 5′ then land
-maiden 3, repeat 2
-maiden 4, fly a *short* distance, return and land
-maiden 5, repeat 4
-maiden 6, test APM auto modes
-maiden 7, repeat 6
-flight check then normal flight

DONE: visually check all parts prior to assembly, and circuit boards with loupe for poor solder joints
DONE: assemble frame, bolts finger tight
DONE: mod: dual thrust torque boom bearings to reduce tail boom vibration. Add tail motor if necessary. Pic below.
DONE: mount Gopro, used Moolgel and Tarot “card” system…though modified. Pic below.
DONE: make skids, for frame level and camera mount. *no pic yet*
DONE: kapton tape all circuit boards, for water and dust. Then wrap in aluminum foil tied to ground, then wrap in kapton again

Leave a Reply