new build coming soon
Over the next few weeks I will be building an Align T-Rex 450 flybarless helicopter, but with a mini-APM controller and Arducopter. This is my first helicopter with APM and FPV so it should be fun!
Book sale is over, but here’s some mini-quad pics
Sale is over! FYI my book Drone University is going on sale. Christmas eve and day it will be 99 cents! Increment Duration Price % Discount 1 December 24, 2014 at 8:00 AM (PST) 40h $0.99 91% 2 December 26, 2014 at 12:00 AM (PST) 40h $2.99 71% 3 December 27, 2014 at 4:00 PM…
El Camino’s first crash
I took the new El-Camino frame out for a test flight. Was a little foggy at ground level, and 50′ up started to get thicker. This little frame is very fast and punchy and flies really well. Anyway, I flew the new frame around for a minute and got disorientated in the fog and of…
New bones for my mini-H quad. Frame transplant.
I was pretty happy with my Lexan frame that I made, but its always nice to have new stuff to break. I spent $20 on eBay and in 15 days I got this new frame. It has no brand name or model number, so I just call it El-Camino Quad. Unboxing pics here. The total…
New *made in China* 250mm quad frame unboxing
Editor note: to see this build click here. I got this on eBay for $19.99 shipped. The frame doesn’t have a name and I just sort of stumbled upon it accidentally, and was cheap enough to take a chance. Its sold as: “Mini 4-Axis 250mm Carbon & Glass Fiber H Quadcopter Frame Kit NOT Old…
An awesome new way to pitch blades for control
This video has left me with my jaw dropped. This is as significant as the wheel, or someone reinventing the wheel. With this, helicopters and coaxial copters will require less moving parts and be lighter overall. Great job everyone involved! via: http://hackaday.com/2014/12/16/uav-coaxial-copter-uses-unique-drive-mechanism/
Trappy has not won yet, things are now clearly worse
The NTSB stepped into the case like a bull in a china shop. It’s not looking good for Trappy (Raphael Pirker) or the rest of the RC/Drone community. Dan Gettinger summarized the NTSB decision: “The NTSB decision effectively means that drone pilots will not be able to challenge FAA enforcement actions (such as fines and…
OK GO’s – I wont let you down, new video. Drone build breakdown.
Lots of people are asking how they made this video and what drone was used. Here is the video we are talking about today. It features some really nice and inventive shots using a large drone. Below I will break it down into the parts they used. Breakdown: Here is the cart/drone stand they used.…
3D printed ducted fan flying wing
This is sure interesting! but looks under powered in my opinion. “Flight testing of an FDM-printed fixed wing UAV developed at the University of Sheffield AMRC.” via: http://hackaday.com/2014/10/27/flying-wing-project-uses-3d-printing-to-reach-new-heights/#more-135815
New easy to build from scrap 250mm Lexan mini H quad
I was gonna buy a Blackout Mini H, but didn’t want to part with $150 and the long wait. So I cut some scrap 1/4 Polycarbonate sheet (lexan) with a reciprocating Skill saw with fine tooth blade and in about 20 minutes I had a super strong quad frame. Its incredibly strong but you could…