Building a 3D-printed QuadCopter

I started printing parts for my first QuadCopter about a 2 weeks ago
and now have most of the parts ready for assembly . :D
I've also collected most of the motor, electronics and radio parts needed.
( I hope to have GPS, Telemetry, and 2 cameras in it)

All plastic parts are made with white PLA and were downloaded from thingiverse.com
and most are for a fairly large design called 'Spyda'
I had to modify size and shape of some printed parts to make them fit properly.

I remember others on this forum saying they had built Multi-Copters
and was wondering which designs you have flying ??

This has been and is a Fun project ! :D

I'm on my 3rd 250/250+ build. This one is a ZMR and will be fluorescent orange (all with PETG). I know PLA is supposed to be getting better. That said, every quad I've seen that was built with PLA seems to get parts remade constantly. PETG has more strength plus just enough flex to seem to be able to withstand the crashes a little more.

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Originally Posted by ssayer

I'm on my 3rd 250/250+ build. This one is a ZMR and will be fluorescent orange (all with PETG). I know PLA is supposed to be getting better. That said, every quad I've seen that was built with PLA seems to get parts remade constantly. PETG has more strength plus just enough flex to seem to be able to withstand the crashes a little more.

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"Crashes !" CRASHES ! Who Me Crash ! LOL ;)

Thanks for the Tip, if I have problems with the PLA parts I will certainly try the PETG.
I've not printed anything with PETG yet and I plan to try it soon !
The PLA parts seem fairly strong but as you say 'Crash landings' will be the Real Test .

It seems that the PETG may be Too flexible for the Motor mounting Arms though ??
Shouldn't they be very Ridged ?

I'm wondering which type cameras and video-transmitters you have tried ?
I'm now trying to determine which types of camera system would be best to use ?
Do you like the GoPro style camera or do you like the smaller, lighter types ?
There are printable mounting-brackets, for various cameras at thingiverse.com.
So, I need to determine which cameras to use before I can print the mounting-brackets ?

Check out the arm in the second picture here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:720139 Trust me, no flex at all on that arm.

I've tried all kinds of cameras and transmitters as I have a lot of quads (you can never own too many!). For just flying, my favorite cam is: http://www.securitycamera2000.com/pr...ra%252dUS.html

For 1080p video, the Mobius (make sure you get a genuine one!) is great. It's way lighter than a GoPro.

I remixed this a few different ways for my camera mounting depending on which camera. Also I turned it into a tilt only gimbal: http://www.thingiverse.com/make:137056
You just can't go wrong with a tilt gimbal. Without it you either end up looking at the ground when you're flying fast, or you use a wedge and you're looking at the sky when you're flying slow...

Thanks for the great Info !

I had purchased a camera very similar to one at securitycamera2000 website,
on eBay, but have not tested it yet and not sure if I want to use it.
I have not looked at the Mobius camera yet,
since it seemed that it would be more difficult to mount, due to it's long shape ?

Yes, the GoPro type are large and heavier but I kinda like that they have their own battery
and do not use power from flight battery.
How Much difference that would make I'm Not sure ?

I really like that gimbal design,
It's much more compact than many other designs I've seen.
I'll probably test fly it first and then add a camera Gimbal-mount,
if there's no weight or servo power problems.

This is pic of 1/3" Sony camera I got at eBay:
(Click pic for larger view)
Attachment 7797

The Mobius is easy to mount on a gimbal. I have it here temporarily while I build the ZMR quad where I will mount it on the front in a much better position. The neat thing about the gimbal is that it keeps the camera pointed level at all times except... when I flip a switch where I have it configured to point down at a 30° making it perfect for taking pics and video from up high.

Attachment 7798

While the Mobius has it's own battery, it really doesn't use much flight battery at all, so I have it connected to it and configured to automatically turn on and start recording when the flight battery is plugged in.

The pic of the camera you put up looks like a CCD camera. If it is, then I have it on one of my quads and consider it a quality camera as well.

wishing to see your masterpiece!

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Originally Posted by ssayer

The pic of the camera you put up looks like a CCD camera. If it is, then I have it on one of my quads and consider it a quality camera as well.

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Okay, I'll mount that Sony camera first and see how it goes.

Well they call it a CCTV camera, I assume that is the same as a CCD.

I plan to experiment with different type cameras and camera-mounts to see which I like best.

I was also wondering about this type camera, see pic:
It is Very small and has 1/3" lens also
( much smaller rear box and lighter, than the Sony I have now, but may not be as durable)
Being lighter it may vibrate Less ?
I found a mounting bracket for it at thingiverse also.

Attachment 7799

CCTV doesn't mean CCD (it means Closed-circuit television), more info is needed to determine what it is.

That second camera is for sure a CMOS camera (I own two of them and eventually ended up putting them on my Quanum V1 and V2 goggles). While it will certainly work, it will in no way have as good a pic under adverse conditions as a CCD camera.

LOL, Okay I'll try to take some pictures soon , before I mount any motors and electronics.
and then more later after those are installed.

Just in case you are unaware, there is a ton of information on this and more at rcgroups.com ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ssayer

CCTV doesn't mean CCD (it means Closed-circuit television), more info is needed to determine what it is.

That second camera is for sure a CMOS camera (I own two of them and eventually ended up putting them on my Quanum V1 and V2 goggles). While it will certainly work, it will in no way have as good a pic under adverse conditions as a CCD camera.

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Okay, Thanks for the Info,
Strange that they would not give that information on eBay listings.
I'll need to do more research to determine which type they really are.

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Originally Posted by 3Dalloy.cc

wishing to see your masterpiece!

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This is picture of most of what I have Now:

I think this is considered to be a 500 size, since it is about 500mm between front and rear motor, on other side ?
(and I think the design is called Spyda-500)

The motor and power wiring-harness pictured is assembled and ready to be installed.
I printed all the white plastic parts ! ;)

Attachment 7800
Click pic for larger view:

Very nice! I take it you have a lot of room to fly? My property has a ton of trees thus I stay with the 250 size.

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Originally Posted by ssayer

Very nice! I take it you have a lot of room to fly? My property has a ton of trees thus I stay with the 250 size.

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We have a Tree problem also but there is a Park, with open Soccer-fields, about a block from our house that I plan to visit . ;)

I found out that the Sony camera Is a CCD type. ;)

Found a good mounting case for it at thingiverse also. ;)

Great! You did get the cable to change the settings with it, right?

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Originally Posted by ssayer

Great! You did get the cable to change the settings with it, right?

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If you are asking about the USB cable that goes to the Ardupilot-controller, then Yes .
I've not powered it up and tried that yet though .
Testing the controller will be one of the next things I will do.

I've been working on the GPS antenna and PCB Mount today.
That mount is another thing I printed, that I forgot to put in picture.

No, I'm talking about changing the settings on the CCD camera. I haven't seen one yet that I'm happy with the stock settings. Unfortunately, every camera seems to have it's own proprietary cable for changing settings so you have to make sure you have the cable needed to change settings for your particular camera.

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Originally Posted by ssayer

No, I'm talking about changing the settings on the CCD camera. I haven't seen one yet that I'm happy with the stock settings. Unfortunately, every camera seems to have it's own proprietary cable for changing settings so you have to make sure you have the cable needed to change settings for your particular camera.

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Ah, I don't think the Sony camera has changeable settings ??
There's only one 3-pin connector on it, Positive and negative power and video-out wires.

I guess changeable settings is another advantage of the GoPro type cameras,
over this type?

Nope. If it's really a CCD cam, then it has changeable settings. If not, then it's a CMOS cam. Do you have a link to the one you have?

The reason I thought it is a CCD is because they called it a CCD camera on the thingiverse.com website
at mounting-case download and info page, for that camera. But I suppose he could be wrong.

This is link to eBay page where I bought it
http://www.ebay.com/itm/191698258385...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I found this eBay seller that calls it a CCD camera:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-HD-700T...3D231595071670

Ok, first... the price makes me question authenticity. second... the place you bought it from lists this feature: "6 . Support OSD menu" so, if you got a manual, it should tell you how to access it. If not, I'd suggest that you ask the seller how to access said menu, simply because I have grave doubts that you bought what you think you bought and somehow doubt that he can back up that feature.

Even that second link (once again... that price...) it shows that there are a lot of options but... I sure as heck don't see how you'd access them...

What printer are you using?

I have 4 quads. But 2 are DJI's and two are less expensive brands.

I can understand how building your own is a great experience. The high tech ones are cool and all, but half the fun is the DIY part.

I'm designing a lot of accessories for mine.

I can vouch for the $69.00 SJ4000 (original version) camera.
The 1080p video I get from it is every bit as good as my $400 GoPro. Sometimes the colors are better and night video is significantly better.

Looking forward to seeing your updates on your quad build.

It looks like a FF Creator Pro clone, no?

I use MicroCenter's FF Creator Pro clone.

Not only is building your own a great experience but it also gets you right into how everything works. I use Naze32 Flight Control boards and you can set these up and tune them to whatever works best for you.

Since you've printed up the frame, arms, legs, spacers, mounts, etc... you pretty much know how exactly how everything fits together, so designing whatever other accessories just becomes an extension of your other prints. That's how I was able to remake the tilt gimbal to fit just so.

The Mobius's 1080p is great video. The nice thing about this is that every single frame is a potential picture or desktop background. :)

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Originally Posted by Ward

What printer are you using?
I have 4 quads. But 2 are DJI's and two are less expensive brands.
I can understand how building your own is a great experience. The high tech ones are cool and all, but half the fun is the DIY part.
I'm designing a lot of accessories for mine.

I can vouch for the $69.00 SJ4000 (original version) camera.
The 1080p video I get from it is every bit as good as my $400 GoPro. Sometimes the colors are better and night video is significantly better.

Looking forward to seeing your updates on your quad build.

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Our printer is a CTC-Bizer, with some modifications it has been great.
Yes, it's great to be able to just Print a new part if one is damaged or you want to change the design, also. ;)

Thanks for info about GoPro type cameras.
I have one of the clones ordered and should be here this week.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ssayer

Ok, first... the price makes me question authenticity. second... the place you bought it from lists this feature: "6 . Support OSD menu" so, if you got a manual, it should tell you how to access it. If not, I'd suggest that you ask the seller how to access said menu, simply because I have grave doubts that you bought what you think you bought and somehow doubt that he can back up that feature.

Even that second link (once again... that price...) it shows that there are a lot of options but... I sure as heck don't see how you'd access them...

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When I bought it I was hoping it would work without changing any settings ! ;)

The little Manual I got with it says Nothing about Accessing any settings menu,
so it may not be my first choice for a primary camera but may be okay for second camera ??

cant wait to see your products.

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Originally Posted by EagleSeven

When I bought it I was hoping it would work without changing any settings ! ;)

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Based on the second link you put up, it says, "Hassle free. Plug and play." That means of course, that they have it set up for what they think you might want. Personally, for me that sort of goes against the grain of DIY. If I want something their way I'll buy a Phantom or something. I like things my way. ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EagleSeven

The little Manual I got with it says Nothing about Accessing any settings menu,
so it may not be my first choice for a primary camera but may be okay for second camera ??

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ANY camera is okay. Especially when you're new to this. For me the idea is to not have to buy and buy and buy until I finally get it right but rather research and research and research in the hopes that I can buy once and remain happy as I go down the road. :)

Yes, for First try I'll be Happy to get Any video down ! ;)

The main thing I'm concerned about now is Vibration effecting camera (jello effect, etc).
I see all sorts of mount designs at thingiverse, from rock-solid to huge rubber shock mounts.
I think I'll try a solid bolted mount first and see how that works ??

Solid mounts are much Easier to print Also ! ;)

IF that camera really is a CCD camera, there won't be any jello so that isn't an issue. ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ssayer

IF that camera really is a CCD camera, there won't be any jello so that isn't an issue. ;)

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Okay, great, I'll Stay with Hard-mount then, and hope it's what it's supposed to Be ! ;)

I got the ordered GoPro clone camera today, so I'll be testing that also.

We are having Fun Now ! ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ward

I can vouch for the $69.00 SJ4000 (original version) camera.
The 1080p video I get from it is every bit as good as my $400 GoPro.

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I have question about the SJ4000 cameras:
I've seen Many pictures, on thingiverse, that show them Mounted Upside-Down.
When I tried that, the recorded video is Upside-Down, which I thought it Would be.
So, how are they reversing the transmitted or recorded videos to be correct ??

Are they just turning over their Monitor or is there a Trick to it ?? ;)