Here 's my more or less finished 150 quad

[G+_Dan Murray]

Here's my more or less finished 150 quad. I'm really happy with how well it turned out and I learned where I could make improvements next time.

 

I couldn't figure out a good way to mount the FC (Flip32 Mini) or receiver (FS-IA6B) with their plastic casings so they're just zip tied under the top part of the frame. The casing took up a lot of space, but there was no good way to mount the bare boards. The leads on the Mini were a pain too. The square board style FCs that mount above the PDB would have been much easier to work with and would have let me mount the receiver in the rear instead of the front, leaving room for a camera if I get one in the future. I also should have soldered the PDB before attaching it to the frame. Turns out those nylon screws melt really fast when you bump them with the iron... Total weight is 186g with battery.

 

I still need to figure out the right settings on the flight controller. I can get it in the air briefly, but it hops around like it's possessed even after I cut the throttle. Mostly 1-2 feet off the floor, but one bounce nearly hit the ceiling. So not only does it sound like angry bees - it feels like they're trying to get me!

[G+_Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ]

Wayne Hobbins? We're not really setup to handle larger batteries. Weight, weight, weight. -- Our cruise draw should be about 8 amps total, which is in spec.

[G+_Dan Murray]

Jonny Ramos I ordered all the quad parts before I checked prices on fpv gear. I'll be flying line of sight for a while :)

[G+_Dan Murray]

Wayne Hobbins better battery straps are on the list, the zip tie is temporary. I just didn't want to wait for more parts once I finished building last night.

 

I'm not sure where else I could mount the flight controller that wouldn't vibrate. Like I said, the plastic casing really limits options and it won't mount above the pdb. I'm open to suggestions.

 

I hadn't calibrated the ESCs, will do that right away. The throttle problem was the setting to run the motors when armed. It still bounces with throttle applied but at least I can make it stop now.

[G+_Dan Murray]

Wayne Hobbins I just used the spacers that came in the box. It fits vertically, I just meant it's not the standard 30mm square style. I like the tape idea, will give that a shot. I did calibrate the ESCs and that helped a lot. Thanks!

[G+_Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ]

Wayne Hobbins Those aren't the connectors we're using. And the wiring we're using is 18AWG vs. the 24AWG that you used for your max current quote. 

 

If you want something more empirical. The original FPV250 that we built used the same connector to power motors that drew 3x more current.

[G+_Ben Reese]

I can't find anything saying what JST connector that is, but their site lists a few high-current connectors - some supporting 30+ amps. http://www.jst-mfg.com/product/search_e.php?type=2&id=16&page=1

 

It's hard to see in the pics, but that might be the JFPS model: http://www.jst-mfg.com/product/detail_e.php?series=648

[G+_Dan Murray]

Carson Black I wasn't really worried about the connector, just figured I'd replace it if if dies.

 

It's funny, the FC has an arrow to make sure you point it in the right direction, but no other indication of where to mount so I just went for "as centered as possible".  I'm actually thinking of switching to a FC that I can mount above the PDB, because this one with its case just won't fit where I want it due to the large receiver taking up most of my vertical height.  That would address the CG issue and hopefully help with pitch adjustments as you said.  With some taller frame spacers I could also move the receiver back to prevent damage to the pins in the event of (yet another) front impact.

 

After trying to fly it for a week, it still feels nearly impossible to hold steady even in the trainer or horizon modes.  I think spending $25 now on a different FC will be much cheaper than the repairs I'll have to make if I keep trying as-is.  Thanks for the feedback!