Next Project - A Mini Drone Build

Mini Quads
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Following on from:

What’s The Fascination With Tiny Drones? - Mini Quads - Drone Hub

Where I was looking to understand what people like about mini drones, I’m convinced I need to try one… So I’ve ordered all the components to build one! Which I’m going to document the build here.

Having never built a mini and only ever built one other drone, this is going to be an interesting project, not least because of the lack of experience/knowledge…

First job was to order the required components, this was interesting, as there are so many variations on each component, so where to start was the first decision.

I opted to start with the frame, as this was something I knew was going to be small. A good starting point, no! same issue, so many variations! I opted for a 75mm frame from motor centre to motor centre, which may be too big for a mini. But I will only know that then it arrives.

Motors - 1503/2750kv 7.4v/2s (again, these may end up being too big for a mini)

Electronics - All-In-One/AIO as it’s compact, easy to manage and less to fit into a small space and has receiver/ELRS built in - NeutronRC AT32F435 Mini 2S 12A AIO Flight Controller w/ ELRS

Props - 3020-3 (I suspect these may be just a tad too long)

Batteries 2 x 1S 40C each connected to = 1 x 2S @ ~7.4v (matched 2S to the AIO FC, 8g a piece, 16g total)

Camera - FPV AIO - AIO again as it includes the VTX & OSD and is very compact

75mm frame (from motor centre to motor centre)
Motors - 1503/2750kv 7.4v/2s
NeutronRC AT32F435 Mini 2S 12A AIO Flight Controller w/ ELRS
Props - 3020-3
Batteries 2 x 1S 40C each connected to = 1 x 2S @ ~7.4v
Camera - FPV AIO

At this point I think I’ve ordered all the components, whether or not they’re the right ones for this build remains to be seen as they are delivered, I’ll update this post and with the build progress.

As always advice, constructive criticism & guidance is appreciated!

UPDATE No. 1 - Delivery of some more components
The following arrived, AIO FC, Frame, VTX Module, Motors, Batteries, their charger, connecting wire (1S x 2 = 2S) GPS - Not sure this is going in this build.

Pic of frame and placed on bits with measure on frame

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67.7mm as can be seen. The FC fits well but the motors are too big. I’ve been looking for replacements following JP’s advice… Thanks JP

Anyone know what this is for?

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It came with the FC there are no plug/sockets on the FC so I have no idea! GPS maybe?

TIA

UPDATE No. 2 Components I have received are not fitted into the frame and hood, they’re not secured or connected, as pictures and only 41g! - Including the batteries, the motors will add some more weight of course.

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Awaiting the replacement motors & props, once they arrive I’ll start connecting things up…

More updates to follow…

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Looking forward to following the build.

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Those motors look odd. Are you building a whoop or a 3 inch? My 3.5" runs 6s!

My whoops are sub 2" props running at 10000kV on 1102s. These fit really well with a 2s 550mAH. Although, I might have to increase the kV sometime.

I’m running a walksnail Nano as the vtx.

While build comes in at sub 100g

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Hi JP
Thanks for the feedback, I’m not sure about the size as mentioned. I’ll have to wait until I receive the frame which should be in the next few days. It’s a 75mm frame, which equates to about 3" I did say the components may not fit, For now as long as I can get something that flies reasonable well, it will be a start.

Then, I’ll look at what needs to be changed to make it better, but I think you’re right, it looks like it will be a 3"… What size frame would I need for a mini? 2" is it?

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I’d go 2" or less. The Pavo is 45mm (just to add confusion!).

Have you seen the kV table from Oscar Liang? It’s a really good guide on kV to motor to prop size.

I saw that this is an explore and experiment. My comments are meant to be constructive and supportive.

Keep in touch during the build and test flights, I’ll help where I can.

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Acknowledged, and yes, it is all about experimenting etc, I have built radios and other stuff, but never a quad/drone so “let the fun begin”! I plan to update this thread as the components arrive and the build begins. Don’t worry, I will not be doing an unboxing video! lol

I came across Oscar’s site, but haven’t had time to explore, from what I did see, it looks like an Aladdin’s cave for the drone enthusiast!

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Frame is looking good. How are you mounting the battery? I sling mine underneath on the whoop.

Those motors do look pretty chunky, keep them for a 4 or 6s 3.5 inch!

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The red hood came with 2 options for battery mounting, the small is a bit too small and the big is a bit too big, so a workaround was developed! Elastic band! separating the 2 batteries to allow cooling…

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It’s looking good.
I actually liked the big motors.
Just assumed you were building a micro cargo lifter.
Have to read up on drone building.
I have no idea how you match the parts.

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How about a Martian 3? I have a set of 5040’s that will look great!

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Isn’t that 5 inch props on a 3 inch frame?

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Going to have a measure, isn’t drone building fun? !

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Absolutely. But I need to wait for my ten inch. I’d be happy to build for anyone in the meantime though.

Kind of living vicariously through your builds at the moment.

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Nice word! I had to look it up! I get your drift though.

While trying to resolve
the issue with the 10 inch, I’ve been setting up for three other builds…
The mini in this thread
The Martian 3 - Being Built in This Thread
The H680
Which will fly first is any body’s guess!
Call me crazy, you wouldn’t be the first! I just wanted to have some winter projects

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Update: The issue with the 10" is apparently resolved and winging it’s way back to me, sometime in the next few days - Hopefully!

The Mini is currently stalled, the replacement motors have the wrong mounting pattern/spacing for the bolts the secure them to the arms. Not sure what I’m going to do with this one yet…

The Martian 3 is progressing, updates on that build in it’s own build thread

The H680 is under way and will be added to a new thread/topic in the coming week

When the 10" arrives back here, it will be the priority as it should just be bind and go…? Who knows?

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It seems that getting one in the air would be a priority

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10" Update - I clearly spoke to soon, I can’t bind to the 868 receiver, I’ve changed the script on he TX to low… and tried every option.

I can’t ‘See’ the WiFi option on the receiver to check the settings, I’m going to have to contact the support team, again!

EDIT - Added pic of TX script - is that correct for connecting to 868Mhz?

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Go to the main screen, hit sys and then use the expresslrs Lau script to turn on WiFi.

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Sometimes you miss things that are right in front of you!

Thanks mate…

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No problem