Skewp

Member
Since I got my hands on some T-Motor U13's I decided to try them out and build a quadcopter.

List of parts:
*T-Motor U13 (100kV) - 4pcs
*T-Motor Flame 80A 6-12S ESC - 4pcs
*T-Motor 29x9.5 3-bladed prop - 4pcs
*T-Motor prop Quick-release for U13 - 4pcs
*Custom 4mm thick carbon centerplates
*Custom 3mm thick aluminium motor mounts - 4pcs
*Custom navigation strobo LED setup
*Custom vibration damper
*30/28mm Carbon tubes - 4pcs
*3D printed parts
*Vulcan UAV 400A PDB
*Pixhawk FC
*Castle Creations CC BEC (One for Pixhawk, one for retracts) - 2pcs
*Gens Ace 16 000 mAh 6S (2S2P) - 4pcs
*Futaba T14SG + R7008SB (+telemetry)
*ARRIS L1000 V3 retracts


What's the prurpose of the build?

Trying out the biggest and meanest T-Motor U13 motor. Let's see how they perform in different weather, can they be used on an AP rig and how much flight time will they offer.

I have previously tested a single U13 + Flame 80A + 29x9.5 prop set. You can find additional info about the weight, thrust and other important data in the following link:
http://www.dronevibes.com/forums/th...29x9-5-3-blade-prop-review-thrust-test.31750/

STEP 1. Make the drawings

Well, this was easy. Since I've been flying U7 (490kV) based X8 for a while I had already drawings of the centerplates, vibration damper, dome and 3D printer parts that will also fit the U13.

frame_800x422.jpg


STEP 2. Acquire parts

Very easy yet costly step.

STEP 3. Start building!

1. Cut centerplates, vibration damper and battery plate (CNC)
2. Cut aluminium motor mounts (Laser cutter)
3. Anodize motor mounts
4. Start the 3D printing factory!
5. Assemble.

START

Let's start with a size comparisson to show how big and mean an U13 motor is. From the left: MN4014, U7 and U13.

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T-Motor goodies:

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Power System

This thing is going to run on 12S. I am most likely using Gens Ace 16 000 mAh 6S batteries (4pcs). I will wire 2 in series and 2 in parallel to get 32 000 mAh 12S. The copter has four frame mounted EC5 connectors. Since Castle CC BEC does not run on 12S one EC5 connector has to be the "main" that gives 6S power to both of the BEC's and LED system. In this case:

1. The first "main" 6S battery will power up the Pixhawk, retracts and LED system.
2. The second 6S battery will complete the 12S system and power up the ESC's.
3. Third and fourth 6S battery will add another 16 000 mAh 12S to the power system.

Double EC5 mount.
ec5_800x515.jpg


Single EC5 mounts on both sides.
ec5s_800x544.jpg



In addition. To be sure that the motor-ESC-prop combo is up to the task...one must run the motor at full throttle for long period of time...just to be extra sure :p

T-Motor U13 + Flame 80 ESC + 29x9.5 prop @ Full thottle for 12 minutes:


Calculated weight of the copter without payload and with 4x 16 000 mAh 6S is 17,2kg (~37,92 lbs)


Antenna holder

Since there are props spinning near the centerplates one would not want receiver antennas to flap around. Solution - a 3D printed 90 degree mount.

antanna.png


Motor mounts

Since my carbon sheet order took too long to arrive I chose to power up the 4kW laser cutter and cut out some nice 3mm thick motor mounts. I also anodized them (black) so they would match with all the other components.

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Removable arms

Transporting this beast would be a nightmare without the removable arms. There are 4mm female bullets in the arm tubes and 4mm males ones between the centeplates. Just slide the arm in and lock it with the quick-release with safety pin. Quick an easy :)

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Next step - flight video :)
 


Skewp

Member
Those motors are beasts. AUW with batteries?

They sure are. T-Motor released a teaser picture of a 60" prop + motor combo too, that should be released soon. AUW without payload is 17,2kg (w/ 32 000 mAh 12S).

First flight(s) are done. Around 40 minutes flight time in this kind of setup. I am very pleased with the handling considering the weight and low kV motors. Without payload it flies like a racing quad, managed to max out at 26,5m/s (95,4km/h).


DSC_7380_800x533.JPG
 


Skewp

Member
That's insane, in a good way lol! Can't wait to hear what she'll lift.

It sure is! I plan to lift ~23kg payload so the total weight of the quad will be 40kg total :)


Had some free time in hand and made a short clip of the U13 quad. Check it out, it has a quick overview of the assembly process and some Air-To-Air in-flight shots ;)

 










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