Group Build 2014, DJI NAZA/F450 Quadcopter!

[gomotomoto]

So sorry if I spun this thread onto chargers and power supplies. I just wanted to buy something so I could participate in the thread. While I so appreciate the dell mods and such, I think it's a bit out of scope for me and also not comfortable to do any hacks or mods that may or may not work. I'm sure they do work but for the purpose of the project and getting into it, I think I'll prefer to stick to something commercially available. I'm all for saving money and ingenuity, but I think I need to learn and understand more rules before I go breakin' em

 

[CaptainJustice]

the X2-400 doesn't come with a power supply, nor does the CellPro Multi4. For the X2-400 I'd recommend getting a production power supply rather than the Dell server power supplies that are out there cheap. If you're competent to wire up the server units then go for it but it's not the safest way to go and they're very loud. I've got the server power supplies but if/when they die I'll buy a factory unit like this one

http://www.bphobbies.com/view.asp?id=B4035459&pid=H2384669

Here's another approach, a ps for General use. Look at the QJE ps on this page: http://www.aaradio.com/belton/Catalog_Site/pwr_supply.html. I got the 50 amp and a number of hams in our area have had good luck with them.

 

[CaptainJustice]

i have an icharger 306B but I actually like the Hitec X2-400 better and have recommended it to a few people. it's got two charging channels and can parallel charge through both doing different charge programs simultaneously. SO you can either charge two 6 cell packs on each channel simultaneously or charge two 6 cell packs and maybe three 4 cell packs simultaneously on separate and independent charging channels.

I second the idea on that charger. Started with the hyperion and got this when the hyp quit. Hitec quality is much better. Ignore the manual about getting a usb adapter to monitor things on your computer - this one's does not do that.

 

[Bartman]

chargers are either going to be 12v or 24v so the PS has to have that voltage level as its output voltage

 

[gomotomoto]

So the hitec and the PS is about $400. Seems nutty from an outsider point of view but I want to invest in a good one. I'm goin for it!


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[Bartman]

So the hitec and the PS is about $400. Seems nutty from an outsider point of view but I want to invest in a good one. I'm goin for it!


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just keep in mind that that is a lot of charger and can do a lot of damage if you mistreat it. if you're just starting out get something small keeping in mind that you'll always have the random 2 and 3 cell packs that run things like video receivers, camera mounts, smaller quads, etc and a spare charger to do them separately will come in handy.

 

[gomotomoto]

K, Will do. So now can we list a few options for noooobs looking for a charger with an (included/integrated) AC plug-power source that is well built and pretty simple to use and puts out all the info we need to ninjutsu up some Lipos?


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[cjacobs]

Is there a complete list of parts we need for this project? I'm just starting mine and just want to make sure I didnt miss anything


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[coreyperez]

CJacombs:

I’ll open with answering your questions, this supports my statements later on J

Look at the following post numbers: 33, 47, 50, 53, 58, 59… (As a rule, Page 5 will end at page post 50, Page 8 would end at post 80, etc. That will help you narrow down the page number to reference).


I didn’t go through all the pages, I’ve done that already and found my answers. You probably could just skim over them and look for numbers amongst the words, that is exactly what I did to get you those post numbers.

Corey


Now, back to page 26/27 in general:

I’d just like to bring the “Duh” factor into this (I’ve got a BS in Aviation Safety, so that obviously means I know EVERYTHING not really). With the idea of building a charger, especially since this is a new-comers type introduction/build, the answer probably “should” be something store purchased, with a UL rating. Like Bart just pointed out, these chargers can put out MASSIVE amounts of power that if you aren’t actually educated in (not a “Forum-Degree”), but actually educated in, I’d recommend sticking (initially) with something safe.

Now, that being said: I too have purchased and received x2 HP server power supplies, read up on numerous forums and have a pelican case to put my server power supplies in. Since I’ve got a 3, 5 and 8 year old, this could quite frankly be as stupid as leaving a loaded gun around. Anybody want to venture a guess why they call it the “Theory of Electricity”. None the less, my HP power source will be locked up and treated AS THE HAZARD IT IS. I’ve also purchased a little “off the shelf” version that will get used until I know enough about the ways to manage the power applications and the actual rules of charging. Right now, I’m reading so many different posts regarding different things it’s on my “to do” list. I’ve got the safe charger on its way and will be here at the time I’m ready to use it.

I’d recommend keeping this oriented towards beginners vs. adding yet another additional component to the mix. Not to mention, we will probably continue to get “repeat” questions because nobody wants to read through irrelevant posts. Case in point, I spent over 7hrs just reading through 90 some pages that were most full of lateral conversations. So, to reel this back in: I refuse to have any of my children get hurt, and if you are in a house without children or chose to take that level of risk, hopefully the police will post a closing remark as they come upon your smoldering remains. It only takes milliamps to stop the heart.

“While any amount of current over 10 milliamps (0.01 amp) is capable of producing painful to severe shock, currents between 100 and 200 mA (0.1 to 0.2 amp) are lethal. Currents above 200 milliamps (0.2 amp), while producing severe burns and unconsciousness, do not usually cause death if the victim is given immediate attention. Resuscitation, consisting of artificial respiration, will usually revive the victim”

http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/~p616/safety/fatal_current.html

Your warning has been issued… (This will be my only post regarding this subject.)

Corey

 

[cjacobs]

Thanks CoreyPerez. I don't think it's the BS in aviation safety, it's actually cause your name is Corey and all the Corey's spelled with an "e" know just about everything. Just ask my wife. Again thanks you guys rock on this site

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[JoeBob]

Here's what I'm doing:
550, Zenmuse, GoPro, Control Me Landing Gear

http://ctrl.me/F450-Al-Landing-Gear

View attachment 15792

The legs are far enough apart to nestle the bottom plate of the 550 down onto the bracket I'm building. I'll attach the 550 to the square carbon fiber rails with 3M DualLock (Super strength Velcro) so that I can detach the Camera, Gimbal, and VTx as one unit for transport and storage. And so that I can practice with less weight and money in the air.

Here's my question: Should I mount the Zenmuse GCU V1 to the 550 or to the detachable camera module?
Module Pros:
The 8 pin connector cable from the GCU V1 to the Gimbal is the hardest cable to detach. I won't have to mess with it if it's mounted on the gear bracket.
More weight left on the ground without the GCU V1.

Unknown: Will I have to re-program the NAZA if it no longer sees the GCU V1? If I keep the module on the 550 and plugged in to the NAZA PMU, can I avoid re-programming when I detach the camera and VTx?

Loving it so far - no flying yet means no crashes. Yet.

Thanks,
JoeBob

 

[COMike93yj]

Sorry Corey,

The charger stuff is off topic.....my apologies!

Mike

@Bart....please feel free to delete my post on the subject about power supplies. Corey is correct and I do have a post in the electronics section that is more appropriate than cluttering this up!

 

[TBaldus]

New to this but about to start building my fist quad copter

Hi everybody,
I am totally new to anything RC and multirotor. I got a small 1SQ quadcopter for Christmas and since that is so much fun to fly around I decided I want something a little better that i can fly outside and maybe put a GoPro or even FPV on later. In my research to decide which one I should buy I somehow stumbled on this thread and now think it would be within my capabilities to actually build one rather than just buying one. Anyway my wife gave me approval today to go ahead with this and build a F450 as described here (yes some of us need the wife to approve so we don't get in trouble later for spending to much money on toys:nevreness.

So I hope even though I am a little late to the party I can still get help from the more experience people when I run into any problems.

Bartman thanks again for starting this thread since this makes building a quadcopter for somebody with no prior experience like me a possibility.

 

[Crisp image]

Hi TBaldus welcome to the party it's never too late to join.
enjoy the ride and fly safe.
regards Crispy

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[COMike93yj]

Welcome to the build T!

There are a lot of us that need the "CFO" of the family for the blessing I think you are going about it the right way and building it yourself...if for nothing else you will know how to repair it when you crash (and you will).

Mike

 

[coreyperez]

HOLY BETTER THAN CHRISTMAS!!!

Its official! I now have EVERYTHING to finish my F550 Build!

(I actually only needed the Lipo charger and Radio)... Bulk Spares LOVE IT!

(Most of these are components for my next build & Spares)

Corey

 

[jbrumberg]

Welcome to the build T!

There are a lot of us that need the "CFO" of the family for the blessing I think you are going about it the right way and building it yourself...if for nothing else you will know how to repair it when you crash (and you will).

Mike

I agree, but even if I may need the "blessing"; if it is not forthcoming (and it usually is not) I take my chances. The history of flight involved taking risks.

Welcome TBaldus and good luck; and good luck to you as well Corey, you have been waiting a long time for all those parts.

 

[COMike93yj]

Glad you got all your parts Corey!!!!

Well "Santa Claus" came to the house a few minutes ago and my iCharger 308 Duo and the four pairs of free props (8x4.5) from Feng at HQprop arrived!!!!! Quick shipping from China THANKS FENG! RC Buddy also came through with the charger very rapidly!!!! Thanks Gary!!!!

Still awaiting the ESCs......I am keeping my fingers crossed that they will arrive soon but when I checked my order on the website it is STILL saying "Processing". Once these bad boys are here then I will be able to construct the 450!

 

[Bartman]

greetings from sunny Shanghai, China.....i'm back home tomorrow and will get to work finishing up our build thread and then those of you that are joining in can keep it going with your questions. I"ll keep an eye on it and do what I can to help although those of you that are following along will be more than capable of guiding future participants though the process.

my F450/NAZA is ready to fly so we'll finish up our review of the manual and go through some of the first flight checks, including radio setup and then get on with the maiden voyage.

we're almost done!

 

[Bartman]

At the suggestion of fellow site member md2020 (an eye doctor perhaps?) I've gone ahead and listed the video links and important posts in the first post of the thread.

Thanks MD2020 for the suggestion!