So I decided to build a Tri-copter based on David Windestål's design, I decided to build the entire project from scratch using materials I had lying around. My main goal was to have a stable video platform with a low "All-up" weight and longest possible flight times. the frame plates are made fom 1'8" lexan,
I don't own a fancy CNC cutter or even a scroll saw so I cut everything entirely with a diamond cutting wheel and a rotory cutting tool. I sanded the lexan to a "Frosted" finish, i also sanded all of the edges smooth , I used m3x20mm screws for the main frame plates and m3x6mm screws to attatch the vibration isolators "1.2 mm piano wire" to the camera/battery tray, At first I was planning on cutting out the camera/battery tray from the plans that Flitetest and David provided but soon figured out I'm just not that good with a dremel so instead of sandwitching the ends of the music wire between wooden plates I just shaped the ends of the wire into little loops and screwed them onto the tray and the bottom of the airframe.
I used locktite and lock washers where they would fit to keep everything good and tight. i had to add a little rib made from 1'8" plywood to the bottom of the tray to stiffen it up a bit , a groove and some hot glue took care of this nicely. I heated the Lexan with a heat gun and bent the camera tray to a slight angle , and added a strip of neoprene "mouse pad" to the tray to act as a grip and a sort of extra vibration dampening.
I made some landing struts from extra Lexan, and also a top plate to protect the FC and RX
I also came up with a Breakaway retaining clip to keep the arms in place, im not too sure if I trust them to just stay in place.......
Overall I'm happy with the outcome I will be adding all of my electronics and flight control as soon as all of the parts arrive, Ugh hate waiting for parts from china! I will be making a Final build article along with a maiden video and fpv sample video. Im exited to see if i can get stable and "jello" free video with this platform im hoping the Lexan will prove to be crash resistent. Here is a couple more photos of the finished frame, LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU GUYS THINK! @flitetest , @DavidW =)
Frame weight: 258grams
no cnc cutters were harmed in the creation of this frame, unfortunatley 2 cutoff wheels were lost......
Looking forward to see it finished with all the wires and components.
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I like that you used a flexible material, that bend in the camera mount is slick.
I've been working with G10/Garolite/circuit board and it is a little touch to cut and drill, impossible to bend and it's super stinky.
I hope the alternative piano wire mounting works out for you. Seems like a nice simple solution.
Good use of the nylon hardware on the top plate. No load up there, less weight, less radio blocking. Nice.
What FC are you using? I've got an APM on my WIndestal tri and it can be a little tough to fit with all the bells and whistles.
My only advice would be to make sure to put a safety strap from your camera to the hub/frame just in case that thin camera tray breaks away or gets brittle and snaps off.
Be sure to post your progress.
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@ken ill be using a Crius AIO proV2 I just got it in today and loaded Arducopter 3.1 on it!! Also great idea with a camera tether I think ill use some fishing line as it will be lightweight and strong, I love working with lexan its super strong and flexible it can be bent in half without breaking!!
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My only question is about the camera angle - shouldn't it be pointing upward? The way it's shown in the pictures would be pointing straight to the ground in forward flight.
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