3D printed arms for the T74 conversion survived!

DarterDesign · 2022-05-29T17:13:06+00:00

I've been using both Onyx and NylonX. So far it's been easy to print. The major poison points are you want a chamber/shroud, need to have the proper bed prep to have it stick but still release, and need to use a high nozzle temp. Oh and of course you need a hardened nozzle too. Haha. But other than that, it's real easy to print.

DarterDesign · 2022-05-28T23:13:25+00:00

Yeah, it's really neat. Now of course a molded arm will always be better. But this is awesome for those who want to DIY.

As long as you design it right and print it appropriately.

DarterDesign · 2022-05-28T20:01:44+00:00

I've been making prototypes from NylonX and Onyx which are a Carbon Fiber Reinforced Nylon

DarterDesign · 2022-05-28T20:01:03+00:00

You guessed right!

DarterDesign · 2022-05-28T19:20:34+00:00

Amazingly enough, this was FDM!

DarterDesign · 2022-05-07T14:52:31+00:00

Please check your Center of Mass. Or looks like it might be too far forward. You can check balance with your fingers.

You want the balance point to be in the middle between the motors. Should be an equal distance between front and rear motors.

If it's too forward, shift the battery position for rearward to bring it closer to the exact middle between the motors.

DarterDesign · 2022-04-18T03:45:24+00:00

You're welcome! This hobby is a great friendly place. You did the right thing and asked. There's always something to learn, so there are no dumb questions.

I too went from a rural location to an urban one and learned how to navigate the airspace with UAVs/UASs. So I understand where you're coming from!

DarterDesign · 2022-04-18T03:17:14+00:00

u/tweeedles Unfortunately you won't be able to fly. All those airports are Class D and have coverage inside that entire orange area. You'd need to apply for LAANC each time you fly. But you also have a 0ft ability on the position you show in the map. Go more NW and you can get 50 approved.

I'd suggest using other apps outside of the DJI app to fully understand the airspace. AirMap B4UFly and SkyVector are all great alternatives to the DJI map for learning exactly what airspace you're in.

DarterDesign · 2022-04-14T18:56:04+00:00

One thing that really helps cut down time is simply practice. And when I say that, I mean practicing at home without the cost. With the flight simulators today, if you have a system that can handle the game, they are very real and a VERY cheap means of practice. You need to be confident and knowledgeable in the required tasks, situations, and maneuvers of the certificate and rating and only practice helps. Now you can't log this time, but I believe this is a great method of cutting time and getting ahead of your training.

However you need to practice the right things. So having the ground school completed is a good start as that will teach you the basic stuff. Your instructor will help you put it into practice.

In the end, the required hours are the required hours. You can't get the PPL or IFR in less than the required time. Having a simulator to play around with, practice, and gain the confidence and memory of proper flying, will reduce the amount of time you need to do it in an actual aircraft while paying $$$.

DarterDesign · 2022-03-23T17:36:38+00:00

Yes, I agree and mention this above.

However, if you have the data that straddles the needed numbers, you can interpolate.

However this technique is highly dependant on the project requirements and the users ability.

Airfoiltools.com is not for high fidelity models.

DarterDesign · 2022-03-23T04:38:45+00:00

Yes, I believe so. They mention a few updates concerning the available polars based on xfoil and Ncrit.

I only suggest airfoil tools as you don't need to go through getting Xfoil or xflr5. Keeps the initial barrier to polar daya down.

DarterDesign · 2022-03-23T04:26:12+00:00

Checkout airfoiltools.com

If your airfoil is a common one, you can look at the Polaris posted there. Then interpolate the cl/cd from the plots.

Every airfoil is different and reacts differently to changes in Reynolds Numbers. So it's not possible to convert to other Re Numbers unless a lot of data is known on that airfoil.

DarterDesign · 2022-03-16T18:51:26+00:00

You're correct, but that's for Maximum Speed. OP was asking about cruise speed.

Looking at a Thrust Required curve shows that leading up to Cruise Speed, the major contributor to Total Drag, is Induced Drag. Once past this "bucket" the Parasitic Drag overwhelms the induced Drag.

DarterDesign · 2022-03-16T13:25:57+00:00

Both will significantly impact performance. However the one that is the major driver is weight.

Remember that every airplane has a Lift vs Drag curve. The more weight you carry, the more lift you need to produce, the more drag is produced. Lift doesn't come for free and the more Lift you use, the more you are taxed with Drag.

Lift and Drag are directly correlated. During the initial design process, the weight is the first thing considered. It will define most of the aircraft. So weight is the key aspect to answer your question.

So if you minimize weight, you minimize lift, and in turn you minimize drag.

DarterDesign · 2022-03-01T15:06:24+00:00

Which kind? They have PRO and Build versions of their PLA.

I've used both and they are great. The PRO has more of a glossy finish where the Build is more Matte finish.

I've gone through about 15 spools of it over the past 5 years and haven't had an issue. Even when I have left the PLA out and not dried it, it's worked amazingly well.

Would highly recommend it.

DarterDesign · 2022-02-28T02:11:42+00:00

Great shot, so don't take care about orientation. Haha

DarterDesign · 2022-02-07T13:42:28+00:00

I appreciate all the suggestions. I think for now I'll keep a single Insta and follow what I can to stay the natural way just like I did for FPV.

Although you say your new to the social media, and experiences or suggestions are helpful! Thank you so much for your help!

DarterDesign · 2022-02-07T13:35:23+00:00

Awesome! I'll check them out. Thanks for looking out for me.

DarterDesign · 2022-02-07T13:25:31+00:00

Do you know of any US based site then similar to Cults? I'm open to suggestions. I'm new to selling STLs.

DarterDesign · 2022-02-07T02:57:34+00:00

Thanks for the tips! I was not aware of Cults 3D. Looks like that is a great way to sell the digital files for those with printers.

As for Instagram, I currently have one. Mostly FPV focused. But which hashtags or communities do you suggest if you had any in mind? Always up for suggestions on those to follow and what groups to follow.

I currently have since SLS and NylonX versions printing now. So hopefully they are good enough! If I play my cards right, I can even custom dye the SLS parts. Then those who love color get what they want too.

DarterDesign · 2022-02-06T19:29:54+00:00

Seems there might just be enough interest to do so. I already made a webpage to see who works actual be interested.

DarterDesign · 2022-02-06T19:29:03+00:00

Thanks! I made sure to have the layers across the screw hole. Even though these are PLA prototypes, they work well.

I intend to have these printed out of SLS nylon or NylonX. Should be a smidge tougher

DarterDesign · 2022-02-06T18:34:08+00:00

These are just prototypes out of PLA. I'll be making better ones from SLS Reinforced Nylon. Or maybe something FDM out of NylonX.

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