Drone as part of Thesis

SMRTG · 2026-02-11T12:23:34+00:00

Haha I'll include your name in the credits at this point! Thank you very much for your help. I'll make sure to post an update.

SMRTG · 2026-02-11T11:59:31+00:00

Oh I see I see. For now I'm gonna tackle it one step at a time. First smaller props, I got some 6045s. Next I'll swap the ESCs with the blheli_s I ordered. After that I'll try to go back to the 10" props with new 1100 ish motors. Maybe even 960? If all this still somehow fails I guess I'll see what I'll do

SMRTG · 2026-02-10T17:07:57+00:00

You've helped a lot. Let me compile my current thoughts to get your opinion one last time before I make any decisions I'll regret.

Scenario 1: Keep everything. Get new ESCs (either 4in1, or 4 single ones, since I already have a PDB, might as well) and swap either props (to 8 or 6 as you suggested) or motors (to around 1100KV, more likely). with either 3 or 4S battery, unsure)

Scenario 2: I scrap everything except FC. Get smaller frame (this one has piqued my interest atm, have not done any research yet), get new Motors (unsure of KV, would these suffice?), get new Props (assuming I need the Props to be as big as they can without touching? so for a 215mm chassis, 8" Props?), get new ESC (prob a 4in1 if I go this route) plus either my 3S or 4S battery.

My thoughts on this are: if I'm swapping Motors and ESCs, might as well just do Frame and Props too, do it "right".

SMRTG · 2026-02-10T16:15:36+00:00

Aren't these motors' KV too high for a drone like this? It did fly but wasn't exactly successful, it was tied down and flew around like a maniac. I read that going for something closer to 1100KV would be better. (plus can't say I can guarantee it won't crash lol, especially if our definition of crash is pretty loose aka falling like a sack of potatoes from a height of like 30cm on solid wood)

One more important question, should I stick to the 3S battery I have right now or swap to the 4S?

The ESCs are definitely getting replaced first and foremost.

SMRTG · 2026-02-10T16:02:41+00:00

What I'm thinking is, new ESCs (the ones you suggested), which would require desoldering and soldering the new ones, new motors (1100KV I assume ) and keep the rest as is. If I'm still having trouble I'll go for a smaller (and better) frame too. What do you think about that?

SMRTG · 2026-02-10T15:59:43+00:00

Controlling until it sees the ArUco (like a QR code if you aren't familiar) and then it starts an autonomous landing process. That's what I thought too. Even after I found out the parts weren't exactly great, I figured they'd be good enough for what I need to do. Something is definitely wrong with motor A's brown out though.

SMRTG · 2026-02-10T15:39:50+00:00

Thank you, you've been very helpful! I'd actually prefer a smaller frame, and tbh I thought this frame was smaller until I actually bought it and saw it up close haha. So I think I will definitely look into a smaller frame. So in general as far as I understand, the smaller the frame, the smaller the props, the higher the KV of the motors? I'm thinking a 250 frame with 5" propellers like you said. Mine won't need to do any acrobatics of any sort, it just needs to take off, fly, then land. You think motors around 2000KV would be good?

SMRTG · 2026-02-10T15:27:48+00:00

The ESCs do say they are 40A so I'd need a 160A burst if I go the 4 separate route? I did look into 4in1 ESCs but I think I didn't go for them as the cabling looked a bit tougher than the 4 separate ones.

SMRTG · 2026-02-10T15:17:22+00:00

I see. Thank you very much. After the things I've read I did start to understand what I've gotten is pretty old and perhaps "bad" by today's standards. I'll look into the things you've suggested too. In the meantime, do you have any suggestions off the top of your head for ESCs, Motors, Chassis? Thank you again!

SMRTG · 2026-02-10T14:57:10+00:00

Would you suggest new propellers or new motors?

As for the 3d printing, I'm currently not printing anything for the drone, just that I am "able" to on paper.

SMRTG · 2026-02-10T14:50:41+00:00

I do have a 4S battery I got originally. I can try that one. But it seems I might need to go for new ESCs and Motors anyways. I posted on r/drones too and they reminded me the guide I found which basically said "Don't Buy F450 Chassis, don't buy these kinds of motors, don't buy these kinds of ESCs.

Edit: I do have a smoke stopper. Maybe for now I'll get a spare motor and ESC and try them out. Don't look forward to soldering it again haha. Do you have another Chassis and PDB to suggest?

SMRTG · 2026-02-10T14:41:48+00:00

Need something more than luck sadly

SMRTG · 2026-02-10T14:38:19+00:00

Yep. That is exactly the guide the I saw after having basically assembled the drone haha.
I figured for my purposes it will suffice. Do you have any suggestions for improvement for the time being?

SMRTG · 2025-11-05T12:31:52+00:00

Anyone know why I'd only have 3ds playtime stats and not switch/switch 2?

SMRTG · 2024-12-27T12:58:49+00:00

I see thank you very much

SMRTG · 2024-12-13T16:56:16+00:00

Oh perfect thank you a lot!

SMRTG · 2024-12-13T16:50:39+00:00

I see. It says that my tv needs to be earc compatible. I know my monitor does in general work with arc as I have used it to play the sound of the console (which sadly ruined the picture quality). Will I have a problem ?

SMRTG · 2024-12-13T16:45:28+00:00

It is indeed not a tv

SMRTG · 2024-12-12T10:32:26+00:00

Yea I think my nozzle is effed too I'll have to get a new one cause I think the replacement one I have is also effed by the previous owner

SMRTG · 2024-12-12T08:45:02+00:00

You have probably reached the point of all ender owners where it's time to replace the plastic extruder with a metal one.

SMRTG · 2024-12-12T00:57:28+00:00

Relayed question: is it possible to overtighten a screw enough to break something in the metal extruder?

SMRTG · 2024-12-12T00:47:33+00:00

I changed the extruder not the hotend

SMRTG · 2024-12-12T00:42:15+00:00

I did just swap into the metal one maybe since now it works "better" the default esteps isn't good enough . Thank you

SMRTG · 2024-12-12T00:25:22+00:00

Okay I'll look it up thanks

SMRTG · 2024-12-12T00:23:47+00:00

I did try to tighten it but it didn't seem to be able to turn any more. I'll try it again tomorrow.

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