Carbon Fibre Tube Quadcopter - Kraken Pod

thingiverse

UPDATE: Both V1 tube frames have been broken due to the carbon tubes not being properly secured and reinforced. I am working on a second revision that will use two small carbon plates to reinforce the arms, rather than relying on a big blob of epoxy. Inspired by the Bexamous tube frame: https://imgur.com/a/hEevI Final frame weights: 5" 200 size - 43g with a 2mm Kraken pod (31g without) 6" 230 size - 55g with a 3mm Kraken pod (34g without) To make a frame you will need: 4x 10mm_tube_16mm_mount (the part the motors mount on to) 1x 10mm_tube_Kraken template (this part is used as a template for drilling the board and pod holes and filing the notch) 10mm OD, 8mm ID carbon fibre tube, length of your choosing. I get mine here: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1Pc-Roll-Wrapped-Carbon-Fiber-Tube-3K-8mm-x-10mm-X-500mm-For-Multicopter-DIY-/131665162489?hash=item1ea7daf0f9:g:i3MAAOSwNphWXWZJ Epoxy, I used 5 minute epoxy. Optionally, a Kraken pod, I find the 3mm pod to be indestructible but the thinner pods are much lighter. I'm currently working on my own TPU pod that will fit a 50x50mm mounting pattern. https://boltrc.com.au/index.php?id_product=162&controller=product&search_query=kraken+pod&results=15 How to put it all together: (Repeat steps 1,2,3,4. You will need to make two tubes) NOTE: Carbon fibre dust is not good, avoid using rotary tools such as a dremel tool because it will throw dust in the air. A drill, hacksaw and a file are all that will be needed for the build and are all safe to use as long as the carbon is kept wet. I cut and drill my carbon outside spraying the tool and carbon tube with water frequently. Tools: Hacksaw Drill File Water proof fine sanding paper (optional) 1. Measure Measure a section of carbon tube, wrap the area to be cut with masking tape. For reference, I use two 250mm long tubes for a 6" and 220mm for a 5", both fitting a Kraken pod. 2. Cut Cut the tubing as desired with a hacksaw, keeping the tube and saw wet so no carbon particles escape. You may have to roll the tube around to make the cut. If the end of the tube is left rough or uneven wet the sand paper and smooth out the tip of the carbon tube. 3. Drilling Slide the template block on to a tube, lining the middle of the notch up with the centre of the tube. Place a motor mount on each end of the tube, ensuring that the end of the tube is level with the end of the motor mount. Ensure that both mounts and the template are correctly placed, you don't want misaligned holes. Drill a small pilot hole through all holes on one side of the tube, I use a 1/16 size bit. Repeat on the other side and follow up with a larger drill bit to widen the original holes so that they can all fit a M3 bolt. (Using a pilot hole minimises splitting of the carbon.)