FRL X 8" (or 9") Quadcopter Frame

thingiverse

I have a few 7" Floss like quads that I seem to favor over my FR7 for whatever reason, but I wanted something to goof around with 8 and 9" props (mostly 8"). I started down a path of making a (very nearly) True X version of the FRL. Midway through the design it was pointed out that you could just put two sets of rear FRL arms on instead of the deadcat arms and basically get what I have here (slightly stretched and maybe _barely_ would fit 9" possibly not). I was too far down my warpath of making something True X, but I think for many that's the better course for this sort of 8" cruiser instead of my design TBH. ## BOTTOM LINE: I shouldn't have spent so much time messing with 6 or 7" for dedicated distance cruisers. This setup is really just superior. These motors, props, etc... are just where it's at. Fast, efficient, crazy payload. It's a bit pricier mostly just because of the motors and there are like two prop options and they're both expensive and fragile ... anyways. I did try this on 9" - it was designed to allow that, but 2810 is probably near the smallest size appropriate for even 8". 9" did work, but it was biased a bit more toward efficiency and I just didn't enjoy it as much. Anyways, I really like it, **BUT I probably won't take this frame any further. I'm going to redesign fully to solve a number of issues. But wanted to post this as I have it.** ## KNOWN ISSUES AND TIPS!!: * **For any battery i've used - you NEED 300mm straps.** * Camera Mount included is for 19mm cams. * XT60 holder on the back is made for the XT60**H** - the rounder XT60 with a grey guard that snaps in place. that back print is designed to hold the XT60 plug without the guard. Work... OK :) * Capacitor holder is made for a 1000uf 50v (Panasonic FM or FR) * The bottom plate really isn't big enough to support a monster battery with one strap. The 3D printed (printed mine in PLA) support pucks are affixed with thin tape / zip ties to offer more support. A future design iteration should probably extend the bottom plate a bit. * There's really only room to elegantly place a single strap ... mildly sketchy ... there are opportunities to be creative though (as with the Floss). DEFINITELY sand those edges! * The Floss-like Command setup for this is meant to be affixed with two 3mm screws / nuts and a few zip ties. it's a little less stiff that I would've hoped a future iteration could probably extend the edges a bit more. * The Command Center has a 20x20 mount. In theory it should fit a Caddx Vista HOWEVER the screws don't really offer clearance to fit a hex key straight in. ::sigh:: you really need one of these ball head ones that can screw at any angle because I forgot to leave an a proper line to insert a tool straight in. so that's a bit fiddly. * It's compatible with the Vista mount for the FRL, but the 3D prints I have setup for the camera are made for 30mm standoffs vs. the Vista Mount for the FRL that is 35mm BOM: *Arms - 7mm (x4) *Bottom Plate - 2mm *Mid Plate - 2.5mm *Topplate - 2.5mm *M3 Pressnut x5 (placed as appropriate in mid plate) *M3 x 30mm Standoff *M3 Button head M3x8 x8 *M3 Button head M3x14 x12 **NOTE**: The M3x14 screws have a bit of overlap (see photo of weight). If I was going to order this again as-is I'd probably increase the bottom plate to 2.5mm and the mid to 3mm (and embed the center press nut and then 14 might be perfect. I ended up just sanding them down though). My Build: * 2810 1180kv * 6S (3300-4000mah) or 6S2P 21700 for endless fun * HQ 8x4.5x3 * Foxeer F7 V2 - Tekko32 F3 45A