Icarus - A Brushless Micro Offset Quadcopter Frame

thingiverse

A 3D printed brushless micro FPV quadcopter frame featuring offset motors delivers remarkably smooth flights! Just wanted to share my first 2-inch frame design, a fun challenge I took on designing a 3D printed quadcopter frame. Here are some cool features of the design: * Flipped top-bottom plates allow motors to be mounted offset or inverted from each other so that the props ride in clean air. * Flexible build options enable 2, 3, or even 4 layer stack heights. * A backpack system allows mounting of a 20x20 VTx or perhaps even a Runcam Split Mini. * Props are not in view of the camera. * The frame can be set up to mount battery top or bottom. * It features a lightweight yet solid structure. * Easy to print, all parts print quickly and do not require supports. * A plastic frame means screws bite straight into the plastic, no need for nuts when fastening. * Plans are underway to create an HD camera mount, as well as 2.5" and 3" versions. Total build weight is around 77g dry. This frame performed surprisingly well on its maiden flight, very fast and smooth and easy to handle. There were some minor wobbles when applying high throttle, but with some tuning I think this will become a great little craft. I am very happy with these initial results! This frame was inspired by the Airblade Dark Knight and the RotorX Switchback. I just love their smooth handling because of the offset motors, and wanted a 3D printable 2" version. More parts and accessories are on the way, as well as an instruction video. Please post feedback, I'm excited to hear your thoughts! Hardware required: * 4x 18-25mm M2 screws for the stack * 10x 6-8mm M2 screws for the camera pod and backpack mount * 2x 3mm M2 screws for the camera * 20mm M2 standoff, preferably metal Build Notes: Select the base plate where the stack screws will go in (top or bottom), and use a 2mm or 2.5mm drill bit to widen the holes so that the stack screws can pass through easily. The base plate holes are intentionally 2mm diameter so that the stack screws bite into them and hold the completed model together.