Mini Drak VTOL Conversion

thingiverse

There's now a Facebook group to discuss builds, successes and problems. Come join at https://www.facebook.com/groups/vtolhangout The Nano Drak VTOL has been a success and I had a few requests for a Mini Drak version. These are scaled up nacelles and a re-designed tail motor mount to fit the Mini Drak motor mount. Credit for the tilt-rotor design goes to Steve Carlson who designed a fantastic fully 3d-printed plane. Check it out here: https://hackaday.io/project/175286-minihawk-vtol July 17 2022 update: Added a bit fatter version of the long nacelle that has a slot for the tilt servo to ease the build. Also the wing mount is a bit wider and longer to accommodate the added weight of the servo. July 14 2022 update: Added a longer version of the nacelle with a narrow extension rod that will allow better airflow from the propeller. Either version of the nacelle works but the longer one should be more efficient. So far though I haven't yet tested it. July 8, 2022 note: tail motor mount fixed for 19x19 mount as intended. The original STL did not fit 19x19 motors properly. Note as of the time of this upload (June 14, 2022): I have not built one of these. I printed most of the parts and test fit them on my fully built Mini Drak and all seems good. I want to get my hands on another MD kit to finally test this without changing my only and somewhat pristine boomer Mini Drak pictured above. The motor mounts are designed for 28xx motors with 19x19 bolt pattern. There are lots of choices for a build. I think I would lean toward a 6S setup and lower KV motors and 7" props on this plane to make it more efficient and allow for some long adventure flying rather than hot rod style flying. One idea is to look at motor choices for pre-built 7" quads as a starting point. I also think its a good idea to use a slightly lower KV motor for the rear and a bigger prop. So potentially an 8" prop on the rear and 7" props on the front. That will provide a bit more power in the back to match the 2 front motors in vertical mode. I printed using Pet-G for its strength. 20% infill (50% for the tail). The nacelles and tilt motor mounts are laid out on their sides. I've had good success printing them in that orientation with full supports. Requires some cleanup with needle nose pliers afterward but supports come out pretty well. Mirror for the other side. Check out the nano drak for videos and Ardupilot param files: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5387189 Here's the Nano Drak maiden video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42L8vE7RcWE And a Nano Drak build walkthrough video: https://youtu.be/8DG942hFIpE And a basic Ardupilot setup video: https://youtu.be/4e3JP7eEZIU Check out my series on the Heewing for a lot of build tips: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5348919 Parts needed: Mini Drak.. 3 motors. Maybe something like this: https://www.racedayquads.com/products/brotherhobby-avenger-2806-5-1300kv?currency=USD&variant=29521319952497&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhqaVBhCxARIsAHK1tiP0Df9PmBXKA01TkDcsSfMPOfTPjaDS85zLRATqCQuxU94w4fuYfe0aAi0hEALw_wcB 4 in 1 ESC or individual 60 amp ESCs (guessing that's about right) Longer motor wire (I used this 20 awg on nano drak.. might want lower awg for mini): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K4QVW1K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Mr30 connectors for the motor wires: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VMK96QH?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share or Mr90 https://www.amazon.com/Amass-connector-female-bullet-connection/dp/B07X223LK3/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2MORMV20T9TMM&keywords=mr60&qid=1655251658&s=electronics&sprefix=mr60%2Celectronics%2C68&sr=1-3 Ardupilot compatible flight controller. I’m using a matek h743 wing v3 in my nano drak GPS with compass.. i'm using this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B092RVFSN4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 2-56 smooth rod for hinge mechanism, (may have to drill out hole with 5/65” drill bit) and 2-56 rod for linkage to servos.. also will need clevis of your choice to connect to servo horn (I used a solder clevis) e-z connector like https://www.dubro.com/collections/e-z-connectors/products/e-z-connector to lock hinge rod in place (bend other side) 2-56 ball link https://www.dubro.com/collections/kwik-links-clevis/products/2-56-threaded-ball-link (will have to drill out hole with 5/64” drill bit) servos for tilt mechanism..I am using Turnigy DMC809 which have tons of torque and smooth operation: https://hobbyking.com/en_us/dmc809-micro-digital-coreless-servo-25t-3-8kg.html. But if they are out of stock you can also find the pricier kpower brand which is the same servo on Amazon KPOWER 3kg/0.07s Coreless Titanium Gear Full Metal Case Slim Servo for RC Airplane Heli https://a.co/d/50YJh2K Another good option: https://www.buddyrc.com/products/kst-ds215mg-digital-servo-6-0v-0-06s-3-10kg?variant=39868029042876 My mini drak nose and pan option: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3954055