SkyTrak - The Modular DIY UAV

thingiverse

This innovative design has been upgraded to an improved SkyTrak Ultra Lite, found here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1471256\nThe cutting-edge multirotor design serves as a versatile framework, rather than a completed product.\nThe concept behind this project was to create an airframe that moves on rails (similar to a camera rig) instead of plates like most other designs out there. \nWorking with carbon fiber plates for a custom UAV can be challenging and labor-intensive. 3D printed multirotor frames do not scale up well due to plastic's limited flexibility.\nThe SkyTrak resolves these issues by building a drone on a robust, carbon fiber tube "backbone". The tubes are incredibly light, commonly available, and reasonably priced. The 3D printed plastic parts act as efficient joints. The tubes are 10mm in diameter and spaced 60mm from center to center. I chose this layout because it's similar to a common rail configuration used on commercial airframes and gimbals, like Tarot and DYS.\nAs an added advantage, the SkyTrak features a completely modular and customizable design. You can create your own components and attach them anywhere along the tracks with ease. Repairing or modifying the drone is also simplified due to this philosophy.\nThe aircraft is designed so that any component can be removed without performing a full disassembly.\nFurthermore, I have developed an innovative arm-folding mechanism that surpasses common clips or friction-based methods used in standard commercial airframes.\nFor one week, I have been shooting aerial footage with this aircraft and I am highly satisfied with its performance.\nWhile the initial prototype exhibits several drawbacks. It's significantly heavier than desired. At around 550g, it weighs more than the TBS Discovery (415 g). Additionally, I want to reduce the number of plastic components used. Currently working on an enhanced design: the SkyTrak Ultra Lite... Coming soon!\nASSEMBLY - I have included images that should help you comprehend the assembly process. Below is a list of required parts you'll need to purchase. Be sure your rail tubes feature a 1mm wall thickness. The 0.5 mm ones are too weak.\nPARTS - For motor mounts, I employed iFlight universal motor mounts (http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-shipping-Tarot-M16-Flight-Seat-Motor-Mount-Orange-TL68B08-01-multicopter-multirotor-frame-kit-quadcopter/32315808262.html) but anything that clamps onto a 16mm diameter tube will suffice.\n*SkyTrak_arm_mount.stl: 4x CF tube 10x8x500mm (cut to the preferred length) | 8x M3 18mm socket screw | 8x M3 lock nuts | 4x M4 35mm socket screw | 4x M4 lock nuts | 8x 8/4mm washer | 4x 9/4.5mm washer\n*SkyTrak_arm_clamp_rear.STL and SkyTrak_arm_clamp_front.STL: 4x CF tube 16x14x180mm (or longer) | 4x M3 28mm socket screw | 4x M3 lock nuts\n*SkyTrak_leg_mount_bottom.STL: 4x M3 12mm socket screw | 4x M3 nuts\n*SkyTrak_GPS_mount_top.STL: 2x M3 12mm socket screw | 2x M3 nuts\nSkyTrak_normal_component_plate.STL and SkyTrak_extra_component_plate.STL: 4x 28mm stand-off | 12x M3 8mm socket screw | 4x M3 nuts | 8x 8/4mm washer \nPrint Settings\nRafts: No\n Supports: No\n Resolution: 0.1 to 0.2mm\n Infill: 20%\nNotes: I utilize Repetier-Host + Slic3r and printed my prototype on a DIY RepRap Prusa i3.\nRecommend adding several extra shell layers for additional rigidity. I employ 3 to 4 perimeters and 10 top/bottom prints, resulting in parts that are both strong and light with low infill percentages.