The tough 250 racing quad

thingiverse

I've been testing various types, models, and makes of motors, ESCs, and FCs lately, and no matter how well-designed a 3D printed component is, it will only withstand so much punishment before printing replacement parts becomes more cost-effective than test flying. So I decided to compromise on the build by using a Diatone 250 single-piece frame as a base for modification. These frames are available from HobbyKing as the "FPV250" frame for around £7 and have been nearly indestructible up until now, which makes them ideal for use as a test rig. The base frame is located at http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__66324__HobbyKing_8482_FPV250_Quad_Copter_A_Mini_Sized_FPV_Multi_Rotor_kit_AR_Warehouse_.html. The lower platform can accommodate either 4x (up to) 12A ESCs or the Quatro or Q-Brain 4in1's. The FC platform can accommodate anything up to a MultiWii or KK2.1 board in size. The upper platform offers FC protection and provides space for a GPS receiver or VTX. The battery bay accommodates up to a Turnigy 3S 2200mAh battery, while the RX can be placed on the back platform and the cam can be hung off the front. When completed, this will be a compact piece of kit with a nice, tidy design. Fingers crossed that is the case. Print Settings Printer: Colido Printrite DIY 3D printer Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: 0.3mm Infill: 30% Post-Printing Update (17/05/2016): I finally got around to building the Tough250, and oh my, what a little monster it is! CC3D-Nano FC Q-BRAIN 25A ESCs 2200mAh 3S 25C Turnigy battery 1950kv Keda outrunners Radiolink 7CH transmitter 6x3 bullnose props (my own) Weight: 742g full loaded As you can imagine, it's quite gutsy to say the least. I may even downsize the props to rein it in a bit. It holds altitude at around 40% throttle and has plenty of reserves even with a 30C max burst lipo. I'm going to spend a few days putting it through its paces before seeing what it can do acro-wise on new lipos (I'm ordering some 40C-50C bursts for this). Update (26/05/2016): I added a battery enclosure, FC plate, redesigned top and lower plates, and created a canopy design. Update (28/05/2016): I just can't help fiddling with this... It flies great, has plenty of power, but just needs better looks. I've added: * A new upper plate design (essentially a canopy mounting plate) * A new split canopy design to allow GPS/VTX/receiver aerial passage and better electronics protection (and looks) Update (31/05/2016): I added alternative battery mount/landing legs. Update (06/06/2016): I added an alternative lower plate with LED mounting points.