Rotor Drone - March - April 2015

MARCH/APRIL 2015

26 | First Look: DJI Inspire 1A sneak peek at a revolutionary new multirotor design By John Reid

32 | Ready, Set, Action! 14 pro tips for awesome aerial videosBy William Levasseur

40 | Case StudyThe protection and support gear essentials you need for multirotor successBy Matt Boyd

48 | A New View of Mont-Saint MichelCutting edge photography meets 8th century wonderBy Team RotorDrone

FEATURES

ON THE COVER: � e new DJI Inspire 1 is an all-in-one aerial video platform. Don’t miss our fi rst look on page 26! Photo by Tony Donaldson.

ON THIS PAGE: Alain Guillou took this outstanding aerial photo of Mont-Saint Michel using a multirotor; get all the details on page 48.

RotorDrone (ISSN 2374-8389) published by Air Age Media, 88 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897 USA. Copyright 2015; all rights reserved. Canadian Post Publications Mail Agreement No. 40008153. SUBSCRIPTIONS: To subscribe to any Air Age publication, call (800) 877-5169 or go to AirAgeStore.com. Canada and elsewhere call (386) 246-3323. CONTRIBUTIONS: All materials published in RotorDrone become the exclusive property of Air Age Inc., unless prior arrangement is made in writing with the Publisher. Descriptions of products were obtained from manufacturers or their press agencies and do not constitute an endorsement by the Publisher or guarantee their safety. ADVERTISING: Advertising rates are available on request. Please send advertising materials to Advertising Dept., Air Age Inc., 88 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897 USA; (203) 431-9000; fax (203) 592-3010.

ExpErt tEch64 | The FAA’s “333” Exemptions ExplainedMeeting the requirements to fly commercially By gus calderon

74 | Anatomy of FPVAn inside look at that “from the cockpit” experienceBy gerry yarrish

86 | Legal ViewThe FAA, congress, drones, and you By jeffrey antonelli

94 | 3D Printing FilamentsA quick guide to choosing 3D printing plastics! By william levasseur

air support54 | KDS Sky-Hero Little SpyderTopnotch quality in a small compact frame By john reid

60 | Drone Frames Mini-D QuadcopterA small, inexpensive but fully capable machine By Kyle matthew

66 | BirdsEyeView Aerobotics FireFly6This hybrid plane/multirotor can outfly anything in its class By miKe gantt

70 | Hobby People F600 Hexacopter DIY Starter KitFast, fun and photographer-ready! By miKe gantt

DEpartmEnts8 | Top View

10 | Online Coordinates

15 | Aerial Intel

98 | Over the Horizon

78 | Blade/Horizon Hobby 350QX3 AP ComboThe newest generation of the popular camera quad By gerry yarish

82 | Walkera from AMain.com QR X350An all-inclusive aerial photography solutionBy miKe gantt

88 | Estes Proto-X FPVThis micro quadcopter comes with its own HD screen! By gerry yarrish

8 RotorDroneMag.com

Wow, another issue all wrapped up and I have to say there is a lot happening in the drone/multirotor world. � is issue is a good example of that and includes many stories on current news. One that aff ects every drone operator out there is the latest on the

FAA rules and regulations. Jeff rey Antonelli helps us to understand what we have to work with now, and how to participate in shaping future rules. Our frequent contributor Gus Calderon also shares what the FAA’s 333 Exemptions mean for commercial drone fl ying.

LATEST TECHDrones are all about technology, and if you ever thought about creating your own multirotor parts, then you need to check out our quick guide on selecting 3D printing plastic for your printer and drone. Another technological avenue that is really heating up in multirotors is First-Person View. Our RotorDrone crew gives you an inside look at FPV basics so that anyone can create that “view from the cockpit” experience.

To bring out the artist in all of us, we also have some great tips on how to shoot outstanding videos from a multirotor platform. Be sure to read William Levasseur’s “Ready, Set, Action!” feature to get the inside scoop. In addition, I share my thoughts on a new, really cool action camera editing software from Magix called Fastcut. Spoiler alert: the name says it all! And fi nally, you have to check out the behind the scenes look at a beautiful French monastery in A New View of Mont-Saint Michel. As you can see, we have packed a lot of great articles into this issue and we hope you will benefi t from your reading experience. Enjoy.

John ReidSenior [email protected]

TOP VIEW

RCX.com Magazine Publishers of America

Printed in the USA

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SUBSCRIPTIONCUSTOMER SERVICE (800) 827-0323, +(386) 246-3323 (outside the U.S.) or ModelAirplaneNews.com/cs

ASK FOR ROTORDRONEAT YOUR LOCAL HOBBY SHOP!HOBBY SHOP DISTRIBUTION BY:Kalmbach Publishing Co. (800) 558-1544 ext. 3NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION BY:Kable Distribution Services, (212) 705-4600

EDITORIALExecutive Editor Debra Cleghorn ›› [email protected] Technical Editor Gerry Yarrish ›› [email protected] Editor John Reid ›› [email protected] Editor Matt Boyd ›› [email protected] Manager Kayla Parent ›› [email protected]

CONTRIBUTORSJeff rey Antonelli, Tim Bresien, Mark Cayouette, Gus Calderon, Mike Gantt, William Levasseur, Kyle Matthew, Gordon Meehl, Patrick Sherman

ARTCreative Director Betty K. NeroArt Director Kevin Monahan

DIGITAL MEDIAWeb Producer Holly Hansen

VIDEO/PHOTOGRAPHYPhotographer Peter HallVideographer Adam Lebenstein

ADVERTISINGAdvertising Director Mitch Brian ›› 203.529.4609 Senior Account Executive Ben Halladay ›› 203.529.4628Account Executive Pamela Dawkins ›› 203.423.4654

CONSUMER MARKETING/PRODUCTION� e Media Source, a division of TEN, � e Enthusiast Network

MARKETING & EVENTSAssociate Creative Director Leslie CostaMarketing Assistant Erica DriverEvent Manager Emil DeFrancesco

PUBLISHINGGroup Publishers Louis V. DeFrancesco Jr., Yvonne M. DeFrancesco

The Sky is the Limit

BRAND-NEW GUIDE: GET YOURS TODAY!This handy guide will help you with everything from which flight mode to use to how to program your speed controls and set up your video camera. You’ll also find expert setup and flight tips as well as information you need to know about brushless motors, battery use and care, and the most used tools and equipment. This 32-page book is the ultimate reference for getting the most out of your multirotor system. It has a spiral binding so it will stay open for easy reference, and its heavy high-gloss pages are easy to clean. Rotor Drone Essentials is the ideal resource for both new and experienced multirotor pilots.Order now at AirAgeStore.com

BRAND-NEW GUIDE:

I got to shoot some video of our test Inspire 1 and must

say this is one nice aerial camera platform.

10 RotorDroneMag.com

ONLINE COORDINATESACTION | ADVENTURE | INTEL

ROTORDRONEMAG.COM

Like us on Facebook Is there a story you’d like to see in the next issue of RotorDrone? Leave us a post! Click LIKE on the official RotorDrone Facebook page at Facebook.com/RotorDrone to see all the latest photos and videos being shared. You will also get the first alerts for any awesome sweepstakes/giveaways we are having!

Airborne Terra SpidersThe use of quads and other autonomous devices is ever on the increase. Recently we posted a video demonstrating the successful teaming of ground moving robots, which are carried and deployed into hazardous environments by quadcopters. Get the details at RotorDroneMag.com/terraspiders.

Instagram Photo of the Month

Check us out on Instagram @RotorDroneMag Congratulations to @DRONEROBERT for taking such a cool shot showing your view from above! This may look like Russia to you, but this is really an ice rink in Mexico City! Want to be featured? The best shot each month will be featured here and will win a free RotorDrone Essentials Guide! Follow @ROTORDRONEMAG and tag your best photos to #rotordronemag and #MyViewFromAbove.

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THE FUTURE IS NOW,AND IT IS !

When our engineers were tasked to design thenext generation Graupner radio, they knew integral telemetry was the key to the future and they named the future HoTT, for Hopping Telemetry Transmission.

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Pricing:Model: mz-18 9ch | Price: $389

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March/April 2015 15

AERIAL INTELREVIEWS | ACCESSORIES | GEAR | TECHNOLOGY | NEWS

UAV Ground SchoolBY GORDON MEEHL

Cliff Whitney of UAV Ground School is one of the most stalwart

proponents of Un-manned Aerial Vehicle

education.

Whatever your aspirations are for using your drone for monetary gain, the FAA is currently classifying your quest for free enterprise a “commercial fl ight,” and as such, it’s illegal unless you apply for an FAA Exemption. While we wait for updated FAA rulings on fl ying drones, there is something you can do to make sure you’re ready when the new regulations are announced. Sources in the know suggest that the government is going to require commercial drone operators to pass a test that’s similar to the ones private and commercial pilots of full-size aircraft need to take, so why not get started now? e online UAV Gold Seal program at UAV Ground School (uavgroundschool.com) ensures that you’ll be preauthorized to sit for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test as well as have the background needed to pass it. e $249 course is comprised of six sections, each of which have multiple lessons and cover: Getting Started, Your First Few Hours, Skill Building, Aviation Weather and Real World Flying, and Passing Your Tests. Practice quizzes and an onsite library are helpful tools. e site tracks your progress so you can easily pick up where you left off without needing to complete the course in a preset timeframe (your site subscription lasts for a year). Because

THE KNOWLEDGE YOU’LL NEED TO BE A COMMERCIAL DRONE PILOT

of my busy schedule, the ability to study anywhere or anytime was a huge bonus. I defi nitely feel ready to hit the ground running when the FAA rules are formalized. I was fortunate to be able to discuss this web-based training program with one of its creators, Cliff Whitney.

Gordon Meehl (GM): What was the impetus for creating UAV Ground School?Cliff Whitney: As a private pilot, I have seen and fully understand the need for proper education in regard to fl ying any aircraft, especially in the national air space. ere is a lot to be considered if you want to operate your craft in a safe and professional way. Proper UAV education was simply non-existent when we started UAV Ground School. I

WE EXPECT THE FAA TO REQUIRE SOME FORM OF PRACTICAL TEST ... THE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO GIVE YOU THE TOOLS AND KNOWLEDGE SO YOU CAN PASS THE FAA KNOWLEDGE (WRITTEN) TEST


AERIAL INTEL

have a lot of experience in pilot education, and I felt the need to get something out there to help interested parties get educated properly certifi ed.

GM: Currently, with only a few exceptions, fl ying a multirotor for commercial purposes illegal. How does your program benefi t the pwith commercial videography and photography aspirations?CW: As we explain in our intro video and free fi rst lesson, the FAA currently maintains that commercial UAV fl ight is prohibited until the regulatory framework is complete. eir “interpretation” of the current Federal Aviation Regulations is that UAV operators will need to be FAA-certifi ed for commercial operations, and the courts have recently agreed that the FAA has the authority to regulate these crafts. We expect the FAA to require some form of practical test (fl ight test) and knowledge exam (written test). e fi nal rule may be less stringent, but our sources say the knowledge exam will certainly be required (as it should be).

GM: When I complete the course of study, what are my next steps?CW: e program is designed to give you the tools and knowledge so you can pass the FAA knowledge (written) test. e lessons are designed in a multimedia and interactive fashion: watch the lesson and answer some questions. After you have viewed all the lessons and have passed the internal test sets you can print out a signed Private Pilot Ground School Certifi cate of Completion. is certifi cate is signed by a certifi ed fl ight instructor and once you have this signed document, you qualify to take the FAA Written Test at any testing center in the United States.

GM: What do you think is the future for public use of drones? Will we see a more restrictive environment where it will be treated more like general aviation with the need to pass ground school, hours of instruction and a skills test?CW: I have a very optimistic outlook. is is such powerful and enabling technology; so much good can come from it. I think a good solid ground school is a good thing and should be required and maybe even a fl ight test administered by certifi ed school. e FAA is a big agency and big agencies move very slowly (too slow), but remember that if a law is enacted that the public thinks is fl at wrong or too restrictive, I am afraid that it may be ignored. Laws should be written by the people and reviewed by a group of respected peers. I think this will happen and I think it’s the reason that the proposed rules have been pushed back several times now for rewrite. K

UAV Ground School

HOBBICO X4 PROWith a 7-inch touch radio, this quadcop aerial photographe Its 5.8GHz video sig FPV range, and it comes with a Refl ec 1080p HD camera and 7000mAh 3S fl ight battery! Other features include GPS programming options, return-to-home function, 30-minute fl ight times, and failsafe systems. � e X4 Pro will start at $1500. hobbico.com

SPEKTRUM DX7

You don’t have to give up pro-class features just because you only need seven channels! e new DX7 has features like voice alerts and built-in telemetry for real-time information on things like model battery voltage, signal quality, motor temperature, airspeed, and altitude. It comes with an AR8000 receiver and 2000mAh Lithium Ion battery and costs $349.99. spektrumrc.com

there to help interested parties get educated and

fl ying a multirotor for commercial purposes is program benefi t the pilot

With a 7-inch touchscreen integrated in its radio, this quadcopter is just what aspiring aerial photographers and videographers need! Its 5.8GHz video signal gives it substantial


Hobbico Star Plug THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE out there trying to design a better mousetrap, and the Star Plug is that better mousetrap for anyone who uses polarized power plugs, including the popular Deans plugs. � e beauty of the Star Plug is its back cap, which has a divider that separates the two wires and protects the soldered joint without the need for shrink tubing. � e connectors themselves have gold-plated male terminals, nickel-plated female terminals, and solid stainless-steel springs that form a tight connection between the two. I really like working with these connectors because they make my job much easier both on the bench and in the fi eld. When the wires are stripped and ready for soldering, I slide a back cap onto the wire and then solder the wires to the appropriate tabs on the plug. After the joint has cooled, I snap the back cap onto the plug and the solder joints are now protected and separated from each other. At the fi eld, the combined back cap and plug is very easy to grip and handle, thanks to its tapered shape and grip strips, so it’s easy to connect and disconnect. After you try one, I promise you will want to replace all of your plugs with a Star Plug! A pair (male/ female) is $2.59, and all male or female packages are also available. –John Reid rcstarplug.com

Once snapped together, the Star Plug protects the solder joint and provides a nice grip on the plug.

TTROBOTIX SUPER HORNETDesigned with enlarged frame plates that have plenty of room for fl ight systems, electronics, gimbals and cameras, the Super Hornet has retractable carbon-fi ber landing for unobstructed camera views. All four carbon-fi ber arms are foldable for easy transport. It can be equipped with TTRobotix’s Hero or Dragon fl ight controllers, which feature GPS altitude hold, return-to-home and “follow me” functions. � e ARF package includes the frame and power system and costs $999. ttrobotix.com

PROTEK R/C TRUTEMP

To keep your electronic equipment running right, it’s important to make sure it isn’t running too hot, and you can do that with this infrared thermometer. � is $34.99 tool has four modes and a large LCD screen is easy to read, day or night. amain.com

AERIAL INTEL

aerial intel

Magix FastCut Professional, finished videos in minutes!

I have been lucky to document most of my life experiences with video cameras in one form or another, and the recent explosion of small video cameras has made shooting video an everyday event. But what can you do with all that footage? Standard video editing software has a high learning curve and requires that you spend a lot time in front of the computer. Popular video editing software programs like Premier Pro, Final Cut Pro and Vegas produce excellent results but do take a bit of work and some time to get from camera to the web. I recently tried out the new FastCut, which is specifically designed for action cameras like the GoPro line, and it produces some very nice video. The Windows-based program lets you get action footage online in minutes, and you don’t need to have great editing skills to get great results. FastCut works with just about all action cameras, smartphones and tablets and can export the finished video right back to Sony and Apple smartphones or tablets. In the program, you have access to all your video clips and editing consists of selecting the clips you want to use, picking out a template from a few different styles, then setting

the length of time you want your finished video to be (from 30 to 180 seconds). Click the [NAME?] button and FastCut takes it from there, producing a finished video that runs in sync with the music, including nice transitions from cut to cut. Then preview the finished product and send it to your favorite Internet destination. If you’re not happy with the final product, you can then manually edit the template clip to produce your masterpiece. I found the finished template videos to be very acceptable and a good way to get your videos out there quickly. Manual editing offers a number of nice features, including having control of the final product. A person with little or no editing experience can easily

you can order the physical product or the download. below: here’s just one of the correction screens, from here you can add effects to each clip.

navigate through the program and work with all that it has to offer. You can customize your footage (clips) under the media tab, where there are three options: adjust, text and audio. The adjust tab let you remove lens distortion by using the lens correction slider. Execute image stabilization on the clip, and rotate the clip 180° if needed. In the color function, you can take care of things like brightness, contrast and color saturation. There’s even a slider for backlight correction and color tinting! The smaller template section contains some of the most common editing effects that are easy to drag and drop into the selected clip. To insert text, just select the clip you want text to appear on, type in the text, and then format it to any place in the frame. There are even a few animations that can be applied to the text. Finally in the audio tab you can balance the music between the actual sound recorded by the camera and the music on the clip. You can even optimize the video’s audio by using different filters such as one that reduces wind noise. When you’re finished editing, you can export your video to your computer, a mobile device or publish it online. I have to say that I am very impressed with this program and the finished videos. If you like to shoot action—especially on a GoPro—then you really should have this program. It will make your editing life much easier. The downloadable FastCut costs $49.99, and there’s even a free 30-day trial. Check it out; you won’t be disappointed! –John Reid

Above: In manual editing mode, you can edit each clip to pick the right scene to show in the final production. Below: To use the automatic video editing, pick the clips, template, finished video time and let the program do the rest.


Canon EOS Rebel SL1 A lightweight coMpAct cAMeRA foR Any MultiRotoR

Once yOu have mastered the art of flying drones, your next step will most likely be to attach a camera to that airframe. A popular choice for most airframes is a small action sports camera such as GoPro, but if you’d like to produce images that don’t have that super-wide-angle look, then you need to go with something different. The Canon EOS Rebel SL1 with a Canon EF 40mm STM lens is a good option that I’ve found to work well on my 500-size multirotor. This combo comes in at 1 pound, 3 ounces, which is close to the lightest available. The SL1 will produce full 1080 HD video at 30 frames per second, and when I need slow motion footage, I can shoot at 60fps in 1280 x 720, which still produces outstanding quality. This camera/lens combination will do continuous auto focus that is very accurate, but on a moving aircraft I find it easier to run it in manual focus set on a specified distance depending on how I am flying and what I am shooting. In addition, I can shoot outstanding 18 megapixel photos that can create some large, sharp prints. The camera has a mini USB port and an HDMI output, so you can downlink information from the camera to a ground station. I like the fact that the 40mm lens, the angle of view from the camera, is normal and not distorted as it is with a wide-angle lens. This means that when I’m flying my quad to get aerial shots of a building, people or anything other than landscapes, I don’t have to get my multirotor right up near them. Plus I don’t have to fix lens distortion in post-editing. It is also much easier and safer to fill the frame with my subject by using a normal lens as compared to using a wide-angle lens. The SL1 CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 5 image processor provides sharp detail and accurate colors along with low-noise imaging in low light. Nighttime shooting is possible because of the wide ISO range, which can be set from 100-12800. Other reasons I like shooting with this camera are that the battery life can easily last the entire shoot, and it uses SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards, which are economical and readily available. A 32GB or 64GB size card will last for most

aerial intel

of my shoot. Speaking of price, the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 camera sells for $449, and the Canon EF 40mm STM lens goes for $199. For less than $650 I have a camera on my relatively small multirotor that can shoot professional quality videos and photos. So if you are looking to move up to a better quality camera for your multirotor, but really don’t want to spend or risk thousands of dollars on camera equipment, the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 DSLR camera body and 40mm EF f/2.8 STM lens just might be the ticket. –By John Reid

The compact, light rebel sL1 matched with the eF 40mm lens is perfect for many mid-sized multirotors. Left: The back display has a large touch screen that allows quick access to many of the most used settings.

March/April 2015 23

BLADE NANO QX 3DHigh-speed flips, hair-pin turns, inverted flight ... this tiny quad can do it all! SAFE technology makes the Nano easy to fly, and its light composite frame can handle those inevitable bumps and bruises. The Nano QX 3D comes with a battery in two versions: ready to fly with a 4-channel radio for $129.99 and Bind-N-Fly for $99. bladehelis.com

ThunDEr PowEr rC New BAttery LiNes

Check out these three brand-new lines of batteries! All of them come standard with JST-XH balance connectors, and Thunder Power also notes that they have “new lower pricing, higher energy density, more stable cell chemistry and higher sustained voltage over all previous generation chemistry.” See which line is right for you at thunderpowerrc.com.

sPEkTrum DX18 steALth eDitiON

If you’re an unapologetic gearhead (like us!) who has to have the best equipment available, get ready to fall in love. Not only does this radio look cool, it has 18 channels, 250-model memory, AirWare programming, SimpleScroll interface, wireless telemetry, voice alerts and more! It comes with an AR9020 receiver and custom carrying case, neck strap and preloaded DS card and costs $929.99. spektrumrc.com

1/3V.indd 1 6/30/14 1:04 PM


I’d like to kick off this column by highlighting one of our member companies, DroneDeploy. DroneDeploy calls itself “Cloud Control for drones,” which is an elegant way to describe complex software that simplifi es real-time data streams from drones. � e goal is effi cient use of information, and DroneDeploy co-founder Jono Millin says their goal is to “make drones easy to fl y and easy to get data.” � at means farmers can easily monitor thousands of acres of crops and surveyors and construction crews can quickly create high-precision surveys and build maps and 3D models. DroneDeploy’s CoPilot hardware works on any aircraft and is compatible with popular fl ight controllers, so after adding the CoPilot, any smartphone, tablet or laptop will provide access to meaningful data during fl ight. � e CoPilot even controls the camera and triggers it based on the distance that the aircraft has covered! Jono adds, “We are on a mission to take the complexity out of using unmanned vehicles and make them powerful, simple and safe tools.”

UAVSA UPDATE On January 27, the UAVSA and � e Tesla Foundation participated with Lisa Ellman of McKenna Long & Aldridge, Legal Advisor to the UAVSA, Professor Raja Sengupta of UC Berkeley, and Andreas Muller of the California Governor’s Offi ce at the White House with the FAA to discuss the FAA’s proposed rulemaking on

Above: A drone and your phone: all the ground infra-structure you need to operate on DroneDeploy. Below: DroneDeploy is used to build a 3D model of a construction site in real time.

AERIAL INTEL

UAVSA InsiderLATEST NEWS FROM THE UAV SYSTEMS ASSOCIATIONBY KEITH KAPLAN & TEAM ROTORDRONE

March/April 2015 25

Operation and Certifi cation of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). � is meeting took place at a critical time for the UAVSA community, as the federal government works to adopt rules for the operation of small unmanned aerial systems in the national airspace. � e meeting created an air of cooperation and a shared interest for the entire commercial drone community to contribute to the offi cial rule-making and provide essential data to speed the process. � e UAVSA is organizing the membership nationally and globally, and we are very excited to begin with appointing regional directors to head up the development of the regional chapters for the association. If you are a member, please log in to the membership portal on the uavsa.org website and complete your application. Additionally, we are also accepting applications for chapter directors to create local UAVSA chapters. If you are a member, please login to the membership portal on the uavsa.org website and complete your application to become a chapter director and create your local UAVSA chapter. We encourage you to post on social media groups and to your social media community regarding the UAVSA membership and the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the most exciting commercial industry since the personal computer. Following the success of the LA Drone Expo, we are planning this year’s schedule of events, which include industry seminars, regional legal symposiums on drone policy, and of course, the Commercial Drone Expos. We are happy to announce that the UAVSA is in the process of securing a partnership with an award winning International

Expo organization that is committed to the commercial drone community and the members of the UAVSA. As our growth has been incredible we are committed to creating as many meaningful partnerships to promote the interest of the commercial drone community. Please contact us at [email protected] with your questions and inquires about the commercial drone industry.

MEMBER BENEFIT: 333 EXEMPTION ASSISTANCE � e “Queen of Drones” Lisa Ellman of McKenna Long & Aldridge and former White House policymaker and Advisor to the Justice Department on UAS in the National Airspace System joined with the UAVSA as a Legal Advisor for its membership. As an advisor to UAVSA, Lisa will assist UAVSA in providing a safe, ethical, and legal transition to the commercial operation of small, unmanned aerial systems in National Airspace. � e UAVSA membership has exclusive access to insider FAA and industry updates, webinars, 333 exemption application assistance discounts, group rates for 333 exemption consultation, and � e Tesla Foundation’s progress report from its Tier 1 UAS-INSIGHT and NASA research lab consortia collaborations. Additionally, through this program you can learn about contributing to a special Research Lab sponsored by the Tesla Foundation and UAVSA for the creation of certifi ed airframes, certifi ed fl ight manuals, and certifi ed operation manuals for application to the FAA under a blanket 333 exemption. � is Research Lab’s mandate is creating industry specifi c certifi ed airframes, certifi ed fl ight manuals, and certifi ed operation manuals so the commercial application of small unmanned aerial systems in the National Airspace can begin until the offi cial rule-making process has been completed. UAVSA Members are eligible to request consultation and assistance from our staff and legal team, and we look forward to serving you any way that we can. K

U A V S A . O R G

26 ROTORDRONEMAG.COM

( FIRST LOOK ›› DJI Inspire 1 A SNEAK PEEK AT A REVOLUTIONARY NEW MULTIROTOR DESIGN BY JOHN REID

One of the hottest selling items and hardest things to find on store shelves is the new DJI Inspire. This revolutionary multirotor is a solid-flying platform designed around a multipurpose camera that delivers high-resolution images, so it’s perfect for the aspiring moviemaker or photographer. We finally got our hands on one just before we went to press and couldn’t resist sharing a first look at this incredible machine.

Left: Here is the DJI Inspire as it comes from the manufacturer, nicely packaged in the hard case that keeps everything protected. Dual transmitters allow for a pilot and camera operator. Our test model came with three batteries, but there’s room in the case for a total of four batteries—that’s enough power for a full day of flying and filming. This neat packaging also makes it easy to travel with the Inspire.

March/April 2015 27

Main: The Inspire in full flight mode. The boom for the motors and landing gear are retracted up out of the way of the camera. Notice the heavy-duty boom gear system inside the fuselage.Below: The ground sensors determine the Inspires’ location and altitude so that when it gets close to the ground, it will lower the legs automatically for landing.

28 RotoRDRoneMag.coM

( First Look ›› DJI Inspire 1 even at this extreme flying angle, notice how the camera gimbal stays level and parallel to the ground. DJI is one of the leaders in designing

and manufacturing high-quality camera stabilization gimbals, and this technology is

carried over into this multirotor.

Right: our friend Robert Rodriguez, president of the Society of aerial cinematography, shows us the Inspire in its travel configuration, where the legs are retracted up. normally the legs are down to raise the body so that the camera will clear the ground during takeoff and landing.

BeLow, right: With the Inspire in its normal landing configuration, Robert starts attaching the props to each motor. the motors are color-coded and threaded so that only the correct prop can be attached to each motor.

Below: the compact camera unit is already attached to a very sophisticated three-axle gimbal and includes a neutral density, clear filter to protect the lens and reduce glare. Don’t let its size fool you; this camera is capable of shooting up to 4K video.


( First Look ›› DJI Inspire 1

Above: DJI’s marketing manager Willis chung sets up his iPhone to work with the camera and gimbal on the Inspire. Both transmitters can handle up to an iPad Mini; the cameraman’s iPad/iPhone is used to see where the camera is pointing. the pilot’s iPad can display a map of the flying area and, depending on the location, they may show red zones (“no fly zones”) layered over the topography. the Inspire will not take off or fly over those zones.

Here is the perfect setup for capturing some exceptional videos, with the pilot and photographer standing close to each other and in constant communication. The cameraman concentrates on the shot and has complete control over the camera gimbal while the pilot’s task is to fly the quad. K

Below: the Inspire in flying configuration, notice the two main booms move up the landing gears and motors to a higher position. this allows the camera to have an unobstructed 360° view. the Inspire is very smooth in the air but still has enough power to jet from location to location in a very short amount of time.

We’ve all seen the ads. You know, the ones that get you excited about owning a quadcopter and shooting your own

aerial videos or pictures. They usually bear the logo of DJI, GoPro, Parrot, 3DR or some other drone/sports camera manufacturer. And the images look AMAZING.

So you buy it. You try it at home. But the result is not quite as good as advertised. Did you fall victim to misleading advertising? Well, yes and no. Although it is possible to get great-looking images with a low-cost sports camera, it takes some know-how and practice. I’ve asked the pros, and here are their best tips. Obviously, you can always upgrade your hardware with a brushless gimbal, a better lens, a better camera; those will all radically improve your image. But the following tips won’t require a credit card.

Sunglasses on sunny daysCameras need sunglasses, too. If you’re fi lming over a lake or anywhere the camera is subjected to a lot of refl ected light, you should use a polarized fi lter. � is tip comes from Patrice Larose, rental and professional video director at Lozeau camera store. “� e polarizer will cut some of the light,” he explains, “but only the undesirable refl ections. � is will allow us to get a lot more detail out of things like snow, without blocking all the rest of the light in the image.”

Circular polarized fi lters are usually sold mounted on a lens ring. Some are available for sport cameras. But don’t buy the thin fl exible polarizing fi lms. � ose are meant for lights.

You can make your own cheap fi lter by hacking 3D glasses from the movie theatre. Don’t steal—ask nicely and they may let you have a used pair from the recycling bin. It worked for me. Rip out the fi lter, fl ip it around, cut it to the size that you need and make sure it’s oriented the

READY, SET, ACTION!14 PRO TIPS FOR AWESOMEAERIAL VIDEOSBY WILLIAM LEVASSEUR PHOTOS BY JOHN REID

The direction of light is so important in photography and video. Early morning

light with a low angle sun works well for most

landscapes.

Shooting AMAzing AeriAl video iS About More thAn juSt flying A drone: frAMing

the Shot, cAMerA Motion, tiMing And good technicAl knowledge All coMe into plAy.


awesome aerial videos

of the lens. Online stores sell clear protective filters specifically made for the most popular cameras. Otherwise, you can buy a thin sheet of acrylic (Plexiglas) or polyurethane (Lexan) at a hardware store or from a window specialist for few bucks and cut it into small squares. They scratch easily, but you can replace them as needed. You also get the added benefit of protecting the lens in case of a rough landing.

Vibration is the enemyAccording to our specialists, most issues plaguing new pilots are caused by unnecessary vibration. Johan Lassalle, president of DroneXperts, is categorical: “Propellers are your most significant source of vibration.” Check that they’re balanced. Most brand name propellers are, but cheap replacements bought on the Internet might not be. Dirty, damaged or chipped props will also produce more vibration. “If you use a propeller that took a hit, that will undoubtedly cause vibrations,” says Lassalle.

For his part, Larose recommends checking for loose screws, and making sure that the

Using a polarized filter may reduce glare and improve image quality, especially over bodies of water.

Never go to the beach without a tarp. The propellers would lift a sandstorm that can ruin a lens.

right way. It won’t be as good as the real deal, but it works.

Don’t sandblast your lensPropellers lift a lot of dust during takeoff and landing, and those particles can hit the lens at high speeds and make minuscule scratches. Over time, your image will get blurrier and blurrier. You can point the gimbal upward to reduce the risk, but that’s not foolproof.

Pros carry a tarp and lay down a takeoff and landing safe zone. Put something heavy on each corner so it doesn’t catch in the wind. Chuck Taylor, vice-president of SkyMotion Video, told me that he uses a special kind of “one-way” mat originally developed by the military for helicopters but is now commercialized by Hammacher Schlemmer and sold as a beach mat. “Basically, sand will fall through the mat, but it won’t come up,” he explains.

If you scratch it, you lose itAnother option is to put something in front

camera is properly attached to the gimbal. Gimbals do not like stuff dangling or pulling on them.

Rubber dampeners can freezeIf you bought a DJI Phantom with a gimbal, you probably noticed that you have three sets of rubber dampener balls in the kit. Those are not replacements sets. Lassalle explains that each one has a different softness: the stiffest are for hot weather, and the softest are for cold weather. The wrong dampeners will harden at

low temperatures and that can render them useless.

Give fisheye the stink eye Most sports cameras have a fisheye lens that distorts your image, curving the horizon, roads and buildings. There are a few ways of fixing that.

If you’re not too shy about opening up your camera, you can install an aftermarket lens. You can learn how by searching on the Internet. Be warned: some of those lenses can cost upward

Why does my video look like jello?The “jello effect” is caused by the rolling shutter of your camera when it is subjected to vibrations or fast movement. Cameras with a rolling shutter capture an image by scanning the field of view from top to bottom. This process takes only a fraction of a second, but if the vibration is intense, like in the case of electric motors, these tiny, very rapid movements create distortions during the scanning process. Adobe Premiere and After Effects have a Rolling Shutter Repair tool, but it is time-consuming to use and results may vary. The only sure-fire way of preventing the “jello effect” is to use vibration dampeners.

dress it up With a nice hoodOn sunny days, you may sometimes notice that your video has dark horizontal stripes that move from top to bottom. You won’t notice them on a still picture, only in video. Those are caused by the shadow of the front propellers of your multirotor falling on the lens. If the position of your aircraft relative to the sun is just right, this shadow will “strobe” and the rolling shutter will create scanning lines in a process similar to the “jello effect.” This artifact is impossible to remove in post-production.Your camera needs a hood, like a little baseball cap. If you’re using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, you can buy a standard camera lens hood. For a sports camera, you can easily make your own.

Common vibration dampeners.

Even something simple like this business card stock taped down on the lens will work as a hood.

March/April 2015 35

A single frame of video shot with a GoPro Hero3 Black, before and after applying a fisheye distortion correction with GoPro Studio.

no distortion

Fisheye distortion

According to speciAlists, most issues plAguing new pilots Are cAused by unnecessAry vibrAtion. check for loose screws, bAlAnce your propellers, And use vibrAtion dAmpeners.


of $100. Make sure you focus the new lens perfectly.

Otherwise, some cameras may offer a “narrow field of view” recording mode which can help. But that will reduce the resolution.

You can also use software to correct the image. There will be some loss of quality and blurring, since that means warping the image, but results are generally satisfactory.

You can do this in After Effects or Photoshop. Many editing software now come with pre-sets

to know your camera is key if you want to get the most out of it. Watch tutorials and read the manual. That camera may be better than you think.

The same goes for your aircraft. “Factory settings will not always work for everyone,” says Lassalle. He suggests reducing the gains on your flight controller to get smoother motion. Just be careful not to reduce them too much at once or you risk losing control.

Harness the power of the sunIf you’re filming a building or landscape, figure


The balancing acTFilters and a hood will make your gimbal front-heavy. Rebalance it by gluing a coin or metal washer on the backside. “A gimbal that’s working too hard is another common cause of shaky video,” says Larose.

for the most common cameras. But if you’re looking for free software, try GoPro Studio. It comes with an easy-to-use, one-click, fisheye-removal tool.

Be a settings nerdThis is so basic, it should be number 1. Are you shooting at 720p with a camera that can do 4K? You could be recording in RAW mode but don’t use it? Did you check your focus? Did you turn on optical image stabilization? Getting

A damaged propeller will cause unwanted vibration in the airframe. Replace it with a new one and make sure it’s properly balanced.

Be aware of the angle of light and the shadow cast by your drone. Light coming from the side at a 45-degree angle works well for most landscapes and keeps your drone’s shadow out of the image.


If you don’t have a gimbal, you can use this trick to get a smooth “gliding” shot. In calm weather, move your multirotor in one direction, and then let go of the sticks so it will level itself and “slide.”

Fly it like you mean itBut not all shots have to be slow and lingering. Some of the most impressive drone-made aerial videos incorporate complex travelling motions. Be creative! Plan your shot before takeoff and don’t be afraid to practice your motion a few times. Just remember to fly safe and that depth perception is non-existent beyond 30 feet. Don’t go slamming into newlyweds or buildings … YouTube already has plenty of those videos.

Remember that you can speed up the video in your editing software afterwards to give the impression that you were flying faster than you actually were.

out what time of day the sunlight will be shining on the side that you want to shoot. Direct sunlight means more contrast and a livelier picture. Cloudy days are flatter because of the lack of highlights. In cinema, lighting a shoot is as important as framing it. The most important light source for aerial video is the sun, so learn to use it.

And be careful not to have the shadow of your aircraft in the shot … that never looks right.

You are a leaf on the windFlying against the wind will increase turbulence and shake the camera in a way that even a gimbal and vibration dampeners can’t cancel out. For minimum shakiness, turn off your multirotor’s GPS, fly only with the attitude stabilization, and ride the wind like a wave. This technique can be used to create smooth lingering shots in motion, even in windy conditions.

Recording in raw mode on a GoPro Hero3 Black, this is what the image looks like before and after color grading.

Most commercial video editing software offers some form of digital image stabilization. But beware: it’s a CPU intensive, time-consuming process.

Image stabilization for the massesYou can do some post-production image stabilization with most editing software like Adobe Premiere, Final Cut or Sony Vegas, but After Effects is the undisputed king in that department.

If you’re looking for a free solution, try DeShaker, a plug-in for Virtual Dub. It’s more complicated to use, but it works. YouTube also has a built-in automatic stabilization feature, but I would not recommend using that. It usually makes a mess. Remember: software image stabilization is NOT a substitute to a good brushless gimbal or vibration dampeners.

Practice the art of color gradingRarely do professionals broadcast a picture or video without retouching it first. Color grading, as it is called, is an art form onto itself. But even just a little work, like adjusting the white balance, improving the contrast and vibrance, can make a huge difference.

Most commercial cameras do an automatic image correction as you shoot. This process can make you lose some image data and reduces your post-production options. If your camera allows you to shoot in RAW mode, use it. The RAW mode on the GoPro may look blurry. Just add some sharpness after grading.

For professional-level color grading, Taylor recommends Blackmagic’s DaVinci Resolve, which is an amazing tool and available as a free “lite” version.

Good video editing software will have several color-correcting tools. GoPro Studio also does some basic color grading and can be a decent —and free—alternative for beginners. For pictures, use Photoshop or GIMP (free). The process of color grading can be complex and subtle, so you’ll have to experiment and watch tutorials. K

Before color grading after color grading

Some of the moSt impreSSive drone-made aerial videoS incorporate complex travelling motionS. Be creative! plan your Shot Before takeoff and don’t Be afraid to practice your motion a few timeS.



CASE STUDYThe protection

and support gear essentials you need

for multirotor success

BY MATT BOYD

PHOTOS BY PETER HALL

March/April 2015 41

CASE STUDY

With the myriad of ready-to-fly multirotor options now on the market—and more joining by the day—the barriers to becoming a multirotor pilot have never been lower. Still, even the most complete

ready-to-fly package can benefit from the addition of strategically selected support gear, items that add an extra measure of protection, reliability and/or functionality. We start with the most basic item: protective cases. A multirotor aircraft represents a significant investment, so a top priority is ensuring that it remains safe—especially if you are travelling, or transporting it to a remote location. From there we take a look at some helpful tools and accessory items that add functionality to your flying experience and help you maintain your multirotor in top form. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or an enthusiastic novice just beginning to explore the world of multirotors for aerial video, these are the items you will need to for maximum fun and success.

Horizon Hobby/Blade QX Family Carrying CasePrice: $139Dimensions: 21x20x11.5in.Fits: Blade 350 QX1/QX2Best feature: Classy aluminum-sided case is deep enough to fit camera gimbals and tall landing gear.

GoProfessional DJI Phantom 2 BackpackPrice: $239Dimensions: 23x14x9in.Fits: DJI Phantom/Phantom 2/VisionBest feature: Rugged backpack construction takes portable protection to the next level.

GoProfessional Blade 350-QX CasePrice: $209Dimensions: 21x17x9in.Fits: Blade 350 QX/QX2/QX3 (DJI Phantom model also available)Best features: Precision water-jet cut foam insert and a lifetime guarantee means permanent peace of mind.


Case Distributor Material Foam liner Exterior dimensions Interior dimensions Weight ATA Carry-on Lockable? Waterproof? Gasket- Wheels? Price compatable? sealed?

GoProfessional GoProfessionalCases.com mil-spec Fitted (Blade or DJI) 21x17x11 in. 19x14.5x9 in. 11 lb. Y Y Y Y Y $209Blade 350-QX Case polyproylene

GoProfessional GoProfessionalCases.com Mil-spec nylon Fitted (DJI) 22x14x9 in. NA 7 lb. Y N N N N $239DJI Phantom 2 Backpack

Horizon Hobby/Blade HorizonHobby.com Aluminum Fitted (Blade 1& 2 only) 21x20x11.5 in. 19x18x9.5 in. 11 lb. N Y N N N $139.99QX Family Carrying Case skinned wood

Pelican 1560 Case Pelican.com Mil-spec Pick ‘n’ Pluck 22.07x17.92x10.42 in. 19.92x14.98x9 in. 18 lb. Y Y Y Y Y $165 Polypropylene

Pelican S130 Pelican.com Rip-stop nylon Partitioned 18.5x13x10 in. NA 7.14 lb. Y partial partial N N $175Laptop/Camera Bag

ProTek R/C Amain.com NK-7 resin Pick ‘n’ Pluck 21.7x16.9x8.5 in. 20x14x8 in. 8.4 lb. Y Y Y Y N $179.99Universal Multirotor Case (fitted available)

CASE STUDYPelican S130 Laptop/Camera BagPrice: $175Dimensions: 18.5x13x10Fits: Variety of DSLR camera bodies, lenses and accessoriesBest feature: If you use your multirotor as an aerial camera platform, this pack combines a removable padded camera pouch into a traditional gear bag.

Pelican 1560 CasePrice: $165Dimensions: 22x18x10.5in.Fits: 350mm size multirotorsBest feature: Travel handle and wheels add convenience to one of the toughest cases in the business.

ProTek Universal Multirotor CasePrice: $179.99Dimensions: 21.7x16.9x8.5in.Fits: 350-size Multirotors with standard length landing gearBest feature: Waterproof, dustproof, and passes every impact certification known to man!


TOOLS & ACCESSORIES

Du-Bro Tru-Spin Prop Balancer

Price: $39.14Description: prop balancing jigBest feature: The Du-Bro Prop Balancer has been around forever, but steady updates have ensured it remains the industry standard for precision and convenience.

Dynamite Platinum Pro Temp Gun with Laser Sight

Price: $54.99Description: pro-grade handheld infrared thermometerBest feature: Large, multifunction display and laser sighting makes taking accurate readings as simple as point-and-shoot.

Eagle Tree Systems e-Logger Telemetry System

Price: $69.95Description: Multifunction onboard telemetry systemBest feature: The e-Logger system can log the battery capacity, current, wattage, voltage and motor rpm, and download to a computer for comparison and analysis.

Futaba BR-3000 Battery Checker

Price: $49.99Description: Comprehensive battery diagnostic toolBest feature: Gives pilots tremendous peace of mind about battery health and charge status with its easy-to-use interface.

Hobby King 10-in-1 Multi Charge Adapter Set

Price: $6.90Description: All-purpose battery charge cord Best feature: Bundles virtually any plug type you could need for charging multirotor batteries into one set.

Hobby People HPHELI 2-Axis Brushless Gimbal

Price: $119.99Description: Metal frame, independently stabilized gimbal for use with GoPro Hero 3, Boscam HD19 or similar compact action cameras.Best feature: The perfect addition for the videographer who wants to produce rock solid, stable, vibration free video from an aerial platform.

ProTek R/C “TruTorque” Metric Hex Driver Set

Price: $30.99Description: CNC-machined aluminum handles with replaceable tool steel tips in 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0mmBest feature: Knurled aluminum handles with high-visibility size markings give that high-quality look and feel when you want to get the job done right.

Pure-Tech Xtreme Battery Straps

Price: $7.99-8.99 per pairDescription: Adjustable-length ¾-in. wide Velcro tie-down straps for securing onboard batteries

and electronics; available in 4 sizes and 6 colors.Best Feature: High-strength versatility, and doesn’t compromise easy access for swapping batteries.


Du-Bro dubro.comDynamite; distributed by Horizon Hobby dynamiterc.comEagle Tree Systems eagletreesystems.comFutaba; distributed by Great Planes futaba-rc.comHobby King hobbyking.comHobby People hobbypeople.net

Zeiss Cinemizer OLED Goggles

Price: $749.99Description: High-definition stereoscopic multimedia video glasses with 3D capabilityBest Feature: Simply the best imaging, most versatile First-Person-View glasses we’ve experienced. The high-resolution display is augmented by multi-format audio and video outputs.

RCA Models Transmitter Trays

Price: $79.99 eaDescription: Trays that stabilize your transmitter and distribute the weight to a padded neck strap. Winged tray is for fingertip stick control; double-deck tray is for thumb stick control.Best feature: Regardless of flying style, these trays support the radio weight, allowing more precise control and easier manipulation of radio functions controlling auxiliary equipment like camera gimbals.

RFI LiPo Guard Safe Bag

Price: $15Description: insulated, fire-retardant and tear-resistant bag for charging LiPo batteriesBest Feature: Peace of mind. Charging bags like this are simple but essential protection when charging batteries.

Spektrum Aircraft Telemetry Temperature Sensor

Price: $9.99Description: Onboard Telemetry Temperature Sensor unit Best feature: Heat is the enemy of your battery, motor, and electronics. This lightweight sensor monitors that crucial info in real time during your flight.

Spektrum Air Telemetry Flight Pack Voltage Sensor

Price: $16.99Description: Onboard sensor to measure flight battery voltage Best feature: Provides real-time voltage under load readings to ensure safe, reliable battery performance and duration.

Zap Threadlock

Price: $5.95Description: Thread-locking compound for securing screws and fasteners; available in standard blue and permanent red (heat release).Best Feature: As simple as it is crucial, thread-lock is the best insurance against vibration-related mishaps. Use it. Always.

SOURCES

ProTek R/C; distributed by A Main amain.comPure-Tech Products puretechproducts.comRFI Battery Co.; distributed by Batteries America batteriesamerica.comSpektrum; distributed by Horizon Hobby spectrumrc.comZap Glue zapglue.comZeiss; distributed by Total 3D Solutions total3dsolutions.com

TOOLS & ACCESSORIES


A NEW VIEW OFBY TEAM ROTORDRONE AS TOLD BY ALAIN GUILLOU & DIDER WASSELIN PHOTOS BY ALAIN GUILLOU

For renowned French photographer Alain Guillou, his art is an adventure. He has traversed the globe to capture images, and when he needed an aerial view, he has taken off in helicopters, ultralight aircraft, a hot-air balloon and even a motorized parasail.

Mont -Saint MichelCutting edge-photography meets 8th century wonder


He notes, “I did aerial photography using all sorts of means of transportation, since 1972 when I was among the very first pioneers in Europe to fly hang gliders.” In the 1980s, he wanted to photograph seagulls in flight and installed a camera in a giant fiberglass radio-control glider. Unfortunately, adds Guillou, “That ended with the glider at the bottom of the sea due to radio frequency disturbance created by a radio amateur using his radio in his car.” Guillou’s latest aerial shoot, however, found him with both feet planted firmly on the ground, as his Panasonic camera was taken aloft by a DJI S900 multirotor. Guillou says, “For me, drones are most welcome, although you cannot use them to cover all the photographic fields.” After crashing his first multirotor, Guillou met Didier Wasselin. “Didier helped me to repair it using his very significant expertise in drone techniques. I am very thankful to him,” says Guillou. When Guillou wanted to take aerial photos of one of France’s most famous landmarks and a World Hertiage Site, Mont Saint-Michel on the Normandy coast, he teamed up with Wasselin. Built in the eighth century AD, this island monastery attracts more than three million

visitors every year, so Wasselin had to get many permits, including special authorization from the government and local and municipal law enforcement for their multirotor flight over the dam and the bridge leading to Mont-Saint Michel. Guillou especially appreciated being able to get close to the subject with a wide-angle lens and adds, “But for small telephoto lens shooting, I hope the brushless gimbal will allow in the near future the possibility to zoom in on the subject while in flight.” After the successful shoot at Mont-Saint Michel, Guillou says that he is planning additional shoots using multirotors: “They are a very logical way to discover new subjects from a unique point of view. I dream to find a sponsor for a road trip with a camping car to launch a photographic drone over the most beautiful European places.” Guillou adds that he also appreciates the eco-friendly nature of multirotors, and he wants to thank DJI Innovations for helping to stop climate change: “Thousands of images captured by multirotors worldwide will save tons of precious fuel as we aren’t shooting aerial images from helicopters!”

The team thanks the DGAC (French Civil Aviation Board) for allowing them to fly the S900 into the R12 “forbidden zone.”

THE DETAILS

Model: DJI S900 w/ electronic A2IosD Mark II + DJI 5.8GHz video transmitter (AVL58)Controller: Zenmuse GH4 with Panasonic GH4 and f2.0 Zuiko 12mnBattery: Gens Ace Tattu 6S 16000mAhWeight: 7.2 kgRadios: Futaba T14FG (driver) & Futaba T8FG (camera operator); futaba-rc.comDriver: Didier WasselinCameraman: Alain Guillou

●3●2●1

●4

●5

1. � e arms of the DJI S900 fold down for easy transport.2. Tattu Gens Ace provided literal power and also spon-sored this historic fl ight.3. � e Zenmuse gimbal maneuvers the Panasonic GH4 camera in fl ight.4. � is mechanism securely locks each arm in place for fl ight.5. From left: team members Denis Legal, Didier Wasselin & Alain Guillou.


Flying over Mont-Saint MichelThe weaTher is on our side, the sun arrives, the wind is not too strong (10- 15 knots), and security is in place—one on each side of the road to block any cars. We get into position on the road and perform the first takeoff. For this flight, I stayed with Gens Ace 6S 16000mAh 15C battery, so we don’t burden the machine. What a pleasure to drive a machine with this stability, especially with two radios. Separate control of the S900 and the camera provides both comfort and safety, but constant communication between the pilot and the cameraman is essential. After a 16-minute flight, we are back on the road. We are getting closer to Mont Saint-Michel, positioning us to the foot of the ramparts with the help of the municipal police, which ensures the safety ground vis-à-vis the tourists. And we can start several flights, west and east walls, for panoramic video. Staying below the ramparts is fine because our S900 weighs 7.2kg and it’s not yet equipped with its parachute. Quick adjustment via Bluetooth limits us to 100 meters horizontal distance and 150 meters vertically — within the guidelines of our authorized permits. Despite windy conditions and a slightly smaller takeoff area, due to the work zone, we were able to fulfill our mission and come back with pictures and good quality videos. –Didier Wasselin K

Don’t miss the video the team captured at RotorDroneMag.com/Mont-St-Michel

▲

Above: Organizer Alain Guillou thanks sponsors DJI Innovation and Tat-tu Gens Ace batteries as well as pilot Didier Wasselin, photographers Denis Legall, Pascal Stelletta, and Danièle and Jean Pierre Husson.Below: Didier Wasselin, Danièle Husson, Jean Pierre Husson, Alain Guil-lou, and Pascal Stelleta on the road that leads to Mont-Saint Michel.

Air support

KDS Sky-Hero Little SpyderTopnotch quality in a small compact frameBy John Reid Photos By bob sutton

March/April 2015 55

SPECIFICATIONS

Name: Little SpyderManufacturer: Sky-Hero (sky-hero.com) Distributor: KDS (kdsmodelsusa.com)Type: quadcopter Length: 15 in. Motor to motor span: 12.5 in. Height: 8 in. Weight: 3 lb., 1 oz.Motor incl’d: 4 outrunners (included)Radio req’d: 6-channelPrice: $799

HIGHLIGHTS

+ Easy build+ Solid compact frame+ Very easy to fly+ Fast and stable flying

GEAR USED

Radio: Futaba 10C w/ R617FS receiver (futaba-rc.com)Motor: Sky-Hero X2806-950 (installed)Battery: Hobby People 4S 3200mAh (hobbypeople.net)Props: 10x4.5 (4 included)

The Spyder series of multirotors are not your typical

looking tri-quads and hexacopters. This is mainly due to

their off-center arms/booms that give them a unique

look. The latest release, the Sky-Hero Little Spyder,

is a smaller version of the larger very popular Spyder. While it

is smaller, the Little Spyder is very stout, retaining the same

diameter booms as its larger cousins. Think of it as the bulldog of

the group: compact, solid and very tough.

Here is the Little Spyder with the canopy off

as we double-check everything to make sure

it is ready to go.

� is quad has a robust frame, but when you pick it up it actually feels quite light. � is is because its key components are carbon-fi ber. � e design lends itself very well to a video platform or First-Person View. We reviewed the Little Spyder Combo 2, and it comes with the frame, canopy, aluminum carrying case, props, Naza M-V2 with GPS, motors and speed controls. � e frame is pre-assembled

with motors and speed controls mounted and connected. All that was left for me to do was to install the Naza fl ight controller, GPS, my receiver and battery, and program my desired parameters into the fl ight controller. � is unit is designed for the advanced pilot and will require some web scouting for build instructions. Now let’s get to it, shall we?


Above: The Naza remote LED provides information about the status of the multirotor by varying flash colors and sequences. It also serves as a way to connect to your laptop to program the controller. Above right: All of the removable parts are attached with these easy to grip ionized thumb nuts. Right: The canopy cups around the front two arms and is held in place with this little latch clip.

On the bench ready to go, this Little Spyder is one clean-looking bird.

UNIqUE fEAtURESThe Little Spyder comes in a nice shipping case that contains all the parts needed for completion. Once pulled from the case, I found that the Spyder had very little assembly required. The two front arms need to be pulled forward and then you insert bolts to lock them in. Some nice ionized thumb nuts lock everything in place and make removal easy. To fit in the case, one bolt in each arm can be removed and the Little Spyder folds back into a compact configuration. The landing gear also needed to be completely attached; this is also done with the same type of thumb nuts. With the exception of bolting on the props at a later time, that just about completed the frame assembly of the Little Spyder.

The next step is to install the electric components. For this model we had the Naza M-V2 with GPS. Both units are marked with arrows that should face the front of the aircraft. The GPS unit can be mounted so that it extends above the canopy for better reception, or mounted hidden below the canopy, which is the method I used. So far, I haven’t noticed any issues with this installation. The Naza controller has designated channels that correspond to each of the channels on the receiver, which are then plugged in to the controller. The controller disseminates the transmitter stick movements to each motor. The remote LED unit needs to be positioned where the pilot can easily see it during flight. This unit will flash in different color patterns

(red, yellow and green) to indicate the status of the aircraft, including the number of GPS satellites acquired, battery power levels and other issues. If you will be flying at low levels, position the remote LED toward the rear of the

aircraft. But if you are flying the aircraft at higher altitudes, such as for photography/cinematography purposes, mount this unit on the bottom of the quad. I downloaded the Naza-M Assistance Software from DJI to my computer and programmed the Sky-Hero Little Spyder with the USB connection that is included with the Naza system.

1/2H.indd 1 3/27/14 10:54 AM


Assembly took very little time, and I would say that I spent most of it working on programming in the right parameters. You can easily get this bird and have it ready to fly in less than an evening. I can say that once

I started flying the Little Spyder, it is now the one I always take out flying because I can use it for either video/photography or racing around obstacles. However you want to use it this quad, the Little Spyder is a good buy.

BOTTOM LINE

Programing the NazaIf you’ve never before set up a controller, this can appear to be a daunting task. But I can assure you that it is actually very simple. There are two ways to download the program needed to set up the controller. The first is to go to the DJI website and download the Naza-M2v assistant software for your PC or Mac. Once installed, use the USB plug to connect the remote LED to your computer, turn on the transmitter, plug in the quad and start/launch the program. The second way is to download the Naza assistant app for your iPhone, turn on the transmitter, plug in the quad and launch the app. The program is nearly the same for either the computer or iPhone. Begin by setting up the type of aircraft you have (quad-, hexa- or octocopter), then select the type of orientation that you want the multirotor to fly (for example a quadcopter can fly in an I-formation or X-formation). Now we move on to setting up the transmitter controls and how the controller board will interpret them. The first thing we have to select is our receiver type, which could be traditional, D-bus, or PPM. Then move on to the stick calibration screen. This screen will have you calibrate the control sticks by moving into their extreme ends. Then you set up the control mode switch, which is the three-position switch that changes the flying mode. I have always had to make adjustments to transmitter endpoints on the switch so that it lines up in the correct position on the controller to trigger the different flight modes. If these are not properly adjusted, the correct flight will not activate. You can make other adjustments later, such as gain adjustment and battery levels, but for now, these are the main things needed to get the quad airborne.

� e best way to describe the Little Spyder’s fl ight is solid,

fast and stable.

FLIGHT REPORTWith everything programed in just the way I wanted it, the fi rst fl ight was actually very uneventful. � e Little Spyder took to the air with just a little over half throttle, and immediately I knew that this bird has more than enough power. After hovering for a minute or so while I checked out the stability of the quad, I smoothly transitioned the aircraft to forward fl ight. I found all the controls to feel very solid and responsive. Even though this was a smaller cousin to the larger Spyder, this quad fl ies like a much larger bird in both feel and performance.

GENERAL FLIGHT PERFORMANCEStability: � is quad is rock solid in the air. � e Little Spyder had no problem with hovering in the wind and staying in one spot (although in the wind does require a slight bit more corrective control from the pilot than a larger multirotor would, but that is to be expected). � e Little Spyder is very stable in both forward and descending fl ight.

Tracking: In all modes the Little Spyder was easy to keep on point and direct its movements in the sky. I felt very comfortable bringing it up alongside barriers or items that I wanted to photograph.

Aerobatics: In the right hands and in manual mode, this quad has the power to perform rolls and loops, unfortunately at this present time I do not possess such skills or the courage.

Glide and stall performance: Stalls are within seconds when the props stop spinning and it glides like a rock. But I was impressed at how well it would stabilize itself in a rapid descent. Other quads that I fl y have some oscillation in them when power is decreased, and they’ll go in a rapid descent. � e Little Spyder just came down as if it were in an elevator.

PILOT DEBRIEFINGI really enjoyed fl ying this Little Spyder; it’s compact frame and speed allows me to zip around the sky as if I had a miniature Ferrari in the air. It has very good power and all the control responses are crisp and precise. Overall, I think every quad pilot out there would enjoy fl ying this quad.

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When I don’t have time to make it to the flying field or I just need a quick RC fix, I reach for one of my mini multirotor aircraft. The mini rig can be flown line-of-sight or First-Person View, and is suitable for backyard

flying or pretty much anywhere it’s safe to fly. The Drone Frames Mini D DRQ250 quadcopter airframe is a small yet fully functional First-Person View quad. The Mini-D is a symmetric 250mm size (measured motor shaft to motor shaft diagonally) airframe that accommodates 5-inch props.

Drone Frames

Mini-D Quadcopter A small, inexpensive yet fully capable machineBy kyle matthew PhoTos By robert hicks

Air support

The author poses holding the DRQ250 right after its first flight.

March/April 2015 61

UNIQUE FEATURES� e Mini-D is a clean/dirty plate design separated by M3 dampers that allow for vibration-free video recordings with your HD camera of choice. Mounting my GoPro 3+ to the clean plate’s extended camera mount has provided many jello-free fl ight videos. � is design also simplifi es the small airframe, making it lighter in addition to reducing parts count and failure points. Assembly of the Mini-D requires some soldering skills to build the power distribution board. I started by attaching the four M3 vibration dampeners to the “belt” plate, then I screwed on the arms and dirty plate with four M3x8 and four Rivnuts (these can be used as landing gear and are removable for folding the frame). Attaching the 3mm belt standoff s and power distribution board with nylon bolts and nuts completes the dirty plate. � en I attached the motors with four screws each and the speed controls with zip-ties. I also soldered the speed-control leads to the positive and negative copper plates and soldered on a battery lead. Note that each plate is not labeled; you will have to decide which you want to be negative and positive. Next I powered up my Acro Naze 32 fl ight controller and tested the directions of the motors, made any necessary adjustments, then completed the fi nal connections between the motors and speed controls with heat shrink.Now we move on to the clean plates. Attach the top and bottom clean plates with six 37mm standoff s and 12 M3x6mm screws, and at this point it’s time to choose your camera placement. I decided to use a GoPro 3+ and a charged-coupled device camera. � e Mini-D comes with a horizontal GoPro/Mobius HD camera plate extension and a vertical camera plate. I used the horizontal GoPro plate and secured my camera on the top clean plate with hot glue. I placed the Naze 32 (in a protective case), a HobbyKing OrangeRx R-615X receiver and the battery on the bottom clean plate. � e top clean plate holds the camera, ImmersionRC 5.8GHz 600mW video transmitter and battery monitor. Zip-ties, Velcro and ReadyMadeRC battery straps hold everything nice and secure. I also added the optional extended landing gear so I could take off and land in grass without hitting the props. � e airframe easily supports a 3S LiPo setup with T-Motor SimonK 12A (1A BEC) speed controls and powerful Dualsky ECO Motor 2204X 2300KV motors. � e next step is to program the Naze 32 fl ight controller. � is is an amazing piece of equipment with a ton of features packed into a tiny package—too many to discuss here. Although it does a complex job, it is not hard to program and the manual is easy to follow.

GEAR USED

Radio: Spektrum DX6i (spektrumrc.com), OrangeRX R-615X receiver (hobbyking.com)Motors: four Dualsky ECO Motor 2204X 2300KV (dualsky.com), four T-Motor SimonK 12A speed controls (readymaderc.com)Autopilot: Acro Naze 32Propellers: four Gemfan 2 5 x 3 (readymaderc.com)Battery: 3s 1300mAh 35CFPV: ImmersionRC 600mW 5.8GHz transmitter

HIGHLIGHTS

+ Composite construction+ Wide range of motor and power options+ Large secondary vibration isolation frame + Compact size for proximity flying around obstacles

SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL: DRQ250 “Mini-D” 250mm quadcopterMANUFACTURER: Drone Frames (droneframes.com)DISTRIBUTOR: ReadyMadeRC LLC (readymaderc.com)TYPE: mini multi-rotorFRAME DIAMETER: 9.84 in.WEIGHT: 1 lb., 5oz (w/ GoPro & CCD cameras) RADIO: 4-channel, 6+ channels recommendedPRICES: $84.99

� e kit has a low parts count; everything needed to put the quad together is included. Adding your favorite electronics package is not diffi cult.

� e dirty frame and arms go together quickly, the copper PDB plates are held on with nylon bolts and nuts.

� e speed controls and motors are installed and being tested with the Naze 32 for proper direction. Make sure the bare leads from the motor and speed control connections do not touch while the system is powered up.


The Drone Frames DRQ250 is an absolute blast to fly. The design is a great blend of function and form. This quad is made for high-performance aerobatics and FPV racing by experienced pilots, but with the angle and

horizon modes even low time pilots can easily fly around and build their skills. The airframe is durable enough to handle some abuse, like crashing into trees—the usual suspect on most race courses. All of the electronics are well-protected and I really appreciated the quality hardware and parts used to make the DRQ250. If you think you are ready for a high-performance, good looking and durable mini-quad, then you need to check out the DRQ250 Mini-D.

FLIGHT REPORTAssembly at the fl ying site involves unfolding four arms, if you’ve decided to fold them, and locking them in place using four bolts and Rivnuts. When the battery is connected the Naze 32 will sound a chime. Do not move the model while plugging in the battery and during the fi rst few seconds after powering up. � e gyro must be idle or the initial calibration will be off . Alternatively, make sure you execute the “gyro calibration” stick sequence prior to arming the motors. � e Naze 32’s LED provides the status and mode of the controller. � e motor arming sequence requires the left transmitter stick to be pushed to the bottom inside corner of the transmitter. � e Dualsky ECO 2204X motors provided plenty of power to lift the Mini-D off the ground. After liftoff , setting the throttle stick to the mid-stick position established a hover. I put the little bird through its paces for the next 8 minutes in horizon and angle modes. After landing, I disarmed the motor by placing the left transmitter stick to the bottom outside corner of the transmitter. � e Mini-D is smooth with impressive climb performance and very agile. After 9 minutes of fl ight, the speed controls triggered the low-voltage battery cutoff and the bird slowly descended for a landing. I was only approximately 15 feet off the ground when this happened. I’ve made more than 15 fl ights with the Mini-D while I dial in the Naze 32 gains; each fl ight gets better and better. � is is an extremely capable machine.

GENERAL FLIGHT PERFORMANCEStability: My initial fl ights were in horizon mode and were gentle liftoff s and landings, then progressing into a basic fl ight profi le. Horizon is a good mode to get a feel for how the Mini-D handles as it allows for aerobatic fl ight as well as self-stabilization. Performing snappy turns, fl ips, rolls and buzzing around in this mode is a lot of fun.

Tracking: Without a GPS, tracking in a straight line takes some work as you’ll have to compensate for wind drift. � e wind has a big eff ect on this little, light aircraft but it has enough power to compensate.

Aerobatics: In horizon mode I was able do fl ips and rolls with no problem. While performing aerobatics the aircraft will lose altitude, make sure you start them with enough height to recover. Angle Mode restricts banks to 45 degrees, which is plenty for normal fast fl ying.

PILOT DEBRIEFING� e build process was quick and straightforward, mainly because of the low parts count. High-quality, vibration-free video in a small package is now within the grasp of any RC pilot. � e Mini-D is built like a micro tank yet remains agile and very capable in the air. It can fi t in tight places and screams across the sky! It’s perfect for getting a few friends together for some tree-hugging First-Person View racing or a fun fl y. For the best performance, keep it as light as possible, which may mean forgoing the GoPro and just having a smaller camera and/or switching to a 4S battery setup.

BOTTOM LINE

Above: e bottom clean plate is installed as well as the Naze 32 in its protective case. I labeled the Naze 32 case to make sure it was installed cor-rectly. Left; e Naze 32 comes without the pins installed, so a little bit of soldering is needed. e manual clearly explains where each pin connects and there are plenty of tips online on how to solder them on.

e Mini-D can be easily folded up to be even smaller for transporta-tion and/or storage. Just remove four screws for folding, but be sure not to lose them.

The author holds his custom-built Isiscopter multirotor in front of his Beechcraft Bonanza A-36.

March/April 2015 65

The FAA’s “333”exempTions explAinedMeeting the requireMents to fly coMMerciallyBy Gus Calderon Photo By Tony donaldson

after the faa announced that exemptions were granted to seven production companies, RotorDrone published two articles by aviation attorneys regarding the legal implications of this FAA action. As a commercial pilot with 20 years of flight experience, including owning and operating an FAA certified air charter company, I carefully studied the grant of exemption and found that the list of “conditions and limitations” required for unmanned aircraft in the film industry was strikingly similar to the requirements for manned air carrier operations. The following is my interpretation of these conditions, based on years of experience in conducting FAA certified passenger-carrying operations and complying with FAA regulations. I will explain the implications and the requirements necessary to be in compliance and maintain the status of a granted petition for exemption.

Private Pilot RequirementTo fly under this exemption, the Pilot In Command must possess at least a private pilot’s license. On average, it will take between 60 and 75 hours of flight training prior to taking a practical flight test. Depending on your location, the cost of this training may approach $10,000. In addition, you will need to pass a written knowledge test and obtain a third-class medical certificate. The medical requirement is a physical examination administered by an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner.

The grant also requires that the pilot meet the currency requirements of the full-scale aircraft on his/her license. In other words, even if you received your pilot’s license many years ago and have not been flying, you must become current by meeting the requirements of a bi-annual flight review. You will need to have a certified flight instructor endorse your logbook after evaluating your pilot skills and aeronautical knowledge.

Visual Observer All flight operations must utilize a visual observer. The visual observer must ensure that the unmanned aircraft remains within visual line of sight at all times. The observer and pilot must be able to communicate verbally and efficiently throughout flight operations.

Also required is the development of a Flight Operations and Procedures manual that will include training procedures and tests for the pilot, the visual observer and

the maintenance technician. The operations manual must include logbooks for the pilot and also for the aircraft records. Writing these manuals is a very challenging task that will require extensive knowledge of flight operations and aviation maintenance.

Mandatory MaintenanceIn addition, maintenance procedures must be developed to document and maintain a record of aspects of the unmanned aircraft, including the total time in service of the airframe and all components. Complying with this requirement will be a very time-consuming and complex process. Essentially, these are the same requirements for maintaining manned aircraft. Writing these maintenance procedures is just the beginning; documenting all maintenance actions in a logbook must be done for the duration of the exemption that is two years from the date of issue.

Conclusion When the FAA reviews the petition for exemption, it will look for the operator’s “proprietary” operations manual. A granted exemption is only the beginning of this process. When the FAA comes calling for an inspection (and it will), you must demonstrate that you have been in and are in compliance with all their conditions and limitations in your operating manual. K

About the Author gus calderon is a commercial pilot with multi-engine and instrument ratings. he has over 3,500 hours Pilot in command of many aircraft including corporate jets. he developed an faa-certified Part 135 air carrier operation and wrote his own operations Manual, compliance statement, and training Manual. he has owned and supervised the maintenance of six aircraft over the past 20 years.

This hybrid plane/multirotor can outfly anything in its classBY MIKE GANTT PHOTOS BY JOHN REID & MIKE GANTT

It is no surprise that multirotors are becoming the most identifiable model aircraft these days, and to break monotony, we’re seeing offerings of 3, 4, 6, 8 and higher rotor counts on models with a myriad of “intelligence” added to them. Up in our skies, these are

all vying for the coveted “you need this one/it’s the best” title. Most, if not all, feature a similar distinction, which is a look between that of an arachnid and a helicopter. To be honest, this kept me from entering the rotor drone world at first, but now I’m hooked. Perhaps feeling my pain, BirdsEyeView Aerobotics has not only addressed any woes, but has also made it easier to “transition” from being a model airplane pilot into a multirotor pilot. Their FireFly6 platform looks more like a bird than a bug on the bench, and in flight, the FireFly6’s airframe and silhouette look sweet instead of shocking.

BirdsEyeView Aerobotics

FireFly6

SPECIFICATIONS

Model: FireFly 6Manufacturer: BirdsEyeView Aerobotics (birdseyeview.aero)Type: hybrid plane/multirotorWingspan: 60 in. Weight: 104.75 oz. (ready to fly, no camera)Power req’d: six 400-watt outrunnersRadio req’d: 7+ channelPrice: $500

HIGHLIGHTS

+ Can transition from hover to forward flight+ Long flight times+ Multiple payload options+ Outstanding First-Person View platform

GEAR USED

Radio: Spektrum DX-18G2 w/AR8000 DSMX (spektrum-rc.com), two included servos Motors: six 400-watt brushless outrunners, six 30A Opto speed controls Battery: two MaxAmps 3S 4000mAh (maxamps.com)

AIR SUPPORT

Flying on the wing saves electrons. Tilt the motors back and you’re hovering—perfect for photo ops.


However, there is more to the FireFly6 than just great looks. In its simplest form, this hybrid aircraft can likely out-fly anything in its class. Then, there is the ability to add multiple cameras (such as GoPro units), flight controllers and First-Person View gear so pilots can tailor the aircraft to their specific tastes. When the FireFly6 arrives you will wonder how they figured out a way to put so much goodness in so little shipping space. When expert engineering is evident from the beginning of the product encounter, more often than not great things follow.

UniqUe featUres Cool feature number one is obviously the fact that the FireFly6 doesn’t look like a strange device that garners unfavorable attention; it looks like a flying wing. Carbon-fiber wing joiners and rare-earth magnets allow you to assemble and remove the wings from the main body section for transport. Red paint and decals make the aircraft easy to identify in flight. Removable winglets at the left and right wingtips are keyed in place with carbon fiber and magnets. The left, right, front and rear of this multirotor are distinguishable by shape for a change! A 60-inch wing is very easy to identify in flight, and did I mention it looks great? Three magnetized compartments exist to house any aforementioned electronic components as well as the flight batteries. You will use two 3-cell LiPo packs and if the recommended batteries are substituted you may need to remove some foam to properly close the battery hatches. Another awesome attribute is the fact that this aircraft can transition from a hover to full forward flight. I like to reference the V-22 Osprey in that there are motors that rotate approximately 90° from vertical to horizontal to achieve this super cool feat. This ability will also allow pilots to get more out of their batteries and flights because when you fly “on the wing” you’ll use a lot less power than when hovering around on the props. Longer flight times, a 34mph air speed and a multiple mile travel distance can be achieved. What really sets the FireFly6 off for me is the electronic retractable landing gear. Set up on a slide switch or on a gear switch, the metal landing gear look sweet as they rise up into the airframe when hovering down low, not to mention are now out of frame for photography. Nothing complicated, either, as the two mains and nose unit are spring-loaded, distinguishable by wheel size and are held in place with screws. Almost everything you need here is included: wing servos are pre-installed, a transition control unit, power distribution system, all servo extensions, extra wire, Deans connectors, and two nose cones are in the box. I ordered up the BirdsEyeView power pack to make life easy: this sweet setup contains the required motors, speed controls and APC propellers, taking away any guesswork or extra trips to the store.

wire slice and diceWhen building the FireFly6, you run across a build step that tells you to remove one of the servo extension wires. The reason is typical: we don’t want any conflict of power entering the electronics. The flight controller has its own power supply and can/will send power to the receiver and bridge, but we want the BEC to power those components. Here are a few fast ways to do servo wire surgery and cure the conflict.

➜ Insert a small flat-tip screwdriver under the tab of choice (red in this case). Gently pull the red wire tab upward while slightly pulling the wire away from the plastic housing and the metal connector will slide out. You can do this at both ends of the servo extension and remove the entire wire for a clean look.

➜ Alternatively, you could remove only one of the metal connectors from one side of the extension and tape or shrink wrap it the out of the way. This allows you to reattach the connector and re-purpose the extension if ever needed.

➜ Don’t feel like spending a few minutes? Another way is to simply isolate the wire you wish to remove and cut it with small wire cutters. Take care to avoid chopping the wires you wish to keep; make sure the cut wire is safely away from the metal connector and you’re finished.

Plenty of room for a plethora of electronics in here! The Maxamps packs put out some serious electrons and are run in parallel.

notice the wires exiting the receiver have the shrink tubing on them, this is how the finished modi-fied plug should look.

March/April 2015 69

After adding a hover controller, a BEC and your receiver of choice, you can have the FireFly6 ready to fly in a couple of evenings. Most of the completion time is spent on wiring and setup as the assembly of the airframe

goes fast. The online build series and manual that accompanies this product are topnotch, and the guys at BirdsEyeAero are extremely helpful should you have any hang-ups.

BOTTOM LINE

A sprocket does the job of rotating the motors in fl ight and it worked fl awlessly.

FLIGHT REPORTAfter following the directions and performing the proper bench checks there were no surprises as all electronics and control surfaces came to life. � e manual states that you will need to add 0.6 inch of elevon refl ex and an inexpensive digital veneer caliper from Harbor Freight makes measuring that distance easy. I also downloaded a free clinometer app for my smart phone and used it to set all motors to the correct angles (in relation to the airframe) as required. � e hover controller fi rmware made quick work of the Naza Lite setup and by using four servo Y-harnesses I was able to calibrate all six speed controls at once. After spending a few minutes with my Du-Bro prop balancer, all six air screws were turning true. Do yourself a favor and do not mount any of the props until after all structures/systems/subsystems have been checked and re-checked and the FireFly6 is ready to take fl ight.

GENERAL FLIGHT PERFORMANCEStability: During vertical takeoff s and hovering, this aircraft was aided by the Naza Lite controller, which does an excellent job at holding attitude and hovering is easy. In forward fl ight mode and without a forward fl ight controller, I found the FireFly6 to be totally stable with no bad habits whatsoever. It fl ies just like a large wing should.

Tracking: Even without the GPS or the forward fl ight controller, my FireFly6 fl ies very well after an initial trim-out. If you can fl y a fi xed-wing model airplane, you can easily keep this bird traveling in the direction you want it to go and the slight breeze on test fl ight day had no eff ect on fl ight performance.

Agility: In forward-fl ight mode, pilots will be happy with the advanced abilities of the FireFly6. Sometimes I forget that there is the multirotor “option” at all because it is fun to buzz around and fl y it as an airplane. Loops and rolls are beautiful and graceful unlike the semi-violent aerobatics its “arachnidian counterpart” can sometimes perform! Back in hover mode, the six motors have all of the power you could need for nimble and lively fl ight, while the Naza controller always keeps things in check and under control.

PILOT DEBRIEFINGWith a revolutionary design the FireFly6 is a great-fl ying hybrid aircraft and can carry quite a payload. � e ability to transition from a hover into forward fl ight is not only super cool but allows a pilot to save time and energy. � is also means that you can take off and land the aircraft pretty much anywhere. Options to fl y it like an airplane or a multirotor (or both) are awesome!

Motor blocks are used to clamp the power system onto carbon-fi ber rods. Props, adapters and retractable gear are all included.

� e thrust delivered from the Power Pack is awe-some, and these speed controls do their job well.


This affordable hexacopter is a great multirotor platform and can be built to do whatever you like. It comes with six arm/frame pieces as well as

six pairs of brushless outrunner motors, 30-amp speed controls, and propellers. Good quality hex head fasteners, two circuit board plates, a flight controller, prop adapters, bullet connectors, and shrink wrap are also in the small box and will help you to get in the air quickly. User manuals for both the F600 airframe, electronics build/assembly and the Super MR Flight Controller are available online and are easy to follow. Some additional items you will need to complete your F600 are blue threadlock, a soldering iron, a Deans Ultra plug, 12-gauge wire, wire ties, hook and loop straps, and of course, your guidance system and flight battery. A 3-cell LiPo pack is required and I recommend a 3200mAh capacity or more. You could get away with using a 4-channel radio, but 6 or more channels may be useful if you plan to add photography gear or a First-Person View setup.

Hobby People

F600Hexacopter DIY Starter KitFast, fun and photographer-ready BY MIKE GANTT PHOTOS BY JOHN REID & MIKE GANTT

AIR SUPPORT

Within seconds of being airborne, it was apparent that the F600 was very stable. Wait until you feel the power of this machine!

SPECIFICATIONSName: F600Manufacturer: HP HelisDistributor: Hobby People (hobbypeople.net)Type: hexacopterWidth: 23.5 in.Weight: 51 oz.Motors incl’d: 6 outrunners & speed controlsRadio req’d: 4-channel min.Price: $250

HIGHLIGHTS+ Power systems and a flight controller are included+ Assembles easily and is configurable to suit your needs+ Excellent flying machine with plenty of power

GEAR USEDRadio: Spektrum DX-18 G2 w/AR7000 (spectrumrc.com), Hobby People Super MR Controller (hobbypeople.net)Motors: six 1000Kv brushless outrunners and six 30A speed controls (included)Battery: Hobby People 3S 3200 30C Props: 10 x 4.5 (included)


UNIQUE FEATURES � e box containing the aforementioned contents is small and everything is packed in tightly. Some soldering will be needed, and you’ll need to join the speed control power leads to the bottom fi berglass plate, which also serves as a circuit board. � is multi-task item is cool because it negates the need of a separate power adapter. � e molded outrigger arms are strong; three are red and three are white. Any arrangement can be used when building, and I fi nd that it is best to lay out the arms in a way that allows for easy identifi cation of the aircraft’s front. I ended up painting one of the red arms white and fl ying this hexacopter as an “X-6” (as identifi ed in the fl ight controller manual) with two red arms in front. You can also fl y it as a “Hex-6,” which simply means you would use a single arm out in front in the color of choice. Options are great and building this aircraft to your own specifi cations is what the F600 is all about. � e Super MR Flight controller is fairly small and simple to set up. Dip switches dial in your transmitter type and the multi-rotor type. A single gain is used to adjust sensitivity and it is recommended you start with a lower setting rather than a high one. An arrow on the unit points to the front of the aircraft and included double-sided tape secures it in place. After adding the controller and your receiver,

there is still plenty of room to locate items such as GPS, photo and First-Person View gear.

Prior to mounting any propellers, be sure to check your motor rotation for correct direction. If any of the motors need to be reversed, simply swap any two of the three wires between that motor and mating speed control. If you used the included 3mm bullet connectors, this is very easy. � e included 10x4.5 propellers go on as right and left and I use my Du-bro Tru-Spin to balance any prop before I mount it on an aircraft. � is helps with vibration not only within the aircraft, but also with your photography! Finally, for about $15 I added on some simple landing gear legs that elevate the aircraft high enough for a camera and gimbal to be mounted underneath. A GoPro or similar can easily fi t there now.

BOTTOM LINE

FLIGHT REPORTPlace the 3-cell (3200mAh in this case) LiPo in the center of the top plate area and secure with your hook and loop straps. As a precautionary measure, a thin piece of rubber can be inserted between the pack and plate for anti-slide security. Once armed, the F600 will emit a few beeps and let the pilot know it is online and ready for fl ight. e motors need to be unlocked and a command of throttle off combined with right rudder does this. To lock the motors at any time,

use throttle off and left rudder. Once you activate the power system, all motors come up to an idle; at this point you can add power gradually for a slow ascent or advance the throttle more and launch it like a rocket. e power to weight ratio is amazing and within seconds, the F600 can be hovering at a very high altitude. When landing, I try not to descend too fast and once the skids touch I lock the motors and unplug the battery.

GENERAL FLIGHT PERFORMANCEStability: Test fl ights were conducted on a calm day with a 1-2 knot breeze. As soon as the F600 goes up, the Super MR controller keeps the aircraft level quite well. After moving the aircraft in any direction, a return to level feature also does a great job. I let the F600 hover a few feet up and gave a full left rudder input which made the model spin like a ceiling fan. at means it pretty much stayed in one place during my rudder rotations.

Tracking: is hexacopter stays on course and fl ies every command you give it without any bad habits. ere will

be some inertia to deal with when making hard turns, but the power is abundant and helps direction changes to happen quickly. For an aircraft that has no wings or control surfaces, it fl ies better than some that do!

Response: As mentioned, the thrust generated is almost unreal and propels this hexacopter skyward like lightening. rottle response is outstanding to say the least. When you give the sticks a bend test, the F600 is ready for it and moves around with authority; the sounds that come from the motors and props during hard fl ight confi rms this.

“Affordable multirotor” doesn’t have to be an oxymoron, and this is well-demonstrated by the HP Helis F600

hexacopter. It’s really a deal considering everything that is included. With some basic hobby tools and know-how most pilots will find assembly will take around two evenings.

Plenty of area allows for ease of gear placement. A 3200mAh or larger battery should be used.

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ANATOMY OF FPVAN INSIDE LOOK AT THAT “FROM THE COCKPIT” EXPERIENCEBY GERRY YARRISH PHOTOS BY PETE HALL

BASIC OPERATIONFPV requires a mini video camera, a video signal transmitter, a video receiver and a video monitor or video goggles. As with anything else involved with RC, quadcopters, and other multirotors, it is always going to be easier to start with a complete FPV package where everything is designed to work together. If you buy each part by itself, you will have to figure out how to make all the connections with a custom homemade wire harness, or adaptor, which may require soldering wires and connectors together. As a rule, for your first time out, stick with a plug-and-play package.

Video Camera Most of the compact lightweight cameras used in FPV setups come with inexpensive plastic lenses. Once your system is set up, you may have to focus the camera so you have a sharp image to video. Most have a removable/adjustable lens, and to focus it you have to loosen a set screw and then carefully screw the lens in or out to bring the video image into focus. It is also here where you can improve your optics, as there are replacement lenses available made of glass and with diff erent viewing specs. For the best experience, use a wide-angle lens.

If you fly multirotors, it doesn’t take long for you to hear the term “FPV,” and many have already discovered how much fun this onboard video feature can be. The acronym “FPV” stands for “First-Person View,” and the equipment needed to enjoy that “from the cockpit” video experience has become one of the most popular add-on packages available today. Though several mini and micro quadcopters are now coming with First-Person View function as standard equipment, you can add aftermarket FPV gear to your quadcopter if it isn’t equipped with it. Let’s take a closer look.

Above right: Hobby King’s RC832 5.8GH plug and play FPV set comes with everything you need except a monitor. Below: � ere are several sources for aftermarket FPV equipment, and here is an excellent 2.4GHz setup using mixed and matched brand products.

Available in all shapes, sizes and price points, whichever camera you get will have to be wired to your airborne power source and the FPV transmitter. Note Spektrum’s ultra micro FPV camera to the left comes with a built-in transmitter and antenna.

Monitor � e ground-based video receiver will have an output jack that plugs into a standard AV (audio/video) cord. � e cord connects the monitor to the receiver unit. Again, you have to match the colors of the jacks, yellow for video and white for audio if your FPV camera/transmitter is equipped with a microphone.

Ground-based Video Receiver � is is the matching part of the transmitter that receives the video signal transmitted from the FPV-equipped aircraft. It too is equipped with one or two antenna, and they should also be connected. Once the video transmitter and camera are powered, some transmitters will automatically lock on the video signal while others have a switch for selecting the clearest, strongest signal. Some cameras/transmitter may have channel select switches. Matching the channels provides the best signal reception.

Airborne Video Transmitter � is is the part that converts what the camera sees into a video signal that can then be transmitted down to the FPV ground station. � e camera is connected to the transmitter with a wire lead and it is important to match the wires properly. With a plug and play setup, you simply plug the connectors together. For a mix and match, the color of the wires becomes very important. � e wiring for FPV is the same as with all electronics. � e black and red wires are the ground (-) and power (+) wires respectively. � e other wires leading from the camera will be yellow (video signal) and if there is fourth (white) wire, it will be the audio signal.

WARNING It is very important to first attach the antenna before applying power to the transmitter unit. The antenna is required to load the unit’s circuitry. If you apply power to the unit without the antenna attached, you can overload and burn it out. If in doubt, always follow the directions.

Transmitters for FPV systems are relatively small and compact. Some quads come with the equipment integrated while others can be upgraded with aftermarket add-ons.

Your ground station can be anything from a set of goggles that have a built-in receiver to a table top supporting the FPV receiver of your choice. Various antenna arrangements are used and here you can also fi ne-tune choices for the best signal reception possible.

When it comes to seeing what your FPV camera is looking at, you have a lot of choices. Standard fl at monitors are very popu-lar and like the smaller one to the left, can plug into your ground-based receiver. � e larger one below with dual antenna is a combination of moni-tor and receiver. It even has built-in rechargeable batteries!

Transmitters produce a lot of heat, so be sure to install them where there’s proper airfl ow to cool them down.

March/April 2015 75


BOTTOM LINEWhether you want to try piloting your aircraft using a live down feed “from the cockpit” view or you just want to give your friends a virtual “ride,” First-Person View provides a lot of fun and excitement. This electronic bird’s-eye view provides a new perspective of the world around you. Give FPV a try; you’ll never look at multirotors the same way again. K

FPV Goggles A popular alternative to the fl at monitor, are one-size-fi ts-all FPV goggles. � ese come in varying levels of quality and they provide a virtual experience of the video viewed directly with split images, one for each eye. Basic goggles have fi xed focus and most cannot be used by people who wear glasses. It is best to wear contact lenses as the goggles do not fi t over glasses. � ere are also high-quality goggles that, much like a set of binoculars, have adjustable eyepieces for focus and pupil position for each eye. � ere are also combo sets for both goggles and monitors that combine the viewing part of the system with the receiver all in a single unit. � ey have an antenna jack, and some also have rechargeable battery packs incorporated into them as well so all you have to do is put them on and turn them on to see the FPV video image.

Power Once again, if you use a plug and play package you don’t have to worry about getting your setup up and running. Most airborne units can be run with a wire harness plugged into between your aircraft’s battery pack and speed control. You can also supply a separate battery pack to power your FPV equipment if your aircraft can handle the additional weight. In general, additional weight means less fl ight duration. You don’t need to include a power switch, just plug in the battery to turn on your system.

ANATOMY OF FPV

� e ultimate in “geek swag,” FPV goggles are the cool-est way to experience FPV video. � e white Cinemizer OLED goggles from Zeiss (left) are top of the line head-gear. � e Fat Shark goggles above, are less expensive and are available in complete packages. Notice its mush-room antenna, the goggles have a built-in FPV receiver.

Here’s a close up of the optics in the Zeiss goggles. � e are very high quality and the focus is adjustable.

Power systems for your FPV system, as well as the wire leads and connectors, should all be compatible. Of course you will also need a battery charger for the battery pack(s) you use for power.

The newest generation of the popular camera quadBy gerry yarrish Photos By peter hall

The 350QX3 is a combination of high-end, high-quality construction, with enhanced flight modes and sAFE technology, all decked out with a

sleek under-slung video camera with a flight stabilized gimbal. If you are looking for a stable, easy-to-use video camera flight platform, this has to be it.

Blade/Horizon Hobby

350QX3 AP Combo

Air support

March/April 2015 79

SPECIFICATIONS

Model: Blade 350QX3 AP ComboManufacturer: Blade (bladehelis.com)Distributor: Horizon Hobby (horizonhobby.com)Rotor span 22.80 in.Length 18.30 in.Height 7.48 in. Weight 33.7 oz. Price: $999.99 (RTF)

HIGHLIGHTS

+ Complete package + Excellent flight stability and response+ Easy to bind, setup and operate

GEAR USED

Radio: Spektrum DX4 2.4GHz full range transmitter, “AA” batteries, and mobile device attachment bracket (included)Battery: 3000mAh LiPo with DC LiPo charger and AC adapter (included)Camera/Gimbal: CGO2 GB 3-Axis Brushless (included)

UNIQUE FEATURES� e included Spektrum DX4 2.4GHz transmitter is a full-range DSMX compatible radio system. � e DX4 features spring-loaded control sticks (including throttle control), to make controlling the 350QX3 incredibly pilot-friendly. With the throttle stick spring-loaded to the center/neutral position, you don’t have to hunt for the proper power setting to establish a stable hover. Just move the stick forward to climb or pull it back to descend. When the throttle stick is released it snaps back to neutral and the 350QX3 automatically holds altitude. � e same goes for the stick control right. Once you position the quadcopter where you want it, just let go of the sticks, the SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) stabilizing system makes the 350QX3 hold its position until you want to fl y it somewhere else. � e transmitter does not have trim levers. � e quadcopter also comes with a 3000mAh LiPo fl ight battery, a DC LiPo charger with an AC adapter and spare rotor blades. Using the tried and true SAFE fl ight stabilizing system the Blade 350QX3 AP Combo provides a variety of fl ight modes specially programmed with shooting aerial videos and digital images in mind. � ey include self-leveling, GPS navigation and built-in sensors to precisely control the quad’s hover position. An excellent safety feature is the Return Home function. In the return home mode the 350QX3 will safely land without any control inputs from the pilot. Also, if you temporarily lose sight orientation with the quad, you can activate return home to stabilize it, then when you regain your orientation you can turn it off and resume normal control. And if the transmitter signal is lost, return home takes over and maneuvers the quadcopter back to you until it lands or a clear radio signal is regained.

Rock steady hover and clear, vibration-free, high-def video

and digital photos ... what more can you ask for?


PROGRAMMING INTERFACEAlso included with the Blade 350 QX3 is multi rotor programmer lead. Used with downloadable programming interface (U given in the manual), you can monitor sy adjust settings and calibrate the sensors using the onscreen dashboards. e scr include:

Calibration screen. Provides one-click calibration of the accelerometers and ca gimbal, as well as instructions for calibr the compass sensor and the included D transmitter. You can also adjust geo-ref d fl ight boundaries.Sensor information screen. Shows the of all sensors and speed controls, batte voltage and accelerometer operation.

GPS screen. Shows the number of satellites available and their signal strength. You can verify latitude, longitude, and altitude indications and verify GPS accuracy.Device information screen. Identifi es software version, quad fi rmware version, vehicle ID and allows fi rmware updates.

Also included with the Blade 350 QX3 is a USB multi rotor programmer lead. Used with a free downloadable programming interface (URL given in the manual), you can monitor systems, adjust settings and calibrate the sensors all using the onscreen dashboards. e screens

calibration of the accelerometers and camera gimbal, as well as instructions for calibrating the compass sensor and the included DX4 transmitter. You can also adjust geo-referenced

Shows the status of all sensors and speed controls, battery

DUAL OPERATOR FEATUREA little-known feature available with the Blade 350 QX3 AP Combo is the dual operator function. The wireless “buddy box” feature of the newer Spektrum radios (DX6, DX9, DX18) allows operation of the video camera/gimbal to be controlled by a second operator. This leaves the pilot free to concentrate on the flight duties while the “cameraman” operates the pitch angle of the gimbal-mounted CGO2 video camera as well as stopping and starting video recording and taking still photos using a compatible iOS or Android device.

� e basic accessories included with the new Blade 350QX3 AP Combo. Above: Top left corner of the transmitter has your basic

fl ight mode switch and the throttle cut/bind button. Lower left: � e Spektrum DX4 2.4GHz transmitter and phone holder come with the RTF version.Below: � e right corner of the transmitter has the toggle switch for selecting throttle or gimbal control.

March/April 2015 81

This newest addition to the Blade line of QX quadcopters has all the quality and rugged construction and all the impressive performance the brand has become known for. The 350QX3 has always been a great easy to fly

quadcopter and now with the addition of the 3-axis gimbal equipped RCGO2 camera, the new AP Combo is an excellent aerial platform for anyone wanting pro level FPV video camera capabilities. I highly recommend this rotor drone/camera combo.

BOTTOM LINE

FLIGHT REPORTJust like the other versions of the 350QX, before you can get into the air, your transmitter has to be bound to the quadcopter to allow it to acquire a GPS lock (solid light). You cannot arm the motors until the indicator light remains solid.

Smart Mode. � is is the preferred fl ight mode for the fi rst-time novice rotor drone pilot. In this mode the quadcopter always responds and fl ies in whichever direction the pilot moves the control stick regardless of the direction in which the camera is pointing. Called “stick relativity,” the quad moves relative to the pilot and it doesn’t matter which way the quad’s nose is pointed. If you move the control stick to your right, it will fl y to the right. � e smart mode also provides a SAFE circle or barrier that prevents the drone from fl ying too close to the pilot. When the control sticks are left in their neutral positions, the quadcopter will self level and hold position.

AP Mode. � e “aerial photography” mode is intended for more experienced drone pilots and allows the Blade 350 QX3 to respond to the pilot’s control inputs like a normal RC model (without stick relativity). It also provides increased control authority (SAFE circle deactivated) and allows for steeper banks and increased pitch angles for more dynamic video footage.

Alternate Modes. You also have the option for alternate (advanced), stability and agility fl ight mode settings. � ese off er aggressive control response for aerobatic fl ight and are intended for experienced and expert quadcopter pilots.

PILOT DEBRIEFINGOverall, the Blade 350QX3 AP Combo quadcopter’s fl ight stability and control response feels great, with smooth transition from hover into forward fl ight and back again. A note here is to stay at your initial piloting position and refrain from walking forward. If you activate the return home feature, the 350QX3 will climb to a safe altitude and then it comes back to the location where its motors were fi rst activated. Should you have moved forward, the quadcopter could over fl y your position and try to land where you’re now standing. Another safety feature is the geo-fencing function where it uses GPS information to create a virtual barrier and will not travel farther than 100 meters from its initial home position.

Controllable CameraIncluded with the Blade 350QX3 comes with the CGO2 GB 16MP 1080p/60 camera with an integrated three-axis brushless gimbal. An 8GB micro SD card is included with the camera. � e attachment bracket is very easy to install and all you have to do is slide the base of the gimbal housing onto the attachment rails, make a single power connection and then slide the housing the rest of the way onto the rails until it clicks into place. � ere is a formed protective housing placed on the camera/gimbal and it should be removed before attaching the camera assembly to the quadcopter. Using the downloadable CGO2 app to control the camera is very easy. First power up the quadcopter and bind to the radio and when you have a solid GPS indicator light, switch on the WiFi function of your mobile device. Select the CGO2 network and enter the password: 1234567890. On the screen you can see the display and the remaining SD card capacity in the upper left corner. On the right side there is the start/stop recording button and a still photo button. To adjust the vertical tilt of the camera, you switch the upper right toggle switch on the transmitter from � rottle control to the gimbal control position. In this position the throttle control stick will control tilt the aim of the camera up or down for fi ve sections before returning to throttle control.

� e new CGO2 gimbal-equipped camera comes with this protective cover, which has to be removed before you attach the camera to the quadcopter.

First-Person View is a fun pilot venture that can blur the line between fantasy and reality, and, when flying in First-Person View, it feels like you are in the pilot’s seat. Typically the camera faces forward and during the flight you see what the aircraft “sees” in real time. Whether you immerse yourself wearing goggles or view the flight on a monitor,

the experience is intense to say the least. The QR X350 Pro is a complete system for both First-Person View flying as well as aerial photography and video. Imagine getting up and over a towering rock formation where no other vehicle has gone, or seeing your favorite lake from a new, airborne perspective. It is all possible with the QR X350 because along with a camera, gimbal, power and guidance systems, you get GPS positioning, position hold and return-to-home, all of which reduce the pilot’s workload to almost nothing. Minimal assembly is required and high capacity batteries are included. Get ready for some serious fun!

Walkera from AMain.comQR X350 An all-inclusive aerial photography solution By mike gantt PhoToS By john reid & mike gantt

Air support

March/April 2015 83

GEAR USED

Radio: Devo F7 2.4GHz transmitter with 5.8GHz FPV, RX703A receiver (included)Motors: four WK-WS-28-008C brushless outrunners and four WST-15A speed control. Battery: 3S 5200mAh LiPo (included)

HIGHLIGHTS

+ Custom ProTek R/C case included + Complete FPV solution + Quick and easy set up+ High-capacity battery included

SPECIFICATIONS

Model: QR X350 ProManufacturer: WalkeraDistributor: AMain.comType: X-type quadcopterWeight: 42.4 oz. (with battery)Motors installed: four brushless outrunnersRadio incl’d: Devo F7Price: $899 (includes free ProTek R/C case)

UNIQUE FEATURES My review kit included a poster-size guide that outlines the basics of assembly and setup, and I had the QR X350 up and fl ying in an hour or so. Before beginning, I charged the included 3-cell 5200mAh LiPo packs. Clearly fl ight time is a consideration and these high-capacity packs are just what the doctor ordered. A sleek molded body encompasses the aircraft and a pair of stripes painted on top of each arm help to identify the front and rear. When airborne you will likely see the bottom of the model often, so preinstalled and prewired LEDs illuminate the arms in red and green to help with orientation. � ese are highly visible even in bright sunlight. Landing gear legs keep the bottom of the craft elevated high enough for the included G2D brushless gimbal and iLook camera. � is system was simple to set up and a few plugs are used for the few connections required. A micro SD card is all that is needed and is easy to install/remove while the camera is in its mount. I should mention that if you want to use your GoPro or similar it will fi t in the gimbal as well. A factory installed transmitter and receiver are employed here and I found that the frequencies are compatible with Fatshark and Foxtech products. In this case, however, you get the Devo 7 radio, which provides 2.4GHz reliability for fl ight as well as a 5.8GHz system for the FPV. � e typical transmitter screen is actually a built-in 3.5-inch LCD monitor that has good color and clarity. A three-sided shroud pops open to surround the top and sides of the monitor to help with glare and folds away fl at when not in use. A USB port and cable allow for fi rmware updates and the Devo F7 has both airplane and helicopter modes, just in case you like options. Rounding out the included items are a fl ight battery charger, a fl ight controller programming cable (micro USB), a few hex wrenches, a fl at tip screwdriver, a bind plug and a set of extra propellers.

Included goodness: the iLook camera takes nice video and still shots.

Brushless motors on this gimbal operate smoothly. All connections are factory-made, making life easy.

As soon as it was launched, the QR X350 was rock solid and easy to maneuver.


With so many offerings, it can be difficult to wade through the world of multirotors. The QR X350 makes things a bit more simple as all electronics and components are preselected and installed. Getting into aerial

photography and FPV has never been easier!

FLIGHT REPORTA trip to the desert was in order to test fl y the QR X350, and our location has hard-packed soil that’s quite smooth with little in the way of obstructions. After a quick ID bind, which took less than a minute, I had the QR X350 ready to go. e coolest thing was opening the monitor on the radio and looking through the camera. After holding it and pointing it at everyone in attendance, it was easy to see that the G2D did a great job of stabilizing and maintaining level even during my menacing activities. Next thing to do is to initialize the model for fl ight: set the aircraft on the ground and after powering up the radio, plug in the fl ight pack. A series of tones tells you that arming has begun and satellites are being acquired. Right and left green LEDs then begin to illuminate to confi rm motor lock and the number of satellites the system has engaged.

GENERAL FLIGHT PERFORMANCEStability: A slight amount of trimming was needed to fl y hands off in manual mode. Flying circuits and transitions to and from fl ight and hover were smooth and predictable. At half throttle, I engaged the position hold function and the QR X350 did a nice job of staying in one spot. Once in position, you still have some control of the aircraft which has proven to be helpful. Orientation lock also allows you to pan and easily video a moving subject.

Tracking: Wherever pointed, the quad goes with no fuss. e “rudder” is well capable of turning this bird around on a dime and spinning around like a top is eff ortless. e return to home function is on the same three-position switch as the position hold and did a good job of landing within a 3-foot-diameter circle from my takeoff locations. e return to home feature also works as a safety feature if radio contact is lost.

Agility: As loaded as this 350 sized quad is, it has a great amount of power, so nimble fl ight is defi nitely on the menu. It moves fast in all directions allowing for some adrenaline-pumping action shots or FPV fl ying.

PILOT DEBRIEFING e QR X350 Pro is an all inclusive FPV platform and fun multirotor experience that can be assembled and setup quickly and easily. If you want to try FPV, this is your ticket to fl y.

BOTTOM LINE

SAFE AND SOUND

Traveling to and from your fl ying fi eld with your aircraft doesn’t have to be a dance with disaster. Prior to protecting my multirotors for the road trip on fl ying day they would inevitably encounter a little hangar and road rash. It made sense to do things better and so I started acquiring. (� e QRX 350 comes with this universal ProTek R/C case!)

➜ Make sure it fi ts. Most cases are made to fi t certain types or brands of aircraft. If you look through the off erings, you’ll fi nd the right-size container for your model.

➜ Adjustments are easy. In this case (no pun intended), you will just need to remove the small foam sections one at a time until your transmitter and quad fi t; this case from Amain.com will fi t most 350-size quads.

➜ But wait, there’s more storage. � e other pockets are holding an extra set of props, extra fl ight batteries, spare parts, tools and even an extra charger. � e instructions are kept in a zip-top bag in another pocket and are always at the ready if you, like me, do not have a photographic memory.

It’s almost like watching TV but in real time! is true double-

duty transmitter performs well.

e provided power system is a perfect match. Note the cooling vent slots for the speed control.


LEGAL VIEW

BY JEFFREY ANTONELLI

THE FAA, CONGRESS, DRONES & YOUThe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was tasked in 2012 (and earlier) with safely integrating drones into the national airspace by September 30, 2015. The FAA was also tasked with releasing its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for commercial use of small UAS (drones under 55 pounds) before then, but the deadline to do so has been missed several times. According to a recent Department of Transportation report, these proposed rules were to be released on January 30, 2015, but that deadline has passed and as we go to press the rules have not been forthcoming. Everyone in the industry, from manufacturers to operators to venture-capital firms are eagerly awaiting what the FAA will finally say for its proposed requirements on commercial use of small drones. This article discusses what the NPRM is, the specific issues we anticipate the NPRM will address, how the rulemaking process works (in brief), and what you can do to advocate for yourself, your business, and your industry.

Why will we have the NPRM?It’s the law, and ideally it is democracy in action. � e Federal Administrative Procedure Act provides that once Congress determines that a rule is necessary (like a national maximum highway speed, or a rule about commercial use of drones), the relevant federal agency, working with in-house experts, makes a proposed rule after working with in-house experts. � e agency’s proposed rule is then published in the Federal Register as a public notice. Once the rules are published, the agency is required to allow the public to make written comments about the rule and also allow the public to participate in any hearings. � e agency is then required to genuinely take into account the public’s comments on the proposed rule and to possibly make adjustments to the proposed rule, after which they release the adjusted rule as a Final Rule, which has the force and eff ect of law. � is process, often called the notice and comment period, can last anywhere from several months to over a year. For sUAS, the FAA has stated it expects the process to take 18 months.

Here is an important point: in the ordinary case, only lobbyists hired by associations and highly interested stakeholders pay attention to this process and make their thoughts known. However, in our case with sUAS, it is extremely important that every person potentially aff ected by the proposed rule make their thoughts known.

� at means, for example, that photographers who want to use their small drones for business and don’t want to (or cannot aff ord to) become full-fl edged private pilots should make their case known to the agency in the comment period, specifying why, for example, it would be unreasonable to require a private pilot’s license. What we don’t want, in my opinion, is for only the lobbyists for outside interests to be heard. We have seen in the Section 333 exemption process that outsiders such as the Airline Pilots Association will put forth the eff ort to object to the use of small drones. � erefore, we expect the same to occur with the sUAS NPRM. If you do not want your own interests to be steamrolled over by well-heeled organizations that don’t care about you, you must make the eff ort to submit your own, well-thought out comments in response to the NPRM. In addition, if you can aff ord to, you should also consider giving an extra donation to the Academy of Model

Aeronautics’ Government Relations. � ey are expected to put considerable eff orts into lobbying for the rights of operators of sUAS.

So if I follow the NPRM am I following the law?No. While the NPRM was created by the FAA and reviewed by the White House, they are not yet the law. Only after the notice and comment period will the FAA publish fi nal rules that will actually be binding. � e NPRM itself will not change the current status quo. Commercial operations will still be prohibited, which means to fl y sUAS commercially you must apply for and receive a Section 333 Exemption Grant until the fi nal rules are in place.

What do we expect to see in the NPRM?One of the major concerns in the industry is what certifi cation the NPRM will require of commercial sUAS operators and visual observers. From what we’ve seen in the Section 333 Exemption Grants so far, the FAA may require commercial sUAS operators to hold certifi cation that would also allow the operator to fl y a manned aircraft (a private pilot’s license). Alternatively, the NPRM may include a way for an individual to become a FAA-certifi ed sUAS operator without going through the extensive (and expensive!) training to fl y manned aircraft.

We also may see proposed regulations regarding privacy and limiting the locations where sUAS aircraft can operate.

What time frame are we looking at? When the FAA publishes the fi nal rules, they will be submitted to Congress and the U.S. Government Accountability Offi ce for a review period that may take up to 60 days. � e rules will then be published again and will be eff ective 30 days later. According to the FAA, and as reported by the U.S. Government Accountability Offi ce, the goal for a fi nal rule will be approximately 18 months after the NPRM are issued. At this point, the earliest we will have fi nal rules is in the summer of 2016, perhaps not until early 2017.

What can I do?� e NPRM itself will tell individuals how they can submit comments to the FAA. One likely possibility for comment

Jeffrey Antonelli, Antonelli LawWith a legal background in corporate outside counsel, civil litigation, insurance defense, and intellectual property and drone/UAV law, Jeffrey began flying radio-controlled aircraft several years ago, which lead him to research new technologies, including first-person viewing (FPV) and drones.

March/April 2015 87

submission will be the website, www.regulations.gov. You should also contact your elected representatives directly and tell them what you think of the proposed rules (NPRM). To find your Congressperson, enter your zip code at house.gov/representatives/find. To find your senator, select your state from the drop down at senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators.

Some takeawaysWhile it may not appear so at times, your voice matters. The Administrative Procedure Act requires the FAA to consider each comment that comes through. But make it as easy as you can for whoever is reading your comment to agree with your argument. That means proofreading it, perhaps providing supporting documents and research,

and asking a friend or significant other to read it. If they don’t easily get what you want to say, give it a re-write until they do. In addition, don’t forget the impact a personal visit with your U.S. Senator or Congressperson can have to let them know what you think about the proposed rules. And finally, you may wish to consider hiring a law firm like mine with federal rulemaking experience to help draft those comments to the NPRM. You can bet the organizations that don’t have your interests in mind will be hiring one in Washington D.C. to do the same for them.

None of this article constitutes legal advice. Please consult an attorney if you have legal questions. Antonelli Law’s associate attorney Amelia Niemi assisted Jeffrey Antonelli with this article. K

“ If you do not want your own interests to be steamrolled over by well-heeled organizations that don’t care about you, you must make the effort to submit your own, well-thought out comments in response to the NPRM.

The Proto-X series

of mini and micro

quadcopters has

been very popular,

and their quality and flight

performance have steadily

been improved. The new

“super size” Proto-X First-

Person View sets the bar

even higher, and it comes

with its own specialized

transmitter that features an

impressive 4.5 inch built-in

video screen. The airborne

HD camera is a built-in unit

and is not simply slung under

the quadcopter’s belly. After

flying it in and around the

Model Airplane News office

and testing its performance,

almost everyone lined up for

a chance to give the Proto-X

FPV a try. Let’s take a closer

look.

Estes Proto-X FPVThis micro quadcopter comes with its own HD screen!by gerry yarrish photos by peter hall

Air support

March/April 2015 89

SPECIFICATIONS

Model: Proto-X FPVType: quadcopter w/ built-in video cameraManufacturer: Estes-Cox Corp. (estesrockets.com)Distributor: Hobbico (hobbico.com)Length: 4.5 in.Width: 4.5 in.Blade diameter: 2.2 in.Weight: 2 oz.Price: $229.98

HIGHLIGHTS

+ Extremely easy to fly and hover+ Built-in 1280x720P HD camera + Excellent FPV video signal and reception+ Big FPV screen built into the transmitter+ Complete package

GEAR USED

Radio: 6-channel 2.4GHz transmitter with built-in video screen (included)Video: micro SD card with USB adaptor (included)Battery: 1S 3.7V 650mAh LiPo flight battery (included)Charger: USB charger cord (included)

UNIQUE FEATURESAs mentioned, the Proto-X FPV comes with a 2.4GHz transmitter, a 1S 650mAh fl ight battery with a USB charger cord, a micro SD card and card/USB adaptor, spare rotor blades, and a special tool to help replace damaged blades. � e transmitter does require four “AA” batteries, but these are not included. � e fl ight battery comes installed in the quadcopter but you do have to connect the power leads to charge the pack. � e USB charge cord has a special adaptor that matches up to the charge contacts just under the on/off switch. You do not connect the charger cord to the battery’s power lead.

transfer this footage to view on a PC or other playback device as the video formatting is not compatible. To produce video that can be transferred and viewed on your computer, just insert the card into the quadcopter and use the record button. To bind the Proto-X FPV to the transmitter, charge the fl ight battery and then connect the power leads. Move the throttle to full down,

� ere is also a snap-together sun shield that fi ts around the transmitter’s First-Person View video screen, and it greatly improves screen viewing when outside in bright sunlight. I did not fi nd it necessary while fl ying indoors. You have a choice when it comes to installing the included micro SD card: you can install it directly into the quadcopter’s slot right next to the video record button, or you can insert it into the transmitter card slot. When inserted into the transmitter, you can start and stop video recording with the square button to the right of the FPV screen. However, you will only be able to play back the video footage with the transmitter’s screen. You cannot


SCREEN DISPLAYAcross the top of the screen (see above) in green characters (from left to right), are the power-on timer, the onboard quadcopter battery voltage and the

transmitter’s battery voltage. At the lower corners of the screen are the trim position indicators and video record time readout (lower right). When recording video, a red “REC” appears below the transmitter battery voltage readout. If there is no video card in the quadcopter, “No Card” will appear in the center of the screen.

During fl ight I fi nd I cannot really watch the FPV screen. It is much easier and safer for the pilot to look directly at the quadcopter so you can see what’s going on and stay orientated to its fl ight condition. A buddy standing next to you can watch the live down-feed and the pilot can safely view the video playback (with the card inserted in the transmitter), after the fl ight has ended.

� ough the Proto-X FPV’s transmitter does not come with a pair of video glasses, there are video/audio-out jacks on the left side of the transmitter case.

� e Proto-X FPV is a complete package. � ere’s even a sun shield included that fi ts over the FPV screen on the transmitter.

Right: � e screen give an excellent view of what the Proto-X sees while in fl ight. � ere’s lots of info

callouts as well. Below: � e main menu screen is where you make setting changes.

Included is a micro SD card and a USB card adapter for uploading your video to your computer. � ere is also a spare set of rotor blades and a blade removal tool, and a USB charging cord for the LiPo fl ight battery.

power up the transmitter and wait for the radio to initialize. � e display screen will show “bind to plane” when it is ready. With the quadcopter on a level surface, turn the power switch on. � e colored LED lights will come on, and the link between the radio and the quad will take about 2 or 3 seconds. A few seconds after that the video feed from the quad will appear on the main screen and you are ready to fl y.

SPECIAL FUNCTIONS� e transmitter automatically fi nds the best video-feed frequency, but if there is some sort of interference in the area, you can change the frequency from 5.725 to 5.945GHz for better signal quality. To enter the menu, press the right control stick down for about a second, then move the stick forward or backward to scroll

through the menu choices. Select “play record” from the menu to view the transmitter captured video footage. To exit the program, simply press the right stick down for more than 2 seconds. � e menu choices also include setting the real date and time, formatting the SD card, setting servo (control) reverse and setting the response sensitivity. While fl ying, pressing the right control stick down

quickly and releasing it switches the controls from normal to expert modes and back again.


The new Proto-X FPV quadcopter is a very nice package. It has excellent stability and flight performance and the video reception displayed on the main screen during flight is high quality and very steady. If you are looking for a

first time First-Person View multirotor, the Proto-X FPV is a great choice. A complete package, it is easy to setup and easy to fly.

BOTTOM LINE

FLIGHT REPORTWith its increased mass and weight, I fi nd the Proto-X FPV to be the best fl yer in the entire line. � e transmitter has normal size control sticks which also helps with the fl ight stability. In the normal mode, the quadcopter is extremely easy to control with excellent hovering stability. It is not aff ected nearly as much by wind or gusts as the smaller versions, and it is extremely durable should you bump into something.

GENERAL FLIGHT PERFORMANCEStability: the Proto-X FPV has excellent stability and is very easy to control and keep in a stable hover. Spot landings on tabletops and other fl at surfaces are a piece of cake.

Maneuverability: In both normal and expert fl ight modes, this quadcopter is smooth and predictable. In forward fl ight, the quad can really get up a head of steam, and slowing it down does require some opposite stick to bring it back into a stable hover.

Aerobatics: � is refers to the “fl ip” function, which is very easy to use. After gaining a bit of recovery altitude (10 feet or higher) and establishing a level hover, press the right stick down quickly and release to enter the expert mode. To fl ip to the left, push the stick to the right and then quickly to the left. � e same technique is used for fl ipping in all four directions: right, left, forward or back. After the fl ip is accomplished, return the stick quickly to the center to reestablish a level, stable hover.

PILOT DEBRIEFINGIf you do attempt to fl y the Proto-X FPV using the screen only, then make sure to get a friend to stand by as a safety spotter. You should try this only in a large area with few obstacles to bump into. � e quadcopter has excellent stability and control response, but you lose a certain amount of situational awareness when looking only at the FPV video screen.

Above: Small enough to fi t in the palm of your hand, the new Proto-X FPV has excellent stability and control response.

Left: In the back of the quadcopter are the micro SD card slot, the manual record button and the power on/off switch.

FOLLOW

ON

Instagram.com/RotorDroneMag


ABS: Workhorse of the 3D Printing WorldAcrylonitrile butadiene styrene is the same plastic as used in household plumbing. It’s also what Lego bricks are made of. It’s durable and has good heat resistance. It can be sanded, glued, painted, machined or reworked in various ways after printing. ABS is soluble in acetone, allowing you to weld parts together with a few drops, or create high gloss by brushing or spraying full pieces. ABS is also a good choice when creating interlocking pieces for mechanical purposes.

The printing temperature for ABS is between 210 and 260°C, depending on the printer. Unfortunately, ABS has a bad tendency to warp when it cools, especially with large parts. A heated build platform will mitigate this issue and should be considered mandatory.

You can dissolve some scrap ABS into acetone to make ABS glue. The RepRap site says that ABS will stick to Kapton tape, but I recommend applying a thin layer of ABS glue over the Kapton tape to get a solid first layer every time.

Unfortunately for the multirotor hobbyist who wants to make airframe components, ABS is easy to bend and break, which means having to make thicker and heavier parts.

There is an alternative to ABS called Bendlay. It’s a modified ABS filament that is similar, but more flexible than ABS, clear looking and food-safe. It prints at temperatures between 215 and 240°C and I found it fairly easy to use. It printed on bare glass with a heated bed at about 100°C.

PLA: A Friendly, Easygoing CompanionPolylactide is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from plants such as corn, potatoes and sugar beets. It melts at a lower temperature than ABS, between 180 and 220°C. For that reason, some low-end 3D printers may be designed to only print PLA.

This plastic is far more susceptible to heat than its ABS counterpart. For instance, it can droop and deform if left too long in a warm car during the summer. That’s why you shouldn’t print motor mounts with PLA.

This greater meltability also means that some external cooling (such as a fan pointing at the tip of the hot end) may be necessary when printing small parts.

On the upside, PLA doesn’t warp and is one of the most rigid materials. It’s also the easiest filament to work with.

You can print with PLA without using a heated bed. It is recommended that you use a sheet of polycarbonate (Lexan), which you can buy at your local hardware store for a few dollars. Coat it with a thin layer of cooking oil before printing.

If you have a heated bed, like I do, you can print directly on glass, but I’ve had better results by first coating it with diluted polyvinyl acetate (commonly called wood glue, white glue, carpenter’s glue or school glue).

expert techBy William levasseur

3D Printing FilamentsA quick guide to choosing 3d printing plAstics

If you’re new to 3D printing or planning on trying it out, then you may have been overwhelmed by the variety of plastic filament out there: ABS, PLA, PET, HIPS, TPE … it’s like standing in front of the shampoo aisle at the supermarket: should I pick the organic one, or the one with the moisturizing conditioner? I’ve printed with ABS and PLA, but wondered if there could be a better option, especially for multirotor applications. So I reached out to two 3D printing stores, RepRap Warehouse and Voxel Factory, who sent me samples of various specialty 3D printing filaments.I did several test prints, then compared them for rigidity and strength. Although not strictly scientific, this article should give you a general idea of the distinguishing properties of various filaments and help you decide which one to pick for your next project.

But first, let’s start with the bread and butter of 3D printing: ABS and PLA. Those are the most common filament materials and should be everyone’s starting point.

This prototype quadrotor frame that I designed was printed with PLA, but I’m looking into more durable materials, like PET or polycarbonate, for the final version. The arms are “off-the-shelf” F450 plastic arms, but making my own center plates allows me to move away from the classic X-configuration, with more clearance at the front for a camera and more space inside for electronics.

Who wouldn’t love a glow-in-the-dark quadcopter? This one was printed with ColorFabb glowFill.

PET: The Classy Family with Lots of Shiny Relatives Polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, is a clear-looking, very strong and durable polyester. It’s what plastic bottles are made of. But to make things confusing, companies have come up with an array of various derived polymer mixes, with brand names like PETT, PET+, PET-G --all similar, but not identical. For the purpose of this article, I tested two products: Taulman 3D T-Glass and Colorfabb XT-Copolyester.

PET is usually extruded at moderately high temperatures, between 230 and 260°C. A heated bed is mandatory to prevent warping. You may be able to print on bare glass. If that doesn’t work, try coating it with diluted wood glue, the same as when using PLA.

T-Glass is effectively strong and beautifully

translucent, which is why it’s a favorite among those who print custom jewelry.

I preferred the surprisingly rigid XT-Copolyester, which was the only rigid plastic (other than nylon) that would not break when bended. It’s definitely an interesting alternative to ABS or PLA.

Nylon: The Temperamental QueenElegant, tough and flexible, nylon is less brittle than ABS, PLA or PET, which means you can use it to print thin structures that will bend, but not break. That’s why it has been embraced by the prosthetic 3D printing community. It has a low friction coefficient and high melting temperature, which makes it an ideal choice for printing gears or parts that rub against each other. It’s too flexible to print large airframe

Choose your filament wisely

Quality filament has a constant diameter, a smooth curve, no imperfections, and contains no contaminants or air bubbles. Unfortunately, filament quality is hard to predict when you shop online. “There is a lot of junk [online],” warns Godreau. He imports a lot of filament for his store and he has seen the best and the worst. He recommends purchasing from a reliable distributor.

Don’t print garbage!Keep in mind that 3D printing,

especially trial and error prototyping, can create a lot of trash. We need to avoid having landfills full of failed prints. Recycling facilities reject 3D printed objects because they can’t tell what it’s made of. You can recycle your own ABS, but only with expensive equipment. Consider printing your prototypes out of PLA, which is biodegradable.

Two online 3D printing stores, Voxel Factory and RepRap Ware-house, provided me with filament samples for testing. I used the humble Popsicle stick as a refer-ence and printed identical plastic sticks for my tests (infill 60%).

Keep it DryMost filaments, such as ABS,

PLA, nylon and polycarbonate, will absorb humidity over time if left out in the open. Then, when you try printing with it, the water causes bubbles that prevent good layer adhesion and greatly weaken the part. It also ruins the surface finish. Store your filament in a sealed container with a desiccant. If a roll of filament has become unusable due to humidity, it can be dried at a low temperature in an oven.

Polycarbonate

T-Glass

XT-Copolyester

Bendlay

March/April 2015 95

I applied weight at the center of each stick until it failed. This gave me an approximate idea of its rigidity and strength. Hang in there polycarbonate! This is the strongest material that I tested.


parts, but definitely a contender for hinges, joints, servo arms, mounts, etc.

Unfortunately, nylon has the reputation of being difficult to work with and has caused me more frustration than any other filament.

But like everything in the 3D printing world, experiences may vary, and Steve Godreau, president of RepRap Warehouse, has a different opinion. “I’ve had no problems with nylon,” he says, “which means I don’t have a ton of advice.” His method is to print at temperatures of 255 or 260°C, on bare glass coated with hair spray. He uses a bed heated at 70°C to prevent warping.

Some may suggest using nylon weed-whacker wire from the hardware store. That can work, but those wires may contain unknown additives that could damage your printer or vaporize into the air, so experiment at your own risk.

Polycarbonate: The King of FilamentsPC is what digital disks and bulletproof windows are made of. It is HARD! Polycarbonate is about as rigid as PLA, but stronger and with a better tolerance to heat. It’s definitely a good choice for performant and reliable airframe parts. It can only be extruded at high temperatures, between 255 and 315°C, so you need a 3D printer that goes that high. I managed to print my samples at 265°C, but slowed down the rate of the printer to 30 mm/s to compensate for the relatively low temperature.

I printed on Kapton tape with a coating of ABS glue, so basically the same thing as when I print with ABS. My heated bed was set to its maximum, 120°C, since PC is prone to warping.

TPE: Flexibility is Both a Blessing and a CurseThermoplastic elastomers are usually marketed as “flexible filament” and they have a rubbery texture. I can imagine using them to make a custom vibration-dampener system for motors or cameras, for example.

The properties of this thermoplastic and rubber mix will vary greatly between brands.

recommends warming it up to around 50 to 70°C and coating it with hair spray if needed.

Flexible filaments may cause problems on some feeders that end up squishing rather than pushing it. Some extruders may require a modified guide to get that filament right into the thermal tube. Similarly, TPE will not work with a Bowden type extruder, which has a long tube separating the hot end from the motor that pushes the filament.

Soluble (PVA) vs Dissolvable (HIPS)These filaments are intended for 3D printers that have more than one extruder. They are used to build easy-to-remove support structures for overhanging parts.

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) is soluble in water. After printing your part, just give it a bath and the support material just melts away. Very cool! Unfortunately, it’s also VERY expensive ($100 per kg).

High Impact Polystyrene, or HIPS, is more affordable and works in a similar fashion, with the exception that it must be dissolved in a chemical called Limonene rather than water. D-Limonene is the most common type and comes from the oil pressed from the rind of citrus fruits. It is sometimes sold as a solvent for cleaning purposes.

Is That All of Them?This overview covers the most common and currently available filaments. But new kinds come out all the time. Sometimes it’s a custom mix of the same common plastics that we’ve seen, like ABS combined with Polycarbonate, so you get the benefits of both. Other times it’s a common plastic mixed with something new and original, like PLA with chalk in it to make sculptures that look like sandstone. Obviously, these more “creative” types of filaments are not that interesting for the multirotor hobbyist.

Nonetheless, there are several specialty filaments that I didn’t have a chance to cover in this article and that you may find interesting. In my next piece, I’ll tell you about my experience 3D printing with carbon fiber! K

Among the samples that Voxel Factory sent me was an unexpected surprise: ColorFabb XT-Copolyester (top) was the only plastic that I could bend this way and not break. And it proved almost as rigid as polycarbonate. It’s definitely one of the better filaments in the PET family.

Nylon is the only rigid 3D printing material that can be curled up like this and not break. It did not even lose its shape. I was able to straighten it back afterward.

Printing temperatures are usually between 190 and 240°C. The one sold by Makerbot melts very easily and can be extruded at temperatures as low as 100 to 120°C. That also means that it’s more susceptible to heat, but may remain flexible in the cold, so choose wisely.

TPE doesn’t require a heated bed. “I printed it on my Replicator 2,” says Godreau, “with an acrylic plate and hair spray, and that was it.” If you’re using glass with a heated bed, he

Don’t kill your hot enD

Some of the filament materials mentioned, like nylon and polycarbonate, require a hot end that can handle high temperatures (above 250°C). Opinions may vary, but if your hot end is insulated with PEEK and/or PTFE (in most cases they are), it’s probably a good guideline to stay below 240°C. To go above that, you may need a Bowden type extruder with an All-metal hot end.

Don’t breathe in the smoke

Heated ABS smells like burning plastic and some preliminary studies have shown that 3D printing with this material can produce potentially-carcinogenic fumes. Nylon and polycarbonate also emit potentially hazardous fumes. For that reason, always operate your printer in well-ventilated spaces. That goes double if you accidentally burn plastic. Having the printer itself in an enclosure can also help mitigate the health risks. PLA is a bioplastic and is considered safer than the rest since it doesn’t produce any carcinogenic fumes. It also smells better during printing, like sweet syrup.

mail orders—Please include Postage and handling charges with all orders: U.S. — $3.99 first item, $1.50 each additional item, per shipping address. Canada — $9.99 first item, $2.99 each additional item, per shipping address. International — $14 first item, $4.50 each additional item, per shipping address. Residents of CT, add 6% state sales tax. Residents of KY, add 6% sales tax. Additional county taxes will also apply. Canada, add GST. All checks and money orders must be in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank. Mail in address: 88 Danbury Road, Suite 2B, Wilton, CT 06897.P.O. Box 7337, Wilton, CT 06897. AirAgeMedia.com

Downloadable order form available online

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over the horizon

Location: White Sands National Monument, NM

Photographer: Sam Pedregon

Equipment: DJI Phantom 1

Camera: GoPro Hero3+ Silver Edition

Mount: DJI GoPro Static Mount

Beyond the Dunes

send us your photos If you have an image that you’ve taken with your own rotor drone that you’d like to see showcased in Over the Horizon, please send your high-resolution image to [email protected](

Rotor Drone - March - April 2015

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