Li'l Grim Reaper SR --- 4S, 3" Build - Naked Vista, super-low filters *flight video*
By MamaJOE on Jan 11, 2023
The story behind the build
This is the evolution of my Li'l Grim Reaper Build.
Long story short, watch how it flies:
After I crashed this little guy and had to take it appart anyway, I tought of make some improvements regarding the flight performance.
The major change is the frame, which is now doubled to make it super stiff and allows me to use only minimal filtering in Betaflight.
To compensate the surplus weight, I decided to strip the vistas heatsinks.
Choice of components
The components already existed and I just modified the construction of the stack and changed some small parts.
For the camera I upgraded to a Nebula Pro Nano, which seems to be the best choice due to it's low weight an the 120 fps.
Building
I had some headache about the durability of a naked vista, so I added two tiny headsinks on top of the upper board, which doesn't get so much airflow due to the canopy. Furthermore I let a big spacing between the two board. Till now it works without any problems, even on full-power.
To use the potential of the stiffened frame, I added a JST SH socket, providing a UART, to connect a data logger (JHEMCU F4-Openlager) for tuning flights.
I added a second JST SH connector for the RX, because I have a very weird issue in conjunction with this AIO board: as long as the RX is connected, I can't flash the board. Therefore it's a big advantage just to unplug the RX than desolder it.
The Micro USB connector of the AIO board ripped off short before, so I took the chance to place it tuning-friendly :)
Flight quality
This tiny guy flies really super responsive with a good powerlevel. It's really fun to throw it around and you have to push hard to get it into prop-wash.
The 550 mAh battery offers a better weight-to-power-ratio, while the 650 mAh battery offers great flight time.
But form your own opinion how this quad flies and watch this: short flight
Data
Weight with props: 104 g
AUW with 4S 550 mAh: 165 g
AUW with 4S 650 mAh: 181 g
Flight time (550 mAh): approx. 3:30 to 7:00
Flight time (650 mAh): approx. 4:00 to 8:00
Photos
Part List
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Nice and clean! What did you use to hold the frames together? I was thinking of using JB Weld to double up on my Crux35.
Thanks for your comment! I just used longer screws and fixed the two frames at the motor mounts and the stack mount. Additional, I put some magic damping grease between the frames. It's so sticky that the frames are bond together and it helps to reduce vibration!
I never thought about something greasy and sticky that would help reduce vibration. I think i get it though? I imagine that the grease forms a natural suction as well a long with being sticky. I applied JB Weld on two Crux35 bottom plates. so far so good. That perfect power to weight ratio seems a little off now. Still flies great! I know very little about pid tuning. Just using the presets in Betaflight 4.3. So much to learn in this hobby!