DJI Tricopter Build

Some work has been done on the DJI frame conversion project. The bracket that connects the tail to the rear of the frame is now done. It came out very nice. There were 4 versions, 2 of which were actually produced, with the last one being the "one" that fits best. I have added a port for a slide switch to allow for an ON/OFF function for anything one might want to control. I plan to use it for turning the FPV transmitter on/off in case it is not needed. The bracket can be made out of any kind of material that is 1/16" thick. I like the clear stuff the best, but anything should do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tDlD0nascc

Were the slotted holes on the bottom plate the correct spacing already for the arms?  Great idea with the switch!

No, it is hard to see but there is another bracket made to bolt the bottom of the arm down that way. Just a simple rectangle with two sets of holes in them. I like the switch now too, did not know how it was going to look until it was actually put in, but it will be a very useful option I think.

Some more work has been done, just a prototype bracket, much will change with it, but this is the basic idea at this point.

EDIT: Image size has been reduced.

Testing plate spacing on the yaw mech. 3/8" to centers, probably 1/4" will do or 5/16" if need be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2CFEfAOkqU

Same test, now with only 1/4" to the centers from each plate. This should do, it will allow for full servo movement without binding and will raise the motor about 3/4" up from OEM location.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmYtNEzzX8Q

Is that the servo you intend to use in the photo?

That is not the exact servo, but one just like it. The one in the photo has been involved in a few accidents.

Maybe I should have started my own thread, but since Tyson and I are trying to climb the same mountain, I'm posting this here.  Just got the basics of what I'm playing with right now working and made this video to show what I'm doing.  Sorry about the music.  I wasn't paying attention to that.
...Tiger
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI8uXOTwlas[/youtube]

Is that a mold ejection pin? Saw those on McMaster, was thinking something like that with a push nut.​

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Yes that was an ejector pin.  The most common size I use happens to be 1/8".  Handy in this case!   Doubt you want to use those because of the price.  If you want one for prototyping, the first one is free.

...Tiger

How is your Tricopter coming along?  Have you maidened it already?

Heh, I have been seriously slacking for the last month. Turned my CNC on this weekened for the first time in weeks. Am getting busy on this stuff again though. More to come.........

I think they call it "Hibernating". 

So how far did you get?

tail yaw is designed, prototypes machined, just needs polish and a final version completed, once that is done eveything else is a cupcake to complete.

Music?, you can not get anything done right without the proper music being played very loud while doing it! Didn't you see Iron Eagle? (I mean didn't you see Iron Eagle 28 times?)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVHEFiLQ3GU[/youtube]

Did you know Iron Eagle and Top Gun were released the same year.

Tiger and Pelagic Pilot, that's some cool stuff you fellas are building. 

Got some more work done over the past few evenings, here is a crude video of the working prototype, needs some polish on the design, but all in all I am happy with how it turned out and functions, just hope it works! It is driven 1:1 direct to servo, zero backlash (within the limits of the servo), and un-obstructed full range of movement. Once the motor is bolted on the motor/prop would take the brunt of a crash rather than the servo body. The U bracket around the servo was cut by Tiger on his laser (Thanks John). All Delrin construction, CNC machined and then holes drilled on a Bridgeport. I don't think I have ever drilled a .050" Dia. hole before this project.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9lTjG92p54[/youtube]

That's beautiful!  I dig the direct drive servo method you implemented.