FPV Skywalker v5 - before glueing

[Flyboysee]

Hi Everyone

I'm almost there! Please have a look at the set up, wiring etc - I'd like to avoid RFI pitfalls etc if I can. So far the bench tests and partially mounted is good, with fast GPS lock on both units. Just have the mic to install, heading towards a LOS maiden this weekend if the weather is good.

The set up is as follows;

SW v5
920 kv motor with 9X6 prop
Plush 60 esc with 3A 5v UBEC (for 6 x servo - camera and VTX runs off separate 1000maH lipo)
WDR 600 Camera (I think - this was bought 2nd hand) - great if you would identify it!
FY AP117 OSD
FY 21AP Auto Pilot / Stabilisation
Immersion 5.8GHz 600mw VTX
Tiny Telemetry
EZ Antenna Tracker
Eagle Eyes Diversity with 8dB patch and whip antenna

My plan is to maiden with all up FPV weight and get it trimmed out, test ALT hold, RTH (though I'm not holding my breath), ACM etc.
Then test antenna tracking LOS and record flight on DVR (LOS)
Then, if all is well it's goggles time!

This has been a long time coming and I'm looking for success so I'm relying heavily, as I have so far on your experience and suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

[Coyote]

Bad idea with the hot glue on the ESC, the ESC will get hot there with no cooling, melt the glue and fall down

Your servo / video and motor wires are ran next to each other, major no no, you will have the worst kind of interference going

Get rid of the linkage connectors on the control surface horns, they will slip, at the very least glue them in place ;)

Wings look good :)

Make  sure the tail servo leads are free to move, so you can get them out and replace if needed

Apart from that, its looking very good bud :)

[Flyboysee]

Thanks Ian

I'll re-route the servo wires. I assume they can cross at a short interval?

As to the ESC - it never heated up last time in the same position being a 60A. I'll velcro it, but it's a heavy bugger and I'm kind of committed to this position.

I'm using the stock servo linkage connects, but they are epoxied in - not going anywhere. The bolts are a bit short for cutting, so I thought I'd just leave them there.

Tail servo's have minor dots of hot glue and will pull free with length to solder later. Is the LR UHF antenna okay?

Thanks!

[Flyboysee]

Ian I forgot to mention that I bought a microphone from Simon and am surprised to see it doesn't have a gain adjustment pot - now hoping the VTX has built in AGC - I've had video interference from a too high audio line level before in other applications.

Also, out of interest - do you recognise the camera?

Cheers!

[Coyote]

The servo wires should be ok near the ESC wires, its the video wires that will catch all the interference down them.

The UHF antenna is fine there mate, same place I have mine

Cant say I know that camera sorry

[pk-surfing]

Flyboysee,

Listen to Coyote......

Get rid of the linkages that came with the kit and fit ones with a clevis at each end, or a clevis and then a 90 degree bend and nylon keeper into the servo arm.

The kit linkages are rubbish and just waiting to slacken off, when I built my SW I used the kit linkages but just wasn't happy to fly it with something that expects a bolt to tighten onto hardened wire even though I had superglued mine AND then hot glue.
I took them off and put better linkages on and have had many many good flights.

The kit linkages will let you down at some point.

I have almost the same set up as you, Fy21AP, 117, TinyTelemetry, EZantenna Tracker, started off with ImmersionRC 5.8....

Enjoy, it's going to fly really well but no way would I risk all the time and money on the kit linkages.

PK

[MarkLincs]

Those links ditch read my thread here:

http://www.fpvuk.org/forum/index.php/topic,5309.0.html

these are Proper links and they will not fail!

proper push rods and links are vital!

do not put them as far back as I did though :)

[6lennn]

ganging up on you here but if you need anymore encouragement to replace the linkages, then read my post

Skywalker Gone!

aprox £700 gone!

[Coyote]

I agree, on paper it should be ok, but i really would step it up a gear and fit at least a 5Amp standalone BEC if it were mine

[Flyboysee]

Thanks for all the feedback chaps, really appreciate it.

So, it's now after 7am - did an all nighter with the plane and got the following sorted;

1. All FY modes working and switching, including OSD modes
2. Separated all the video cables I/O - got major separation from servo cables, happy days!
3. GPS, Tiny T and Camera mounted, all tested working. Indoors GPS lock in like 5 seconds :)
4. Glued it all together - 30 min epoxy.
5. Mounted motor mount circle ply direct with 30 min epoxy. I'll be adding another layer of slightly thicker ply and a bigger radius to mount my motor so as to be interchangeable. Have you all done this?
6. Set up GS, VRX, Fatsharks, monitor and DVR - slight herringbone inside my lounge (signals bouncing off the walls I reckon) - outside looks clean as a whistle. Whatever this camera is it has a nice picture.
7. Set Failsafe with RTH - is this advisable? With the amount of space I have in the front, getting the correct CG should be a doddle. Once I'm happy with it I'll set foam in as permanent battery compartment. There's been a lot of talk about RTH, maybe, maybe too much talk :) What do you reckon?

As to the linkages I will definitely change them - they do seem a little 'bendy' and I DO NOT want to lose this bird! Can you recommend a supplier?

I'll get a separate BEC after the maiden. The additional servo's are just for flaps so should be okay in the meantime.

Well thanks again for the valuable advice and hearing me out. It's great that I can post all this here and check back later on to remember how the hell I've wired it all.

Pics of new wiring next.

Ciao!

[pk-surfing]

Hi,

All night on the plane.... get the coffee on !

Glueing... epoxy can be a bit brittle for use on foam, have a look at getting some UHU Por in for next time
http://www.brchobbies.co.uk/?page=shop&action=additem&item=11
this is what I used to glue my fuselage halves together.

7. Failsafe RTH... I have it set up on my SW (same gear as yours FY21AP etc) and it works so it is there, my party piece at the field is to actually switch my transmitter OFF and watch the plane turn round and head back to the field, the left hand circuit is very big once it gets back but it works.
Whilst mine all worked 'out of the box' first time I think I was lucky, just make sure the plane flies ok with no stabilisation switched in at first, then try switching it in but be ready to switch back to 'RC' mode if it's not right.
Reports on other forums have people with problems but it usually turns out to be controls moving the wrong way or the FY module not mounted level.

Linkages...
Suitable clevise would be:
http://www.giantcod.co.uk/nylon-clevis-2x29mm-p-402551.html

Suitable keepers would be:
http://www.giantcod.co.uk/nylon-swing-keeper-2x8x23mm-p-402926.html

Suitable 2mm pushrods would be: (but out of stock)
http://www.giantcod.co.uk/metal-push-rods-m2xl300-10pcsset-p-403720.html

PK

[n00b@FPV]

looking very good do far,

those links are fine if you locket/glue them once there ok

strange place to put the fy21ap, its usually put in the bottom of the plane infront of the cf rod going down to the tail.

i would recommend a separate bec, most reliable - http://www.modelshopleeds.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=5774