The new QAV500 FPV Quadcopter Kit by fpvmanuals

May 2, 2012|timnilson

I'd like to introduce you to my new FPV focused quadcopter frame, the QAV500. I spent many months and many re-designs coming up with this frame and I'd like to point out some of the things I think are unique and should make it worth considering when you're thinking about adding a new FPV focused multi-rotor platform to your fleet.

First, the release date of the new QAV500 will be late June 2012 and the price for the frame is $189.99. The QAV500 frame, landing gear options, and spare arms are now available for pre-order here.

Here are some of the key features that went into this frame...

Vibration Isolation Design — The QAV500 is separated into 2 parts: a “dirty” section and a “clean” section. All electronics including flight camera, HD cameras, flight controller, etc. are located on the “clean” part of the frame and are isolated from the “dirty” motor/prop section by custom developed vibration bobbins. Reducing vibrations to the Flight Controller results in smoother flight performance. Reducing vibrations to the cameras results in smoother video quality.
3-Camera Mounts — The frame accommodates 3 cameras: a forward facing HD cam (GoPro), a forward facing flight cam, and a downward facing HD cam (GoPro). The frame can be flown with all 3 cameras in operation at the same time due to a large and unique Lipo mounting area to optimize the CG.
Prop Free Video — None of the cameras have any props in view even with 10″ props.
Power and endurance — The kit is designed to accommodate large multi-rotor motors in the 40mm stator diameter class like the Tiger MT-4006-13 or HK NX-4008. These motors require a 25x25mm and 19x19mm mounting hole pattern or a unique triangular mounting pattern. The kit is intended to be flown with large 4s Lipos. This power train provides lots of lift and long flight times. These motors and 10″ props provide a hover time of 12 minutes with a 3300mah 4s Lipo while still landing the Lipo with 14.2 volts remaining under load (measured prior to landing).
Symmetrical Design — Unlike other FPV focused quadcopters, the QAV500 is perfectly symmetrical. The motors are 500mm diagonal from motor shaft to motor shaft and the flight controller is centered at the CG point in the middle of the frame. This ensures that the motors/escs work equally hard and that the FC can apply consistant power to level the frame.

There are many more features listed on the home page for this kit which is located over at http://fpvmanuals.com/qav500.