So I decided to build a Tri-copter based on David Windestål's design, I decided to build the entire project from scratch using materials I had lying around. My main goal was to have a stable video platform with a low "All-up" weight and longest possible flight times. the frame plates are made fom 1'8" lexan,
I don't own a fancy CNC cutter or even a scroll saw so I cut everything entirely with a diamond cutting wheel and a rotory cutting tool. I sanded the lexan to a "Frosted" finish, i also sanded all of the edges smooth , I used m3x20mm screws for the main frame plates and m3x6mm screws to attatch the vibration isolators "1.2 mm piano wire" to the camera/battery tray, At first I was planning on cutting out the camera/battery tray from the plans that Flitetest and David provided but soon figured out I'm just not that good with a dremel so instead of sandwitching the ends of the music wire between wooden plates I just shaped the ends of the wire into little loops and screwed them onto the tray and the bottom of the airframe.
I used locktite and lock washers where they would fit to keep everything good and tight. i had to add a little rib made from 1'8" plywood to the bottom of the tray to stiffen it up a bit , a groove and some hot glue took care of this nicely. I heated the Lexan with a heat gun and bent the camera tray to a slight angle , and added a strip of neoprene "mouse pad" to the tray to act as a grip and a sort of extra vibration dampening.
I made some landing struts from extra Lexan, and also a top plate to protect the FC and RX
I also came up with a Breakaway retaining clip to keep the arms in place, im not too sure if I trust them to just stay in place.......
Overall I'm happy with the outcome I will be adding all of my electronics and flight control as soon as all of the parts arrive, Ugh hate waiting for parts from china! I will be making a Final build article along with a maiden video and fpv sample video. Im exited to see if i can get stable and "jello" free video with this platform im hoping the Lexan will prove to be crash resistent. Here is a couple more photos of the finished frame, LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU GUYS THINK! @flitetest , @DavidW =)
Frame weight: 258grams
no cnc cutters were harmed in the creation of this frame, unfortunatley 2 cutoff wheels were lost......
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