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ST450 Quad

Old 08-23-2012, 02:54 PM
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Greg Covey
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Default ST450 Quad

Hi,

My first quad build will be the ST450 quad in an "X" configuration. This will be a rugged test quad with no real lifting goals. I simply want to learn about the KK2 controller board and it flight stability capability.

The frame reminded me of my old erector set when I was a kid. Fortunately, the ST450 doesn't have any of the sharp edges that my erector set had.
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Old 08-23-2012, 02:58 PM
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Default RE: ST450 Quad

Here are the parts that I am using to complete my ST450.

ST450 Components:[ul][*] ST450 Frame and Parts at [link=http://search2.hobby-lobby.com/psearch/svc/search.php?uid=2&q=st450&x=0&y=0]Hobby Lobby[/link][*] Hobby King Quadcopter [link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__23140__Hobby_King_Quadcopter_Power_Distribution_ Board.html]Power Distribution[/link] Board[*] HobbyKing Multi-Rotor Control Board [link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__19534__HobbyKing_Multi_Rotor_Control_Board_V2_1_ Atmega168PA_.html]V2.1[/link][*] iFlight iPower [link=http://www.rcdude.com/servlet/the-Brushless-Motors-cln-iPower-MultiRotor-Motors/Categories]2212Q[/link] Brushless Outrunner Motor[*] Next Level Multi-Rotor ESC - [link=http://www.rcdude.com/servlet/the-Brushless-Controllers-cln-Next-Level-Multi-dsh-Rotor/Categories]20 amp[/link][*] Turnigy 3600mAh 3S 30C Lipo Pack ([link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=14966]USA Warehouse[/link])
[/ul]

My KK2.1 controller board has been reflashed to 4.7. I protected it with a short DVD case.
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Old 08-25-2012, 04:53 AM
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Default RE: ST450 Quad

My flying erector set is ready to test. I'm using GemFan 10x4.7 props. My 3s 3200mAh pack is simply held in place by two rubber bands. I'm using an older pack until my new Turnigy pack arrives.

I did find out one interesting change when using the newer v4.7 firmware. The pot settings for calibration are reversed so that you turn them full CW instead of CCW to calibrate various settings. The information on this starts on post [link=http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1458663&page=5]73[/link] of the long KK Multikopter thread on RCG.
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Old 08-27-2012, 01:29 PM
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Default RE: ST450 Quad

I achieved my first quad hover yesterday (other than the self-hovering AR.Drone) so it was pretty exciting. The learning curve was challenging but my kind of fun! I did manage to bust 3 props while performing the dreaded "flips of death" before I got my gyro rotation figured out..

Here is some good setup information for prop direction, gyro rotation, and effect of transmitter stick control. It is an older article using the original KK board firmware, not the v4.7 that I have.

[link=http://www.rcexplorer.se/page14/kkguide/kkguide/quadx.html]KK-Quad X setup guide[/link]

On my new v4.7 firmware, I now realize that the functions of the pots has changed, the direction of max and min on the pots, and the motor positions of M1-M4. LOL! Once I got this information figured out, I finally got my gyro rotation corrected and the erector set was hovering in my backyard.

I'll post some photos and a video before moving on to my Turnigy H.A.L. [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_11184802/tm.htm]project[/link]. The newer KK2.0 board with the LCD screen at HK is superior to the older one I used on the ST450 Quad. The original KK gyro system has been updated to an more sensitive dual chip 3-axis gyro and single chip 3-axis accelerometer system making this the most stable KK board ever and allowing for the addition of an Auto-level function. A great deal of performance for only $30!

I would also recommend using this $11 Q450 "Flamewheel" [link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__24172__Q450_Glass_Fiber_Quadcopter_Frame_450mm.h tml]clone[/link] (first photo) because it weighs the same as the ST450 but costs much less and has much less hardware to fly off during flight. The solid nylon arms are perfect for a first quad project. I bought two of them and will swap my components over from the ST450 this Fall or Winter. If you don't have a power distribution board, there is also a version with Integrated PCB built-in for only [link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__24173__Q450_Glass_Fiber_Quadcopter_Frame_450mm_I ntegrated_PCB_Version.html]$18[/link]. (second photo)
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Old 09-01-2012, 04:34 AM
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Default RE: ST450 Quad

Here are a few flying photos of my ST450 "Erector Set" Quad. Even with the arms bent in slightly different directions, the KK1 board with v4.7 firmware keeps it quite stable. The ST450 just has too much hardware to come loose and the arms can be bent out of alignment. I expect my replacement Flamewheel 450 clone to have much less maintenance.

photos by "Papa Jeff" Ring
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