Flamewheel 450 Clone
 

This is my new Flamewheel 450 clone body from HK for only $11. For that price, I bought a second one to use for spare parts...if needed. [link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__24172__Q450_Glass_Fiber_Quadcopter_Frame_450mm.h tml]Q450 Glass Fiber Quadcopter Frame 450mm[/link]

I transferred most of the components from my [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_11203839/tm.htm]ST450 Quad[/link]. I used one as my first quad because I got it for free. You can see my build thread [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_11203839/tm.htm]here[/link]. It works but it is not very strong and I always had screws falling off. One Flamewheel (or clone) leg eliminates 18 screws. 18x4=72 screws...and that's just the legs!

My new Flamewheel 450 quad also got an upgrade to the [link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__24723__Hobbyking_KK2_0_Multi_rotor_LCD_Flight_Co ntrol_Board.html]KK2.0 Multi-rotor LCD Flight Control Board[/link] that I had planned to use in my [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_11184802/tm.htm]Turnigy H.A.L.[/link] The H.A.L. got an upgrade to a Naza with GPS.

Since some folks were breaking the legs off near the motor mount, when hit just in the right spot, I decided to buffer the area with some synthetic wine corks. We have plenty of corks around our house!

RE: Flamewheel 450 Clone
 

My Flamewheel 450 clone is really flying great with the KK2 LCD board. I can switch on the Self Level feature and it remains quite stable in any position. With the Self Level off, I can fly it around with great authority.

The single piece arms are a great improvement over my original ST-450 model. The upgrade from my original KK1 v4.7 board to the KK2 LCD board has also added a higher lever of stability from the accelerometers and provided an easy user-friendly set up via menus.

Since I never broke a prop in many flights, I switched from the regular GemFan 9x4.7 props to the stiffer carbon filled GF versions and balanced them with clear spray paint.

photos by "Papa Jeff" Ring

RE: Flamewheel 450 Clone
 

My $11 Flamewheel 450 clone is flying very well using the newest KK2 firmware v1.5. I decided to enhance the height using the $15 [link=http://www.goodluckbuy.com/quadcopter-hexacopter-diy-universal-200mm-tall-landing-skid-kit-with-damping-rubber-.html]200mm Tall Landing Skid Kit[/link] from GLB. It fits snugly around the bottom plate requiring only a few cable wraps to keep it secure. For some reason, the bottom carbon tubes didn't show up with my kit so I used an existing brass tube which I painted black.

The added height will allow me to land in some snow this winter. I also installed my oil gimbal that used to be on my Turnigy H.A.L. To simulate my camera load, I tested it for the first time with 1.25oz of lead.

After a few flights, I removed my original shock absorbers made from rubber wine corks.

RE: Flamewheel 450 Clone
 

I flew the FW450 clone in my backyard this weekend. To help the Lipo pack handle the 35 degree temperature I surrounded it with some flooring foam pieces that I cut to cover the sides. My back porch will make a nice take-off and landing pad when the snow flies.

I decided to put my original GemFan 9x5 nylon props back on because I really liked the green props up front for orientation. I haven't noticed any performance change from the stiffer carbon/nylon GF props that I was using.

RE: Flamewheel 450 Clone
 

Greg,

Do you have any videos showing the flight characteristics? Your information has been very helpful, as I am interested in exactly the same setups that you mention. I have the real flame 450 but would have bought the clone if I knew of it. Same with the KK2. I have the Fyeu Teck 90Pro, but it was way overpriced. I have also been looking for some longer gear to add on. My setup is semi-stable, but since it is my first quad, I don't know if I'm expecting too much.

Kurt

RE: Flamewheel 450 Clone
 

Hi Kurt,

I will have a video in the future and post it here. I just upgraded my Turnigy H.A.L. with a GoPro Hero2 camera so my Flamewheel 450 gets some hand-me-downs.

I am not familiar with how stable the Feiyu Tech controller is. The KK2 is pretty good but it is nowhere near the stability of my DJI NAZA. For $30 though, it makes a great FC which can be dialed-in quite nicely. I use it on my FW450 for fun and practice flying. I am still a bit tentative when the quad is facing me so practice makes perfect!

I am also adding an inexpensive FatShark 5.8GHz transmitter to my FW450 so that I can adjust the video tilt remotely using my existing ground station or goggles. I'll make a video from both the ground perspective and quad perspective over the holiday break...weather permitting.

As another alternative, check out this [link=http://www.rcdude.com/servlet/the-2411/QUADframe-Landing-Gear-Legs/Detail]QuadFrame Landing Gear Legs[/link] at RC Dude. I have found the QuadFrame products from Poland to be very good quality.

Regards.

RE: Flamewheel 450 Clone
 

Since the weather was surprisingly nice last Sunday, here is a video of me flying the Flamewheel 450 clone in my backyard. The dangling wire was for the FlyCamOne HD tilt servo that I had not yet hooked up.

[link=http://www.gregcovey.com/Reviews/Flamewheel450a.wmv]Flamewheel 450 clone - Backyard Flying[/link] (33meg)

RE: Flamewheel 450 Clone
 

Greg,

Thanks for posting the video. Very helpful to see. I think my controller is fine and I was expecting too much. Mine looks like it flies about the same as yours - but I'm still learning! I will get the landing gear for sure. I have a GoPro2 but I haven't used it yet. The Naza is on my Christmas list. Thanks again for posting.

Kurt