Expert Advice Required
 

A very good day to you all. I am an Undergraduate at the University of Sheffield in the UK, and after just a little browse, I can see that there is a wealth of knowledge involved in these forums.

I am currently involved in a project regarding MAV (Micro Air Vehicles). The group that I am working with have elected to design a 4 rotor vehicle designed for use in conjunction with the UK rail industry inspecting bridges (along the lines of the draganflyer). The main requirement for it would be the ability to steadily hover and thus translational speed is not the actual main goal.

We are currently in the process of trying to decide the best configuration for motors, and trying to work out which motors would be best. Obviously, money being no object, we would opt for brushless motors. Assuming Network Rail would seriously consider buying our product, we wouldn't hesitate to use brushless motors, as we are sure they would pay the extra considering the money they would save. However, bearing in mind the fact that we are students and we are trying to create a prototype with a budget of not much more than £300 (although Department may fund us for brushless motors if we can put forward a strong enough case) which motors would you suggest (brushless or brushed)? Do you know the power outputs that these might produce? How much do they cost and how much do the additional controllers cost. Are specific controllers required? Do you have any suggestions?

I thank you for the time taken to read this tome and look forward to hearing any comments that you have.

Thanks a lot.

Tommy

RE: Expert Advice Required
 

For information on power outputs of various combinations of battery, motor, prop I suggest a computer program called Electricalc . ($40 US) This is an invaluable tool even if it is not 100% accurate. Approximate numbers show effects of changes in weight/ props/ motors/ batteries................. Motocalc is anothor program and I am sure there are others out there too.