Atomic Cricket

Introduction:

I like alternating between doing airplane and quad builds now as both are rather fun and challenging in different ways. Planes are more mechanically challenging and quads are more technically challenging. This latest one is called the Atomic cricket because it is basically a Rotorx atom mini (83mm) and looks like a cricket. I also wanted to do this will be the first time I'm using a OSD stack. With a dry weight of 57grams, it can handle 2-3s batteries with 2" props.

Components :

• Rotorx atom mini frame (83mm)
• Eaglepower SA1104 7000kv 2-3s motors
• Omnibus F3 FC with a 4in1 20a esc (total overkill for these motors)
• Frsky xm+ receiver
• VTX03
• Generic CCD micro cam (Micro swift clone)
• Gemfan 2035 props
• Velcro battery strap, nylon screws/standoffs, nylon cable ties

Conclusion:

The main challenge to this build was in trying to fit the CCD camera. I used a 3d printed mount, but ended up heavily modifying it. In fact, the camera broke right before the build finished (not sure why) and I ended up having to use a backup (good thing I bought 2). The rest of the build was pretty straight forward and the only issue came with the lack of documentation for the FC board. I had to guess at part of the wiring, but it all turned out pretty well.

The maiden was beautiful and it flew perfectly in horizon mode without requiring any soft mounting. It is the smoothest micro I have flown to date. It has good power in 2s and 3s as well although I will only truly be able to tell once I can fly it outside.

Update 5/27/18: So I turtled it flying in my yard today and asked my kids to pick it up for me by calling "turtle". They love doing it as I got them pretty well trained...until my younger one decided to pick it up and drop it in his sand box full of water. Needless to say, it was not my best of days. I conformal coated everything except for the CCD camera as the first CCD camera stopped working after conformal coating. Gonna wait slowly for it to dry out and see if it's still good? The only thing I"m really worried about is the camera.

Update 9/20/18: So everything still works on it after the bath it took a few months ago. However, I crashed it into the ground and everything went out. Not sure what the issue is yet. Will need to tear it apart and figure it out.

Update 9/22/18: So the fixes took a couple days since half the standoffs got torn out along with the jst connector on the esc. I upgraded it with a buzzer along with a good dose of hot glue in key areas for securing the wiring. It's now 60 grams. I also ordered some longer standoffs to replace some weaker ones. Will need to put those in once they arrive.

Update 11/1/18: Flew it a bit indoors and the video cut out leading to a crash. After much troubleshooting, it turns out the video in failed on the FC and the camera died at the same time. I no longer wanted to repair this since these motors were not terribly efficient with 2.5" props. I decided to pull the guts into another quad. I would like to rebuild this with some lighter components in the future.