ng2423i

Introduction:

An inav version of the nano goblin based frame. I am eager to see how this will perform.

Components:

• Sunnysky 2204 2300kv motor

• Hobbyking 18a 2-3s esc

• Dollar tree Foam board & pipe insulation

• Frsky xm+ receiver RadioMaster - R81

• Noxe F4 flight controller (flywoo version)

• Beitian 180 GPS

• Foxeer micro arrow camera

• 2x 11g metal gear servos

• FX799T 200mw vtx

• Buzzer

Conclusion:

199g dry. The weight is almost 30g more than dw6-2423 with mostly the same components, so it caught me off guard. If it is too heavy, I'll need to consider using lighter components.

The LOS maiden in manual mode went perfectly. Unfortunately, the stabilized modes did not go so well. It kept rolling over and crashing whenever I engaged the flight controller. I thought at first that the throws may have been too high, but no amount of adjustments would fix it. After about 5 bad crashes later, I figured out that I had forgotten to change the board orientation settings. This design is really one of the toughest out there as I was able to fly again and again after crash by just replacing some tape. Unfortunately, I did snap a wire for the vtx power during one of the crashes, so even after I fixed the board orientation issue, I wasn't able to do the fpv maiden. Now I'll need to wait until the next non windy day.

Update 12/30/20: I finally was able to FPV it properly and it flew ok. Not great as I was hoping, but pretty much average. The efficiency was ok, but not great. I'm estimating that it is about half as efficient as the dw6-2423. It weights about 30g more, but I suspect that the KF airfoil (which is great for LOS), does not translate as well to efficiency for FPV flights. The DW6 could cruise on low to mid 20s throttle while this one requires mid 30s. One thing I definitely need to fix is the camera angle which is probably robbing me of some efficiency. I need to point it a bit lower and test it again next time. The handling was also not good at all compared to the DW6. Even though it can cruise on mid 30s throttle, you do need to go up to mid 50s for tight turns. Overall, I'm not impressed and I'm considering building a more conventional airfoil in the same shape to see handling differences.

Update 1/1/20: I flew it again on a calm day with the camera properly positioned. It did a lot better than last time, but ultimately, the stall speed is still much higher than the DW6. While I could fly it in a straight line with the throttle in the mid 20s, it was not as easy or as fun. I did finally decided to fly it in manual mode and that is where it started to shine. On 3s hitting about 50-60kph, it flew with good control. I am considering lowering the weight to see how it affects performance. It is worth noting though that the GPS was acting erratic during one of the flights and reported a high altitude even though the plane was at near ground level, which almost led to a crash after it was set to RTH. As for efficiency, I was able to fly on a 2s1100 for over 10km coming down on 3.6v. I could have easily flown for longer, but it wasn't fun trying to fly this efficiently.

Update 1/6/21: Swapped out the receiver for a RadioMaster R81 to test it out. It has about half the range of the xm+.