Clic pic for more

Holes were drilled for the motor mounts at the end of each arm and the mounting plates and motors attached. At this point it became apparent that the speed controllers were outside the prop wash, so I decided to cut a few inches from the three phase motor leads and ensure that each speed controller would be cooled by the propeller above it as I want to do everything I can to prevent any speed controllers cutting a motor in flight.

I used Turnigy motors and speed controllers rated at 10 Amp continuous. More than enough for this job.

Now with the motors secured to the frame, each speed controller was programmed and motor tests performed. At half throttle the frame starts to get light when I run up a single motor. Two more clicks on the throttle and the frame leaps into the air on the side where the motor was running.

Vibration checks were conducted and at full power I noted how much each motor could pull. After repeating this for each motor in turn I am now happy that we are in business.

Shortening the three phase leads means that I'll have to extend the servo leads - bah! More soldering and extending of wires. When the silicone hook up cable arrives Ill create the main board to speed controller cables and extend the servo signal leads.

Now I just have to wait for the board manufacture to deliver a couple of missing components and ill be back in business.

Here are some web resources for those who want to see other peoples Quadrocopters flying.

UAVP: Site of the open source Quadrocopter.

RC Groups: Public forums laced with advice and examples of construction.

Lipoly: Source of many of the components in Europe.

Videos : Video 1, video 2, video 3, video 4, video 5 (hosted on YouTube)