Sorry for this extended post, but I'm racking the brain this morning on a boat load of what if's.
SleepyC. Your MR's look sweet, very good cable management. I am too lazy to spend the extra time on managing my wiring and permanently mounting stuff. Partially because it seems I'm always changing things around and it seems pointless to spend all that time on permanently mounting / hiding stuff only to undo it a month later. Am jealous of you guys!
My quad is based on the TMotor 2216 kv800 motors. w/ gopro & gimbal, fpv, naza v2/gps, getting 13 minutes. Can stretch to 15 with newer batteries in a pinch.. Go Pro video is fine in calm winds(except for crap based auto exposure). Need to work on getting video a little more stable in windy conditions which might be as simple as a 3rd axis for the go pro or maybe another XAircraft X fc. I think in another few years, these small cameras will be so good, we won't need 10lb+ rigs...
I saw your review on the Avroto's last week and have been drooling over them. However, after seeing Jim's post (MontoRC), I'm wondering if the Tiger MN4014 400Kv might be a better fit for longer flight times and a 4.5 to 6lb payload on a x8 config for part time flying. Maybe an all up weight of 13-16 lbs.
I'd thought about building a hex but decided on the x8. Good to hear props in the video aren't an issue on your hex's. Especially on the RC model where your camera seems to be more under the center of the MR. I clipped a prop on my x8 in flight once, and was able to finish getting the shot. X8 flew the same, just sounded different. When it landed, I had a partial prop on one of my motors. Was impressed how it flew crippled. It's not absolutely necessary, but I like the added security of the x8 on flying on 7 motors or props for protecting the investment. X8 also handles very well in the wind.
On your Hexacraft, are those the new lift Avroto's? Which ones? Would you share your all up weight flight times, battery, prop size?
My X8 hovers @ 1/2 throttle now with my GH3 so I think I'm set up pretty decently. I'd consider bumping up to lower kv motors next year and reworking into either a hex or keeping the x8 config, if I thought I could get 15 minute flight times without breaking the bank buying new batteries. If going to low kv motors, it would be with the idea of adding another couple lbs of carry capicity for a 3rd axis on gimbal and maybe a little bigger camera in addition to longer flight time. Not interested in carrying the big camera units, but wouldn't mind a 5d class camera for stills and a 3rd axis for the gimbal. Unfortunatly, I'd probably opt for a heavier frame to. $$ keep adding up. Currently on 22.5mm cf arms which I'd think are marginal for the lower kv and bigger props.
As much time as I spend reading/thinking/researching what to build to go longer, steadier, and safer, I think the reality is that if the XAircraft X flies as nicely as the reviews are saying, I might be pretty happy with my current config on my X8. If it flies & handles silky smooth in ATT or GPS mode vs the manual mode I've been flying in, I'm guessing I'll get the shots quicker thus negating some of the reasons for wanting longer flight times. I'm also expecting having more fun and less stress flying the x8. My original goal was the quad for scouting and extended fun flying and the x8 for the high quality footage. I may get that with this new FC.
