Project #MicroLongRange

Description

__ABOUT__ The basic idea of the Micro Long Range (MicroLR) ist quite simple: Scale down a 7" long range quad until it is sub 250g AUW. While there are many sub 250 micros the clue here is the electronics layout with a 16x16 stack in the center plus 20x20 stack in the back as well as the dead cat design and 4" inch props for maximum efficiency. This frame configuration allows you to easily fit an impressive amount of feature in your sub 250 setup: - GPS for speed, location, return home etc. - No props in you FPV feed - 4K video recording with a Naked GoPro or Split Type FPV Camera - And independent buzzer for easier post crash recovery even if the battery is ejected - 3+ miles of range with a 800mW VTX or a Caddx Vista Unit - 10+ minutes of flight time on an 850mah 3-4S LiPo and Up to 30min on LiIon __FRAME SPEC__ - Max. Prop Size: 4 Inch - Frame weight: 36g - Front Stack: 16x16 only (20x20 remixes do exist) - Rear Stack: 20x20 only - Cam mounts: 19mm Micro - Motor Mounts: 9-12mm 4-hole - Standoffs: M2x25 and M2x20 __BUILD RECOMMENDATIONS__ This frame is intended to be used for pretty specific components and I have invested a lot of effort in testing so please make sure to read the following recommendations: - **Motors:** The [Flywoo Dave_C edition 1404 motors](https://flywoo.net/products/nin-1404-v2-ultralight-fpv-motor) are designed specifically for the MicroLongRange. I recommend the 3850kV version for 3S builds and the 2750kV version for 4S builds. Anything smaller like [1303](http://bit.ly/2VFu0Uk) is not suitable to swing the pretty hefty [T4x2.5 props](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/D3GvAHR392) properly. The frame does in theory fit much bigger motors with a 5mm shaft like 1408/1506/1606 etc. but I really recommend not going in that direction since the frame is not designed for those kinds of loads and rotating masses. **Budget Option:** [Eco 1404 3700kV](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/GG3KkSN2TC). Costs only $10. Haven't tired that specific motor but generally Emax Eco Series motors are great value for money... - **Batteries:** I personally run [Tattu 850mah 4S](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/mG3D479qyG) batteries most of the time. I get 10-12 minutes of flight time which usually is enough. Home made lithium ion batteries will get up to 40min (I use 3000mah Sony VTC6 cells). Oscar Liang has a very good [tutorial](https://oscarliang.com/li-ion-battery-long-range/) on how to build the. However, the downside is that it's almost impossible to stay sub 250g on LiIon packs since the battery alone is between 160g (3S) and 210g (4S). PEASE NOTE: Do not run a motor over 3000kV on 4S if you use a 16x16 ESC. You can either go 3S 3850kV or 2750kV 4S. Both will work fine and have enough Power. - **Video Transmitter:** Analogue: The VTX should have 20x20 mounts and sit on the rear mount. The [Rush Tank Mini 800mW](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/GDGKg5jz2Q) is currently the best option. It's very user friendly when it comes to switching the channels through the buttons instead of using SmartAudio. Not having to use SmartAudio is a big plus here because it frees up one of the scarce UARTs on your 16x16 FC. Digital: The [Caddx Vista](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/KD3KMQ9r9R) unit will fit nicely in the frame. - **Receiver:** [Crossfire Nano RX](http://bit.ly/2Kq2G8Z) is the way to go! You can comfortably zip tie the Immortal-T antenna to the front of the quad. - **Camera:** Analogue: [RunCam Micro Eagle](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/D3vDVOZVyF) with it's best in class image quality. You can also add a DVR with 20x20 mounts like the [RunCam DVR](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/vKGKQFcGmE) Digital: [Caddx](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/KD3KMQ9r9R) Vista is the perfect choice if you are running DJI FPV - **ESC/FC stack:** Flywoo has a 16x16 with two fully accessible UARTs: [Goku F411](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/vmGmAqFChe). You can softserial the Current and LED pad to get a third one though Softserial (e.g. for you Vista). - **Props:** [HQ T4x2.5](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/D3GvAHR392) are pretty much the only option for 4 Inch t-mount prop at the moment. They are really smooth and efficient. - **FPV Antenna:** I had the best results using a full sized [Lumenier Axii](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/mmDGstrDvN) but you can also go for the [Nano version](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/mK3Kn5rGGj) if you want to shave off a few extra grams - **Buzzer:** An independent buzzer is absolutely crucial on a micro long range build. Good luck finding such a small quad without it! My recommendation is the [Full Speed Luck Box](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/vKvvsVRmlE). Not the loudest at 90dB but incredibly light and small. - **GPS:** The GPS mount is designed for the [BN-180 GPS](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/DDKDnVRGaF) - **Setup & Tuning:** You can expect my recommended setup to run just fine on BF4.1 Stock PIDs. The Throttle is pretty touchy (cruises at 20-25% throttle) so upping the throttle mid is pretty helpful to have more precision / resolution on the lower end. Custom motor mix for the MicroLongRange (thanks NorfFPV for sharing!): mmix 0 1.000 -0.809 0.659 -1.000 mmix 1 1.000 -1.000 -0.659 1.000 mmix 2 1.000 0.809 0.659 1.000 mmix 3 1.000 1.000 -0.659 -1.000 __CARBON PARTS SOURCES:__ - **North America & Global:** Send an email to Nick from [CNC Madness](http://www.cncmadness.com/contact-us.html). They have the files and will know what to do if you ask for a MicroLR. CNC Madness will charge you around $24 inclduding standoffs and screws. - **Global:**[Armattan Productions](https://armattanproductions.com/pages/kit_detail/2559)... Good quality but kind of slow (3-4 weeks). Standoffs and hardware not included. - **Germany / Europe: [AHLtec](https://www.ahltec.de/shop/de/info/Unser-Fraesservice.html)** Please be aware that you will have to email them in German. **Disclaimer:** I'm not directly affiliated to the the above third party CNC service providers. These are recommendations only and I cannot guarantee prices, quality and shipping times. __READY TO FLY OPTIONS:__ I'm pretty proud that this concept has gained so much traction that we now do have several ready to fly options: - Flywoo Explorer LR: This is the original one! Official collaboration between me any Flywoo with a frame that is very close to the MicroLongRange. Comes in and [Analogue Version](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/DvvYCS6TEe), (DJI HD Version)[https://www.banggood.com/custlink/D3DRri4wh7] and [Tarsier Version](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/mKDYW9BfYQ). - [iFlight Cimera 4 LR](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/vGGEH3SYJi): No official collaboration but so far my favourite "copy" on the market. It's a few grams heavier, misses the buzzer and I'm not a fan of the single bottom plate, but apart from that it's really not bad. - [GEPRC Crocodile Baby](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/DGGhF3SEpL): Not very convinced of that one. It's a clunky frame and stacking the Caddx Vista on and AIO looks like a Jenga Tower in the middle of the frame while the rest is awkwardly empty ;-) __REQUIRED HARDWARE__ - 6x M2 [20mm Standoff](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/DGvmnVET7S) - 2x M2 [25mm Standoff](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/DGvmnVET7S) - 4x [M2 Nut](https://www.banggood.com/custlink/3G3vsVy7wb) - 4x M2x8 Steel screw - 12x M2x5 Steel screw - 4x M2x12 Steel screw Update 05.10.2020: - Updated the part about Li-Ion batteries - Added a paragraph on the RTF options - Added the new Dave_C FPV 1404 motors with lower kV options - Many smaller updates Update 05.07.2020: Added camera mounts for DJI FPV and Intsa360 go. You can find the insta360 go case here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4359372 Update 12.08.2020: Removed any split type camera from the list of recommended parts. They lack reliability and produce a lot of RF noise blocking the GPS. The alternative I recommend it the Insta360 go, which anyways does provide much nicer footage.

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