Being quite new to fpv quads I bought a no-name cheap 5in frame for my first build. It turned out fine. I like it, but it lacks some space. So I decided to do another build with a bigger frame. That bigger frame is geprc mk4.

However, after I did the mk4 build I noticed my esc/fc stack is really exposed on the sides. Is this pretty normal? Is this how people fly, or should I 3d print some guards? If the latter and anyone knows some good models please post a link.

So this is my first frame that is well protected, but small. 


Then there is the geprc mk4 frame build below:




I don't want to add too much weight, but some sort of TPU covers would be nice. Any advice?

I've seen some bands of elasticated fabric that you can wrap around the stack, but it depends a little on the way to standoffs are set up.

Honestly, I'd leave it. That amount of exposure looks pretty standard, and if you're running props in then everything gets thrown at your camera rather than the electronics anyway.

Looks like a good build, BTW!

Exposed electronics are normal on the GEPRC Mark4. The ESC on mine actually a bit wider so it sticks out a bit further than on yours. If you bring the wires into the quad and then out to the pads they will be less vulnerable to catching / snagging on something in a crash with a risk of ripping off the ESC pads. You can see how I did mine that way in another post HERE.

I wouldn't bother trying to encase the stack with protection TBH. That will just reduce the ability of airflow to cool the components while flying. The elastic strap that Banelle is referring to is commonly used on Five33 racing quads and is called a Stack Saver (see HERE) but I personally wouldn't bother with one of those on a freestyle quad. Just fly a "props in" configuration.

(28-Jun-2022, 09:58 AM)Banelle Wrote: Looks like a good build, BTW!

Thanks :-) I haven't flown it yet, but hopefully it will be tested later today or tomorrow.

Thank you both for advice. That elastic wrap is interesting.

Also that build in the link is sweet. I especially like all the custom 3d printed parts.

It did cross my mind to make and 3d print something that goes under the esc, extending out and up, but I'll just leave it as is for now.

I also plan to do a conformal coat on it once I'm sure I'll not be moving things around. I fly where there is lots of grass (often wet). You can probably tell by looking at all the shredded plant material on my other quad.

Good job on soldering and overall build quality.
One frame by Diatone has plastic rails to protect stack and one could perhaps print some type of protection.
I have yanked out a wire on single ESC but it went through a bunch of tough green branches.
So far on a stack I haven’t had any wires get yanked out but anything can happen flying through a tree at 100mph and when a prop hits anything the others go nuts.

this was a somehow common topplate design on past raceframes, it provides protection where needed. no fear , direct impacts will come to other locations than sideways to stack.

the "elastic strap" is made to stay clean, no mud or grass in the stack. its important if you need to be able to get quick access to benchwork. on a clean stack, all is visible.. no cleanup befor add a fresh motor in the field.
its truly save, they go dirty anyway... its just for racers to improve repairability a little bit, give a chance for better infield-work in some rare cases