As stated in the title, I think I'm ready to make the leap to a 7" build.  I'm compiling a list of what I need, from the actual quad parts to upgrades to my gear.  I'm wanting to go Crossfire.

I have an X9D, non-2019 edition, with an aftermarket 3S battery.  So do I need to lose the battery and go back to the stock one if I'm to use the module?  Does the Crossfire module require an external power supply?

I use HDO's with RapidFire currently.  Go, no-go?  Long range antennas?

Here is my list currently.  Long range experts, feel free to completely change this.  I could be SO far off, and I have thick skin, so feel free to tell me so, hehe.

TBS Crossfire R/C Link
https://www.getfpv.com/tbs-crossfire-tx-...-link.html

TBS Unify Pro32 HV
https://www.getfpv.com/tbs-unify-pro32-5...itter.html

TBS Diversity Nano RX
https://www.getfpv.com/tbs-crossfire-div...no-rx.html

Holybro Micro M8N GPS
https://www.getfpv.com/holybro-micro-m8n...odule.html

TBS Diamond Antenna
https://www.getfpv.com/tbs-diamond-antenna.html

TBS Crossfire Immortal T Antenna V2
https://www.getfpv.com/tbs-crossfire-imm...na-v2.html

Holybro Kakute F7 AIO V1.5
https://www.getfpv.com/holybro-kakute-f7...oller.html

Spedix IS45 45A ESC  Overkill? 4n1 instead?
https://www.getfpv.com/spedix-is45-2-6s-...a-esc.html

I was thinking either a Super G+, or an ImpulseRc Reverb.  Both in 7" as stated above.  I like the look of the Super G+.  No idea on motors or battery.  I'm wanting a nice cruiser, but I want the ability for a little "umph" if required or necessary.  

So there we go.  Nothing is really set in stone, except wanting to run Crossfire.  I've caught the build bug bad....

Deal

As stated in the title, I think I'm ready to make the leap to a 7" build.  I'm compiling a list of what I need, from the actual quad parts to upgrades to my gear.  I'm wanting to go Crossfire.

I have an X9D, non-2019 edition, with an aftermarket 3S battery.  So do I need to lose the battery and go back to the stock one if I'm to use the module?  Does the Crossfire module require an external power supply?

With a recent update you no longer need an external battery for 1W and 2W.  I still use one as you will eat up the X9D battery pretty fast at those wattages.  Below 1W you never needed an external battery.  I still run an external battery and I can fly all day without a recharge.  I just mount it to the radio kickstand and all is good.

I use HDO's with RapidFire currently.  Go, no-go?  Long range antennas?

No personal experience with RapidFire, but many use it, so I'm sure you will be fine.  Yes, long range antennas......

Here is my list currently.  Long range experts, feel free to completely change this.  I could be SO far off, and I have thick skin, so feel free to tell me so, hehe.

TBS Crossfire R/C Link
https://www.getfpv.com/tbs-crossfire-tx-...-link.html



Maybe get the TX lite.  No bluetooth, but you may not need it and it will save you about $60.00
https://www.getfpv.com/tbs-crossfire-tx-lite.html



TBS Unify Pro32 HV
https://www.getfpv.com/tbs-unify-pro32-5...itter.html

TBS Diversity Nano RX
https://www.getfpv.com/tbs-crossfire-div...no-rx.html

Holybro Micro M8N GPS
https://www.getfpv.com/holybro-micro-m8n...odule.html



Holybro is a good GPS, but this one will get the job done and for a lot less.  I have it on all 4 of my LR rigs.
https://www.readytoflyquads.com/micro-ub...s-w-18x18x




TBS Diamond Antenna
https://www.getfpv.com/tbs-diamond-antenna.html

I have the Diamond antenna, it is a very good antenna.  But I have learned that it is tuned for both 868mhz and 915mhz, which means it works for both, but not as good as it could be for us in the US.  The TrueMox from TrueRC is tuned to 915mhz.  It has a little less behind you capability, but it will allow you to go several hundred yards behind you so it shouldn't be a problem  I have my TrueMox on order.  A bonus is it's cheaper.  Remember vertically polarized.

https://www.getfpv.com/truerc-true-mox-915-antenna.html



TBS Crossfire Immortal T Antenna V2
https://www.getfpv.com/tbs-crossfire-imm...na-v2.html

I can't say much nice about the IT.  It's the standard most use, but they come tuned whacky, and I have never had good results with them.  I start to see my LQ degrade at about 2 miles, and by 5 miles I start to worry about failsafes.  But, unless you make your own there aren't many other choices.   Remember you want one vertically polarized.  Since you have the diversity receiver on your list you can run a second antenna horizontally polarized if you want, or you can run a second vertically polarized.  Most run a second horizontal.  
 

Holybro Kakute F7 AIO V1.5
https://www.getfpv.com/holybro-kakute-f7...oller.html

Spedix IS45 45A ESC  Overkill? 4n1 instead?
https://www.getfpv.com/spedix-is45-2-6s-...a-esc.html

Personal choice on individual or 4n1.  There are some good 4n1 that have a rep for not burning up on you.  Spedix is a great esc, and for a 7 inch 45a is NOT overkill.  If you want to mash the throttle now and again, I would consider something a bit larger in the amp range.  If you are going to mostly just cruise then 45amps will be fine.   If you go 4n1 the t-motor 55A Pro II has a good rep and I'm happy with mine so far but only have a dozen or so flights on it.

I was thinking either a Super G+, or an ImpulseRc Reverb.  Both in 7" as stated above.  I like the look of the Super G+.  No idea on motors or battery.  I'm wanting a nice cruiser, but I want the ability for a little "umph" if required or necessary. 

The Super G+ is a very nice frame and does a good job keeping the blades out of the HD cam view.  Have you considered the FR7 or the FR7-G?  The FR7 is designed to run a GoPro Hero 7/8 low and the FPV cam above.  If you like a traditional setup, with a cam on the deck above the FPV cam then the FR7-G would be your choice.  The FR series from FR3-FR10 are all dead cat frames as well.  All open source.  If interested we can talk more later. 

So there we go.  Nothing is really set in stone, except wanting to run Crossfire.  I've caught the build bug bad....

What are your thoughts on motors?  Also, 7 inch is limiting on blade choices...and then on top of that, there are blades in that size that are failing in flight.  So if you go 7 inch we should talk about blades.

Is it too late to convince  you to go bigger?  I thought 7 inch was the perfect size for LR.  But I can tell you I no longer think that and I love my 10inch.  I love it so much, I just bought several FR10-G frames.  

Deal

To answer your Crossfire questions, external power is needed depending on what module you are planning to get and what power RF are you planning to use. If you get the Crossfire micro, you don't need external power. But, the micro is limited to 250mW. And you probably want either the Lite or the Full module for long range. Both the Lite and Full modules will go up to 2W. But 1W and 2W will require an external power source.

Edit : Krohsis beat me and have more updated answer. I actually didn't know that 1W and 2W no longer needs external power.

(29-Nov-2019, 05:52 PM)voodoo614 Wrote: To answer your Crossfire questions, external power is needed depending on what module you are planning to get and what power RF are you planning to use. If you get the Crossfire micro, you don't need external power. But, the micro is limited to 250mW. And you probably want either the Lite or the Full module for long range. Both the Lite and Full modules will go up to 2W. But 1W and 2W will require an external power source.

Not anymore VooDoo.  A firmware update a year or so ago 2.4 I believe changed that.  But with that said, you won't be happy with the draw on the Radio battery at the higher wattages.

If you are for sure going with Crossfire, Heli-Nation has 20% of for Black Friday. Use "BLACKFRIDAY" code. I got the LITE myself.

---

(29-Nov-2019, 05:56 PM)Krohsis Wrote: Not anymore VooDoo.  A firmware update a year or so ago changed that.  But with that said, you won't be happy with the draw on the Radio battery at the higher wattages.

We cross post, so I edited my post. Thanks for the update.

Some food for thought. It's not too late to convince me of anything. I was thinking of 10" first, but for some reason 7" seemed a like a compromise. But, you have reignited the 10" idea. See how easy that was, hehe. Now it's going to be a 10" build. I'll have to check the frames out.

Changing to the Crossfire TX Lite. Swapped the Diamond for the TrueMox as well.

Going with a 10", how many amps would my ESC's need to be? And I have no idea on motors to spin a prop this size.

Thanks for the input, and please keep it coming.

Deal

Where can I find the FR10-G frame for sale? I can't locate one....

Deal

(29-Nov-2019, 06:17 PM)Deal-E-O Wrote: Some food for thought.  It's not too late to convince me of anything.  I was thinking of 10" first, but for some reason 7" seemed a like a compromise.  But, you have reignited the 10" idea.  See how easy that was, hehe.  Now it's going to be a 10" build.  I'll have to check the frames out.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3652100  FR10

 
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3886646  FR10-g
 
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3696082 FR7-g
 
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3650110 FR7

They are all open source.  If you want to go that way  http://www.cncmadness.com/home.html  is all set-up for these, as he has been cutting them for lots of folks, ask for Nick [[email protected]][email protected][/email] .  He will chamfer the edges if you want for a small additional cost.  And he will provide the hardware for a very small cost, 5.00 I believe.  If you get the non-G models, they require printed parts for the cams.  You can find those prints on the thingiverse site as well.  I like the G as I don't really care for the printed stuff....

This might be more than you want to do this time, but keep it in mind.  You will love the FR frames.  And since they are open source, it's cheaper.  120.00 for a FR10-G frame and hardware without chamfer.

Changing to the Crossfire TX Lite.  Swapped the Diamond for the TrueMox as well.

Going with a 10", how many amps would my ESC's need to be?  And I have no idea on motors to spin a prop this size.

Minimum would be 60A in my opinion, preferably 80A for individual escs.  I'm still trying to find a 4n1 I will trust for a 10 inch....so I can't suggest anything there.

Thanks for the input, and please keep it coming.

Snow has a point, cost is probably the biggest reason not to go 10 inch though.  Everything is bigger and more expensive.  But other than cost, you won't be sorry you went big.

As for ESCs the new 80amp singles from APD look pretty sweet to me.  I have Airbot Wraith 32 Metal V2 on my current 10 inch.  They have been solid performers.

Motors, something in the 3110 700kv for a good long ranger.  If you want to give up some range you can go up as high as maybe 1050kv for more of a hot rod.  T-motor makes a MN3110 700kv I have on mine.  Also Brotherhobby motors are about 1/2 the cost of the T-motor, and they have 3115 size and KV from 640, 900, 1050, and 1520 in that size https://directvoltage.com/shop/dronesuav...v-x-class/.  The T-motors are a work of art, but at 62.00 a motor vs the BH at 37.00 a motor, the choice is easy for some.  BH make a good motor, they aren't junk.  Oh, 6s if you're going 10 inch....4s if 7 inch, but you could do 6s or 5s as well.  But a 4s 10 inch would be a pig.

Here is another over the counter 10inch.  Some are flying this with success, and it is a dead cat as well.  If you go this route I recommend the 8mm thick arms.  https://www.iflight-rc.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=816

Do you do Facebook?

Deal

How about some Lumenier AXII 2 Long range 5.8 antennas for the quad and my goggles? I already have a TrueRc 5.8 X-Air patch. Will that suffice, or is there a different patch I should use? Am I incorrect with the 5.8 line of thinking?

I sent an email inquiring about getting an FR10-G from www.cncmadness.com as well.

As far as the cost, I'm fine with spending what is required to get what I want.

I'll dig into the motor and ESC selections here shortly.

Negative on the Facebook. This is one of the few online interactions I have, hehe.

Deal

p.s. This is going to be awesome. And my wife thinks the 5" quads hanging on the wall are big....

MN3110-15 780kV on sale now for under $40. So are you saying I should $hit or get off the pot on these? I'm ready to buy if you say so....

Deal

(29-Nov-2019, 09:39 PM)Deal-E-O Wrote: MN3110-15 780kV on sale now for under $40.  So are you saying I should $hit or get off the pot on these?  I'm ready to buy if you say so....

Deal

Sorry Deal for not responding sooner, we were at a NHL game. 

If they are 6s thats a good deal.  Not sure if 3110-15 are 6s...3110-17 are 6s but -26 are not, etc.

(29-Nov-2019, 09:17 PM)Deal-E-O Wrote: How about some Lumenier AXII 2 Long range 5.8 antennas for the quad and my goggles?  I already have a TrueRc 5.8 X-Air patch.  Will that suffice, or is there a different patch I should use?  Am I incorrect with the 5.8 line of thinking?

Yes, those are good antennas to get started with.  




Deal

p.s.  This is going to be awesome.  And my wife thinks the 5" quads hanging on the wall are big....

She will be impressed with the 10s then.  Does she have an interest in flying?

No issue on the delay in responding. Life is more important than this, hehe. Plus, I like hockey too.

As far as the antennas, does the actual length of the antenna matter, especially on the quad, or just the long range designation?

I looked deeper, those motors are indeed only 4S.

How about the BH Tornado T5 Pro 3115 in either 900kv or 1050kv to start out with? They are 5S-6S motors and are $37 each. I want a cruiser, but the ability to flip and roll and punch out if necessary.

This isn't going to be exactly a speed build, but to me gathering all the parts is part of the fun.

My wife isn't into flying, but she likes to watch and go to the places I fly. I'm very lucky as my wife completely supports my hobbies. I've got my brother hooked, and his girlfriend is moving in that direction as well. Odds are my brother will follow me down the path, hehe.

Deal

p.s. I once stated here that X-class wasn't for me. Damn, pretty sure this qualifies as X-class, hehe.

(30-Nov-2019, 03:00 PM)Deal-E-O Wrote: No issue on the delay in responding.  Life is more important than this, hehe.  Plus, I like hockey too.

As far as the antennas, does the actual length of the antenna matter, especially on the quad, or just the long range designation?

You want a longer VTX antenna.  That gets the active part of the antenna up above RF interference parts, CF, lipos, etc.  TrueRC, Luminer, VAS all makes suitable antennas.  There really isn't a "long range" VTX antenna in that there is anything different with the antenna make up other than a longer feed line.  But with that said, some antennas are better at other things like dealing with Multipath rejection, etc.

I looked deeper, those motors are indeed only 4S.

Yeah, I figured that might be the case.  

How about the BH Tornado T5 Pro 3115 in either 900kv or 1050kv to start out with?  They are 5S-6S motors and are $37 each.  I want a cruiser, but the ability to flip and roll and punch out if necessary.

Even going down to the 640Kv won't disappoint.  I wouldn't go with the 1050kv as that really will limit your range.  But if you're only interested in say 2 miles out, you could do the 1050kv, they make for a hotrod for sure. (my next 10 inch will be hotrod and I likely will use the 1050kv)  My 700kv have enough pop even with light pitch of only 3.3 inches, so 640kv won't be a pig.  If you're worried about having enough performance the 900kv might be good for you.  When you get closer I can run the different KV for you on ecalc and it will give you a better idea of the impacts on performance and efficiency.  If you're interested, ECALC is pretty cheap program to buy and lets you plug in lots of variables to see how things will work.  Also, the developer just upgraded his motor list so the motors we are talking about are included.  You can take a peek at the free version, which is super limited, but you can see if it is something you might be interested in.  It's fun to play with all the different combinations and see the impact of each.  The developer claims accuracy of the program is +/- 10-15%.  I have found it to be in the 10% or better range.  

This isn't going to be exactly a speed build, but to me gathering all the parts is part of the fun.

Yeah I agree, it's not all about the kill, the hunt is much of the fun.....

My wife isn't into flying, but she likes to watch and go to the places I fly.  I'm very lucky as my wife completely supports my hobbies.  I've got my brother hooked, and his girlfriend is moving in that direction as well.  Odds are my brother will follow me down the path, hehe.

That's nice when mama is not only supportive but gets a kick out of it as well.  My wife loves going along for the flight, but no interest in flying herself.  She has RC experience with planes and helis, but pretty much a novice-intermediate RC pilot.  She has agreed to be a relief pilot when I start flying extreme long range with fixed wings.  Sounds like the whole family will be flying with you in no time.  That's awesome!

Deal

p.s.  I once stated here that X-class wasn't for me.  Damn, pretty sure this qualifies as X-class, hehe.

I think 10 inch might be in the x-class, not sure.  If it is, but it would likely be a baby x-class.  Some of those are huge.  I've considered making a really big one for LR....but the cost has kept me from it so far.  But who knows, maybe someday.

I got some Lumenier AXII 2 LR antennas in the cart. That long thing will stay rigid and upright during flight? I'm seeing a 10" prop chopping it up, hehe. But, I have no idea. I'm thinking on getting the 900kv. I checked out ECALC. Let's just say I don't have near the knowledge or information to attempt that yet, hehe.

Again, all your help is super appreciated.

Deal