(18-Dec-2020, 07:38 PM)iFly4rotors Wrote: Well now, I have been looking around and searching for 4 inch DJI AIR UNIT frames. Although I found many frames listed as DJI or HD most specify the Vista and very few actually mention the DJI AIR UNIT specifically. Most of the DJI frames are 5 inch, some are 3 inch, but almost no 4 inch. 

I came to the same conclusion.

Quote:In theory, all the new 4 inch LR frames such as the Flywoo Explorer, the GEPRC Baby Croc, the iFlight Chimera4 Long Range, and Catalyst Machine Works Shocker, Etc. should handle the AIR UNIT, but not sure. 

Yes.  I'm going to stop looking for DJI-ready 4" frames and start looking at 4" frames that can be easily adapted for the Air Unit.  By the way, why are they all called long range frames?  What makes a frame long range?

Quote:If it was me and I liked the FPV Cycle Fouride frame, then I would just get that one, raise the top plate using 20mm standoff columns, and get a different camera mount. 

I don't have a special preference for that frame.  It's just a frame that I initially thought might work.

Quote:If fact, you could throw some 4 inch props on that  5" Armattan Marmotte DJI Edition  and see how it flies.   

Great idea!  It's cheap and easy, and it might help me learn to manage the thing around my yard.

(18-Dec-2020, 07:38 PM)iFly4rotors Wrote: Just a thought; build it using a 5 inch frame, but 4 inch props. 
If fact, you could throw some 4 inch props on that  5" Armattan Marmotte DJI Edition  and see how it flies.   
If might surprise you. Depending on the rig and how you like to fly, you could also try 3S batteries 

Both of these options, especially the prop swap, are pretty cheap and easy to do.

Not a bad idea and cheap experiment, especially if you find the 5" too fast for the space at the moment.

(19-Dec-2020, 12:03 AM)SJChannel Wrote: Those are good points.  I'm not so sure it would work to raise the top deck of the Fouride.  The side plates seem to be structural, as they are interlocked with the top plate:

Hi SJ,

The camera mount plates are not structural; manufacturers just use the top and bottom frame plate to secure the camera mount. It is an efficient way to marry flat carbon fiber plates that are at 90 degree angles. Consider that there really is no way to "bolt" the camera plate in place without some type of 90 degree metal or plastic brace. 

The GEPRC Phantom frame has this same type of camera mount, but I remove it as soon as I have to open the hood. I have built several quads using this frame and never use that wedged in camera mount. Personally, I like the little TPU mounts that slide over the columns (Here is Katana-LR4 picture), but that is just me.   

Point is, not structural. 

OK, I've ordered some parts!

You guys have convinced me that I need to build a 4" quad, but I can't quite shake the desire to try that 3" Newbeedrone frame.  So, now I have to build two quads.  Luckily, the 2021 hobby budget year begins just 13 days from now.   

I'm starting with the 3" build.  I decided on the BrotherHobby VY 1504.5 motors that hugnosed_bat and others recommended, because of their light weight.  I really didn't want to go with T-mount propellors, but you guys convinced me.  I ordered three different kinds of propellors to try on the thing.  For the stack, I ordered the iFlight SucceX-D Mini F7 TwinG FC Stack + 40A 2-6S BL32 4-in-1 ESC.  I hope it will fit.

I also ordered some 4" props to try on my 5" Marmotte, thanks to the recommendation from iFly4rotors and others.  I'll let you know how that works out, if it ever stops raining here.

Since my Air Unit is now allocated for the 3" build, I have more options for the 4" build.  It looks like the Caddx Vista fits cleanly in the Gecko frame:

Simple Gecko Vista HD by DMS_FPV

Or I could use the Fouride frame, and maybe I wouldn't need to modify it.

I'm not sure yet about the motors for the 4" frame, but I'm definitely intrigued by the Brotherhobby VY 2004 Ultralite motors that you guys mentioned.

Anyway, I need to let the budget recover before I order any of those parts. 

Thanks again for all the great advice.  I learned a lot in this thread!

Thanks to the forum, you will end up with multiple quads build....typical.  Love it.

I think 2004 is good choice for your 4". I now prefer 2204-2203 size to 1408/1507 for light 4-5" build. Better control lower down the throttle range.

I use Vista in my 4" Gecko and it's easy build.  Vista in  Fouride is more tight in term of height but It's designed that way for low centre of gravity. I like both of them, both fly well and  not as threatening as the heavy 5" at the local park.

Some DVR footage from the Vista of my two quads. I don't feel like I need HD camera with them, fly just for the fun of it.

Gecko 4"



Fouride 5" ( I have the 4" too and it's close in term of flight, just more nimble, 5" a bit more stable ) 

Wow, jasperfpv, those are great videos!  Now I'm inspired!

Without a doubt, I would encourage you to try the Babytooth 3 inch quad. 40 grams of performance, and if you want even more throttle, then consider KababFPV's TP3 platform. A real joy to fly.

Cheers. Unfortunately my Gecko is down for repair and the Fouride has developed  vibration issue.  A few crashes too many. 

A year ago, I was very scared of trees/ tight space too, 100+ crashes later,  I learn to embrace them. 

Man jasper your smoothness on the sticks is enviable!!

(20-Dec-2020, 05:06 AM)jasperfpv Wrote: A year ago, I was very scared of trees/ tight space too, 100+ crashes later,  I learn to embrace them. 

Crashing doesn't bother me much, but I am very scared of getting my quad stuck in a tree (again).

(20-Dec-2020, 08:52 PM)the.ronin Wrote: Man jasper your smoothness on the sticks is enviable!!

Thanks for the encouragement. I find it somewhat easier  and more flowy when I fly to some music.

(20-Dec-2020, 09:08 PM)SJChannel Wrote: Crashing doesn't bother me much, but I am very scared of getting my quad stuck in a tree (again).

I had lost a few to the trees . Luckily most were low value quads.
Tried a few of these seen in JB video. But no chainsaw. 

we all need him as a friend, look at him he as boring times actally xD

I tried a set of Gemfan 4023 props on my 5" Marmotte this afternoon.  It still flew OK and was possibly a little bit more manageable in my yard.  I can't say for sure, because it's been a few weeks since I flew that quad here with 5" props.  The 4023 props were really loud, though.  I have a couple more different 4" props to try.

I have a few sets of DAL 5040 2-blade props that I think I'll try, as well.

i would suggest an emax avan 4024 or 4028, they are more stiff. this should be a difference on a heavy quad.
i beleive the gemfan 4023 isnt stiff enough.

Yeah, that is part of the FUN; trying different things; sometimes, even breaking standard conventions. Have Fun.