I would have already tried them but the hassle of doing the mod is not worth it to me.
Thanks Z! I found them. I think I'll wait and see how things go for Roland but I've printed out your note so I'm ready to roll!
Jerry
I would have already tried them but the hassle of doing the mod is not worth it to me.
I'll tell you tomorrow.
Thanks for the great write up! I ordered a set of APC 10x4.5 MR a couple of days ago. I look forward to testing them.Well I flew for a short time on the 11x4.5 props, they werent the APCs, I didnt want to hack those too much to fit the motors, so for now Im using some cheap Turnigy carbon/nylon 11x4.5s that are reamed to 8mm, sanded the hubs thinner , and rebalanced to fit the stock motors. They are fixed in place with a M6 LH / RH nut.
Its getting windy here and there is a storm coming so I only did a short flight. (frankly I dont trust my hacked props either)
I was surprised to see hover current in the 12 to 14 amp range in hover instead of 18 to 19 amps.
I expected a bit of a reduction, but not ~ 30%. (shows that the stock props arent great)
Props were noticably slower and quieter, all I did was hover, I wont be pushing these props they are too fragile. But as per the stock props I would expect the current to reduce further in flight as solo uses less current when in motion.
But of course theres always a compromise, and the yaw authority was significantly reduced because the props are spinning slower. Altitude hold wasnt as good as with the stock props (less thrust authority) but as I said it was a quite windy.
This is done solely for efficency and longer flight times, Im sure it would also compromise stable flight characteristics, and wouldnt be a great combination for filming. But this is all a work in progress and we'll reach a happy medium somewhere.
Id like to try the APC 10x4.5 MR (ST) props, I think they would go well. An 11x4.5 prop is just a bit too big in my opinion. Although the long range guys might go for the 11" props to add to their flight time if strict yaw control is not a concern.
I am sure the Solo could handle the 11" props well once tuned, it looks to be tuned for the stock props, no surprizes there. I know nothing about tuning pixhawks (I dont even know if Solos PXv2 can have its config changed. Can it? If so point me to a tutorial)
For that reason Id like to see the APC 10x4.5MR(ST) on a solo, I think it would be a good combination that is very close to the stock props, but way more efficent.
20 minute+ flight times should be possible if the craft is kept moving, and longer times on the 11" props.
FYI, On take off, Solo popped up to 2 meters like usual and stayed there so that height is based on the flight controllers baro/GPS, not purely thrust and throttle position.
When my motor pods arrive I'll strip one down and get it running on the thrust tester for some decent figures for different motor/prop combos.
I am sure the Solo could handle the 11" props well once tuned, it looks to be tuned for the stock props, no surprizes there. I know nothing about tuning pixhawks (I dont even know if Solos PXv2 can have its config changed. Can it? If so point me to a tutorial)
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FYI, On take off, Solo popped up to 2 meters like usual and stayed there so that height is based on the flight controllers baro/GPS, not purely thrust and throttle position.
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The stock props are softer than the Graupners and will provide a little damping in flight which is probably desirable. This is usually at the expense of efficiency, but if the Graupners cant do any better than the stock props in current draw (ie lower current) then I see no reason to change them.
A more efficient prop (using less power to acheive the same thrust) will also be quieter as it isnt thrashing the air as much.
I have seen some good numbers using APC MR and Mejzlik MR props whilst testing motor/prop combos on a thrust tester, certainly better than Graupners.
Graupners E-props were really good years ago when there werent the options for multirotors that there are now, they are still a good electric prop, one of the best, but nothing special for MR use. Graupner have now come out with their C-Prop for MRs which is very close in style to the stock Solo (and Ph) prop, but the efficency numbers are nothing special.
For gains in efficiency (lower power use, longer flight times, quieter) I'd be looking at trying APC 10x4.5 MR as the most cost effective alternative, (Mejzs are too expensive) then probably a motor change.
Also, the current you are seeing (around 18-19 amps) is hover current, the Solo current draw will reduce when in flight. I read the sweet spot is 6m/s, and whilst playing around with this I have seen my current draw down around 14 amps in level flight.
I do beleive 3DRs claim of 20 min flight times on 5200mAH is possible, but it isnt in a hover which is how most people gauge flight time.
That is how we are going to acheive longer flights - keep it moving.
Hey z, wish I had seen this earlier. I just got in a set of the St but they don't fit. The studs on the Solo are too short and don't reach the nuts. Perhaps you can cancel?Okay guys, I just ordered two sets of APfit. 0x4.5 MR ST.
For those of you who already have them, what do you think?
Hey z, wish I had seen this earlier. I just got in a set of the St but they don't fit. The studs on the Solo are too short and don't reach the nuts. Perhaps you can cancel?
Mine should arrive today or tomorrow.Jubalr,
Same here. I didn't want to say anything, felt a little stupid. Thought about milling them down but there wouldn't be enough meat left on them. Live and learn.
Jerry
Mine should arrive today or tomorrow.
Jerry: I'm working with APC as we speak to get solo-compatible MR ST props made.
I should have a prototype in a few days and will report back once I've flown them.
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