Ultimate Solo Upgrade Thread

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I'd like to have a sticky one stop shop thread for all the upgrades people have found/recommend for the Solo.

Props:

GPS:
Solo GPS Shield V2 - 3DR
mRo GPS u-Blox Neo-M8N (Release 2)

Range extenders:
DSLRPros Horizon Range Extender Kit (3DR SOLO)
ITELITE - 3DR Solo Range Booster ITE-DBS03.3 (No AMPs)
3DR Solo EvoLite Kit Plus (AMPs)
https://fpvlr.com/store/product/solo-v-2-long-range-kit-10-5dbi/#reviews

Motors:

ESC:

Software:

MISC:
Triflow - Tri-Flow Pin Point Lubricator

Anyone and everyone please post links to your items and I'll update the main thread accordingly!
 
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Motor and ESC upgrades would be good to due to the difficulty getting motor pods.
Regards,
David R. Boulanger
 
I use Triflow as well. Could not find the pinpoint applicator so I spray some into a cup and then use a tooth pick to apply a drop of oil on the bearings.
Regards,
David R. Boulanger
 
Props: APC MR1045ST & MR1145ST
Motors: Tiger MT2216-12 800 & 900kV Prop Adapters: Tiger PA029 & PA030
ESC: anything compatible with SimonK firmware

The pin'd FAQ in the forum already has much of what you are trying to accomplish. Further you are linking out from the forum, I think a thread link to conversations here is more appropriate as it likely discussed how the solutions were derived for both pros and cons.

Happy flying....
 
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Well if you spend already the money for the 2216 T motors, then please also apply the T motors 11" carbon props.
Anything else is like putting low performance tires on a Porsche. ;-)
 
The Sorbothane mod is one I'd recommend, this was one 3DR were considering adding into the Solo build process.

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I noticed the Karma had isolated its main board with silicon too.
 
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Last edited:
could you share your process for lubing the bearing? maybe a short video?
I've found it somewhere here on this forum:

Remove the motor pod.
2. Use the tri-flow pin point lubricator.
3. Put one drop on the bottom bearing (pretty much in between the circlip)
5. Wait 20-30 seconds for it to sink in.
6. Spin the motor by hand in both directions for about 10 seconds.
7. Flip the motor over and do the same for the top bearing.
8. Repeat for the remaining motors.
9. Put motor pods back into Solo.
10. Power up Solo (without props).
11. Wait till Solo arms or go to Fly: Manual.
12. Run the motors up for 10 seconds.
13. Wait for a minute or two for the oil to settle.
14. Run the motors up for 30 seconds.
 

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MISC:
3DR Solo LED Light Kit
Peel off the glued rubber piece on the connector to get access to accessory pin/ports for mods/add-on. First fun mod can be making those LEDs blink.
https://dev.3dr.com/hardware-accessorybay.html
This may do the same, but the wait is 15 weeks.
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/JAE-Electronics/TX24-30R-6ST-N1E/?qs=/ha2pyFaduiqgba8kBa6TtehVWNIeLFx3lhQ48lSxiSCqywLxSV2eg==


Hi Nikono. I just picked up that light from Fry's...you can make it blink? I clicked the link but still don't totally understand how. Maybe this is too much for someone without a ton of experience with this stuff (me)? Is it a permanent mod/how would you select between steady or flashing?
 
The Sorbothane mod is one I'd recommend, this was one 3DR were considering adding into the Solo build process.

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I noticed the Karma had isolated its main board with silicon too.
Very, very good mod indeed.
I was able to get better video, with lower vibrations.
Without mod, video after stabilization in post was scaled up by 2,4%, with your mod 1,1%!

I know that my test were not done at the same time, but in similar weather conditions... but still video is less vibrating by 118% :)
 
Last edited:
I've found it somewhere here on this forum:

Remove the motor pod.
2. Use the tri-flow pin point lubricator.
3. Put one drop on the bottom bearing (pretty much in between the circlip)
5. Wait 20-30 seconds for it to sink in.
6. Spin the motor by hand in both directions for about 10 seconds.
7. Flip the motor over and do the same for the top bearing.
8. Repeat for the remaining motors.
9. Put motor pods back into Solo.
10. Power up Solo (without props).
11. Wait till Solo arms or go to Fly: Manual.
12. Run the motors up for 10 seconds.
13. Wait for a minute or two for the oil to settle.
14. Run the motors up for 30 seconds.

Does regularly adding Triflow to the bearings eventually create buildup what needs to be cleaned out?
 
Good sticky. I am very curious about all the motor options as we are not able to get replacements pretty much as of now.

Maybe the bearing upgrade for stock motors should be featured too? As well as wifi upgrade cards, flat hdmi ribbon cable upgrade, prop and motor balancing, and the software upgrade is simply Solex.

If I have more time later I'll hunt down some links for all this stuff.
 
Does regularly adding Triflow to the bearings eventually create buildup what needs to be cleaned out?
I'd assume the answer is yes for Tri-Flow and most teflon-like based lubes, but this is also why you would replace the bearings periodically...

Warning, pulling the bearings from the motor typically damages the bearings. Cleaning and then spinning dry will damage the bearings. Spinning an unloaded bearing at high rpm will damage the bearing.

The topic of bearings is maintenance rather than a mod or an upgrade. Just say NO to more stickies.
 
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