Thoughts on stock 3S setup on DJI 550 Flamewheel

[escsniper]

Does anyone with experience have an opinion on the stock setup on the DJI 550 Flamewheel using a 3S setup and the 10" props? I am finding my setup EXTREMELY underpowered. I have very little thrust even at full stick, and I have had a few tough landings when I allowed my hex to descend at any appreciable rate.

Here's what I have:

Stock DJI 550 with the 10" props. The only extra payload I have is a set of plastic and CF landing skids and a Tarot 2-D gimbal loaded with a GoPro Hero3. I am running a 3S 2200 mah battery to power both my gimbal and Fatshark Predator FPV setup.

For flight packs, I am using two additional 3S 2200 mah packs, and I get a measly 4 minutes of flight, ending with about 3.8v per cell.

(Obviously, three 3S 2200 mah packs for the whole setup is a large percentage of the payload, and I can easily step down to a much smaller pack to power my cameras...)

I am highly leaning toward a 4S setup with 9X5 props, but I want to make sure that I am not overlooking some basic setup issue or other problem that is contributing to my lack of power and short flight times.

I am really looking forward to the 10-12 minute flight times that others enjoy with the 550.

Thanks in advance, and HAPPY FLYING!

[Big Island Guy]

I think you'd be FAR happier with 4S for that bird, either with your 10" props or the 9 inchers. Not only will you get more pep, but the batteries actually store more Watt/hours which means better flight times, unless you can't resist stepping on the gas constantly!

[setishock]

Sounds like you got one of the older kits with the red motors. If that's the case then the props are 10x3.8. Low pitch to give a smoother flight but not much good for a payload. If you can get your hands on the DJI 10x4.7 props, try them. But both of those are plastic and have a tendency to flex under load. Carbon fiber is what most will recommend. Little to no flexing.
I think it might be better for you to power the motors off a 4s 4000 or 5000mah 35c or 40c battery. Then power your camera/gimbal, VTX gear off a separate 3s 2200 or 2650 35c battery. Zippy makes some lite weight 2650 batteries. Low cost too. A 4s 4000 or 5000 is going to cost a bit more.
Word of caution about larger capacity batteries. Since the wire on the battery is a larger size, and if you're using a XT60 connector, get batteries with no main plug on them and solder it on yourself. Just be careful you don't short the leads even for a second cause you won't like what happens next...

Oh snap Big Island Guy. Beat me to the punch. I have got to type faster.

[escsniper]

Thanks guys! I already have an EC3 soldered onto my board for power with a larger gauge wire, so I should be good. Going to try out a loaner 4S pack once my new props get here before I sink the cash into new packs. I am also thinking about going with a 850-1000 mah 3S pack to power my video stuff. I can always swap them out more frequently, and I can save a little weight. They are cheap enough...

[escsniper]

Here's a little video from one of my first FPV flights. I descended a little too rapidly, and the lack of power bit me at the end. Fortunately, no damage, but I think I might land WITHOUT the goggles for a while!!!

Finally!!! Successful FPV Flights!!! (3 min 38 sec)

[escsniper]

And, yes, red motors with 10x3.8 props. (Maybe that explains why I got such a smoking hot deal on it over Black Friday last year!!!)