A bunch of flamewheel questions

[carguy4471]

First. Which is for me? The 450 or 550. I'd like to use it for flying with a gopro using the a gear mount. If it matters, I'll be flying it with a DX8 and Naza.

Second, what motors and esc are most common, after of course the DJI brand. The less expensive the better here. Also, what is everyone's favorite source for these parts?

That's what I've got for now.

[bpd964]

I got my Naza and Flame wheel from ALLERC. I run it with my go pro and coudn't be happier..

[Tahoe Ed]

Do you want to fly or experiment. I have used the cheap motors and esc's. I fly DJI motors and esc's because they work. There have been some reported problems with an occasional motor or esc being DOA. Not frequent so you want to make sure that your dealer will support you in your purchase. Also the prices have come down on DJI products. Here is a list of what others have tried:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...3c&pli=1#gid=0

[petedee]

I am running a DJI450 with Naza and inexpensive motors and ESC's, works a treat, very stable for using my GoPro.

HobbyWing 18amp Funfly ESC's, Turnigy 2830/1100kv motors with 9x4.7 GemFan props, Turnigy 2200 35C LiPo's give 8-9 minutes flights.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmUiCFs9bus[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2TqP_kn_k8[/ame]

[hockeymonkeymark]

I have a DJI hexa 550 and like you, wondered initially which I would like better. I am very glad I picked the hexa. My friend has the 450 which is also very smooth. It has lots of power even on 3s batteries to lift a go pro. The hexa will lift more weight and is very stable. It can be turned into a beast with some setting changes. You really need to pick what kind of weight you will be throwing around. Then you can build accordingly. You may decide to go 4s with some smaller props. Maybe not. I would also suggest surfing some builds guys have done and see what worked for them. Different strokes for different folks. You know...Be careful if you want to try out some FPV with that DX8. Keep it close. You can run out of range pretty quick. Nice radio though. I run a hexa on 4s with 8 inch graupners. Using a 6000mah battery. It is a nice combo with tons of flight time. I really like my buddies 3s DJI f450. Its very pleasant to fly. 10" props on it. Very forgiving. Hope this is at least some help to you. There are some very helpful guys on here that can help.

[bpd964]

My 450..

[carguy4471]

Some very good information here. It is sounding like a 550 with 8 inch props might be the way to go.

I see a bec in one of these photos. Is a bec required?? What is it's function on the unit. I thought for some reason I remember hearing that you didn't need one, true?

After looking at some prices, it really doesn't seem that you save much money going with hobbywing escs. Maybe a couple dollars each, pretty negligible. Motors it seems you may be able to save a bit on. Some turnigy 2830 1000kv motors are $14.26 vs $24 for the DJI motors. About $60 worth of savings if I go with a hexa.

Also, why does DJI recommend a 30A esc? That seems a bit overkill. It looks like folks are running them on as little as 10A and 12A. Any thoughts why they recommend such a high A?

Light kits?? Are there setups made for the flamewheels? I haven't seen any on any of the websites I've been checking out. What's the skinny here?? Easiest just to get some LED strips and make 'em yourself?? Kit??

Thanks everyone, great information here!!!

[bpd964]

Bec is not needed. It's for my light kit.

30a esc is plenty for the stock setup.

[hockeymonkeymark]

The Naza comes with a BEC. It has a built in LED that has various visual indications like low voltage, initialization, problems, etc... It also is has a built in usb port for setting up on your computer. If you use other ESC's, disconnect the center power wires from each one. Some have left them connected with no issues though. The DJI ESC's don't have a built in BEC since they are not required. I built my friends with hobby wing 30a ESC's. Disconnected all red servo wires and it worked like a champ. His motors are not capable of 4s though. ESC's are but not the motors. The DJI motors are and are a nice size. They have built in prop adapters which really simplifies things as well. I used the DJI motors and DJI ESC's on my Hex. They work great. Run on 4s with around 16 minute flight times. If you buy the ready to go kit, you can't go wrong. Just add your receiver and battery. The light kits you see are run directly off the 3s battery system. You can wire them inline with your power if using 3s. Others have used them straight off of 4s with no issues. They are usually rated for 3s.

[shaun169]

Unless you are going for a bigger camcorder in the future, F450 is adequate for GoPro. But if you are planning to go for bigger camcorder, you might want to invest into F550. Here's couple of videos taken with F450 + GoPro system.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-eKg2NfdKQ[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx-cMB8cLG8[/ame]

[hockeymonkeymark]

Here is my F550 bashing around with some goggles and a Go Pro.

[carguy4471]

Originally Posted by hockeymonkeymark

The Naza comes with a BEC. It has a built in LED that has various visual indications like low voltage, initialization, problems, etc... It also is has a built in usb port for setting up on your computer. If you use other ESC's, disconnect the center power wires from each one. Some have left them connected with no issues though. The DJI ESC's don't have a built in BEC since they are not required. I built my friends with hobby wing 30a ESC's. Disconnected all red servo wires and it worked like a champ. His motors are not capable of 4s though. ESC's are but not the motors. The DJI motors are and are a nice size. They have built in prop adapters which really simplifies things as well. I used the DJI motors and DJI ESC's on my Hex. They work great. Run on 4s with around 16 minute flight times. If you buy the ready to go kit, you can't go wrong. Just add your receiver and battery. The light kits you see are run directly off the 3s battery system. You can wire them inline with your power if using 3s. Others have used them straight off of 4s with no issues. They are usually rated for 3s.

What battery setup are you using to get 16 minute flight times?

Any sources for led lights you could share?

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

[carguy4471]

Originally Posted by shaun169

Unless you are going for a bigger camcorder in the future, F450 is adequate for GoPro. But if you are planning to go for bigger camcorder, you might want to invest into F550. Here's couple of videos taken with F450 + GoPro system.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-eKg2NfdKQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx-cMB8cLG8

Gorgeous video my friend! What a stunning landscape. I'd love to live in a place so beautiful. Editing is well done as well.

I think though I'm leaning toward the 550 for the added weight carrying ability more so for large batteries. I might still be on the fence on this though.

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[shaun169]

Originally Posted by carguy4471

Gorgeous video my friend! What a stunning landscape. I'd love to live in a place so beautiful. Editing is well done as well.

I think though I'm leaning toward the 550 for the added weight carrying ability more so for large batteries. I might still be on the fence on this though.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

Thanks a lot
I totally agree with you on the weight as well. I initially got F450 and I've been happy with it. Just thinking I should have got 550, cuz I'm thinking of mounting 400g panasonic camcorder and the extra weight lifting from 550 would have been perfect.

[hockeymonkeymark]

Originally Posted by carguy4471

What battery setup are you using to get 16 minute flight times?

Any sources for led lights you could share?

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

Hobbyking is a good source. There are others.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...ing_Accs_.html

I use a 4s 6000 mah and get a lot of flight time hovering around. 16 mins last I checked when my lipo alarm went off. It's set pretty conservatively. When I bang around I get shorter flight times.