Mini SoapBox Tricopter

by rcbif | November 19, 2012 | (12) Posted in Projects

Been looking to do some crazy tricopter LOS flying, but instead of risking my FPV tricopter, I decided to make a mini tricopter.

 The goal was to be simple, light, durable, and cheap.

 In coming up with an idea for a frame, I decided to use a travel soap box. You may have seen me using these before. They fit a kkboard and a receiver, and are good protection.

http://flitetest.com/articles/Cheap_Tricopter/Multicopter_FC_Box

 For arms, I used 1/4x1/2" basswood I had in my scrapbox. If it wasent for the blade 300 heli landing gear added next, the airframe would total about $3. The landing gear was another $5.

The yaw mechanism is the "rcexplorer" style, and is paired with a metal gear servo.

Motors- Hobbyking 1811 2000kv

Props- ACP 5x3x3

ESC- turnigy plush 6amp

FC- kk2.0

battery - 3 cell 1000mah

I just got it dialed in this morning, and it flys good! It's a bit "squirrely"  compared to my larger FPV tri, but defiantly more agile. And defiantly durable. I already probably crashed it 10 times or so in my field, and the worst of it was a prop bend (which unbent fine) and a motor zip-tie breaking. It just tumbles and shakes it right off!

 Probably the worlds most advanced soap box!

 

 

 

 

COMMENTS

1aalbes1 on November 19, 2012
cool

Log In to reply
ipetepete on November 19, 2012
I don't know what it is about these micro/mini multi-rotors, but I want just about every one I see. This is the first micro tri I've seen though, and may I just say, that thing looks and flies SEXY.

Nice work!
Log In to reply
StoneBlueAirlines on November 20, 2012
Really cool. Is there a good way to see that tail pivot and how you did that instal. I am going to build one and trying to get ideas. Thanks.
Log In to reply
rcbif on November 20, 2012
same as this.
http://flitetest.com/articles/The_Tricopter_V2_5_build
Log In to reply
StoneBlueAirlines on November 21, 2012
Great link thanks for the help.
Log In to reply
Zatoichi on November 19, 2012
Neat-O man! Lets see some crazy tiny F.P.V. madness!
Log In to reply
XFlyer on May 22, 2013
What servo are you using? Great idea... I'm now thinking about getting one... I have an FPV tricopter already and it's easy to fly it los but I don't want to risk flipping it so I have thought of investing in a micro one....
Log In to reply
WALRUS160 on March 15, 2014
A video of my new soap box tri.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=15hpNiklFpc
Log In to reply
WALRUS160 on March 15, 2014
I just finished building one of these and am loving it. Thanks for posting your design. It was an inspiration.
Log In to reply
mediccby on April 2, 2015
What are the lengths of the booms?
Log In to reply

You need to log-in to comment on articles.


Mini SoapBox Tricopter