Multi RC HMB-235 Quad Experience

The HMB-235 before all the fun started.

Mark from http://www.multirc.com/ asked me to take a crack at their HMB-235 frame.

He sent along a frame and some DAL BullNose 5x4.5 props.
The rest of the gear I simply transferred from my 250 frame.

HMB-235 packaged

DAL BN 5x4.5 Props

My trusty 250 Quad

Specs:

• HMB-235 Frame
• DAL 5x4.5 Bullnose Props
• DYS BE1806-13 Brushless Motor for Multirotor (2300KV) 24g
• Afro ESC 12Amp Ultra Lite Multi-rotor Motor Speed Controller (SimonK Firmware) Version 3
• JST to 4 X 2mm Bullet Multistar ESC Quadcopter Power Breakout Cable
• ZIPPY Compact 2200mAh 3S 25C Lipo Pack
• Hobbyking KK2.1HC Multi-Rotor Hard Case Flight Control Board With Remote Programmer
• OrangeRx R410X DSMX Compatible 4Ch/6CH PWM/CPPM 2.4Ghz Receiver

FPV:

• FPV 1/4 CMOS HD Color Camera Module 600TVL 120 Degree Wide Angle
• Skyzone TS5823 5.8G 200mW 32CH AV Transmitter Module SMA

DYS 1806 2300KV Motor

I'd been experimenting with some 1306's and the 1806's before the HMB frame arrived.

On to the HMB kit.

Well packages and rather logical layout.

Multi RC has a full build video on their site and googling HMB-235 reviled a whack load of images to help me along.

DAL VS DAL BullNose props.

The build begins.

The HMB comes with everything you need to build the empty frame up.
Multi RC also sells all the cool bits and pieces or will recommend parts as well.

One of Mark's requirements was that I report back any issues I found during the build.
More on that shortly.

The build is rather easy. (Shiny side down btw)
Install the 6 posts and start hanging gear off the frame.

HMB with a full sized KK flight controller.

Things I like about this frame!

• The little holes every where for zip ties. Amazing.
• Lots and access holes for the stand off posts.
• Guarded top deck.

The challenge was to use all my current hardware vs buying everything new.
And yes you read correctly I listed a KK flight controller board.
Why? Just cause that is what I have on hand.

Initially I was going to run the KK Mini FC on the top deck but that
meant I would not be able to stick the Mobius up there. BOO.

Sticking the Mini KK inside was not going to work because I would have
no access to the interface and the hard case model was pushing the battery to far back.
Hmm what to do?

Mini KK board fits but can't control it.

The hard case KK has an external remote for setting changes but pushes the battery off the frame.

In the end I removed the hard case and mounted the full size flight controller
on a foam pad and used some stand off pieces to secure it.

Using the extra hole on the frame to setup the mounting point for the flight controller.

Yes th KK does sit forward of the recommended position for the flight controller but should be ok.

With the battery firewall piece attached and the posts securing the flight controller in place
I was able to put the top deck on and finished off the build.

I admit the 235 is a touch smaller then I was used to. I think that low hung 250 had spoiled me with space.
You'll notice I left all my esc/motor wires long. Mainly because I'm still testing.
Once I'm happy I will trim them down most likely removing the bullet connectors and going straight from the ESC to motors.

On the KK board I simply flashed it to the latest profile (1.19s Pro) and went flying.

Ready for testing.

Flying the HMB-235.

I will have to edit a full crash fest video shortly but if you are looking
for a worry free laugh inducing fpv thrill ride get one of these NOW!

The frame in concert with those DAL BN props is silly strong and so much fun.
I ran 5 packs through the HMB Sunday afternoon and giggled myself silly.

Total damage = 1 antenna whip off the receiver, a banged up FPV transmitter antenna and I lost a prop nut in the grass.

I hit the pool, the tree, another tree, that tree over there, the deck, the bird feeder,
yet another tree and count less other objects.
My wife was not amused but the HMB protected all the gear and just kept asking for more batteries.

Ready for some fun.

After flying into the hedge. I spun off 1 prop and broke a solder joint on my FPV tx antenna.

3 Points I suggested to Mark:

1. Motor mount washes. I suggested to him to get a slightly larger OD washer. Found the current ones could get sucked into the slots.
2. Camera mount. I ended up gluing my camera to the top of the mount to get it above the full sized flight controller but a mounting bracket with a smaller hole would be nice.
3. Possible hole up front to secure a full sized flight controller since we now know it works I suspect the hole might not be possible due to the landing gear feet.

Motor mount washes can slide into the slots.

FPV camera glued to the top. I need to put the angle down to level. Kept flying to low.

Camera mount for the 250 frame.

Martin Robitaille design.

Martin Robitaille design.

Yeah I'm impressed.
Thanks for reading and thank you Mark for this opportunity.

Andre Rousseau - Flite Test Reviews

» Join the discussions on our forums