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

Zatoichi on November 19, 2012
Neat-O man! Lets see some crazy tiny F.P.V. madness!
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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.
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rcbif on November 20, 2012
same as this.
http://flitetest.com/articles/The_Tricopter_V2_5_build
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StoneBlueAirlines on November 21, 2012
Great link thanks for the help.
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1aalbes1 on November 19, 2012
cool

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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!
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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....
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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.
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WALRUS160 on March 15, 2014
A video of my new soap box tri.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=15hpNiklFpc
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mediccby on April 2, 2015
What are the lengths of the booms?
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Mini SoapBox Tricopter