The new QAV500 FPV Quadcopter Kit by fpvmanuals

by timnilson | May 2, 2012 | (31) Posted in Reviews

I'd like to introduce you to my new FPV focused quadcopter frame, the QAV500. I spent many months and many re-designs coming up with this frame and I'd like to point out some of the things I think are unique and should make it worth considering when you're thinking about adding a new FPV focused multi-rotor platform to your fleet.

First, the release date of the new QAV500 will be late June 2012 and the price for the frame is $189.99. The QAV500 frame, landing gear options, and spare arms are now available for pre-order here.


Here are some of the key features that went into this frame...

  • Vibration Isolation Design — The QAV500 is separated into 2 parts: a “dirty” section and a “clean” section. All electronics including flight camera, HD cameras, flight controller, etc. are located on the “clean” part of the frame and are isolated from the “dirty” motor/prop section by custom developed vibration bobbins. Reducing vibrations to the Flight Controller results in smoother flight performance. Reducing vibrations to the cameras results in smoother video quality.
  • 3-Camera Mounts — The frame accommodates 3 cameras: a forward facing HD cam (GoPro), a forward facing flight cam, and a downward facing HD cam (GoPro). The frame can be flown with all 3 cameras in operation at the same time due to a large and unique Lipo mounting area to optimize the CG.
  • Prop Free Video — None of the cameras have any props in view even with 10″ props.
  • Power and endurance — The kit is designed to accommodate large multi-rotor motors in the 40mm stator diameter class like the Tiger MT-4006-13 or HK NX-4008. These motors require a 25x25mm and 19x19mm mounting hole pattern or a unique triangular mounting pattern. The kit is intended to be flown with large 4s Lipos. This power train provides lots of lift and long flight times. These motors and 10″ props provide a hover time of 12 minutes with a 3300mah 4s Lipo while still landing the Lipo with 14.2 volts remaining under load (measured prior to landing).
  • Symmetrical Design — Unlike other FPV focused quadcopters, the QAV500 is perfectly symmetrical. The motors are 500mm diagonal from motor shaft to motor shaft and the flight controller is centered at the CG point in the middle of the frame. This ensures that the motors/escs work equally hard and that the FC can apply consistant power to level the frame.

There are many more features listed on the home page for this kit which is located over at http://fpvmanuals.com/qav500.


Some more frame images...



COMMENTS

dwculp on May 7, 2012
You have a sale to me the instant it goes on sale! There are very few good sizeable quad frames on the market.
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747Pilot on May 16, 2012
How will we'll be able to purchase this? & when?
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timnilson on May 19, 2012
You can keep up to date with the QAV500 release at http://www.fpvmanuals.com/qav500

You can sign up to our mailing list which will alert you when the QAV500 becomes available in June. The kit will first go on sale in our shop at http://getfpv.com

Thank you for your interest.
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scottavey on May 9, 2012
Great work- thanks for your contribution to the hobby. I have one of your first generation tricopter kits.

I look forward to this hitting the market. How well does it put up with a crash?
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timnilson on May 9, 2012
Thank you. I have not crashed it and can't say one way or another.
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.Joel on May 14, 2012
Time, GREAT WORK!

The middle frame itself, nice. However what really appeals to me is those legs/outriggers on your quad, the fact that they're milled out means they are going to be incredibly strong!
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jelofson on May 4, 2012
Looks fantastic!
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Josh Bixler on May 8, 2012
Great Job Tim! That is one of the most unique quads I have ever seen. I can't wait to see more vids of this!

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timnilson on May 9, 2012
Josh -- thank you for your kind response. I am glad you like the frame. I just updated the video on this article with a flight I did using 3 cameras on the frame. Not sure you saw that video yet. I think it shows what the frame can do in terms of vibration free HD video, even in 1080p. As you know, getting 1080p video to look smooth and jello free on a multi-rotor is a real challenge.
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747Pilot on June 6, 2012
Not to be a Debbie Downer but you guys lost me. Just got a pre purchase email from you. $189 for a frame is NOT in the budget. You come down below 3 digits and maybe I could justify it.
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timnilson on June 6, 2012
@747Pilot -- Thanks for your feedback. The production and material methods I chose were chosen to achieve the best possible quality FPV experience, flight characteristics, and HD video image. I think I did accomplish that, but at a cost.

Maybe take a look into the Hoverthings FPV Quad that I believe retails for $125.
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747Pilot on June 7, 2012
Without a doubt. It's stunning. It's one of those things I'll have to a admire from afar.
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timnilson on June 6, 2012
The QAV500 frame, landing gear options, and spare arms are now available for pre-order here:
http://www.getfpv.com/qav500-fpv-quad.html
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Huwy11 on May 21, 2012
If someone builds a Quadcopter out of this frame with fpv and all, I WILL BUY IT! HobbyKing should make one and sell it!
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elemental on May 8, 2012
Amazing!
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G.Collins on May 9, 2012
Nice frame, well don on a great design.
;-) G
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timnilson on May 9, 2012
Thank you all for your positive feedback to the frame!
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Larry_AK on May 8, 2012
Looks good!
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Pablete on May 9, 2012
looks really sharp
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RCITGuy on May 15, 2012
Nice work Tim, put me down for 2 as soon as it hits the shelves...
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DejaD on May 8, 2012
Looks like a well thought out design. Thumbs up! Good luck with the launch. Can we look forward to some videos on the forrm?
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windfou on April 15, 2013
hobbyking sell them for 27$ rigth now sorry for you
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The new QAV500 FPV Quadcopter Kit by fpvmanuals