HobbyKing Alien 560 Folding Quadcopter

Hi Guys,

When HobbyKing released the new Alien 560 quadcopter, I was excited to find a cheap platform for taking aerial shots (static photographs). I only plan to fly up to 400 feet max, take what shots I need and return home. I plan to install the HobbyKing Gimbal and Gimbal Stabilisation Control Board which I have sitting waiting to be installed after conducting some test flights. 

The frame is reasonably light and has plenty of space to arrange things. It's also really easy to assemble using HobbyKing's instructions and is quite strong. 

Parts List:
* HobbyKing Alien 560 Quadcopter 
* Multistar Engines 
* Plush 40 AMP ESCs 
* 12X4.5 Props 
* HobbyKing Wiring Harness 
* APM 2.5 (link is to 2.6) 
* 3DR Radio Set (link is to new set)
* 4S 5000mAh battery 

First tests/Specifications:
Note that initial tests have revealed a low flight time in comparison to my other quadcopter that I pulled the parts out of and installed in this one. I was getting 18+ minutes of flight time with the same setup on my other quadcopter (this frame is marginally heavier than my other one). I suspect that the props rushing over the frame (approximately 1 inch overhang on the centre frame) is causing the low efficiency. 

* Flight time: 12 minutes
* ESCs after long flights: front ESCs are constantly cold. Rear ESCs are warm.
* Slight oscillations when in a little wind (I will adjust the PIDs and report back) 
* Weight of quadcopter: (1480 grams with no battery) (2056 grams with battery)

Measuring Vibration 
I'm getting small spikes that go just outside the recommended threshold. I haven't figured out what is causing this yet.

* AccX Results 
* AccY Results 
* AccZ Results

Note that the engines are well balanced from the factory. I have balanced the props well. The parts I have used have been swapped out of my other quadcopter which I didn't have these problems with. 

The only thing I have changed (besides air frames) is how I have mounted the flight computer. I have used gel pads from Foxtech. I will try a few things to resolve this problem. 

Frame Width
As you can see, the width of the frame is approximately 68mm to play with after the side plates have been installed (picture shown does not have side plates installed).  

I have included a picture along with a basic measurement of the HobbyKing quadcopter distribution board becauise like me, you probably turn to this board for most projects. It could have been used on this quadcopter but I would have to leave the side plates off and have ESC power wires sticking out on both sides.

ESCs Installed
I understand that the frame comes with ESC mounts that provide better cooling. However, I have installed the Plush 40 AMP ESCs which are overkill for the amps being drawn from the engines. I don't like the way the power wires have to go (bending them under the ESC) when using the designated ESC mounts. 

Even though I have paced the ESCs in the airframe, I can still fold the quad for transport. 

You will notice I have gone with a wiring harness that is for a hexacopter (this is a HK wiring harness that I have added 3.5 bullet connectors and an XT60 battery connector). I have done this because I will use one set for the camera gimbal and the other set for lights or something else... 

I have used a wiring harness becauise of limited room. See below for measurements of the inside of the frame. 

APM 2.5 just fits within top mounts 
As you can see APM 2.5 just fits within the protective cage. The spacing is not good becauise the mounting brackets sit right where the GPS and USB cables plug in. 

You will notice I have opted to use my own GPS mount. This is becauise I want all transmitting devices at the rear of the quadcopter and all receiving devices at the front. The frames inbuilt GPS mount will hold the video transmitter when I install it. 

Battery Lead 
I have routed the battery lead out the back which works really well. The battery will live towards the rear of the quadcopter to achieve centre of gravity when the brushless gimbal goes on. 

You can also see where I have mounted the 3DR radio on the rear ESC mount.