LitterBug's RCExplorer BiCopter build thread

[LitterBug]

My kit has arrived and I’ll be transferring all my electronics from my EZbi build to the RCExplorer Bicopter. Will have to unsolder the ESCs and Servos to complete the build since all the wiring goes through a hole in the side plates. Not sure if this can be avoided by modification of the side plates, but I will do the initial build as designed with the stock RCE tilts and without the Oblique tilt mod. I’ve done a quick mock build of the frame to get a good working knowledge of how it fits together and am very impressed with how tight the tolerances are.

Cheers!
LitterBug

[LitterBug]

The first steps are to get the FC mount prepared with standoffs and the four long screws pointed up through the main plate and around the main tube. The nut end of the screws need to be on this side so they don’t point down and interfere with the lipo mounted below. I’m using rubber bobbins to soft mount the FC much like all my other builds.

Make sure to center the frame plate on the motor tube before snugging down the hardware (do not overtighten and crush the tube) You now have a nice flat stanley looking man:

Before going any further, I’m working on designing and 3D printing a PDB mount so the front battery strap can be mounted below the PDB and not pull on the wires and PDB components. This will also get the PDB up off the conductive carbon plate if someone uses one other than the RCE Baby Pdb that may have conductive traces on the bottom.

Cheers!
LitterBug

[LitterBug]

Created a 5mm PDB riser and published it here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3078708. This gives plenty of room for the battery strap below the PDB, and enough room for the wiring and components between the frame panels, cross standoffs, etc. Would probably work a bit shorter too, so I pushed the OpenSCAD file with the .stl if you want to make mods to it. Here’s a picture of a quick test fitting

Have all my parts transferred over from the EZbicopter at this point. Just need to rewire the servos and ESCs then button it up.

All the tail feathers are in place, the wires are routed through the side plates, and am ready to solder the ESCs and servos up.

Time to bench test time with a smoke-stopper.

Glad I did the bench test. PWM 3<>4 were reversed. D’OH

Time for some outdoor testing

Cheers!
LitterBug

[LitterBug]

reserved 3

[LitterBug]

Build Specs:
Frame: RCExplorer Bicopter https://rcexplorer.se/product/bicopter-kit/
Tilts: RCExplorer
FC: RCExplorer F3FC Racing https://rcexplorer.se/product/f3fc-racing/
PDB: RCExplorer Baby PDB https://rcexplorer.se/product/babypdb/
RX: FrSky R-XSR
Servos: Turnigy TGY-212DMH
ESCs: 30A V-Good Firefly (pre BLH_32 but with all the features)
Motors: SunnySky x2204 kv2300 II
Props: Strix Talon 5x4x3 ice

FC Port Wiring:
UART1: RX SBus
UART3: RX S.PORT telemetry
PWM1: Right Motor
PWM2: Left Motor
PWM3: Right Servo
PWM4: Left Servo

dRonin Firmware config:

Cheers!
LitterBug

[RCExplorer – David]

Very nice Mister Bug sir! You always make the cleanest builds 🙂

[LitterBug]

Thank you @david for the compliment, a great frame, and for a challenging craft to tune/fly!

Cheers!
LitterBug

[RCExplorer – David]

Hope you will enjoy it 🙂 Will you be able to plug the USB cable in from the back? On mine the top wings/standoff is in the way when I have the board facing backwards

[LitterBug]

I have a short USB extension cable that could be used if the cable can’t easily be plugged in through the back. Can remove the upper wings when making changes. I’ve thought about mounting the FC normal and cutting a hole in the right plate. There are some new USB/Bluetooth config adapters https://www.readymaderc.com/products/details/speedy-bee-usb-adapter or even UART-> USB telemetry modems. There are options. 😀

[Kevin_Erik]

I have the Speedybee Bluetooth, It’s pretty awesome.

[LitterBug]

Well nuts, the short extensions I have are USB-Micro instead of USB-Mini. D’OH! Fortunately I have a cable that fits perfectly through the back over the upper feather standoff. I’m still updating the posts above as progress is made. I’ll try my hand at getting it going with BetaFlight after getting my initial dRonin flight tests done. Will post my config for that above too. Hope to have it in the air in the next day.

Cheers!
LitterBug

[Kevin_Erik]

@Litterbug I can send you two Custom made Ducts if you’d like to try them?

[LitterBug]

@Kevin_Eric,
I may take you up on that eventually. Really need to get my big printer put back together and then would be able to print them myself. It’s been torn apart far too long…. Just need to drill three holes, bolt it all together, and re-calibrate it.

I’ve got the RCE bi all soldered up and did some quick bench sanity checks. Need to shrink wrap and mount the RX, put the top plates in, and get a piece of HD velcro on the bottom for the battery then it’s maiden time!

Cheers!
LitterBug

[Kevin_Erik]

@Litterbug

The sooner you say “yes” the sooner it can be shipped. Keep in mind that I’m in Germany and as such, shipping would be around two weeks.

Beyond all that, there are things you’ll need to know to successfully install and run them. It’s not quite as simple as slapping them on. Furthermore, the ducts can resonate loudly at really low RPM’s, which the first time you fly them will freak you out a little. Granted, i can make a beefier set that doesnt resonate but i want / need confirmation they work for you before hand. (Baby steps)

[LitterBug]

Well, Good thing I did a bench test first. Had the servos hooked up to the wrong PWMs. Could fix it in the MIX, but would rather do it with the soldering iron. Need to switch PWM 3<>4.

@Kevin_Erik, I’ll drop you an email with my address. Thank you for the offer for sending test parts!

On another note, I have to give @david a big thanks on doing a great job designing and sourcing the F3FC Racing and Baby PDBs. The ones I’m using on my RCE BiCopter have been through several lives now and still working great even with some really bad heat soaks while soldering and some pretty nasty crashes and spills. Never had an issue with the solder pads or operation. Build list (Lives) for these two boards:
1) 2016 HobbyKing Trifecta (frame was weak and couldn’t take any abuse)
2) 2016 RCE Baby Tri #1 (complete rebuilt Baby Tri #1 in 2017 with all new electronics)
3) 2017 Misc bench testing
4) 2018 EzBi
5) 2018 RCE BiCopter

Cheers!
LitterBug

[Author]

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