Lukas Build Log

Having a long stopover at an international airport so I thought I’d share some developments and challenges from my end.

1 - I made a battery holding system that I’m reasonably happy with. It incorporates some of Artrec’s detachable ideas. Holds 4 bonka’s securely and snap locks into the frame - Pics to follow when I get home if interested.

2 - During initial on-the-back run up test. One of the motors stutters at aprox 3/4 throttle.
When one motor looses thrust suddenly, the whole unit twists noticeably on your back. I’m looking at the ESC as the culprit but more investigation needed. I see Castle HV80’s in the future.

Get this one!!

3 - While exploring the stuttering motor issue, during the same run-up tests, the throttle locked on at about 40-50%. Not a mechanical issue.
I was unable to throttle up, down or disarm the system despite full movement of the thumb switch.
The fucking thing was possessed. I now call it Christine.
I was able to locate the battery isolation switch to shut it down. Pack it up and deal with it when I get back. Really happy I decided to keep that switch.

I have an idea of the cause that I will bounce off you guys.

Induced ripple voltage into the signal / 5 volt side of the system.
Long control / signal / 5volt wires crossing the high current wires inside the frame sent the Arduino into a hissy-fit-lock-up-state. What do you think? Plausible?

Moving forward -
1 - Shield all control wires with aluminium foil and tape.
2 - Add a switch on the hand throttle that the PWM ‘Go’ signal runs through so if this situation occurs again, stage 1 shut down can be on the throttle - killing motor run signal to the ESC’s

Anyway - That’s where I’m at. Looking forward to tinkering some more with it.

Great update
And folks were saying they dont trust a wireless throttle and the added complexity - I think no matter the system something can go wrong and you prep for those possibilities.

Cheers, Patrick

Maybe some shielding is required ?
Cheers, Patrick

Has anyone figured out why all 4 motors are quitting when I go over 85-90% throttle. Most of the time the throttle says disarmed when it quits. I have checked all connections and bypassed the switch (no heat). Voltage doesn’t seem to drop (throttle shows more than 43v when it quits). I calibrated the throttle and changed the timing to high. It seems to run better and I think the throttle goes a little higher before it quits.

Hey Lukas - did you get your bugs worked out?