RC copter camera platform, scratch built
I am not positive this is the proper place for this topic, if not, CNCadmin, please move. (tia) I am in the very early design phase for a “heavy lift” RC chopper to use as a stable camera platform. There is a lot on the net about aerial photography, ranging from weather balloons to kites to model rockets. But all are lacking the stability I desire. This would strictly be hobby related, but one of my other interests is Simi-pro photography. Anyway, to the idea. It has been done before, for very low-end toys, but I want a twin-rotor craft, using counter-rotating rotor blade assemblies. Fixed pitch for simplicity and reliability. Both rotors would share a common axis, about the centerline of the craft. No tail rotor would be employed, but maybe two thrusters on pods extending from the main chassis that could be controlled independently. Forward and reverse thrust could spin the craft, or used in tandem made the craft to propel itself fore and back. Again, the concept has been used to steer RC blimps, and the lift system has been used to power cheep play toy copters. But I wish to use it with a hanging payload of high-end photographic equipment. I wish to use commercial, replacement rotor blades. How would we calculate the lift, stall and desired RPM at certain prealligned pitches? What would be the power requirement to turn a pair of 600 mm blades at say a 22 1/5 degree fixed pitch, and what size payload could I expect to lift? Oh, and another little requirement for this little toy, no fuel to damage the precious payload, we need to use an electric motor. If I cannot rely on a model motor to do this job, any suggestions for an alternative. Maybe the motor from an 18-volt Dewalt drill? Would most likely get too hot in near continuous use. At this early point in the concept, any ideas could be entertained.
Smile, life is too short to sweat the small stuff.
John M. Stuedle
The Shop Out Back Aviary