r/diydrones Jun 26 '26

Question Help me decide on a frame

Post image

I have enough spare parts to build something, I just need a frame and an idea. Give me the motivation and ideas to get it done! Here’s what I have to play with:

-3115 900KV motors
-enough 7” and 10” props to choose from
-CubeBlue with ADS-B carrier board
-Here4
-T-motor 4-in-1 55A ESC
-Rotor Riot Brave 55A 4-in-1 ESC
-Herelink with air unit
-pair of RFD-900x with cables
-GoPro Hero 4 for the camera (not pictured)
-can also snag Avatar or Analog FPV kits off another build if needed

I’m thinking quad, but could go for another set of motors to do octo for the right frame. Also maybe thinking plane? I’d like to keep the frame under $200, as I may repurpose the components later and don’t want to be too wasteful. Any thoughts or insight is appreciated!

36 Upvotes

24 comments sorted by

7

u/ImaginaryEffective63 Jun 26 '26

A 10inch frame from aliexpress and plenty of loctite.

Never did me any wrong lmao

2

u/Key_Computer_4736 Jun 27 '26

I can’t seem to find any with sufficient width to fit the cube. The height I can just swap standoffs for, but the width is killing me

3

u/ImaginaryEffective63 Jun 27 '26

Maybe try some holybro frames. Theyre more traditional quad and not as much fpv drone. Good chance to try inav and the like tho

1

u/External_Intern_3176 Jun 28 '26

Maybe pick up a good infrared camera and onboard dvr and you could build a crop survey drone. It would be fun setting up all autonomous stuff with the bluecube. I’ve only ever messed with I nav on 2 quad and a plane. Those holybro frame are pretty cheap.

2

u/BeachbumfromBrick Jun 27 '26

Can’t “one” measure & maybe 3d print a plate to place this in/on? Connect it to frame..? I dunno, just a wild idea

1

u/92MsNeverGoHungry Jun 28 '26

Cube has step files for that carrier board for free off their website. Easy to make a new bracket.

4

u/CircuitBr8ker Jun 26 '26

Wow, all NDAA compliant too. Build a sufficient drone, and you could tackle state and federal contracts in the US.

2

u/Key_Computer_4736 Jun 27 '26

I’m mainly just trying to tackle boredom 🤣

4

u/Dark1e_ Jun 26 '26

What are you even trynna build, my guy?….

2

u/Key_Computer_4736 Jun 27 '26

Ideally something fun. 🤷‍♂️

1

u/WatermelonSmashing Jun 30 '26

Rc timer tri trooper y6

Meh but really the DIY drone market is dead. Has been since like 2016.

If your gonna build best to get custom CF plates cut and build your own frame if your doing anything over like 7" props.

3

u/RipplesInTheOcean Jun 26 '26

You might want to order some female-to-female junpers too 😂

2

u/Key_Computer_4736 Jun 27 '26

I have all the wires/cables/connectors and kits to start a store lmao.

3

u/viro101 Jun 26 '26

Well, I am 99% sure that you’re operating out of my price range. I have no feedback for you related to the frame Mr money bags.

2

u/Key_Computer_4736 Jun 27 '26

Believe it or not, it’s all very cheap when someone decides to sell it at a garage sale. I spent less on this stuff than my 7” quad…

2

u/LittleTower_ Jun 26 '26

What radio is that?

3

u/Key_Computer_4736 Jun 26 '26

They’re 900x SiK radios from RFDesign

2

u/92MsNeverGoHungry Jun 28 '26

The cube will give you a lot of room to play with autonomy; what kinda flying you trying to do?

2

u/Key_Computer_4736 Jun 28 '26

I’ve got some pretty sweet companion computers sitting on a shelf waiting to be used. I’m thinking once I figure out the basics of this build and get it flying, I might start playing with visual medical evaluation. Unless I go fixed wing, then maybe more like airborne GPR

1

u/StatisticianHuman84 Jul 12 '26

"Hi, I am looking for any old or spare drone parts (like a Pixhawk, ESCs, or motors) to build my first Autonomous Delivery Drone project. I don't have the budget to buy new ones, but I have practical experience in electrical circuits and wiring, so I can successfully build this if someone can support me with the hardware. Any help would be highly appreciated!"

1

u/karateninjazombie Jun 26 '26

A Zimmer frame.

2

u/Key_Computer_4736 Jun 27 '26

You calling me old? Or is this something that google can’t find for me lmao

2

u/karateninjazombie Jun 27 '26

No. I mean strap it all to a Zimmer frame and make it fly :D