Quadcopter build – KK2.0 initial setup – eluminerRC07:26

This is 10th video in this video series and it’s about preparing your quad for good and safe first flight.
Setup is mainly related to KK2.0 board and it’s settings but also to some other steps.

Here is part list of all the parts that I am going to use until the end of this build series:

WARNING:

Whenever you are working on a multi-rotor remove your props for safety! Although they look like toys, multi-rotors are very dangerous. If the prop hits you or anybody else it can cause serious injuries.

In first 9 videos (and 4 how-to’s) we’ve almost build this quad. However, setting it up is even more important. If you follow these 11 steps you should have enjoyable first flight. However, certain settings as PI values cannot be set before flight. So, on maiden flight you will have to tune your quad for best performance. Settings shown in the video are great for start with, however, quad will perform sluggish and feel a bit disconnected as they are a bit low. You will have to bump PI values up, but I’ll talk more about this in future videos.

STEP 1 (00:31):
To make sure nothing is left behind, reset the KK2.0 to it’s factory settings.

STEP 2 (00:46):
Perform ACC calibration. This step is crucial because it tells the board what is level. Make sure the quad is on a flat and level surface when doing this. If not, board will think that this is level and it will make the quad drift once in the air. Also, don’t touch the quad during this process.

STEP 3 (1:09):
In “Mode settings” put self-level feature on AUX. That way you will be able to control self-level function in the air using a switch on 5th channel. Also, on maiden flight, make sure that self-level is off. This feature must be tuned properly before using it and it could make things more complicated than necessary on your first flight. Also, check that roll and pitch axis are linked (they are by default).

STEP 4 (1:27):
In “Misc. settings” make sure height dampening function is on 0. This is cool feature, but it should be used after the quad is fully tuned. Most people refer to it as a “poor mans altitude hold” :). Also, it’s more useful for beginner pilots than it is for experienced ones. Basically, this feature tries to maintain altitude when the aircraft is pitching forward by regulating throttle. Experienced pilots do this automatically so thats why it’s more suited for beginners than it is for advanced pilots.
Also, if you have voltage alarm set up (check this video if you don’t: ) here you can set the voltage at which the board will start beeping. For 3S batteries 10.5V is OK (3.5V/cell).

STEP 5 (1:49):
Load QuadroCopter x-mode motor layout. Since this quad is build in X configuration, this is what you must use. Of course, if you have + or any other configuration you should load them in this step. Also, if you want to check current layout, you can do this by going into “Show motor layout” menu where you can see motor layout and motor direction.

STEP 6 (2:09):
Under receiver test you will perform most critical step. Make sure your controls are in right order. So, when you move aileron stick, the same should be happening on the board. Also, check the direction of all channels. If you move aileron to the left, board should do the same. If you have wrong channel order, you can change this in you mixer editor on the transmitter or you can change the leads order on your receiver or on the board itself. If the channel order is correct, but the directions of a channel is wrong, simply reverse/invert this channel on the transmitter.
Also, use your sub-trim function (or if you don’t have one, then your main trims) to adjust main four channels to 0. That way when the stick is in the neutral position, the board will receiver exactly that.

STEP 7 (3:04):
Adjust PI values as I’ve shown in the video. These are recommended by KapteinKuk as best for start with. In my experience, these are a little bit low for this quad and they will have to be increased when tuning.

STEP 8 (3:55):
Set P values for self-level feature as shown in the video.

STEP 9 (4:10):
Perform ESC throttle calibration. KK2.0 makes this step really easy because you can do throttle calibration for all four ESC’s at once. If all of your motors start at the same time, throttle calibration step is completed.

STEP 10 (4:50):
Motors should spin as shown in the video. If not, switch any to motor wires to reverse the motors rotation.

STEP 11 (5:22):
Apply 50% throttle and rock the quad. The motor that you push down should speed up because it tries to compensate your movement.

You need:

Transmitter, quad and a battery.

Enjoy RC as much as I do! 🙂

Additional information:

Video: iPhone 4
Editing: FinalCut Pro X
Music: GarageBand