hardware mods
The choice of motor is limited by the BLDC motor controller. It rejects motors with a current draw higher than 25 A or thereabouts. The BLDC is custom to the CHUCK and cannot be replaced with a normal ESC.
Some motors that have been paired with the CHUCK:
- Leopard 2835 has been used by multiple people, also in the Night Fury
- SunnySky X2216 looks like a good alternative.
- A previously suggested motor with a much smaller can but higher claimed power: https://hobbyking.com/en_us/multistar-elite-2308-1400-multi-rotor-motor-cw-ccw.html
You can modify the CHUCK to make it allow a higher current draw, thus enable use of a bigger motor and/or a bigger propeller.
This is done by changing the value of resistor R135 on bottom-side the BLDC board. The stock resistor is a R010 (10 mΩ), giving a current limit of ~25 A. Lowering the resistance raises the current limit:
- Adding one 50 mΩ R050 resistor on top of the R010 raises the limit to ~30 A. This is the sensible option. Try this first and only move further if this isn't sufficient for your setup.
- Adding a second R050 resistor raises the limit to ~35 A. Warning: This exceeds the peak current rating of the MR30 motor connector, you should consider replacing it. Also, the higher current limit will make the motor controller react slower to a blocked propeller, increasing the risk of damage to the electronics in case of a crash.
The lens housing is not threaded so it is a bit difficult to get a new lens in and focussed. Expect to be messing with glue. Alternative lenses might be GoPro3-compatible. Alternative lenses could have a higher quality (letting in more light). Take note of the Field of View.
The glued-in nuts that hold together the top and bottom part of the body can get loose. Replacement that's better affixed to the EPP: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3698424
See: skycontroller 2