Landing Gear Extenders Questions

RJ_Make · Sep 22, 2016

These are printed in ABS @ 10% infill, ambidextrous and very strong for it's application. So 40.40 grams for both extenders with a 1" aircraft extension, and an added 1-1/4" in stability.

I've been working on these off and on for a while now, trying to balance strength, weight, and easy 3D printing.

I like this design, but they are a bugger to get on. I want them to have a very snug fit around the aircraft landing skids even without the latches.

1) What is an 'acceptable' weight for a set of extenders?
2) What is the 'desired' height?
3) How many use extenders for stability?

Uavdude · Sep 22, 2016

40 grams does not sound like anything. looking at other landing gear extensions for the phantoms you are within, or below, the weights of those items that are out there. At least 1 to 1.5 inches would be sufficient for the camera to clear uneven ground, imho. You can't make them too tall, though, unless you make the base even wider for stability.

RJ_Make · Sep 23, 2016

Thanks Uavdude.

RJ_Make · Sep 24, 2016

Testing Revision.

Uavdude · Sep 24, 2016

I think those look really nice, RJ! How would the installation be for the end-user? Another idea for the feet - instead of worrying about the small notch at the bottom you could make it solid and put rubber "boots" on the feet to add in cushioning those hard landings. . . Are the orange inside rails for adding an additional gimbal guard? How far further do the feet extend from the x-star landing gear?

RJ_Make · Sep 24, 2016

Uavdude said:
I think those look really nice, RJ! How would the installation be for the end-user? Another idea for the feet - instead of worrying about the small notch at the bottom you could make it solid and put rubber "boots" on the feet to add in cushioning those hard landings. . . Are the orange inside rails for adding an additional gimbal guard? How far further do the feet extend from the x-star landing gear?

Thank You. They are much easier to get on and off now, but still requires just the right angle. I tried small rubber feet, but the ones I have here (small round ones) didn't want to stay on the 3D printed base. Yes the inside rails are for accessories, and guard. I'm waiting on a RF-V16 GPS tacker to design a holder around.

RJ_Make · Sep 26, 2016

Well back to the drawing board. Tested yesterday and I'm getting the extensions in the shot even at mild camera angles.

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AirmetTango · Sep 27, 2016

Nice work overall, RJ! As a suggestion, is it structurally sound to angle the feet say 30-45 degrees outward rather than point them straight ahead? It looks like that could keep them clear of the shot. Might even improve the ground stability.

What's your estimate for on and off time? I'd be very interested, but of course would need to attach and remove them each time for transport in the case.

RJ_Make · Sep 27, 2016

Thanks Airmetango. Trying to work out the bugs. I've increased the outer angle and cut the inner section to 130 degrees. Hopefully this will be enough. I have been also re-thinking the entire 'extension' section (feet)', maybe allowing them to slide on and off for times when you don't need the extra height. This would allow the continued use of the bases' modular design for trackers, gimbal guard, etc..

Installation is quick and easy once you get use to the angle required to install them. I will probably post up a video on the entire project once I'm done with it.

Unless I can somehow make this thing cheaper (maybe not use brass knurl inserts, reduce printing time, etc) I doubt anyone would want to purchase this as it's pushing 40 bucks at this point..