The Rekon35 - 2S 18650 MicroLongRange FPV Quad

[@mjodr]

Very Formula One-esque using the GFRP battery box as a stressed member. Some famous engineer a long time ago made it a point to have more than one function for each part on a race car and it started to get everyone thinking different from then on, including me. This is good engineering!

[@DaveCFPV]

Thank you!

[@Finnv893]

Not really something needs to be spring loaded for the batteries to pop in and out.

[@Foremi]

@@Finnv893 I fail to see how one requirement nullifies an unrelated design aspect/benefit.

[@Latchfpv]

Gotta say, as someone who's recently into FPV and very keen on staying sub 250g, this build looks like a wonderful little cruiser I could mess about with. Very well thought out design.

[@FilosophicalPharmer]

Life circumstance of mine is MS. Have to sit in A/C a lot when Summer is here. Live in NC Foothills. Have an adventurous heart and it drives me nuts to sit on the couch day after day. Would like to be able to sit a LR FPV outside and “fly” largest area possible from my TV without spending a lot of limited funds. You’re right - this looks like a great design that would fit requirements well! Thanks for video, Dave C!! PS - watched enough fpv vids to know that “Dave C” is considered a genius in this realm! Thanks again, DC!! 👍🏼

[@Latchfpv]

@@FilosophicalPharmer I won't even pretend to be able to speak to your situation, however I'm there with ya, regarding the freedom fpv it provides. It's definitely recommended, it's some of the best sensations I've had sitting about in a chair =)

[@FilosophicalPharmer]

@@Latchfpv Thanks. Interestingly enough, each person with MS has their own unique set of symptoms. So thanks for saying that but even if you had it, we wouldn’t have same symptoms and really know what each other struggles with. Even ‘healthy’, I’m sure you got struggles. Anyhoo … this is a drone channel! 🤪 Wanted to say THANKS for letting me know I’m on the right track towards experiencing some freedom from my couch! 😊👍🏼

[@FilosophicalPharmer]

Step One: flash SD card and update TX12MKII firmware…. CHECK! Step two: setup Liftoff and practice so less likely destroying my LR FPV when I get one …. lolol!!

[@Latchfpv]

@@FilosophicalPharmer For sure, it's a very complex thing. I only have some exposure since my friend's wife, who, I guess she's also my friend has it and it's been eye opening at times. I do hope you have a blast with the hobby, I'm only about a year into it myself and it's been a blast and something I want everyone to experience, so I'm hoping the bug bites you big =D

[@yonseimatt]

As Kevin said, HD Zero version would be fantastic, especially now they have that 4 gram 1s board. Would also save the weight of the buck-boost module to power the vista. Fantastic concept as always, keep up the great work!

[@DaveCFPV]

I'm petty confident that it will so be widely adopted enough to be used in our BNFs. For it's still a bit rare for a BNF to make sense commercially

[@divingfalconfpv4602]

Yeah then you can just use hdzero recording so don't need to carry go2. Saves 30g

[@TheVeganarchism]

What’s the range on that HDZero 1S board? Is it comparable to an Air Unit? That might be the limiting factor.

[@corner8394]

Hehe now i'm waiting for the HDZero version😁 Nice job Dave, keep on going!

[@Catboy-hr2qp]

Wish these would come back in stock, I really want one

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic work, Dave! Really amazing design!!! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@Sackmatters]

I am so stoked this is being released. I will be ordering one later this spring for my little flights all over the state.

[@gandaulf_fpv6925]

Would like to see a 21700 cell sled on future quad. Excellent work on these lion quads. Super cool brother!

[@mazlansazani7735]

You got a new sub.Great info..Happy flying n keep up the good work!

[@zarster]

Would like to see the Hdzero version

[@AlvinYeoh]

Have you considered having a HDZero version?

[@chrismel9000]

Very cool, love the design.

[@DaveCFPV]

thank you!

[@Rcschim]

I like the unique look this one has ;) did you talk about the flighttimes you achieve with explorer style flying here? I guess it's still longer than using something like a GepRC smart35 and just using a liion pack? this one here is a bit to niche for me tho - and I dont like the jelly vision of the instaGo2 here ;) btw. I've moved to an Chimera7 now that Rekon didnt really support my review question, one thing I was always curious: how did you save so much weight on the Rekon7 vs. the chim7? by making the frame shorter and compromise the stiffness? I'd really still love to see them side by side (R7 vs C7) :) greets, Mario

[@DaveCFPV]

Hi, hmm that's a pity I thought they took care of including you in the reviewer list... I don't have a Chimera so not 100% sure but I studied some pictures and the Chimera is clearly less compact. That makes a big difference. The arms are also beefier so I guess you can say it's less stiff but still stiff enough in my opinion..

[@Rcschim]

@@DaveCFPV Thanks for the reply. No problem about the review. at one point in time they offered me a small rebate, later when I wanted to accept it, they never replied again ;) I guess the 7" class (whilst it's a niche) sells quite good and doesn't need a lot of advertising. next task for my Chim: get it jello free (with better props) or just use the gopro7 because it's stablization also gets rid of jello very well! greets, Mario

[@AerialWaviator]

Huge thanks for doing this. Been waiting for your design insight and preview for a bit. ♥️😎👍 Tricky constraints ... staying sub250g, offering both digital/analog versions and managing 2s electronics issues. Will be interesting to see how the community of pilots adopts and contributes back to your creation.

[@DaveCFPV]

Thank you!

[@DrFrantic77]

Das DVR sieht ein wenig wackelig aus, lieg das am Tune oder am Gewicht ?

[@Bill-NM]

Probably already stated, but the Walksnail 1S lite is 7.8 grams, saving 21.2 grams over the Vista, meaning a person can fly with HD and a thumb-type camera and still sneak in below 250 grams.

[@Тёплый-Щенок]

I can see some jello, especially during maneuvers, which is less than the really bad jello that I had on Rekon 6, but is still annoying. I understand, that it comes from the super-light and, so, flimsy props?

[@BOTGRINDER]

looks great!!!

[@DaveCFPV]

Thank you!

[@FlyingBeeFPV]

Can we keep our hopes up that there ever will be a rekon35 03 version? Or a rekon35 21700 version? Im really hoping for it.

[@Spacecadet3890]

The 21700 version just needs a new holder

[@Spacecadet3890]

Like someone with a 3d printer it would be pretty easy

[@jt16omes]

I am gonna be building this with hdzero, I already have 1303.5 motors and a stack that would fit in the vista spot 😁

[@MariomasterNSMBHD]

Like the concept a lot. Will wait for an eventual BNF with the new HDZero 1s+ VTx though.

[@LAHover]

Would love to get some PID recommendations for the Rekon35. I'm carrying a Runcam Thumb, on Betaflight 4.4.2

[@universalrebel503]

Wow this is amazing...would it be hard to make a 21700 version of this because 2 samsung 50s batteries would total 10,000mah

[@Spacecadet3890]

3d printed wouldnt be as strong but i think would work

[@Mupshot]

after building your rekon 3, I created something similar to this and agree that given the weight and disc load, that I had to abandon the idea of sub250 and went with 4s 18650 and put 2004s on it. its just grown wild. I just bought the frame for the 35 and Im trying to figure out how you built this. Great job,

[@rolisaenz]

Dave, what about a tricopter, one less motor equals more fly time right ? what would be more feasible , on the rekon 3 or the rekon 3.5 platform.

[@DaveCFPV]

Not sure since the tricopter needs an extra servo which adds weight. Also a 1/4 smaller prop area means more disc load which is less efficient

[@rolisaenz]

@@DaveCFPV well, less disc load then ( bigger prop ) :D , maybe the swwet spot is not on the 3" - 4" prop size but on the 5" -7" size ? idk, you are the authority regarding motor/prop efficiency

[@spottedcrow1126]

Kinda seems like the fpv version of the DJI mavic mini. I love it.

[@DaveCFPV]

Yes its indeed similar in term of weight and batteries

[@christophelecomte3511]

Hello Dave. Nice design ....... again! :-) I am currious to know what regulator/step-up you used to power the vista unit from the two 18650?

[@blueprint-media]

Any chance we can get a Dji O3 version?

[@IsaiahBaker]

This is too good.

[@stelic9515]

Thank you for explaining I also like 18650 battery How many amp eat at cruising? I have 2s 3 inch toothpick 1104 motors 4300 kw with emax avan mini, weight of dry quad is 67 grams I have 2 amp consumption at hower on 2s (100 gram) At 160g (with 18650) the hower will be 4.5 amp)

[@mcbrite]

This with 2x 21700 Molicell P45B: The dream! EDIT: Damn, that wouldn't help me, would it? The controller is only rated for 10-13 Amps? Or is that per motor?

[@abhishekreddy2425]

How much current can the Li-Ion cell holder contacts handle without overheating? Also impressed with the idea of using the cell holder as a structural part as well... Great work!

[@DaveCFPV]

Thanks! The max current is pretty limited on those batteries anyway so overheating the contacts is not an issue

[@fpvtube6150]

Lovin' my new rekon 35 - good job! Was wondering if there are any betaflight PID tunes available for the analogue version?

[@urayys]

Thanks Dave, what is the range on this drone? Sorry i'm new at this but curious to know what the transmission wattage is?

[@GM_Mack]

So three questions- what controller would I need for the analog version? And can the analog version carry a GoPro? Third, if I buy the Rekon 3 RTF kit off of the website, can I use the same goggles and controller for the Rekon 35 analog version?

[@MrMPod]

waiting for HD ZERO version :) with new TBS CROSSFIRE NANO RX PRO for better telemetry and TBS M8.2 GPS GLONASS :)

[@FlyingBeeFPV]

Ich really really like the Concept. Thank you so much for your Work. If I wish for a 4s Version of this Concept maybe even powered by 21700 , how high would be the Chance we will See this from You this Year?

[@brezovprut4431]

Great quad ! I ordered Rekon35 already. Btw I have few questions: 1. Would 3.5" bi-blade props work just fine as those? I haven't seen 3.5" folding props, and I guess 4" won't work with this motor 2. Can we expect 3S 18650 4", if they are enough for 1603's? PS. I really like modular 18650 approach. Hope that we can save some weight with 3D printed battery clips.

[@yonseimatt]

I’d say almost certainly it would fly on biblades. For comparison, my 4” sub 250 has 1303.5 motors at 2500kv on 4s and for my slow cruising, they’re fine. Power is adequate, the only issue is prop wash performance when descending fast, it gets a few wobbles as the motors don’t have much torque at low throttle. For 3.5” on 5500kv 2s, it’d be absolutely fine.

[@yonseimatt]

Sorry, forgot to say- Gemfan 4024 low pitch props, and Gemfan 4023 floppy props- both biblades.

[@AerialWaviator]

Asking to use 4" is kind like asking if can use 21700 cells. Issue with 4" is arms length on this frame is not designed for the larger blades. You'd need a different mid-plate. That said, some did have long arms cut for use with the original 4" nano long range frame.

[@DaveCFPV]

On 1: It would probably fly better on 3.5" bi-blades but there aren't any available. 1303 on 2S can still spin a 4" prop but it feels extremely wobbly and basically impossible to tune properly On 2: Not sure because I feel like swapping more than two batteries will get more annoying just using a pack

[@brezovprut4431]

@@DaveCFPV Update: 3.5" bi-blade props are recently released by HQProp (T3.5X2.2)

[@emielleclercq]

Have you tried the sub 250 mavic motors and prop combo?

[@disminliguido]

Its posible to add position hold with inav?

[@maximuschapman7760]

Would a 3 or 4 s 18650 last longer?

[@Bill-NM]

Just wondering if you've ever thought of using, say, 14500 lion batts? A person could run 3S or 4S easily since the cells are much smaller than 18650. Of course the mah rating will be lower, and probably also the max/continuous current draw, but at 3S-6S (or maybe something like 3S2P/4S2P) the current draw per cell would remain low.

[@FlyturboKwad]

That looks awesome, what high discharge spec battery do you recommended?

[@DaveCFPV]

Sony vtc6

[@FlyturboKwad]

@@DaveCFPV Hello, I purchased the Reckon 3.5 frame kit and I have a question in regards to the battery tray. Do I solder the battery leads directly on the terminals and should I put a XT30 connector so that I can use it with either 18650 or 2s lipo batteries?

[@damienkinchen]

Dave, I've been going crazy trying to figure it out. I got one of these rekon35 from getfpv and was supposed to be PNP, but I see one of those tiny ufl connectors ro connect a antenna on the board. It didn't have any antenna, just the little round gold connector on aio. Thought you couldn't power on without antenna. Please help. Been super frustrating.

[@anonymous175]

Hey Dave What kind of remote transmitter and antennas do you recommend for maximum long range flying with the Rekon 35? For FPV I was thinking Fatsharks with a Runcam Night Eagle. Will you recommend your preferences? Thanks

[@AnimaLupi]

Hello, nice quad concept and implementation! Do you think using a naked vista and a nano camera could keep the weight with an Insta go 2 under 250 grams?

[@DaveCFPV]

Not 100% sure... Could be a close call

[@greatsouthernfpvrc3322]

Your flight footage is that using the dji DVR or the caddex peanut ?

[@DaveCFPV]

Insta 360

[@brezovprut4431]

Dave, any chance you have thrust bench results of 1303.5 motor with 4" props to share?

[@davidh2386]

I'm buying the analog ELRS version. Any recommendation on an inexpensive controller that would be appropriate for it? Thanks for the help.

[@bassbeats92]

Do you know a reputable seller for vtc6 batteries in europe? thank you

[@jimster1111]

wheres the 3d printable frame brother? tell you what you come up with a replacement frame for it and ill buy it. also please come up with an optional 21700 tray. i bet this thing gets 20+ minutes with 2 21700 batterys

[@urayys]

did you ever find a larger tray... may on thingiverse?

[@bRACHiE-Man]

@Dave_C FPV Could you please post your PID settings for the Rekon35? My unit flies good without Insta360 Go2 but with the cam, it is a bit shaky and wobbely in the air.

[@pettz18]

na endlich 😄👍🏼

[@sleepingbearffg5008]

The master.. you ever tried lipo4life bats? Great video inspirational 👊👊💪💪

[@DivergentDrones]

Nice

[@henshaw7]

Hey dave i bought a reckon 5 and i lost one of the red bolts that hold the arms in, it vibrated out when flying. what are they called and where do i get one?

[@DaveCFPV]

it's a chainring bolt. Any bicycle shop will have them as well as amazon etc

[@henshaw7]

@@DaveCFPV thank you

[@wuldfasche]

I've no idea about the options on the order page for this drone. What is the difference between all the receiver options? i.e PNP vs Frsky XM+ vs Flysky A8S V2 vs Crossfire Nano vs Frsky R-XSR vs HGLRC ELRS 2.4G vs HGLRC 900RX. What would you go for if you are just starting from fresh and have nothing? Cheers.

[@Slugfrunk]

I use an FRSKY taranis x9d radio with a crossfire module. That radio supports XM+ and RXSR natively, but for a long range quad crossfire is by far the better option. Also make sure you get high Amp or high c rated 18650s normal flashlight batteries aren't going to work well.

[@DaveCFPV]

It just depends on which radio controller you intend to use

[@damc7456]

Does anyone know if this would work with four 16340 batteries? I'm 95% sure two will stack in each of the two 18650 spaces. The Zeus10 AIO is rated 2-6S, but I don't know if there are other considerations. My Rekon35 should arrive later this week and I don't want to fry it. Perhaps more interesting would be using two 16340 batteries on the Recon3 since the Zeus5 AIO is 1-2S. I realize the mAh will drop from max 3500 to maybe 700 per cell, with twice the cells, so flight time would drop significantly. I'm just wondering if it would hurt any of the electronics to test performance.

[@knoopx]

thats a great concept and design but I stillI feel like it's underpowered given such payload. as others here said an hdzero version of this will definitely be much better

[@DaveCFPV]

Yes the vista sure isn't light

[@Sasha315]

Cool design, but 10 minutes seems way too little. I have GepRC25 and it flies 7-8 minutes on 850mah 4S battery and also weights less that 250g.

[@knoopx]

my 32g elrs crux 3" flies +12 min on a 550mah 2s and it's my go-to easy-to-carry drone. and yes, totally rips. i dont really care about recording.

[@andytaylor3321]

GREAT VID HOPEFULLY I GET SENT ONE LOL

[@chrizzfpv]

The mean Problem... videos like that are Bad.. i always have to invest for new stuff 🤑🤣