Quadcopter DIY retracts for under $20

How to make retractable landing gear for a Multicopter (quad hex or octo) for around ten dollars per leg!

[@a0cdhd]

Clever bugger! The world needs more old blokes like you (and me) who can out think the commercial thugs that sell this stuff

[@thenar]

Chris, brilliant. I've been noodling how I would do this using the very same retracts. you've solved the problems I was stuck on. I still want to have a nicer attachment to the copter arms. Perhaps a short piece of square carbon fiber tubing with one side cut off, and the retract mounted to the other side, then epoxied carefully to the arm. I'd prefer a method that allowed me to remove the retracts, but I'm still visualizing. Thanks so much for your inspiration. P Plantec

[@tradiper]

Thank You ,Sir. Like Peter Plantec, you have resolved a couple of issues I have been stuck on. Removing the existing trunion - I now know them to be held by 2x3mm hex grub screws (I tried to drift them out, thinking the were friction pins!) I am modifying a pair of Tarot legs that have the metal fittings - I don't like the idea od drilling through the top piece, so I have some 12mm aluminium stock arriving tomorrow and Similar to your collet, I shall make a small piece the will fit inside the top fitting and shaping a D profile to receive the new threaded 4mm trunion.

[@Choc_Chilla]

This is one of the best tutorials on the net for anything. i feel confident of doings this with this video's help :D

[@Designandrew]

that's awesome nice work! Gives me ideas for my mini H quad!

[@icah93]

I was thinking some time about buying these but now I see it is possible to done like that, thanks!

[@Aikonaazi]

Good idea Peter, I would like to see pictures of how you do it. I have changed it a bit and will shortly post another video of the final setup. The arms fold inwards to make it tidier, but the retracts in this instance need to be mounted underneath the motors. I am ready to test it in the air (weather permitting)

[@bensuhard]

Nice work, and thanks! Well done vid, straight to the point.

[@dronesvisionsaeriennes]

Hi Chris, cooool your explanations about retractable gear...i'll think about it to build mine o for my Sky Hero 1000mm...great... Funny flights Philippe ( France )

[@jedanderson5626]

very nice and easy setup ...

[@yoodoo122]

Brilliant mate,thanks!

[@a0cdhd]

And you don't play that stupid head banger music. Good Job mate.

[@bugrakkabakci]

Great idea where did you buy it? do u have any link?

[@violadagamba7555]

You seem to be an excellent builder, but please next time, zoom in on the small thing you ate showing us. And turn on the lights in front of, not behind the gadget. I hope that you make more videos. Thanks.

[@andythilo.]

Hi Chris, can you tell me the hole dimensions for mounting the retracts to the plate please?

[@thenar]

sorry to go on and on, but silly me. Instead of epoxy why not just drill two counter sunk holes on each side of the square CF tube and screw them to the CF round tube arms using a bit of glue to secure the small screws into the arm. That way we could remove if necessary.

[@Aikonaazi]

Nope no copyright! feel free!

[@dellock1]

Is there an material list? Thank you.

[@ElPePe10300]

I would like to pay you to make 4 of these for me...what do you say?

[@fotoamgamgfoto3695]

and where from what is the name of the motorized stuff? hmm I found "Servoless Retract with Metal Block"

[@vinnyvangogh4365]

I have similar retracts - I have appointed a 2 way switch to channel 6 on my radio's. ( TGY i10 & FS_i6S) I use a CC3D FC and Lebrepilot - which shows the allocated channel is selected and function on the TX setup. BUT the legs do not function. Anybody got tips??

[@lancethrustworthy]

Thanks for caring enough to attempt to document this process. Unfortunately, the poor lighting and camera angle combine to keep us from actually seeing what you're doing/what you're referring to. The mic on camera is particularly poorly suited for the live audio space you recorded in. The reverb detracts from message clarity. A modest boom mic, lapel mic, or blankets on the walls will significantly lessen the reverb. Clearly, you know what you're doing there, with the vehicle modification. Getting that knowledge across well to others is not as easy as some might think. Practice makes better. Good journey.

[@DennisReichel]

Do these actuators have adjustable limits for setting up and down positions? What are their electrical requirements? Cheers

[@Aikonaazi]

They are either up or down, no intermediate positions. They need to be driven by a 5v ppm signal (i.e. the signal provided by a servo output from a rc receiver)

[@rodstartube]

LOL, that lighting position, and table color (white) only produce contrast, showing to camera only object's dark face. That's why you see only a black mask instead of details. Optically a completely useless video. Nice content though.