DJI Phantom 2 Carbon Fiber Skid (Rev 11/11/14) by jaln

Last crawled date: 3 years ago

OBSOLETE
Updated design here:http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:743731
New 11/11/14: Added round foot pad--this one does not need aligning! I will definitely use them from now on. Foot pads also protect the carbon fiber rod from delamination due to landings.
VIDEO OF PARTS IN FLIGHT HERE:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkcF-SHk2Vo
New 11/7/14:
Added gallery pictorial instructions for compass adapters.
Redesigned both compass adapters.
New 11/5/14:
Added an optional adapter for using the stock compass clamp.
Due to the compound angle it only works one way.
If you cannot align the flat face to the Z and X (up and front) axis on your drone, it is probably upside down. The compass should be aligned with the Phantom Z (UP) and X (Front) axes. SEE THE GALLERY PICS FOR MORE INFO.
New 11/04/14:
The compass mount is new and the part that attaches to the Phantom has been updated to add gussets and a hole for a quick release pin. If you do not intend to remove the carbon fiber stick, then either press fit, or use CA glue. If you use the hole you can make a retaining pin or use stock pins for R/C.
YOU MUST ALIGN THE FACE OF THE COMPASS MOUNT BRACKET ALIGNED WITH THE FRONT TO REAR CENTERLINE OF THE PHANTOM, ON THE RIGHT REAR LEG!
SEE GALLERY PICS.
It should also be adjusted vertically so the connector will reach. I am pretty sure that meets the XYZ requirement for the compass.
Either glue the bracket in place AFTER ALIGNING, or use the M1.5 (or small SAE) screw hole to lock it to the carbon rod.
I may modify the compass mount to look just like the cross section of the stock leg so you can use you original mount clamp. Maybe.
If I did not get the dimension for the screws right, please let me know what it should be. You could use a tyrap to hold the compass instead of the screws. The screws are M1.5. You could probably also use small wood screws.

This is a modified DJI landing skid/gear using a 5-6" (127-152mm) piece of .125" (3.175mm) carbon fiber rod.
Very strong and light.
The 6" rod will give about 2" of ground clearance for a Vision +.
You can adjust the carbon rod length per your needs.
The bottom foot pad can be left off.
Or you can glue a piece of foam on it. If it is just a thin piece of foam like the stock four foam pads, I doubt that it will have much effect in absorbing any impact to speak of. You could use some cheap earplugs from the dollar store instead that might be more effective.
Or don't use the foot. It will be okay without it, and lighter.
If landing in dirt, I would use some foot pads.
The two antennas should just be taped to the adjacent legs.

The difference in weight between these four and the two stock leg loops is 26g--almost an ounce-- 43% of the weight of stock skids and the typical extra height skids. They also present a smaller aerodynamic profile These two factors should give you an increase in flight time.