[barry]

I am in the process of building a 300mm micro hexacopter using 2300kv motors and 12 amp escs and 5 inch props.how do you calculate lipo size? I was planning on using a 3s 2200mah.

[Helno]

http://ecalc.ch/xcoptercalc.php?ecalc&lang=en

That will get you in the ballpark.

Figure out how much it will weigh without the battery and then enter the data as best you can. You dont need the exact manufacturer just a motor with the same stator size and Kv value. Then you can play with battery capacity to find the sweet spot for max duration.

There is a point were going bigger or going smaller will reduce flight times.

[ogopogo]

Barry, I am reluctant to admit it but I have read over 1000 pages of the ZMR250 forum over on RCG. Judging from all posts on battery usage, it appears that 1300 to 1500 mah tops the range at this size. I built this quad with Sunny 2204 motors, ZTW 12A ESCs, and 5" props. Giving that I have no cameras or transmitters on board (I am learning to hover - not flying the parking garage circuit) I am running with 1800s and it seems to be acceptable. I won't get much further with testing until the weather turns but you can find some good experience on those forums.

[barry]

thanks. I guess my main concern is not frying the motors and escs. is that a possibility if I use the battery size I mentioned?

[ogopogo]

The concern you have is matching your motor/esc/prop to the weight you are going to lift. This "AUW" is detailed by many in the forums. The calculator noted above will help you determine the amp draw. You can also insert an ammeter in line to test on the ground. I burnt a lovely eflite power 60 and matched 60A ESC this summer by accidently mounting the wrong prop.

[bcsaltchucker]

having actually built and flown these, the online calculators are still not accurate enough to know what is the right battery. Go by other's experience on this.

This is a mini hex (not a micro hex), and weighs signif more than a mini quad. Some are close to 1Kg, most perhaps ~800g, which is double of a miniquad given a hex is good for Gopro. A 3300mah 3S will be probably close to the sweet spot for it, imho. But it MUST be high-C variety, like 35C, 45C or more. 25C will be not good at all. They can be flown with 2200mah, but that is going to be somewhat shorter flight. Note - Blackout website recommends 3300mah 35C+ for their minihex, a very good company to take recommendation from.

Now for initial flights I might use a 2200mah battery (45C), just to see how it flies at lighter weight, but probably going to be short flights, like under 4 min. Might have to adjust PIDs for each change in weight too.

for miniquad:
I sometimes fly my Minion minquad which is VERY light with a 2200mah and full FPV onboard But it gets to be a bit too much with Mobius too. My Nighthawk is heavier and I use 1500mah 35C on it, 6 inchers, Cobra 2300. Short flights but flies great at that weight