Atomicodex
lvl.2
Flight distance : 1099268 ft
United States
Offline
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I live at high elevation (Colorado) and the air is thinner here, thus props have less to push against and become less efficient. Because of this it can be helpful to "prop up" in order to compensate for the loss of efficiency. I also wouldn't mind finding some props that would be more quiet. Also: I like to customize and hack my tools and toys to my liking.
With that in mind I have come up with a couple of ideas for using non-Spark props on the Spark.
Idea One // Trim Mavic Air props since they have pretty much the exact same mount.
This idea is the most simple, but it's not going do do a heck of a lot for me. I saw a guy on Youtube try this and it wasn't all that great.
Pros: Props are easy to find, no modification to Spark need to happen.
Cons: Only adds a small amount of surface area, trimming may cause poor balance
Idea Two // Add self-tightening prop adapters and use bolt-on props
When you remove the quick-release adapter from the Spark's motor there are two threaded holes where the adapter bolts on. Depending on the size of the thread and the distance between the holes it might be possible to bolt a prop adapter onto the Spark motor then use props like Gemfan 5043s that have a hole the diameter of the adapter shaft along with a nut, or use props that already have a bolt installed in the prop the way that Phantom 3, Inspire One, 3DR Solo, GoPro Karma and 350 QX props do. There are also collet type adapters that cinch onto the motor shaft, but I have my doubts as to whether they would be reliable.
Pros: There would be hundreds of props in various configurations, qualuity and price to choose from. You could basically run anything from a Master Airscrew 5x3 to cheapo Gemfan Hurricane FPV race drone props or a ton of other options. Props would cost less than the OEM in most cases. The modification could easily be reversed if necessary. It would defeinitely allow for dialing in performance and efficiency,
Cons: It requires finding the adapter that matches the layout of the holes as well as the hight of the motor shaft. It could require the motor shaft to be trimmed, which would not be reversible.
Idea Three // Remove the quick release adapters and bolt props directly to the motors
There are props available like these carbon fiber 6055 two blade props that have three holes drilled in the center of the propeller hub that are made to fit motors like the Turnigy Multistar series. If the holes match the ones of the bell of the Spark motors then you're all set. There are also quick release adapters available in this form factor, but they might add too much weight.
Pros: Simple to do and requires no permanent modification to the Spark. Tons of props are available.
Cons: Most of the props that are available in this configuration are two-blade props. I want three blade. Spark motors might also have a weird hole offset from the shaft and not match available props.
Idea Four // Swap the motors out and use whatever props I want.
This would basically involve finding the right size motor with the odd three-hole mount then removing the Spark motors and mounting/soldering them in.
Pros: I would get to choose the prop mounting type and thus have a wide variety of props to choose from. This could have other performance benefits.
Cons: This would void any kind of warranty on the Spark. It could result in unstable performance. Depending on what motors you get they may not last as long as the Spark OEM motors. This would add at least $50 cost as well as the time and effort it take to swap the motors out. The ESCs might be adversely effected by being paired with different motors if the specs were way different. (I don't think the ESCs could actually detect a different brand, but they might sound alarms if the current draw was vastly different, etc.)
So...those are a few ideas I've had. Please give me your input and feedback. If any of you have tried any of these options I wouid love to hear about how it worked out.
Thanks for reading! Happy Flying!
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