Several batteries on board? or just the main battery?

There's plenty of discussion about what to do regarding how many batteries to have on the multicopter.

More batteries mean more weight but more battery life. More weight means less flight time. One main battery means less weight, but also share battery life for all the components. Meaning less flight time.

So there's not easy answer here. I guess this depends on the type of multicopter you have, the electronics, etc. At the end, you'll use what it works for you.

In my case I've only tested different batteries. I've three on board:

• For the motors
• For the gimbal
• For the FPV transmitter

I've to say that I like the feeling of knowing that I've enought power to send the FPV signal independently, so I won't get blind if I spend a bit more time on air. And as I'm lately getting the FPV signal from the GoPro, and it's being stabilized by the gimbal, I also like to know the gimbal will work fine during the whole flight.

But, I know this adds extra weight, so I would like to try how it is to have just the main battery connected to the motors, gimbal and FPV video transmitter at the same time.

The key is... how to connect this three different battery connectors to the frame??

I'll try to find it out soon...

Tarot T-2D gimbal test quad aerial footage

V007. Recording date: 19-10-2013

As I couldn't definitely get rid of vibrations and jello with other solutions (earplugs, moongel, etc), I bought the Tarot T-2D gimbal, also because a camera stabilization system is the only way to go for having good quality aerial (and not aerial) videos.

Comparing this video with my previous tests, the gimbal really makes a huge difference. It makes THE difference. When I saw the video, I was impressed with the results (although they can be much better!), I didn't have to modify the gimbal settings at all, it worked out of the box. I use a 500mAh 3S 20C for the gimbal, lasting around 1h30m.

In one hand I've improved video quality, but on the other hand I've added too much weight to the quad (gimbal + stuff to hold it + gimbal battery + landing gear), going up to 1.7kg, which is a lot, probably for the type of motors and of course for the simple plastic propellers (a few times they broke in the air because of the weight!).

Setup:

Frame Whirlwind FY450
BL-2830/11 1000kv rotors
20A SK ESC
10x4.5 Plastic HK propellers
KK2 controller board
GoPro H3 black, 1080x60, N FOV
3300mAh 3S 20C battery
Turnigy 9XR transmitter
FrSKY V8FR-II receiver
Fatshark FPV camera
Fatshark Predator goggles
ImmersionRC 600mw Tx
1000mAh 3S 20C battery for video Tx
Gimbal Tarot T-2D
500mAh 3S 20C battery for gimbal
Plastic landing gear