Replace motors with brushed

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kimberly
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Replace motors with brushed

Post by kimberly »

I would like to replace the current coreless motors of the CrazyFlie 2.0 with more powerful brushed motors, similar to these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M1 ... UTF8&psc=1

In the crazyflie firmware repository, it seems that there is already support for brushed motors in the motor configuration. However, I see that in "power_distribution_stock.c", that the default motor configuration is set to brushed already: line 52: motorsInit(motorMapDefaultBrushed). This is a bit confusing, however does this mean that I can already connect the brushed motors to it already as is?

I also found the following related topic in this forum about stronger coreless motors: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=871. Do I also have to take the same issues into account (mosfets, battery etc.) or does the current hardware configuration of the Crazyflie 2.0 need more components in order to get this to work?
tobias
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Re: Replace motors with brushed

Post by tobias »

The Crazyflie 2.0 uses brushed motors and can be exchanged but you probably have to upgrade the battery as well. Also make sure the motors spin in the correct direction. If not you can change the cables in the connector.
theseankelly
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Re: Replace motors with brushed

Post by theseankelly »

I have upgraded my FPV crazyflie with those exact motors.

Some notes:
- The motors are very slightly larger in diameter. They do fit in the plastic mounts, but they put extra strain on the plastic. Expect to break many more motor mounts. I typically break one very time I crash.
- As Tobias pointed out, you'll definitely need an upgraded (higher current draw) battery. I've had fantastic results with these: https://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy-nan ... o-100.html BUT MAKE SURE YOU SWAP THE LEADS!
- The motors are configured for CC and CCW rotations. You need to make sure you install the right motors in the right spots (I verified with the manufacturer that the physical rotation matters and impacts performance/lifespan).
- One of the motor types (i forgot which) needs to have its leads swapped inside the connector to work with the crazyflie
http://www.thejumperwire.com
Tips, tutorials, and science about DIY electronics, drones, and embedded software.
kimberly
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Re: Replace motors with brushed

Post by kimberly »

Thanks theseankelly and Tobias for your quick replies!

I'm glad to hear that you already tried them before on the CrazyFlie so at least I know it is possible. I do have some improved batteries I used for the drone I was flying with previously (Lisa-XS with Walkera Ladybird frame), which I got from here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10pcs-l ... autifyAB=0 .

However, I do see that those from Turnigy have a way higher discharge rate, so I will definitely give those a try. Thanks for the heads up on the leads, I would have totally missed that.

@theseankelly, with "motor types", do you mean the CC and CCW configurations?
theseankelly
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Re: Replace motors with brushed

Post by theseankelly »

Yeah, I mean CW and CCW. The CCW motors need to have their leads swapped in the connector to spin in the correct direction on crazyflie.
http://www.thejumperwire.com
Tips, tutorials, and science about DIY electronics, drones, and embedded software.
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