ImpulseRC Mr. Steele ApexDC 5" FPV Frame Kit - Light Weight

 

 

DESIGNED IN COLLABORATION WITH MR STEELE, THE APEXDC BRINGS IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CLASSIC 'DEAD CAT' GEOMETRY FOR FREESTYLE, VIDEOGRAPHY AND MID-RANGE EXPLORATION.

 

ImpulseRC Mr Steel Apex DC 5 inch FPV Frame Kit Light Weight action shot

UNIQUE ARM GEOMETRY

The ApexDC is a variation on the typical 'dead cat' frame which we have modified to keep the front and rear motors aligned, allowing us to maintain the much loved compressed-x geometry in the motor layout.

This ensures the frame remains balanced and flight characteristics are not compromised, unlike the classic 'dead cat' design which moves the rear motors closer to the body and severely impacts handling.

ImpulseRC Mr Steel ApexDC 5-inch FPV Frame Kit Light Weight deadcat geometry


By modifying only the upper and lower main plates we retained full compatiblity with regular Apex arms, using standard 5" arms at the front and standard 6" arms at the back.

There are no props in shot of DJI HD flight cameras and for slower cinematic flying it's now possible to run GoPro angles lower than ever before.

ImpulseRC Mr Steel ApexDC 5 inch FPV Frame Kit Light Weight side profile


CUSTOM GOPRO MOUNTING

For quick angle changes while filming, not many mounts can beat the standard GoPro tab and slot design. However the stock GoPro bolt leaves a lot to be desired for FPV use.

ImpulseRC Mr Steel ApexDC 5 inch FPV Frame Kit Light Weight 3D Printed Mount Bolt


Included with the Mr Steele version of the ApexDC is not only a 3D printed mount, but also a new custom designed bolt, specifically for FPV use.

Our new bolt is machined from aluminium for substantial weight savings and has an 8mm hex on the outside, along with an internal 2.5mm hex broach.

Make quick changes to your GoPro angle using either the standard hex driver for M3 bolts, or the prop tool for M5 nuts, which you already have with you in your flight bag.

ImpulseRC Mr Steel ApexDC 5-inch FPV Frame Kit Light Weight 3D Printed Mount Scale

CADDX VISTA ISOLATION

A major drawback of the Caddx Vista system is that the body of the unit is grounded, this can cause the conductive carbon fiber plates and frame hardware to be grounded too. In an ideal world this is not necessarily a problem, however in the real world it's an accident waiting to happen.

ImpulseRC Mr-Steel ApexDC 5-inch FPV Frame Kit Light Weight Die Cut Mylar Insulator


Alongside the required M2 mounting hardware for the Vista, we also include a die-cut mylar insulator and custom machined 'cone rivets' from non-conductive POM.

When installed the Caddx Vista and also the M2 hardware is electrically isolated from the frame. This solution adds only 0.5g of extra weight compared to other designs using bulky and heavy 3D prints.

ImpulseRC Mr Steel ApexDC 5 inch FPV Frame Kit Light Weight Die Cut Mylar Installed
ImpulseRC Mr Steel ApexDC 5 inch FPV Frame Kit Light Weight bottom 2


DJI HD CAMERA ISOLATION

Like the Caddx Vista itself, certain DJI HD cameras can also ground the frame, with similar unfortunate consequences.

ImpulseRC Mr Steel ApexDC 5 inch FPV Frame Kit Light Weight HD Camera Plates


Included with the ApexDC are newly redesigned HD camera plates and 3D printed insulation inserts. This keeps the camera firmly locked in place and reduces vibrations, whilst ensuring it is electrically isolated from the frame.

ImpulseRC Mr Steel ApexDC 5 inch FPV Frame Kit Light Weight HD Camera Plates Front View


ANTENNA MOUNTING

Included in every kit is a 3D printed antenna mount for the Caddx Vista or other similar antennas.

ImpulseRC Mr Steel ApexDC 5 inch FPV Frame Kit Light Weight Caddx Vista Antenna Mount
ImpulseRC Mr Steel ApexDC 5 inch FPV Frame Kit Light Weight Caddx Vista Antenna Mount 2

In addition the Mr Steele version of the kit also includes a standoff mount for the Tracer Immortal-T antenna.

ImpulseRC Mr Steel ApexDC 5 inch FPV Frame Kit Light Weight Tracer Immortal T Mount
ImpulseRC Mr Steel ApexDC 5 inch FPV Frame Kit Light Weight Tracer Immortal T Mount


APEXDC KIT CONTENTS

  • Carbon fiber frame parts
  • Hardware and standoffs
  • Mylar and POM Vista isolation parts
  • Vista antenna mount
  • injection molded skids and bumper
  • injection molded wire covers
  • Rubber and velcro battery pads
  • Diamond files
  • Battery strap

MR STEELE KIT EXTRAS

  • Includes everything in the base kit, along with the following extras:
  • GoPro mount and custom bolt
  • Tracer Immortal-T mount
  • 7075-T6 lightweight hardware kit
  • Coyote Brown skids and bumper
  • Rubber FC vibration mounts
  • XT-60 pigtail
  • Foam strip
  • Battery strap

Customer Reviews

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J
JoeE
Good quality

Seems to be good quality fit and finish. appreciate the little extras like the antenna mount, camera mount, landing skids, etc. Works well with Runcam Link and a standard FC/ESC stack (using Zeez 3030, but I think it will fit a 2020). make sure to plan your stack hardware before you put the arms and bottom plate on, as these will cover the stack mounts (so you have to disassemble if you want to use shorter or longer screws or different holes for the stacks).

Didn't come with instructions, but there is a youtube video where Mr. Steele builds one. The video is OK (if a little long for an already experienced builder), but he forgot to install the DJI wiring before mounting and seemed to stumble through a coupe other steps via trail and error..., so the build sequencing could be a little better thought out, and step by step instructions are always preferred.

Haven't got to fly yet, since I found out my ESC is DOA when trying to set everything up (probably my fault as I had a slip while soldering the motor wires and partly melted a surface mounted component or chip, oops!) but hope to fly soon and will update review if it sucks or breaks easily.

m
mark mieleszko
Great Frame got my order quick!

great frame had a little struggle mounting the 03 camera in it but that was expected, only part i wish i had is a little more vertical room in the frame took a little tinkering to get the battery strap thru