TBS Vendetta with GPS and CROSSFIRE Flight Test - 80 MPH

Maiden flight of Team BlackSheep's (TBS) Vendetta Quadcopter FPV racer using TBS GPS/Compass module and CROSSFIRE micro receiver UHF.

There was barely any room to fit additional hardware and electronics but I managed to do so, that is a downside though.

Top speed for this test run was 80 MPH / 130 KMH!!
Install some bullnose props and you can probably go faster :)

One of the fastest quadcopter 200 series racers I have flown and much better than the Vortex. Note that the compass is still in calibration mode. X frame smaller quadcopters do go a faster FYI...

Setup:
Radio system - TBS CROSSFIRE with micro receiver
TBS GPS/compass module
Venom Fly LiPo 4s (14.8 V) 2200 mAh, 30C battery
FrSky Taranis X9D Plus controller
5x4x3 HQ props, green
RunCam HD 2

Other comments:
1) This quadcopter is meant for advanced users and the OSD setup isn't that good compared to the Vortex and is not plug and play. I would recommend setting it up via Cleanflight.
2) The Vendetta by default is configured to use PPM mode, any other modes has to be changed in Cleanflight under Configuration tab or you can change it via pressing the enter key for the Core Pro PNP. Easiest to do everything in Cleanflight. You will get an annoying buzzer beeping at you for this. I recommend S.BUS mode for low latency over PPM.
3) There is minimal amount of space for electronics, if all any. Plan ahead and take measurements so everything fits.
4) Use tape around all exposed wires as it can snag against the chassis and make it nearly impossible to remove electronics.
5) Trim your throttle settings on your radio system otherwise you it will feel that you have bad response when flying. TBS PowerCube min throttle is 1025 and max throttle is 1980.
6) Test and setup your failsafe in Cleanflight and on your transmitter
7) For high quality recording, I recommend using the RunCam HD 2, Mobius or Foxeer cameras and NOT GoPro cameras. They are much much cheaper to replace if you end up crashing (or losing your quadcopter), they are lighter, and video quality is as good too. Probably why GoPro isn't doing well right now...

CROSSFIRE Micro Receiver installation photos:

Any questions or comments, please post them below and thanks for watching!

[ttobi]

That is pretty cool. I saw the GPS Kit on the TBS Store and wondered myself if that would work. And it does! Cool. Definatly nice to have Information in the OSD.

[davidkelly]

Great video mate, any chance of some pictures of the wiring?

[turbulentairdesigns]

Great video, wish they still sold the GPS

[hellfire]

is that RX antenna better than vertical mounted immortal T antena? and what antenna is that?

[Soldierflyer]

Great job do you have a set up video on the GPS?

[FPVSpace]

I knew I recognized the location. I was in Baylands last year on holiday with my Z3. The Vendetta looks good but I wouldn't say it's so much better than the Vortex.... I've seen some worrying reports of them breaking quite easily. Only time will tell if it's a manufacturing defect or a design flaw.

[windowwasherfpv]

What battery do you recommend I've been getting shitty flight time myself with 1800mah?

[caymandiver]

Debated on getting the TBS compass for my TBS filled Blackout Mini H frame and after seeing this I've ordered one! Won't have any space issues with my frame and I have an open BST port on my core pro. Plan to mount the GPS on my battery with industrial Velcro and if needed a strap.

[AegeanEpiphany]

Hi, When you talk about fail safe setup, is this an RTH using the GPS or just a normal Failsafe (say a slow descent)?

[yv]

Question for a wing : With the GPS Compass TBS, possible to parameter an RTH option?

[drvimalan]

Thank you for your speedy response. I have done the compass calibration, updated core pro with latest firmware, gps has detected 3 satelites, but the home direction arrow is not live or active. Do you have any advise on this? Thanks again!

[drvimalan]

Hi, so what du you have to do in order for the gps to work once you have connected it to core pro? Do you need to do any programming? Hope you can answer. Thanks.

[alexhm]

You should make a video on setting up the crossfire for the tbs vendetta

[aldyfaisal]

Do you use external power for your Crossfire attached to Taranis? May I know how you plug the cables connecting it?

[JohnInSonAZ]

Can you configure the TBS micro receiver to output S-BUS? or is it PPM only?

[highestvirtue]

Hi JP I have a TBS Crossfire micro receiver but having trouble mounting the antenna. I see that you have just a single antenna on your Vendetta not the L-shaped one or the Immortal T antenna? Which antenna are you using on the quad? For the Taranis you are using the tuned Crossfire antenna correct?

[wingvan]

are you sure that your stock probs are 5x4x3? my hq were 5x3x3.

[rmirov]

Hi there. This is a long shot, but did you by chance lose a Quad due to a failsafe over the fence quite a while ago ?

[caymandiver]

Just curious but how did you calibrate the GPS? I followed the on screen but seems a bit off. Does it learn?

[NaftulyART]

very nice - Why does the GPS arrow not work?