The GEPRC Vapor BNF is a strong alternative proper out of the field—well-tuned, well-built, and able to fly. However like many Bind-and-Fly (BNF) quads, there’s at all times room for enchancment. Whether or not you’re aiming for higher efficiency, longer flight time, simpler upkeep, or simply wish to fine-tune the drone to your preferences, this information will stroll you thru the simplest upgrades and modifications you can also make to the Vapor D5.
Try my overview of the Vapor right here: https://oscarliang.com/geprc-vapor-d5-o4/
You should purchase the GEPRC Vapor D5 from these distributors:
Attempt Completely different Propellers
Attempting totally different propellers is maybe one of many most cost-effective and best methods to improve your quad.
The Vapor ships with Gemfan Vanny Model 5136 props. This can be a 5.1-inch propeller with a 3.6-inch pitch (that’s what the “5136” stands for). These are nice for energy and velocity. Nonetheless, you could wish to attempt lighter props—both smaller in diameter or decrease pitch.
Lighter props may generate much less thrust, however they permit for sooner RPM modifications. Which means faster throttle response, higher cornering grip, and improved instability dealing with.
Personally, I discover that HQ props are usually smoother than Gemfan. Considered one of my favorites is the HQ 5×4.3×3 V2S. Whereas there are even lighter choices, they usually sacrifice an excessive amount of energy. The Vapor isn’t the lightest quad, so the 5×4.3×3 strikes a great stability between effectivity and management.
Should you fly freestyle, this improve can noticeably enhance flight really feel. However for those who primarily do cinematic cruising or fly long-range, you could not discover as a lot profit—inventory props are completely positive for that.
Take away Pointless Components
Should you use the Vapor as a basher, you most likely wish to preserve all of the protecting elements for sturdiness. However for those who’re chasing peak efficiency, decreasing weight can go a good distance.
Right here’s what I faraway from my construct:
- Aspect plates (~15g): Protected to take away for most individuals, minimal influence on sturdiness.
- Arm guards (~15g): Hold these for those who crash usually.
- Plastic motor wire tubes (~4g): Exchange with fabric or electrical tape. Once more, for those who crash usually, contemplate preserving them.
- One battery strap (~5g): Use only one strap for those who’re assured in your battery mounting.
- Exchange steel stack locking nuts with nylon/plastic ones (~1.5g saved).
For superior pilots, contemplate eradicating two screws from every motor to save lots of a number of extra grams. However you MUST apply threadlocker to the remaining screws to keep away from motor detachment mid-flight. If you wish to play protected, you too can simply take away one screw per motor.
By eradicating pointless elements and optimizing the construct, I managed to shave off 44 grams – it’s even lighter than my very own customized construct utilizing the Vapor body. That’s a ten% discount in weight—fairly spectacular!
Vertical Receiver Antenna Mount
As talked about in my Vapor D5 overview, I wasn’t a fan of the inventory receiver antenna mount. To repair that, I designed a customized vertical mount that attaches to the rear standoff. This orientation offers a greater antenna alignment for long-range flying. Word: The antenna wire is comparatively quick, so you could have to reposition the receiver barely to forestall stress within the antenna connector.
Obtain my 3D print file right here: https://www.thingiverse.com/factor:7035383
Should you solely fly inside 1 km, this improve is probably not mandatory.
Transfer GPS to the Entrance
Relocating the GPS module to the entrance of the body presents two advantages:
- Improved GPS sign – It’s farther from the VTX and RX antennas, there’s much less interference. I’m getting as much as 30 satellites even on overcast days.
- Addresses tail heavy challenge – Redistributing the load balances the quad higher.
A customized made GPS mount could be best, however I reused the inventory mount and easily taped it to the entrance utilizing double-sided foam tape and strengthened with a zipper tie, labored like a appeal. I additionally minimize a slot within the base of the mount, so I may rotate the GPS 180°, for the reason that cable wasn’t lengthy sufficient to succeed in in its unique orientation.
Tune the PID & Filters
Should you’ve diminished the load of your quad, and wish to maximize efficiency, it’s a good suggestion to tune the PID and filter settings. To not point out the inventory GEPRC tune is considerably conservative and there’s room for enhancements.
An optimized tune can:
- Make your quad extra responsive
- Cut back latency
- Enhance monitoring in quick, acrobatic strikes
- Cut back prop wash
Should you largely simply cruise for cinematic photographs, the inventory tune is okay. However for freestyle and acro flying, tuning is definitely worth the effort.
I share my customized PID and filter settings on my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/128765386
Superior Mods for Lengthy-Vary Effectivity
Should you’re pushing your Vapor for long-range efficiency, listed here are a number of additional tweaks to enhance effectivity and flight time:
Set Motor Output Restrict to 75–80%
The inventory motors are fairly excessive in KV and past 80% throttle, it’s actually energy hungry. Decreasing the restrict cuts present draw and boosts effectivity. Nonetheless, it’s not best for freestyle, solely really useful for cruising flights.
Trim and resolder motor wires
The Vapor got here with motor wires soldered just like the 2nd picture under. You may shorten the motor wires and solder them just like the third picture and shave a number of grams.
Improve to a variety receiver
A single antenna receiver will inevitably get blocked by the battery or body. A real variety receiver with antennas mounted on either side of the body will present higher sign protection and eliminates blind spots.
Add Conformal Coating
Should you plan to fly in humid environments or mild rain, making use of conformal coating to your flight controller and ESC is a clever transfer.
Why it’s helpful:
- Provides moisture resistance
- Protects delicate elements
- Helps forestall shorts and corrosion
Try my conformal coating tutorial for those who’re new to the method: https://oscarliang.com/waterproofing-drone-electronics/
Ultimate Ideas
Out of the field, the GEPRC Vapor D5 is already a implausible FPV drone, however with these easy modifications, it may well turn out to be even higher for flight time and freestyle efficiency. Whether or not you’re after improved responsiveness, longer flight occasions, or just a lighter construct—these tweaks will assist you degree up your flying expertise.
Acquired your personal favourite mod? Share it within the feedback or tag me along with your customized construct pics—I’d like to see what you give you!