ELEV-8 v3 Quadcopter Drone Kit

SKU: ROB-16035 Brand: Sparkfun

Retired Product

Replaced by: Quadcopter Drone Kit
This product has been replaced by: Quadcopter Drone Kit
This product is no longer available. This page is only for reference.

Parallax ELEV-8 V3 Quadcopter Drone Kit was designed as a durable yet highly functional aerial development platform. A 3lb payload capacity or flights up to 20 minutes on a single battery support a wide range of experiments and applications. The ELEV-8 V3 has a clean, open plan that requires no soldering for assembly. It is rugged enough to survive most minor crashes.

The ELEV-8 v3 was designed in the USA from the ground up to offer the best experience possible for college students, educators, researchers, and developers. (Read an interview with the engineer here.)

We've thoughtfully engineered the entire quadcopter as a durable yet highly functional aerial development platform. A generous 3lb payload capacity or flights up to 20 minutes on a single battery support the experiments and applications you want to pursue.

The entire system is designed in a clean, open plan that requires no soldering for assembly. It is rugged enough to survive most minor crashes (inevitable if you're doing development, as we well know). All parts are easily accessible so it can be repaired rather quickly and inexpensively—all replacement components are available from Parallax headquarters in Rocklin, California.

At the heart of the quadcopter is the ELEV-8 Flight Controller. We’ve developed our own in-house, so we can keep the Flight Controller, thoroughly-commented C-language firmware, airframe hardware, and Ground Station software tightly integrated as we continue to add features and develop accessories and applications.

Important Notes

  • While it is great for learning, the ELEV-8 v3 is not a toy. Improper or negligent use can cause bodily injury or property damage.
  • Recommended for ages 18 or over.
  • If you own an ELEV-8 v3 Quadcopter you must register it with the Federal Aviation Adminstration's UAS Registry before flying outdoors.
  • A USB A to Micro B cable is required to load flight controller firmware, not included.
  • An RF transmitter and receiver, Li-po battery (3300 mAh or 5300 mAh), and battery charger are required for flight, not included. For detailed requirements, please see the ELEV-8 v3 Quadcopter Assembly Guide.

Disclaimer of Liability

  • SparkFun Electronics & Parallax Inc. is not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or consequential damages and personal injuries, including that to life, and health, resulting from the customer’s application and use of these Parallax Inc. products. You, the customer, assume full and unlimited responsibility for all customer ELEV-8 Multicopter applications and uses. Your purchase of this ELEV-8 product constitutes your agreement to hereafter assume full and total responsibility for your subsequent utilization of the ELEV-8 and you agree to defend, protect, save harmless, and indemnify Parallax Inc., its officers, and employees relative to your potential use and misuse of this product, in whole or in part. Should you disagree, please do not complete this purchase or return the complete un-assembled kit to the point of purchase.

By purchasing this product you agree to the above terms.

Includes

  • (1) - ELEV-8 Flight Controller
  • (4) - 11x4.5R (Clockwise) Nylon Glass-Fiber Multirotor Propellers
  • (4) - 11x4.5L (Counter-Clockwise) Nylon Glass-Fiber Multirotor Propellers
  • (4) - KEDA 2217-1000kV Brushless Outrunner Motors (with propeller adapters and extra long wires with pre-soldered 3.5mm bullet connectors)
  • (4) - Parallax xRotor 20A Electronic Speed Controllers (ESC) (running customized BLHeli firmware, with pre-soldered 3.5mm bullet connectors)
  • (1) - Parallax ELEV-8 Power Distribution Board (with sixteen 3.5mm bullet connectors, four 3-pin headers for accessories, and a power cable for batteries with EC3 connectors)
  • (1) - Airframe kit with anodized aluminum booms and high-strength composite body plates
  • (1) - Hardware kit with all the necessary screws, nuts, washers, and spacers
  • (1) - Electronics kit with all the necessary wires and connectors
  • (1) - Prop Guard Kit to protect the propellers (Added April 2018)
  • (1) - Safety Glasses

NOTE: An RF transmitter and receiver, Li-po battery (3300 mAh or 5300 mAh), and battery charger are required for flight, not included. A USB A to Micro B cable is required to load flight controller firmware updates, not included.

Features

  • ELEV-8 Flight Controller—onboard 32-bit Propeller multicore microcontroller, 3D accelerometer/gyro/magnometer, altimeter, XBee socket, and multiple expansion ports to support your projects
  • Robust & Open Chassis—durable yet machinable aluminum, composite, Delrin, and acrylic parts make upgrades and customization a breeze
  • Engineered to survive minor crashes, and to be easily repaired after major crashes, while protecting the motors and flight instrumentation to save you time and money!
  • High-Performance isolation system for the flight controller reduces vibrations by up to 70%, significantly improving control response and impact protection
  • Prop Guard Kit to protect the propellers while learning to fly
  • Motor axis diameter (excluding propellers): 22.2 inches (565 mm)
  • Outer diameter (including propellers): 33.2 inches (844 mm)
  • Total height: 8.0 inches (203 mm)
  • Collapsed size (booms folded, propellers & landing gear removed): 24.3 x 5.8 x 4.1 inches (616 x 146 x 103 mm)
  • As-sold weight (excluding battery and RC receiver): 37.0 ounces (1.05 kg)
  • Ready-to-fly weight (including 5300 mAh battery and Spektrum AR610 receiver): 51.9 ounces (1.47 kg)
  • Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW): 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg)
  • Maximum payload (excluding a 5300 mAh battery): 3.0 lbs (1.4 kg)
  • Build time: 5-10 hours

Documents

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Retired

Product Comments

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Products that weigh more than 0.5 KG may cost more than what's shown (for example, test equipment, machines, >500mL liquids, etc).

We deliver Australia-wide with these options (depends on the final destination - you can get a quote on the view cart page):

  • $3+ for Stamped Mail (typically 10+ business days, not tracked, only available on selected small items)
  • $7+ for Standard Post (typically 6+ business days, tracked)
  • $11+ for Express Post (typically 2+ business days, tracked)
  • Pickup - Free! Only available to customers who live in the Newcastle region (must order online and only pickup after we email to notify you the order is ready). Orders placed after 2PM may not be ready until the following business day.

Non-metro addresses in WA, NT, SA & TAS can take 2+ days in addition to the above information.

Some batteries (such as LiPo) can't be shipped by Air. During checkout, Express Post and International Methods will not be an option if you have that type of battery in your shopping cart.

International Orders - the following rates are for New Zealand and will vary for other countries:

  • $12+ for Pack and Track (3+ days, tracked)
  • $16+ for Express International (2-5 days, tracked)

If you order lots of gear, the postage amount will increase based on the weight of your order.

Our physical address (here's a PDF which includes other key business details):

Unit 18, 132 Garden Grove Parade
Adamstown
NSW, 2289
Australia

Take a look at our customer service page if you have other questions such as "do we do purchase orders" (yes!) or "are prices GST inclusive" (yes they are!). We're here to help - get in touch with us to talk shop.

Have a product question? We're here to help!

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