The GEPRC Vapor BNF is a strong selection 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 best upgrades and modifications you can also make to the Vapor D5.
Take a look at my overview of the Vapor right here: https://oscarliang.com/geprc-vapor-d5-o4/
You should buy the GEPRC Vapor D5 from these distributors:
Strive Completely different Propellers
Making an attempt completely different propellers is maybe one of many least expensive and best methods to improve your quad.
The Vapor ships with Gemfan Vanny Fashion 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 pace. Nevertheless, it’s possible you’ll wish to strive lighter props—both smaller in diameter or decrease pitch.
Lighter props would possibly generate much less thrust, however they permit for quicker RPM adjustments. Which means faster throttle response, higher cornering grip, and improved instability dealing with.
Personally, I discover that HQ props are usually smoother than Gemfan. One in every of my favorites is the HQ 5×4.3×3 V2S. Whereas there are even lighter choices, they typically 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.
For those who fly freestyle, this improve can noticeably enhance flight really feel. However in case you primarily do cinematic cruising or fly long-range, it’s possible you’ll not discover as a lot profit—inventory props are completely tremendous for that.
Take away Pointless Elements
For those who use the Vapor as a basher, you in all probability wish to maintain all of the protecting elements for sturdiness. However in case you’re chasing peak efficiency, lowering weight can go a great distance.
Right here’s what I faraway from my construct:
- Facet plates (~15g): Protected to take away for most individuals, minimal affect on sturdiness.
- Arm guards (~15g): Preserve these in case you crash typically.
- Plastic motor wire tubes (~4g): Exchange with fabric or electrical tape. Once more, in case you crash repeatedly, contemplate retaining them.
- One battery strap (~5g): Use only one strap in case you’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 secure, it’s also possible to 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. Observe: The antenna wire is comparatively brief, so it’s possible you’ll have to reposition the receiver barely to stop stress within the antenna connector.
Obtain my 3D print file right here: https://www.thingiverse.com/factor:7035383
For those who solely fly inside 1 km, this improve will not be needed.
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 difficulty – Redistributing the load balances the quad higher.
A customized made GPS mount can be very best, however I reused the inventory mount and easily taped it to the entrance utilizing double-sided foam tape and bolstered with a zipper tie, labored like a attraction. I additionally minimize a slot within the base of the mount, so I might rotate the GPS 180°, for the reason that cable wasn’t lengthy sufficient to achieve in its authentic orientation.
Tune the PID & Filters
For those who’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
- Scale back latency
- Enhance monitoring in quick, acrobatic strikes
- Scale back prop wash
For those who largely simply cruise for cinematic photographs, the inventory tune is okay. However for freestyle and acro flying, tuning is well 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
For those who’re pushing your Vapor for long-range efficiency, listed below 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. Lowering the restrict cuts present draw and boosts effectivity. Nevertheless, it’s not very best for freestyle, solely really helpful for cruising flights.
Trim and resolder motor wires
The Vapor got here with motor wires soldered just like the 2nd picture under. You could possibly 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 each side of the body will present higher sign protection and eliminates blind spots.
Add Conformal Coating
For those who plan to fly in humid environments or gentle rain, making use of conformal coating to your flight controller and ESC is a smart transfer.
Why it’s helpful:
- Provides moisture resistance
- Protects delicate elements
- Helps forestall shorts and corrosion
Take a look at my conformal coating tutorial in case you’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 instances, or just a lighter construct—these tweaks will provide help to degree up your flying expertise.
Acquired your individual favourite mod? Share it within the feedback or tag me along with your customized construct pics—I’d like to see what you provide you with!
