MexAir RC X6MR User manual

X6MR Manual Rev5 MexAir RC PH: 315.532.6826
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X6MR Airframe

X6MR Manual Rev5 MexAir RC PH: 315.532.6826
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Introduction
This manual is intended to provide broad guidance on the X6MR Hex Copter kit construction
and descriptive information on accessory application and use. In addition to the kit version
described herein, a complete turnkey assembly with flight electronics is available and a
“short kit” that includes the necessary 3D printed fittings and platforms is also available (user
supplies standard carbon fiber tubes, rods, and strips available from any RC hobby shop). See
the Appendices for supplemental information and variations.
The X6MR is a multi-configuration flying platform designed to mount video and/or sensor devices for
use in a variety of applications such as:
Law Enforcement
Military
Commercial
Hobby
Simplicity, versatility and durability in a well thought out design make this the ideal platform for tactical
applications in addition to commercial and hobbyist use. The principle focus of operational
characteristics was on development of a multirotor platform with the maximum flight time achievable
while still being able to carry a variety of sensor devices. Secondary considerations were to maintain a
small size sufficient to be readily operated both inside structures and outdoors in moderate to windy
environments. Lastly, there was considerable thought given to keeping consumer costs to a minimum.
Most end-user applications can incorporate inexpensive off-the-shelf “hobby grade” electronics and
components to make the assembled unit very economical to construct and maintain. The hobby
industry continues to out-pace all other industries with regard to advancing technology of low-cost
quality electronics used in small UAS multi-rotor applications. Losses or damage in field operations can
easily be tolerated from a budgetary perspective. This minimizes the need for personnel exposure to
potentially hostile environments in attempts to “save the equipment”. All of these factors resulted in a
streamlined and light weight frame with some very unique and diverse physical configurations.
The modular and symmetric design of the X6MR allow for multiple configurations only limited by the
imagination.
Design Attributes
1. Simplicity
a. Symmetry from front to back and top to bottom
b. Carbon fiber tube and rods for structural strength
c. Frame hardware minimized
i. CF Tubes and rods press fit into 3D Printed brace fittings –held by friction and
adhesives and/or Tie Wraps
ii. Standard electronic board mounting (30.5mm and 20mm spacing)
d. Variety of frame platform plates supplied
2. Versatility
a. Maximum use of all surface areas

X6MR Manual Rev5 MexAir RC PH: 315.532.6826
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b. Multiple frame platforms (supplied) added vertically to provide additional sensor
protection and/or room for more equipment if necessary
c. Small footprint and diameter sized for outdoor or indoor use
d. Multiple possible board mounting configurations
e. Many component mounting possibilities
i. screws & standoffs
ii. double backed tape
iii. glue/epoxy
iv. hook & loop
3. Unique
a. Symmetric configuration of CF arm tubes and fittings allow for:
i. Variable motor spacing for different prop sizes (max size limited by selected
tube length) –ie, 12” CF Tubes produce spacing for up to 6” Props as shown in
manual example pics)
ii. Electronics mounted on stacked platforms in the center of the airframe.
iii. FPV camera and transmitter mounts incorporated into cross-tube bracing
fittings in front and back
iv. Landing gear placement spread maximized providing very stable platform
v. Minimized prop wash
1. maximizing lift capability
2. Increased flight time
b. Central Platform CF rod configuration allows for:
i. Redistribution of weight by simply sliding the centrally located electronics
platform assembly and battery in any 3-dimentional axis to achieve a perfect
center of mass/CG
c. Flat overall profile and light weight
i. Streamlined for less drag
ii. Easy and compact transport and storage
d. Multiple fitting and platform colors available –some examples shown in pics
4. Durability & Quality
a. Quality carbon fiber tubes and solid carbon fiber rod
b. Rigid structure attachment fittings minimize torsion
c. Landing gear using semi rigid flat CF strip material to absorb vertical and lateral impacts
Recommended Motors: Flight testing for endurance and maneuverability and in keeping with the
intended multiple design applications led to the selection of certain common motor styles. Current
production models described in this manual can use motor sizes that use the industry standard
12X16mm and 16X19mm motor base mount configurations. These are typical of motors of the 18XX
through 22XX class sizes. Pictured example photos show a 12X16mm motor configuration. It is also
recommended that integrated motor/ESCs be used to simplify the wiring and reduce overall weight. All
photos referenced in this manual show this design although sufficient platforms are supplied to mount
ESCs centrally. Alternately, ESCs may be attached near the motors to their respective CF tube braces.
A mini X6MR version using 9X9mm motor mounting and 3-4” props is also available for 11XX and 13XX
motors. The mini version comes with two additional platforms for central mounting of ESCs.
The Mini X6MR is near identical to its larger brothers, except scaled
down for 11XX and13XX motors. See Appendix 1 for differences.

X6MR Manual Rev5 MexAir RC PH: 315.532.6826
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Kit Contents
The X6MR kit includes all the frame components necessary to construct a multi-purpose Hex Copter
airframe. In addition to the basic frame components, the kit also includes landing gear and a variety of
platforms to mount electronics –stacked centrally near the CG. The flight battery can be mounted on
the underside or between any two platforms, depending on your desired configuration. A single quick-
attach battery strap and hook & loop tape is provided for this purpose. LEDs for visual line-of-site
orientation are included but not necessary for certain tactical applications. Turn-key builds typically
include a Power Distribution Board (PDB) with a non-regulated LED power output with a switch so the
LEDs can be turned on/off as the situation warrants. The supplied LEDs use battery voltage up to a
maximum of 4 cells although most builds will typically use a 2 or 3 cell LiPo.
See Parts Explosion Figure and Parts List Below to Cross Reference Parts IDs
11
5
10
9
2
7
6
1
3
4
8
12a-d
GPS
Platform
GPS
Mast

X6MR Manual Rev5 MexAir RC PH: 315.532.6826
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Principle Kit Contents (quantity)
1. Motor Mount / Tube Fitting (6)
2. CF Frame Tube (6)
3. Landing Gear CF Strip (6)
4. Landing Gear Button / Foot (6)
5. Main Frame Platform (1)
6. Cross-Tube Fitting (Short) (2)
7. Cross-Tube Fitting (Tall) (2)
8. Solid CF Frame Rod (2)
9. Front Tube Fitting / FPV Camera
Platform (1) [see Appendix 1 for
variations]
10. Rear Tube Fitting / FPV Transmitter
Platform (1)
11. Solid CF Platform Rod (4)
12. Multiple Electronics Mounting
Platforms {12a –12e)
Additional Items Included:
1. Silicon Tubing (to make Platform
Spacers}
2. Heat Shrink Tubing
3. Battery Strap (1) [Not Shown in Pics]
4. LED set - consists of four 3-LED Light
strips (red, white, green, blue) [Not
Shown in Pics]
5. Hook & Loop (for battery mounting)
[Not Shown in Pics]
Needed to Complete (Items listed based on a typical build):
1. Motors (6) [18XX or 22XX, 1900KV –2300KV) with integral ESCs (Hitec Propel or Black Widow
recommended) OR
2. ESCs to Match Power System
3. Props sized for power system and CF tube length selected
4. Flight Controller [with 30.5mm or 20X20mm 4-hole mounting pattern]
5. Power Distribution Board (PDB)
6. Receiver –keep it small [Spektrum SPM4648 or SPM4649T or equivalent recommended]
8
10
6
9
2
1
5
7
3
4
11
For simplicity, GPS Mast and
additional Platforms not shown
here –see figures and Photos