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 assessment of the Vapor right here: https://oscarliang.com/geprc-vapor-d5-o4/
You should purchase 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. It is 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 might wish to strive 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. One among 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 an excellent steadiness between effectivity and management.
When you fly freestyle, this improve can noticeably enhance flight really feel. However in the event you primarily do cinematic cruising or fly long-range, you might not discover as a lot profit—inventory props are completely high quality for that.
Take away Pointless Elements
When you use the Vapor as a basher, you in all probability wish to hold all of the protecting components for sturdiness. However in the event you’re chasing peak efficiency, lowering 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): Maintain these in the event you crash usually.
- Plastic motor wire tubes (~4g): Exchange with fabric or electrical tape. Once more, in the event you crash recurrently, think about retaining them.
- One battery strap (~5g): Use only one strap in the event you’re assured in your battery mounting.
- Exchange metallic stack locking nuts with nylon/plastic ones (~1.5g saved).
For superior pilots, think about eradicating two screws from every motor to save lots of just a few 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, it’s also possible to simply take away one screw per motor.
By eradicating pointless components 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 assessment, 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 you might 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
When you solely fly inside 1 km, this improve is probably not vital.
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 situation – Redistributing the load balances the quad higher.
A customized made GPS mount can be ultimate, 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 allure. I additionally reduce a slot within the base of the mount, so I might rotate the GPS 180°, because the cable wasn’t lengthy sufficient to succeed in in its authentic orientation.
Tune the PID & Filters
When you’ve lowered 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
When you largely simply cruise for cinematic pictures, 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
When you’re pushing your Vapor for long-range efficiency, listed here are just a few 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 ultimate for freestyle, solely beneficial for cruising flights.
Trim and resolder motor wires
The Vapor got here with motor wires soldered just like the 2nd picture beneath. You might shorten the motor wires and solder them just like the third picture and shave just a few 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
When you plan to fly in humid environments or gentle 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 parts
- Helps stop shorts and corrosion
Take a look at my conformal coating tutorial in the event you’re new to the method: https://oscarliang.com/waterproofing-drone-electronics/
Last Ideas
Out of the field, the GEPRC Vapor D5 is already a implausible FPV drone, however with these easy modifications, it may possibly grow 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 assist you stage up your flying expertise.
Received 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!
