Design Decisions - GavilanSteinman/skycam GitHub Wiki

Large Props (16 inch diameter)

The larger the propeller the slower it can turn to produce the same amount of thrust. A slower moving propeller creates a lower frequency of noise, which is more tolerable to the human ear. Because of this we will be going with the largest props we can acquire.

More than 4 Props

It may be just a feeling, but I think more blades will increase efficiency and maneuverability. I'm currently thinking of going with 6.

CW / CCW Props

There are two ways of getting a multiprop aerial vehicle to turn. Either turn the props, or use clockwise and counter clockwise props. With the second way, you turn by slowing down the pair that are spinning in the opposite direction that you want to turn. This cw/ccw trick is the one that we will be using. Source: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1268535

Brushless Gimbal

I stumbled on a new concept I had never thought of before. It's the concept of using brushless motors that you would normally use for high speed applications like spinning a propeller, for a gimbal. It makes a lot of sense. Before, I saw people use servos for this. But servos are jumpy and shake when they attempt to hold a position. I will be using brushless motors for my gimbal.