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 all the time room for enchancment. Whether or not you’re aiming for higher efficiency, longer flight time, simpler upkeep, or simply need 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:
Attempt Completely different Propellers
Making an attempt totally different propellers is probably 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 pace. Nonetheless, you could need to strive lighter props—both smaller in diameter or decrease pitch.
Lighter props may generate much less thrust, however they permit for sooner 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 among 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 superb steadiness between effectivity and management.
If you happen to fly freestyle, this improve can noticeably enhance flight really feel. However should you primarily do cinematic cruising or fly long-range, you could not discover as a lot profit—inventory props are completely superb for that.
Take away Pointless Elements
If you happen to use the Vapor as a basher, you in all probability need to maintain all of the protecting components for sturdiness. However should you’re chasing peak efficiency, decreasing weight can go a great distance.
Right here’s what I faraway from my construct:
- Aspect plates (~15g): Secure to take away for most individuals, minimal impression on sturdiness.
- Arm guards (~15g): Preserve these should you crash typically.
- Plastic motor wire tubes (~4g): Substitute with fabric or electrical tape. Once more, should you crash repeatedly, think about preserving them.
- One battery strap (~5g): Use only one strap should you’re assured in your battery mounting.
- Substitute metallic stack locking nuts with nylon/plastic ones (~1.5g saved).
For superior pilots, think about eradicating two screws from every motor to avoid wasting a couple 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 protected, you may also 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 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 supplies a greater antenna alignment for long-range flying. Notice: The antenna wire is comparatively quick, so you could 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
If you happen to 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 provides 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 problem – Redistributing the burden balances the quad higher.
A customized made GPS mount could be supreme, however I reused the inventory mount and easily taped it to the entrance utilizing double-sided foam tape and strengthened with a zipper tie, labored like a allure. I additionally lower 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 succeed in in its unique orientation.
Tune the PID & Filters
If you happen to’ve diminished the burden of your quad, and need 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
If you happen to largely simply cruise for cinematic photographs, the inventory tune is ok. 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
If you happen to’re pushing your Vapor for long-range efficiency, listed here are a couple of further 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 supreme 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 beneath. You can shorten the motor wires and solder them just like the third picture and shave a couple of grams.
Improve to a range receiver
A single antenna receiver will inevitably get blocked by the battery or body. A real range receiver with antennas mounted on either side of the body will present higher sign protection and eliminates blind spots.
Add Conformal Coating
If you happen to 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 should 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 develop into even higher for flight time and freestyle efficiency. Whether or not you’re after improved responsiveness, longer flight occasions, or just a lighter construct—these tweaks will make it easier to stage up your flying expertise.
Received your personal 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!
