The GEPRC Vapor BNF is a stable 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 wish to fine-tune the drone to your preferences, this information will stroll you thru the simplest upgrades and modifications you may make to the Vapor D5.
Try my overview 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 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. 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, chances are you’ll wish to attempt lighter props—both smaller in diameter or decrease pitch.
Lighter props would possibly generate much less thrust, however they permit for sooner RPM modifications. Meaning faster throttle response, higher cornering grip, and improved instability dealing with.
Personally, I discover that HQ props are typically smoother than Gemfan. Considered one of 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 a great stability between effectivity and management.
Should you fly freestyle, this improve can noticeably enhance flight really feel. However should you primarily do cinematic cruising or fly long-range, chances are you’ll not discover as a lot profit—inventory props are completely high-quality for that.
Take away Pointless Elements
Should you use the Vapor as a basher, you most likely wish 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:
- Facet plates (~15g): Protected to take away for most individuals, minimal influence on sturdiness.
- Arm guards (~15g): Maintain these should you crash usually.
- Plastic motor wire tubes (~4g): Exchange with material or electrical tape. Once more, should you crash usually, think about holding them.
- One battery strap (~5g): Use only one strap should 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 secure, you can even 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 chances are you’ll have to reposition the receiver barely to forestall pressure within the antenna connector.
Obtain my 3D print file right here: https://www.thingiverse.com/factor:7035383
Should you solely fly inside 1 km, this improve might not be obligatory.
Transfer GPS to the Entrance
Relocating the GPS module to the entrance of the body affords 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 appeal. I additionally lower a slot within the base of the mount, so I might rotate the GPS 180°, because the cable wasn’t lengthy sufficient to achieve in its authentic orientation.
Tune the PID & Filters
Should you’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
Should you principally simply cruise for cinematic pictures, the inventory tune is ok. 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
Should you’re pushing your Vapor for long-range efficiency, listed below 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. Lowering the restrict cuts present draw and boosts effectivity. Nevertheless, it’s not ultimate for freestyle, solely really useful for cruising flights.
Trim and resolder motor wires
The Vapor got here with motor wires soldered just like the 2nd picture beneath. You possibly can 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 either side of the body will present higher sign protection and eliminates blind spots.
Add Conformal Coating
Should you plan to fly in humid environments or gentle rain, making use of conformal coating to your flight controller and ESC is a sensible transfer.
Why it’s helpful:
- Provides moisture resistance
- Protects delicate parts
- Helps forestall shorts and corrosion
Try my conformal coating tutorial should you’re new to the method: https://oscarliang.com/waterproofing-drone-electronics/
Closing Ideas
Out of the field, the GEPRC Vapor D5 is already a incredible FPV drone, however with these easy modifications, it could 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 enable you stage up your flying expertise.
Obtained your individual favourite mod? Share it within the feedback or tag me together with your customized construct pics—I’d like to see what you provide you with!