The GEPRC Vapor BNF is a strong alternative 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 need to fine-tune the drone to your preferences, this information will stroll you thru the simplest 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 purchase the GEPRC Vapor D5 from these distributors:
Attempt Completely different Propellers
Attempting completely different propellers is maybe one of many most cost-effective and best methods to improve your quad.
The Vapor ships with Gemfan Vanny Type 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, it’s possible you’ll 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. Meaning faster throttle response, higher cornering grip, and improved instability dealing with.
Personally, I discover that HQ props are usually smoother than Gemfan. One in every 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 steadiness between effectivity and management.
When you fly freestyle, this improve can noticeably enhance flight really feel. However if you happen to primarily do cinematic cruising or fly long-range, it’s possible you’ll not discover as a lot profit—inventory props are completely positive for that.
Take away Pointless Elements
When you use the Vapor as a basher, you in all probability need to preserve all of the protecting components for sturdiness. However if you happen to’re chasing peak efficiency, decreasing weight can go a great distance.
Right here’s what I faraway from my construct:
- Aspect plates (~15g): Protected to take away for most individuals, minimal impression on sturdiness.
- Arm guards (~15g): Maintain these if you happen to crash usually.
- Plastic motor wire tubes (~4g): Change with material or electrical tape. Once more, if you happen to crash frequently, think about preserving them.
- One battery strap (~5g): Use only one strap if you happen to’re assured in your battery mounting.
- Change 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 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 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 offers a greater antenna alignment for long-range flying. Be aware: The antenna wire is comparatively quick, so it’s possible you’ll must reposition the receiver barely to stop pressure 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 might not be crucial.
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 subject – Redistributing the load balances the quad higher.
A customized made GPS mount could be best, 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
When you’ve decreased the load 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
When you principally simply cruise for cinematic photographs, 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 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 best 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 under. You possibly can shorten the motor wires and solder them just like the third picture and shave just a few 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 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 mild 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 forestall shorts and corrosion
Take a look at my conformal coating tutorial if you happen to’re new to the method: https://oscarliang.com/waterproofing-drone-electronics/
Last Ideas
Out of the field, the GEPRC Vapor D5 is already a unbelievable FPV drone, however with these easy modifications, it may change 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 assist you degree up your flying expertise.
Received 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 give you!
