Build Drones: Tarot 650 eCalc Simulations and Motor Selection

After deciding to migrate to the Tarot 650 Sport frame (as discussed in Part 2), the next crucial step was selecting the right motor and propeller combination.

eCalc Flight Time Simulations

Before committing to a specific motor, I ran several simulations using eCalc to estimate the flight time and overall efficiency of the Tarot 650 platform with different motor configurations. The goal was to find a balance between flight time, payload capacity, and motor weight.

I compared the performance of 380KV, 330KV, and 320KV motors assuming an all-up-weight (AUW) of ~2800g to 2900g and a 10,000mAh 6S battery.

380KV Motor Simulation

eCalc 380KV Simulation
eCalc Simulation: 380KV Motor Performance

330KV Motor Simulation

eCalc 330KV Simulation
eCalc Simulation: 330KV Motor Performance

Analysis

The simulations revealed an interesting trade-off:

  • While lower KV motors like the 320KV technically yield slightly longer flight times due to higher efficiency at larger propeller sizes, their physical stator size usually makes them heavier (e.g., the Tarot 4114 is 148g).
  • The 380KV motor (like the Tarot TL68P07) provides an optimal balance. It is significantly lighter at only 93g per motor.
  • When simulating the 380KV motor at an AUW of 2800g, eCalc estimated an impressive mixed flight time:
eCalc 380KV at 2800g
eCalc Simulation: 380KV Motor at 2800g AUW
eCalc Final Hardware Loadout Specifications
eCalc Final Hardware Loadout Specifications

Considering that minimizing dead weight is the most effective way to increase flight time, the 380KV option becomes the superior choice.

Component Configuration Planning

After extensive research on platforms matching the 650 size, I landed on the following preliminary parts list:

  1. Airframe: Tarot 650 Sport. The Sport version includes retractable landing gear and updated canopy mounting compared to the older TL65B01/B02 Iron Man series.
  2. Motors: 380KV Tarot TL68P07 6S OR FEICHAO 4108 580KV Brushless Motors. I am leaning heavily towards low KV motors like the 5008 335KV or 400KV for maximum endurance if I run a 6S battery.
  3. Propellers: TAROT 1552 High-Efficiency Folding Propeller (though considering extending the arm for 17” props).
  4. ESCs: Readytosky 30A ESC 2-6S OPTO or equivalent 40A Hobbywing.
  5. Cover/Canopy: TAROT TL2851 680PRO Canopy – interestingly, it will fit easily on the 650 Sport.

Next Steps

With the parts list finalized and confirmed by eCalc, I placed the order for the new frame and Tarot motors. The next post will outline the physical build and maiden flight of this new behemoth!

Drone Build Series