SPIDER Automation Glass-Fibre Flight Controller Anti-Vibration Shock Absorber Mount | Dual-Plate Isolation System for APM, KK, MWC & Pixhawk
Description
The SPIDER Automation Glass-Fibre Flight Controller Anti-Vibration Shock Absorber Mount is a mechanical mounting assembly developed to isolate flight-control electronics from vibration generated by motors, propellers and the airframe structure of multirotor platforms. Flight controllers contain inertial measurement sensors that detect angular motion and acceleration. Mechanical vibration reaching these sensors can affect measurement quality and flight-control behaviour, making the mounting arrangement an important part of UAV system integration.
This assembly uses two glass-fibre plates with dedicated shock-absorbing elements to create a separated mounting structure. The plates measure 90 × 60 × 2mm and 100 × 70 × 2mm, while the shock-absorbing elements measure 10 × 12mm. The arrangement is intended to reduce direct mechanical vibration transfer between the airframe and the mounted electronics.
The mounting system is designed for use with compatible open-source flight-controller platforms such as APM 2.5, APM 2.6, APM 2.8, KK, MWC and Pixhawk 2.4. It can also be configured for supported camera equipment, including Mobius and GoPro-style cameras, where the mounting geometry and load are appropriate. Actual compatibility depends on plate positioning, mounting-hole alignment, available clearance and the installed equipment’s dimensions.
Mechanical Design & Construction
- Glass-Fibre Structural Plates: The mounting frames use glass-fibre material to provide a rigid structural platform for the isolation assembly.
- Two Plate Sizes: The assembly includes one 90 × 60mm plate and one 100 × 70mm plate, each with a stated thickness of 2mm.
- Vibration-Isolating Elements: Dedicated 10 × 12mm shock-absorbing elements form the mechanical isolation interface between the mounting components.
- Flat-Bottom Mounting: The mounting arrangement supports installation against a suitable flat airframe surface or mounting structure.
- Black Finish: The plates feature a black finish for integration into UAV electronics assemblies.
Vibration Isolation & Functional Benefits
Multirotor propulsion systems generate mechanical vibration through motor rotation, propeller imbalance and structural resonance. When this vibration is transferred directly to a flight controller, it can affect the measurements produced by its gyroscope and accelerometer. A properly installed isolation mount introduces a compliant mechanical interface between the airframe and the electronics mounting platform.
- Reduced Direct Vibration Transfer: The shock-absorbing elements provide mechanical separation intended to reduce vibration transmitted from the frame to the mounted equipment.
- Flight Controller Mounting Isolation: Helps create a more controlled mounting environment for sensitive inertial measurement electronics.
- Camera Mounting Flexibility: Supports compatible camera mounting configurations where the plate dimensions and isolation arrangement are appropriate.
- Modular Installation: The two-plate arrangement provides flexibility when positioning the controller or supported equipment within an airframe.
- Maintenance Accessibility: The replaceable mounting arrangement allows the assembly to be serviced or reconfigured when required.
Flight Controller & Camera Compatibility
The shock absorber assembly is intended for use with flight-controller mounting arrangements commonly found in open-source UAV platforms. Listed compatible controller families include:
- APM 2.5: For compatible APM flight-controller mounting configurations.
- APM 2.6: For installations where the board and mounting structure align with the available plate geometry.
- APM 2.8: For compatible APM 2.8 controller mounting arrangements.
- KK Flight Controllers: For supported KK controller installations with suitable mounting dimensions.
- MWC Flight Controllers: For compatible MultiWii-based flight-controller mounting arrangements.
- Pixhawk 2.4: For compatible Pixhawk 2.4 mounting configurations.
- Mobius Cameras: Can be considered for camera isolation installations where the camera mounting arrangement is suitable.
- GoPro-Style Cameras: Can be used in compatible camera mounting configurations, subject to dimensions, load and mounting stability.
Compatibility note: Controller and camera compatibility is dependent on actual mounting geometry and installation. Confirm hole spacing, plate clearance, equipment weight and attachment requirements before assembly. The mount should not be treated as a direct-fit replacement for every board or camera within these product families.
Mounting & Installation Options
The flat-bottom mounting arrangement supports either mechanical fastening or adhesive-tape attachment, depending on the airframe structure and the intended equipment configuration. Select the attachment method according to the mounting surface, expected mechanical loading and access requirements.
- Bolt-Based Attachment: Use suitable mechanical fasteners where the airframe provides compatible mounting points and sufficient clearance.
- Adhesive Attachment: Adhesive tape can be used where the mounting surface and installation arrangement are suitable for a bonded attachment.
- Controller Positioning: Position the flight controller so that the isolation elements support the mounting platform evenly and the board remains properly secured.
- Camera Configuration: Check camera orientation, clearance and mounting stability before using the assembly as a camera isolation platform.
- Component Replacement: Inspect the isolation elements periodically and replace damaged or degraded components when necessary.
Applications
- Multirotor Flight Controller Isolation: Mechanical isolation of compatible flight controllers from airframe vibration.
- APM Autopilot Mounting: Isolation mounting for APM 2.5, 2.6 and 2.8 flight-controller installations.
- Pixhawk Flight Controller Mounting: Vibration-isolation arrangements for compatible Pixhawk 2.4 platforms.
- KK Controller Assemblies: Mechanical mounting support for compatible KK-based multirotor control systems.
- MultiWii Flight Controller Systems: Isolation mounting for compatible MWC flight-controller assemblies.
- Quadcopter Airframes: Vibration-isolation mounting in quadrotor electronics layouts.
- Hexacopter Airframes: Flight-controller isolation in compatible six-motor UAV platforms.
- Octocopter Airframes: Mechanical isolation for compatible flight-control installations in eight-motor platforms.
- UAV Camera Mounting: Isolation mounting for compatible lightweight camera equipment.
- Mobius Camera Installations: Camera mounting configurations where the plate geometry and attachment arrangement are suitable.
- GoPro-Style Camera Installations: Camera isolation configurations subject to the camera’s mounting dimensions and supported load.
- UAV Electronics Integration: Mechanical separation of sensitive electronic modules from the main airframe structure.
- Flight Controller Maintenance: Replacement of worn or damaged isolation mounting components during UAV servicing.
Package Includes
- 1 × Glass-Fibre Flight Controller Anti-Vibration Shock Absorber Assembly
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Flight Controller Anti-Vibration Shock Absorber Mount |
| Primary Function | Mechanical vibration isolation for flight controllers and compatible camera equipment |
| Plate Material | Glass Fibre |
| Plate Finish | Black |
| Frame 1 Dimensions | 90 × 60 × 2mm (L × W × H) |
| Frame 2 Dimensions | 100 × 70 × 2mm (L × W × H) |
| Shock Absorber Dimensions | 10 × 12mm (D × H) |
| Product Weight | Approximately 24g |
| Mounting Arrangement | Flat-bottom mounting; bolt-based or adhesive-tape attachment |
| Replaceability | Replaceable mounting assembly components |
| Compatible Flight Controller Families | APM 2.5, APM 2.6, APM 2.8, KK, MWC and Pixhawk 2.4, subject to mounting compatibility |
| Camera Compatibility | Mobius and GoPro-style cameras, subject to mounting configuration and load suitability |
Installation & Operating Recommendations
- Check Mounting Dimensions: Compare the plate dimensions and available mounting points with the flight controller, airframe and supported equipment before installation.
- Verify Plate Orientation: Arrange the two plates and isolation elements according to the intended mounting configuration, ensuring that the assembly is properly supported.
- Maintain Even Support: Position the shock-absorbing elements to avoid uneven loading, excessive tilt or unwanted movement of the mounted electronics.
- Secure the Flight Controller: Ensure that the controller is firmly retained on its mounting platform without bypassing the isolation interface through unintended contact with the airframe.
- Use Suitable Fasteners: Select fasteners appropriate for the mounting structure and avoid excessive tightening that could damage the plates or isolation elements.
- Prepare Adhesive Surfaces: For tape-based installation, ensure that both surfaces are clean, dry and suitable for the selected adhesive.
- Check Camera Load: Confirm that the camera and mounting arrangement are mechanically supported without excessive movement or unstable positioning.
- Inspect Before Operation: Check plate condition, fastener retention and isolation-element seating before operating the UAV.
- Evaluate Vibration Performance: Verify flight-controller vibration measurements and system behaviour after installation. Mechanical isolation performance depends on the airframe, propulsion system, mounting arrangement and vibration characteristics.
- Perform Periodic Maintenance: Inspect for cracks, loose fasteners, deformation or deterioration of the shock-absorbing elements and replace affected components as required.
