WTB - FPV Equip! a few questions

[Jisiku]

Hello,

I am interested in buying a FPV kit. I know extremely little about the brands, costs, ups and downs. If anybody has flight experience and knowledge in this category i would be grateful for any information relating!. here is a couple of my question i would like answered if possible!

.What is the best FPV kit ( Goggles + Camera - Entire kit RTF)
.Whats is the general Range
.What is the range of a DX6i and DX7 TX (coincides with the range of the FPV kit) and would i be able to increase the range through alternate antenas?

I am after something with a long range, and strong signal.

I really would like to know everything possible relating to FPV kits, as it is an expensive buy, and a one of. I am also interested in second hand FPV kits, if anybody would happen to have one for sale! .

Kind regards.
Pete.

[vinny155]

Camera to use

Video transmitter and receiver
Video Goggles (unless you have a screen that accepts video in via phono type plug)

To get started...
You will need a spare 11.1v Lipo for the ground station receiver.

You will need to be in a model that uses an 11.1v Lipo for the power and you can share the battery with the ESC to power the video and camera. If you use a 5v camera you link and output from the ESC power supply.

All leads are included.

You don't need video goggles, You could use an screen like a 12v television (put an invertot in your car) but if you get goggles, don't get a rubbish pair because you will regret it. Buy the best you can and FatSharks are VERY good.

The TX RX is a 1500mW unit. BE WARNED THIS IS NOT LEGAL IN EUROPE. FPVers use this setup because its the best option.

The law states you must use video on 2.4Ghz at 10mw. This really DOESNT work. It has a range of about 100ft or less. Ok on a Lama V3... but thats it...

The setup I have shown will give 2km on standard aerials or 10km+ with a patch antenna on your ground station. However it is 1500mw. Thats A HELL OF A LOT more than legal but it gives you the range required but it runs on a non legal frequency 1.3Ghz. (Some are also using 5.8Ghz is also for better bandwidth.)

If you want to be legal, forget it - the range and equipment are a waste of time. You will simply waste your money - plus the UK legal stuff is around 4 x the price.

This is legal but VERY low power...

BEV 2.4G 10mW TX&RX [BEV 2.4G 10mW TX&RX]- US$61.50 - BIRD'S EYE VIEW

If you want to get into it, the only way it works is with illegal frequencies and power. Plus with a 2.4Ghz video setup you will need to switch to a 35Mhz Transmitter. as it will cause issues if you don't.

For your transmitter a DX6i or other 2.4Ghz set will give you about 450-600m. For long range you need a Futab FF( (used off ebay £100-£140) plus this TX RX pack for it...

http://www.bevrc.com/bev-24g-long-ra...s-rx-p-85.html

However it puts out 0.5 > 1w. A LOT more than legal. But will give over 5km range.

_________________

[Myken]

Check FPV flyers website, you can find everything you are looking for out there : FPV UK.

[Big Tonka]

Hi Pete I have also been looking into FPV and found this one: Total FPV (Fatshark Full FPV 2010 revB + Headtracker + OSD) [AVS-004] - €549.00 : FPV Systems Online Store, The Art of Video Piloting I have been looking at mounting it on a Gaui quad, don't know if you have seen this video clip on youtube FPV AUSTRALIA - YouTube

[Balders]

Another +1 for looking at fpvuk.org

I'm building a quad and tri with the intention of FPV'ing, and am undecided whether to use 2.4ghz FPV gear and buy 35mhz radio, or stick with my Spektrum radio gear and 5.8ghz video.

A blooming connundrum, especially when you get into the legalities.

[jiberjaber]

I get over 1km with Futaba FASST.

My 5.8GHz gear turned up today, mounted on the quad and had a quick test flight. Its a lot harder to judge than it looks!

Just under 500USD from hobbyking.




HobbyKing R/C Hobby Store : FatShark 5.8Ghz Telemetry System (Incl. Tx/Rx)
HobbyKing R/C Hobby Store : Hobbyking OSD System (Full Combo): Main Board, Power Module, USB/GPS/IR/TEMP Modules w/Remote
HobbyKing R/C Hobby Store : 1/3-inch SONY CCD Video Camera (PAL)

[Jisiku]

Wow, thanks for all of the replies, so much useful information!. I've learnt alot already.
I am however still confused on exactly what to get. Heres a couple more questions that i need answered, and im certain this is the right place for it!

. With my stock DX6i, can i attach an antenna to dramaticly increase range?, i forget the name ... the 1500mw? (the legal side means nothing to me, i couldnt care less, especially if the legal ones are such a rip off ...!)

.I intend to buy the Fatshark goggles, but there is several types now, what are the most recomended?

.I've read that i need a low frequency adapter for my plane should i use my DX6i? something about 2.4 G becomming an interference.

. Would somebody be kind enough to post the entire equipment package required for long range high quality flying? (I intend to use a DX6I for now, so would also require the antenna for range) If all of this was available from a single website it would be a huge help!!. I know i am asking alot, but i am fairly useless at comprehending so much regarding all of this. I Apoligize for sounding like such a begginer .... but i really am haha.

Last but not least, thanks again to everybody who has helped me so much already, i'm very much appreciative!!!

Pete

[vtrnutter]

You do not need a massive power, illegal tx for fpv. With my 25mw 5ghz system I can get several km range. I have not yet found the limit. The stock whip antennas give me 300metres - so the range is all down to the type of antenna system. I use circularly polarised antenna which have a massive effect and this is all with legal equipment. With tx, you need to quadruple the power to double the range so you can therefore see that the relationship of distance and power has very little to do with each other.

As you will have found, flying fpv is quite difficult and different to normal flying. Therefore you are advised to keep things local before heading out on those mega long range sorties unless you have autopilot and re turn to home functionality.

I user fats hark goggles with 25mw 5ghz tx,and gopro hd as well as ezosd.

Hope that helps

[Jisiku]

Thanks, i wouldnt be flying too far away to start, but i would like to have the right equipment for when i am ready. You mentioned auto pilot? how exactly does this work, and whats required?, Although it isnt something i should need, it certainly sounds helpful should an error occure on the tx ..!


Also the kit i have linked shows 500 mw......you say you have 25mw? can you explain the differences here, im still confused, yet i am sure the answer is very obvious .... Thanks!

Pete.

Should i buy the complete FPV kit above, would i be able to purchase a new higher def cam to match the equipment supplied? the quality seems grainy.....yet the price seems right.

Total FPV (Fatshark Full FPV 2010 revB + Headtracker + OSD) [AVS-004] - €549.00 : FPV Systems Online Store, The Art of Video Piloting

[vtrnutter]

The 500 mw is not uk legal. I have 2, one is the legal 25mw version and the other is a 600 mw version. I am not personally too worried about using kit that is technically illegal but some are. The higher power tx use more power and run hotter so I actually prefer to use the lower power tx where I can.

My point is that whatever tx you choose, the antenna on both tx and rx are what mostly govern the range.

[Jisiku]

I finally understand. Just one last questions, the website i am looking at offers 2.4 ghz systems and 5.8 ghz systems. I run a 2.4 ghz dx6i. Both seem illegal, however what is best for me, you now know my views on what i am after. Would a 5.8 system effect my tx and reciever at all?, i've read about something that fits onto your reciever to "lower your gain". This threw me of completely, i guess thats the last i need to know. At last!

Again, thanks .....

[vtrnutter]

Rule of thumb is that you use a video frequency that is higher than radio. Lower frequency signals have greater penetration so with this setup you theoretically lose video signal before radio. You should not use video and radio on same frequency due to interference.

With 2.4 radio your only real choice is 5 ghz radio.

2.4 is legal in uk with 10mw tx.

[Jisiku]

5,8 Ghz Total FPV (Fatshark Full FPV 2010 + Headtracker + OSD) [AVS-008] - €559.00 : FPV Systems Online Store, The Art of Video Piloting

I've decided on this kit to start, the cam seems gritty but its a start.

Thanks for all of the advice, from you, and everybody involved, its been a great help.

Time to get started

Pete

[Balders]

I ordered a setup this afternoon from HK as well. I went for the 100mw 5.8 fatshark system, not the head tracker version. Had to add a sony cam, and I already have a GoPro2 for nice video recording.

Next job is to make/purchase better Rx aerial to get a decent range. Still undecided whether to swap off 2.4 Spektrum and onto 35mhz or keep things as they are. At least by ordering a 5.8 system I have the luxury of choice.

Here's what I ordered, plus camera:

HobbyKing R/C Hobby Store : FatShark 5.8Ghz Telemetry System (Incl. Tx/Rx)

[jiberjaber]

That the one I got Bladders. Seems OK, though rage is low with the stock 3dBi supplied antennas. I have some memory wire so will have a go at making some circular polarised antennas this weekend I think.