Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ellison Chan on January 4, 2012 at 5:32pm

Well, Udrones is offering a RTF (Ready To Fly) solution.

Since you already have a plane, you probably won't buy it, but it will give you an idea of what's needed.

http://www.udrones.com/product_p/aprtf1.htm

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Permalink Reply by Toby Mills on January 4, 2012 at 5:35pm

Hi Matthew

You will definately want to upgrade your radio to something with a few more channels. Steer clear of 2.4Ghz systems as later on you may want to add a live video feed and most video is on 2.4Ghz.

 

Order a basic APM2 kit from the store but I would suggest not starting with any Telemetry.

Get it installed and working in Stabilize and FBW mode, then try a few waypoints.

If you can get it all working then you might consider adding telemetry and then a video link which costs quite a bit more.

Start simple, take it in small steps and you should be fine.

I'd suggest maybe getting a cheap foam plane to practice on because you will crash a few times.

While you are waiting for your hardware to arrive, read the wiki..

http://code.google.com/p/ardupilot-mega/wiki/Introduction

 

Then read it again,

Then read it once more.

It should answer all your questions. 

 

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Permalink Reply by Matthew Thomas on January 4, 2012 at 5:39pm

Thanks guys so much!!

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ModeratorPermalink Reply by Sgt Ric on January 4, 2012 at 7:17pm

Toby's mention of frequencies is simply his own taste as there are just as many people on 2.4Ghz RC and 900Ghz video! (if not more!)

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Permalink Reply by Toby Mills on January 4, 2012 at 7:29pm

agreed yes it is my recommendation not a rule, although if you stay clear of 2.4Ghz control and go with 72Mhz control, then that gives you the option of 900Mhz, 1.2Ghz, 2Ghz or 5Ghz video links.

900Mhz would likely give you the best range for video, but 900Mhz is also generally the frequency of telemetry so if you wanted to have Telemetry, Video and RC later on, then go with a low frequency RC control so you keep your options open.

Most people running 900MHz video are probably doing FPV not a UAS and they usually wouldn't run telemetry as well as video, hence the choice of 900Mhz video for the best range.

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ModeratorPermalink Reply by Sgt Ric on January 4, 2012 at 9:41pm

You are right Toby, my roots are FPV, so perhaps I am biased. 

You are bang on about FPV not needing telemetry at the same time as video... thats where OSD was for.

For my UAV use, I am moving my vid to 1.2 so as to use the Xbees @ 900Mhz.

 

I want to stay with 2.4Ghz R/C for the bulletproof reception.  I use a Hawkings booster and patch on the back of my TX since 2.4Ghz is not know for its range compared to the other wavelengths.

 

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DeveloperPermalink Reply by R_Lefebvre on January 5, 2012 at 11:40am

Just wanted to continue this discussion...

 

I am currently using a Futaba 9CAP 72MHz system, with a 2.4GHz FrSky plug in module and reciever.  I also have a 900MHz Xbee.  I was planning to get video soon, and was going to get a 900MHz system.  Will that not work with the Xbee?

 

I could switch back to the 72MHz transmitter easily.  But I'm invested in the 900MHz Xbee.  Which way should I go for video?  I'm concerned the range on 2.4MHz video is too short?

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Permalink Reply by Ellison Chan on January 4, 2012 at 7:34pm

There's also plenty of good quality 5.8ghz video systems out there.  I'd say stay with 2.4ghz for rc control, since it's less prone to interference, which is more critical than the video link.  You can survive a few glitches on the video, but loose rc control of your plane, and it may go down.

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Permalink Reply by Matthew Thomas on January 4, 2012 at 7:46pm

Thanks guys!! You both make great arguements!! Where could one come across a reasonably priced UAS video from the 900Mhz - 5Ghz and 5.8Ghz? Price does change things to a certain extent, I'm sure we can all agree on that.

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Permalink Reply by Ellison Chan on January 4, 2012 at 8:07pm

Check out the "Telemetry and FPV" section at hobbyking.com.

The prices are very good, but they're low on stock recently.

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Permalink Reply by Matthew Thomas on January 4, 2012 at 8:38pm

Wow this is amazing!! And the prices aren't as bad as I was expecting either! I found the Fatshark FPV and an additional booster to take it's stock transmitter from 100mw to 600 mw. They said the 100mw had a range of 350-500mtrs so the 600mw should bump it way way up there!!http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=... and http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=... That is of course they get the boosters back in again. Lol.

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Permalink Reply by Ellison Chan on January 4, 2012 at 9:52pm

Yeah, that set of FPV goggles is pretty good.  One thing about 5.8 is that wavelength is the shortest of all the systems.  So it better in open areas, which no obstructions like trees or buildings blocking line of sight.

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