Hello Everyone,
I have had a lot of fun flying my drone for work but realize that it would be even more fun if I could see what my drone sees.
Right now I send it up with my camera take my shots for a few minutes than bring it back down and hope all is well.
So any suggestion on a complete FPV system? I do not mind buying individual pieces just want some advice on what pieces to buy. If there is a good complete package people have used that would be great as well.
BTW I am running a Quad with 880kv motors, Autopilot 2.5, and GPS.
Some Questions.
1) SD v HD - does the extra resolution make flying easier or is the HD more just for recording the flight for others to see.
2) single view vs. Head tracking - It seems to me that head tracking might add a level on confusion when flying but be worth it once you got the hang of it. Or is it more of a gimmick that is not worth the extra set-up and cost.
3) Battery - Can you run the system off of the main battery and if so what kind of drain would it cause?
Anyway thank you in advance for your input.
Jason
Replies
Guys,
Thanks for the help. Guys I am confused on what kind of connector do I need to hook the lipo battery to the headplay box? Here is a picture of the box opened. Also what Rc/Tx system are you using with your headplay?
Have been doing FPV for a few years now and gone through some gear so I will try to share some of what I have learnt.
1) SD is what you are limited to watching live, as transmitting HD is still out there (about $10K for 100m is the best I have found to date, but it may happen)
2) The question of head tracking. On fixed wing it is almost essential, and is no way a gimmick. Think of trying to fly a plane looking through a keyhole, that is the effect of no head tracking. You can initially just use Tx knobs to move the camera, but you are really there with a simple head tracker, and they are plug n play with the right ones.
On copters it is not so essential as you can be stationary and look around with yaw, but a tilt control, even if just a knob is handy.
A head tracker is very handy, and gives you more immersion in that 'being there' feeling as you can look from side to side (am I going to miss that obstacle?) and up and down.
For me, it is what made FPV doable. Just make sure you have a part of the aircraft visible in centre frame as a reference, that's what helps it work.
3) Batteries will depend on a few factors, like how much current it draws, which will depend on the power of the Video Tx, but usually, compared to your motors, the power draw is minimal.
Get the best goggles you can afford. They are the heart of the system and the most expensive item in the setup. Avoid the all in one systems unless you consider the initial outlay disposable. 640x480 resolution is barely adequate, and good 800x600 goggles are available for around the same price. You WILL notice the difference.
The camera should have a resolution of at least 520 lines to be worthwhile. Good 700 line analogue cameras are now readily available. Anything below 480 is not going to give you a very good picture.
If you are going to fly far or high, or you want to stay within boundaries (ie: not go above 400ft, not stray 500m etc) then consider an OSD as well. Little outlay, handy information to have in front of you.
Frequencies- these will depend on your local regulations, but be aware that if you use 2.4GHz radio you aren't going to be able to use 2.4GHz video as well (hence not getting all in one goggles, add the RX that suites). 900MHz performs the best but the current, and only legal video frequency for this country(Australia), is 5.8GHz, which is very line of site and interference prone.
I have always purchased my gear from rangevideo.com
Good gear, good service.
You should get this new set: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__28750__Fat_Shark_Attitud...
and you need this battery as well: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__20651__Fatshark_FPV_Head...
I don't have it, yet, but as soon as I got the money I will order this setup.
This set offers everything you need. Some well equiped goggles with build in 5,8Ghz receiver as well as a camera with transmitter.
Just plug it in and it will work.
Cheaper but with disadvantages: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__28342__Fat_Shark_Predato...
Check out ReadyMade RC . This supplier has starter kits. Start small, see if FPV is for you and build from there.
http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPat...
Your questions:
1) HD recorded by GoPro or alternative. The view you get in your goggles / screen is standard definition. Check out this (awesome) video - shows the FPV camera view as an inset onto the HD camera view at 01:18.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=A7z9dv6mVs8
2) Probably go with single view as a starter. I agree that head tracking sounds too complicated for starter.
3) Yes - can run off the same battery. I've done a grand total of 6 FPV flights so far and I limit my flights to 5 minutes, i.e. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycPC6QF0-wQ
That ensures that the 2200 mah LiPo is not overworked. I need a breatha after that time too - FPV makes the heart pump faster.
MJ