I'm very new to RC in general but am totally hooked. I'd like to kit my DJI Phantom quadcopter with FPV and was hoping to get some feedback.
The reason for wanting FPV is to both be able to navigate better and also to get better video footage. However, being new, poor, and a non-professional, I am trying to keep to an very entry level budget.
1) Camera
GoPro Hero 2
GoPro Hero 2 cable: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__46369__GoPro_and_AEE_Magicam_Live_A_V_Out_FPV_Cable_90deg_Version.html
I plan to use the Hero 2 that I'm also using to record the video. I understand that the wide angle can cause issues; its sensors can be less than ideal in sudden changes of lighting; and its aspect ratio renders a letterbox on the monitor but I'm ok with all of these things for now.
2) Transmitter / Receiver
Boscam 5.8Ghz 200mw FPV Wireless AV Tx & Rx Set: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__15295__Boscam_5_8Ghz_200mw_FPV_Wireless_AV_Tx_Rx_Set.html
I understand 5.8Ghz is ideal so as not to interfere with the 2.4Ghz controlling the quadcopter itself. I like this Bascom set because it has decent reviews, decent range, and decent price. I'm curious though about the ones I see on eBay from China that look identical down to the labels just not marketed as Boscam - although they are only slightly cheaper from the HK one linked to above.
3) Monitor
Some generic 7" LCD monitor: http://www.ebay.com/itm/261162662229?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
I'm aware that most people swear by goggles but I think I'd like to use a monitor for now mostly for price reasons but also just preference.
4) OSD
Haven't picked one out and may hold off on this. I'd really like one with navigation components aside from just voltage. Specifically, alttitude, pitch, roll and home.
5) Power
I'm not sure how to determine the appropriate lipo for this setup. What I've seen suggest a 2S 1000mAh lipo for the receiver and a 3S 2000mAh lipo for the monitor. How would I determine the appropriate lipo?
Also, assuming the lipos use a XT60 connector, can I simply use these XT60 female connectors (http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Male-XT60-Female-EC3-Connector-Adapter-XT-60-NEW-US-Seller-/141015333383?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20d52b3a07) to connect to the receiver and monitor? Is there any potential harm in powering both the receiver and monitor from a single 3S 2000mAh lipo aside from shortened operating time? (I just want to minimize the number of lipos lying around.)
6) Other Gear
Monitor mount to transmitter: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__40608__Universal_Carbon_FPV_Monitor_To_Transmitter_Mount_System.html
Transmitter mount: http://www.ebay.com/itm/FPV-OSD-Aerial-Camera-Video-Transmitter-Mount-Frame-For-DJI-Phantom-Quadcopter-/290996831606?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43c0c34576
As always, I really appreciate any feedback from you experienced folks.
Replies
http://fpvlab.com/forums/forum.php
#1 - Gopro 2 has reputation to have a short delay and this could be critical, depend how do you fly. Gopro (CMOS) is not well reacting with full sun in front, you can be blind. So be carefull when fly on sunny day and yaw on sun direction. A CCD camera will display the sun as a black circle, instead of blinding you. GoPro is sensitive to radiointerference, it radiates elecromangantic waves. Don't use Goprod wifi option. Be sure you dont have a standby trigger on gopro. use Gopro as in order 60fps to avoid jallo effect.
#2 5.8ghz is short range at 200mw, like 300meters. 5.8ghz does not penetrate buldings, trees. I am using 900mhz (from dpcav.com) at 500mw and I have a range to 1 km. good trees penetration when fly after trees line. if you use 900mhz, you need to buy the 900mhz band filter also.
#3 you can use a laptop and cover the laptop display with a box or black canvas, if you have the laptop. important in fpv flying is to be in "immersion". any contact with others details will disorient you. usually i start takeoff on direct visual mode, then switch to google.
#4. If you want to use APM and Mavlink, go with minimOSD. I have an Remzibi also but is not compatible 100%. You can start flying fpv without OSD on first 2-3 flight. OSD will make confusion initial, because you will be focus on OSD info, instead of flying. remember from real pilots, the order is: "aviate, navigate, communicate". OSD is navigate, not aviate.
#5 depends of your setup. many times i am using 8xAAA rechargeable and is good enough. You dont need real power on electronics. I am flying with 8 x AAA rechargeable batteries for fpv receiver and goggle (ground) and is enough for 2-3 hours of flying. same on air. sure lipo is better.
#6 - i am not using, maybe except my camera tripod where i put my fpv rx antenna
#7... hahaha... for canada winter flying, i fpv from inside my car. i remove the stock 2.4 ghz antenna from dx6i and use an wifi router cable to extend the antenna and put it on top of car roof.