FPV and Data link (Notebook opinions / suggestions)

TooManyHobbies

TooManyHobbies

Member
Hi guys, I was finalizing some wishlist equipment for a bunch of stuff going on a FPV DJI F550 build.
An additional Wookong Data link with a single waypoint upgrade may be "tossed in".
What do you guys think of a basic Acer One Notebook Computer or other?

I'm a bit nervous as to what works well for our FPV idea.
We grew up with dirtbikes and ATVs, and will be toying with some FPV cruising of the open and tight areas.
- Last, but not least, some typical FPV hill climbs and decent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fblsmx5S3CU&feature=player_embedded#!
Cruising with the ATVs would be a dream.



I believe an EZ OSD can help inform me of some telemetry info, but the data link on a notebook can too correct?

Which do I choose as lines of defense for keeping track of the copter when things are not working correct (Murphy's law)?

I hope to get some great ATV (4-wheeler) scenes.
We will be seated (ground station) near a lush wooded area with some barns scattered in the area.
-Not sure if the woods are even going to work terribly against us.
We'll test for weak transmission, but would like some advise for skimming tree-tops and open straight-a-ways.

Here is some of the equipment.

On the Ground
Eagletree Eagle Eyes Diversity controller
Dual Receivers for ground station. Both Optimized with better RF filters
1 patch antenna
1 Dipole antenna
3S lipo to power entire ground units.
Custom Wiring Built to power Receivers, Eagleeyes and spare plug for LCD monitor
All video cables needed.



What's included on copter.
Video TX
V antenna or Cloverleaf on TX
12 Volt converter installed onto F550 Power Dist Board to power cam and TX
Cables optimized for running video and power, to a FPV Cam (Purchased Seperately) and to Video TX from voltage converter.
Second cable to go from GOPro into TX

This is set up to use go pro as the FPV cam.
I need a universal plug for a separate FPV Cam that we'll switch out with the GoPro to see what we like better.

This is our 1st FPV attempt, so we may be missing a bit!
When I first started reading up on things, I thought that the Dragonlink was the "cure-all" for the project.
- I was under the impression that if things got bad, I could slowly pull up, use telemetry and try to squeeze back into the range of video transmission.

I'd love to use the Wookong "return to home" aid, but fear that it may drive me into a unwanted area or something.

Lastly, I may have to just settle for more open areas, but this is our private property and it's all we have!
Thanks for any tips.

Notes:
ezUHF is still an option (DL "dragonlink" is no where to be found).
​
I use a JR 9503 Tx.



 
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T

Tahoe Ed

Active Member
You can use data link and osd with a video down link for your FPV. If you are flying under goggles then I think the onscreen osd is important. If you are running a separate video camera then you don't want to connect the GoPro to the vTx as well. It is one or the other. I have used both. I like the dedicated video vs the GoPro. It is brighter and the FOV is more natural than the GoPro. You can record on the GoPro while you fly with the dedicated video camera. But for fun stuff and to simplify things the GoPro alone is fine.

Here is what is on my F450. Sony 550 camera, Mondo Singer 500mw 5.8gHa vTx with cloverleaf antenna, Eagle Tree OSD Pro with GPS, eLogger, Naza with GPS. I power the video with a separate 1000mAh 3S lipo. My flight battery is a 3S 2650mAh. i have my F550 set up for the GoPro only. I use an Immersion 600mw 5.8gHz vTx. This is rated for higher voltage so I have it hardwired to my 4S lipo lead. I have the same set up for my S800 which runs on 6S.

My Ground Station is a Eagle Eyes Diversity controller on a two axis antenna mount. I use two Immersion vRx's one with a cloverleaf and the other with patch. Note that I have just ordered a new 5.8gHz Helical 7 Turn antenna. It appears that the cloverleaf antennas do not want to play well with the patch antennas. I also have a usb video capture link to record video on my Mac. That way I can record or watch and also have real time flight data on my netbook. It is a cheapie, HP. I think I paid $250 for it. Flash hard drive running XP. Nothing fancy but it works.

Kloner has a lot more experience than I do. Maybe you can PM him for more info. FPV is a blast. To bad there is such a bias at most flying fields. But I can go and fly out in the canyons. It is good to have a spotter, especially when you first get started.
 

TooManyHobbies

TooManyHobbies

Member
Tahoe Ed said:
...It appears that the cloverleaf antennas do not want to play well with the patch antennas. I also have a usb video capture link to record video on my Mac. That way I can record or watch and also have real time flight data on my netbook. It is a cheapie, HP. I think I paid $250 for it. Flash hard drive running XP. Nothing fancy but it works.
Click to expand...

oh' ....I hope there is a compromise to what is being built for me (patch and cloverleaf antenna).
I'll wait a minute to see what happens when I speak further with him.
He is a great guy and has lots of experience with this but, may not have the correct package dialed in for my needs yet...
I'm as noob as they come when it is FPV, so I am as confusing as I am confused..... ;)



5.8...
-I thought 1.3 was the new thing for clear power vs that 5.8 you purchased?


I wish for the best as some of the best FPV minds in here "collaborate" to make the models more crisp in FPV.
It looks like a few of you are getting pretty darn good with help of the forum..

It seems that I should not get this list finalized just yet until I get past the 9channel JR reciever as my TX (transmitter) concern.
I really think there are better options for keeping Tx in the woods or near barns.

In the end the customer is the one getting butt-hurt when the specific goal is not met in fully compatible gear.
I'm nervous that this is just going to hit the ground.
 
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