Bartman
Welcome to MultiRotorForums.com!!
No doubt about it, FPV is fun and extremely useful for AP/AV. It's not that hard to get set-up also which has helped it catch on with thousands of RC fliers and drivers but there are relatively simple details that can keep it from working properly and if you're not aware of those details then you're in for some frustrating times ahead.
Here is a list of the details I've discovered. Let's get the ten most simple and common details that keep FPV equipment from working properly. I'll get it started and then add to the list as ideas are presented.
1. Know your cables and wires.
Thanks,
Bart
Here is a list of the details I've discovered. Let's get the ten most simple and common details that keep FPV equipment from working properly. I'll get it started and then add to the list as ideas are presented.
1. Know your cables and wires.
Cables are not wires and wires are not cables. Know what you're using when you're hooking things up or they may not work. Wires from your 1960's stereo system probably won't get the signal from your camera to the transmitter.
2. Do not let the power system batteries outlast the wireless Tx and Rx batteries.
5 km of wireless range means nothing if your goggles go blank as you're about to turn home. Make sure you have the power to see the ship back to home safely.
3. Know your equipment's plugs and jacks.
Let's say you have no choice but to make a custom cable for your equipment. It helps to recognize that there are multiple standards throughout the world for how certain plugs and jacks are wired. Multiple 3.5mm plugs in your system might not all be wired the same way. A multimeter can help you map out the plug's poles so you can make sure each stream of electrons goes to the proper place.
4. An antenna is not an antenna if it isn't the right antenna.
Just like everything else, just because it's an antenna on your equipment doesn't mean it's the best antenna for the job or even one that will work. Short range FPV with a car or boat has the lowest requirements for antennae. Long range with a plane that will be maneuvering beyond shallow bank turns requires specific antennae to provide steady and clear video reception. Do a little research and you'll find lots of options and plenty of explanations to make selection easy.
http://videoaerialsystems.com/how-to-choose-an-antenna/
5. Don't buy anything until you know what you're buying.http://videoaerialsystems.com/how-to-choose-an-antenna/
Ask questions, ask more questions, travel to Tibet and sit on a mountain while you ponder your FPV set-up, and when you get home, go ahead and start buying stuff.
6. As much as possible, keep FPV equipment separate from radio equipment and motor controllers.
Interference can limit range to practically nothing and it's really frustrating to troubleshoot. If you have the room, keep things separate.
I'm out of time for now. I'll sticky this thread and we'll make changes until it lives up to the thread title.
Thanks,
Bart
