Whats the best FPV set up?

[dtw]

For a first time, David, you really could get away with buying:

http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_30_38&products_id=1017 as your transmitter. This is only 300mw, but I've gone out to a mile with 200mw and still could have gone a lot more. With a "good" receiver and a good transmitter, you'll be very happy.

http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_66_67&products_id=135
That's the cable you'd need to hook up that transmitter to your OSD (depending on what you get, you might have to splice 2 wires).

Then you could get the RMRC receiver as well - save yourself some money and get the good receiver. I know I said I swear by the HobbyWireless setups - and I still do. Given the way you're going to use your setup and that it's your first time, I'd almost rather see you get the better receiver.

 

[David1953]

I'll check out your recommendations and thanks a bunch for taking the time to answer my questions. I've gotten a lot of good advice here and so far it's really paid off. David

 

[David1953]

Last question before ordering some of this stuff. I am using DJI's GPS ..does the interference of the 1.2/3 vTx really knock down the number of satellites or cause significant intermittent GPS signal loss?

 

[haha49]

2.4ghz radio and a 5.8ghz video system will get you more range then you need. It also goes through trees.

At the end of the day how far do you really need to go. 400mw of power in 5.8 gets you out over 2 km how far can you really go.

 

[dtw]

2.4Ghz and 5.8Ghz work ok. If you have a lot of Wifi around, it'll kill the distance of 2.4Ghz, big time. 5.8Ghz does NOT go through trees, especially if you want to fly out to a kilometer.

As far as I know, my 1.2Ghz systems have not interfered with my GPS, Naza v2 or otherwise.

 

[eskil23]

Last question before ordering some of this stuff. I am using DJI's GPS ..does the interference of the 1.2/3 vTx really knock down the number of satellites or cause significant intermittent GPS signal loss?

If you mount the GPS-puck next to the video tx antenna, then yes, probably. However, the usual approach is to mount the GPS on top and the video tx on the underside (especially if you have a gimbal).

 

[haha49]

2.4Ghz and 5.8Ghz work ok. If you have a lot of Wifi around, it'll kill the distance of 2.4Ghz, big time. 5.8Ghz does NOT go through trees, especially if you want to fly out to a kilometer.

As far as I know, my 1.2Ghz systems have not interfered with my GPS, Naza v2 or otherwise.

I've taken a 5.8ghz system and went through 5 trees at 500 meters out didn't even flintch the signal. Now if you go behind a forest it might cut out but I found it all comes down to range if your close and lots of tress it's ok if your far and lots of trees it's no good. the further out you go the higher you have to be to keep the signal strength up.

 

[dtw]

I have done both, actually - I have mounted my GPS on top and vtx below - also mounted them both on top, but just several inches away from one another, and things have worked fine for me. The "spacing" of your antennas is very important. Keep your receiver as far away from your transmitters as possible.

I think I've shown this picture here before, but look at the distance between my GPS and 1.2Ghz transmitter. I don't typically fly this in GPS mode, but I have, and it's been really stable in the air. I typically fly this on "3D Hold", which is basically the same as "Acro". However, the GPS works great here, but it is around ~6" from the video transmitter.

View attachment 24146

Here's an example of how I've mounted my 1.2Ghz on my hex:

View attachment 24147

 

[dtw]

I've taken a 5.8ghz system and went through 5 trees at 500 meters out didn't even flintch the signal. Now if you go behind a forest it might cut out but I found it all comes down to range if your close and lots of tress it's ok if your far and lots of trees it's no good. the further out you go the higher you have to be to keep the signal strength up.

...and I fly all of my 250 quads with 5.8Ghz, and I'm lucky if I can get a decent image 500 meters away. This is while flying around the park with small trees - currently, there are no leaves, but once the leaves are out, I'll have to be more careful. I think results are mixed. I have several off-brand 600mw transmitters for 5.8Ghz, a brand new ImmersionRC 600mw transmitter - my results are not always the same, but with my ImmersionRC 600mw transmitter, I have gone 1km away with a good LOS and not had issue. With my 1.2Ghz system, I've gone 2+ miles away - and could have gone further, but I'm always tentative about how long my battery will last, so...

 

[David1953]

Following dtw's advice and links to diy ground station using 1.2 gHz freq I've listed the following components:
http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1017
http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_34_44&products_id=1015
http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_66_71&products_id=2938
http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_62_12&products_id=581
http://www.multirotorsuperstore.com/lc-common-mode-power-filter.html
http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_45_232&products_id=484
http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_22&products_id=1192
http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2409
http://hobbywireless.com/eagle-tree...fpv-ground-station-cased-eagleeyes-p-385.html
http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_66_67&products_id=1087
http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_14&products_id=1204
http://t.harborfreight.com/18-in-x-6-in-x-13-in-Aluminum-Case-69315.html

http://www.amazon.com/Dolica-AX620-...856&sr=8-1&keywords=dolica+tripod+mount+plate
http://www.amazon.com/Dolica-AX620B100-62-Inch-Proline-Tripod/dp/B001D60LG8/ref=pd_bxgy_p_img_y

Im not ordering any goggles right now. Does this look like most of what one needs to complete the task? Due to multiple crashes of 450 I'm waiting on arm and leg replacement parts, so thought I'd work on this project. Thanks for any feedback
David

 

[dtw]

@david

The 5V/12V step-down voltage regulator, I'm going to have to say that in my opinion, it's not so great. I've been fighting some issues with my video that I couldn't quite put my finger on. Turns out, I swapped out this:

http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_66_71&products_id=2938

With one of these:

http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_66_71&products_id=3397

I'm getting much better results. I'm also using this on my 250 mini-quad and it's excellent for filtering. Now, this filter is ONLY for 12V step-down, it does not provide a 5V power supply, so if you need that, you'll need to get another step-down voltage regulator. however, you can add that in after the 12V step-down. This RMRC 3A Power Reg just seems to do a MUCH better job of filtering and providing power. And actually, it looks like you're using a 12V camera and obviously a 12V video tx, so you should be good.

In fact, if you have this power reg, then you won't need the LC Filter (http://www.multirotorsuperstore.com/lc-common-mode-power-filter.html) because putting everything on the 12V 3Amp regulator will be plenty for FPV (video tx, camera, etc.)

Otherwise, it looks like a pretty decent list.

 

[David1953]

Thanks for taking the time to look at my list. I will adjust the filtering components. David

 

[engin]

...and I fly all of my 250 quads with 5.8Ghz, and I'm lucky if I can get a decent image 500 meters away. This is while flying around the park with small trees - currently, there are no leaves, but once the leaves are out, I'll have to be more careful. I think results are mixed. I have several off-brand 600mw transmitters for 5.8Ghz, a brand new ImmersionRC 600mw transmitter - my results are not always the same, but with my ImmersionRC 600mw transmitter, I have gone 1km away with a good LOS and not had issue. With my 1.2Ghz system, I've gone 2+ miles away - and could have gone further, but I'm always tentative about how long my battery will last, so...

Hi, dtw.. Hi again. I am confused again.. I bought everythings that you said. I dragon v2, naza v2 and FUTABA 14sg, iosd mini, vtx, vrx eagle tree etc....But I dont know dl micro rx wiring to naza (traditional, s-bus or ppm) I know iosd mini dont have RSSI maybe. What do you suggestion. My plan is I will wiring the futaba and DL a trainer cable. Then rx calibration and binding. Then naza and dl rx wiring, then naza settings on pc..And then vtx and iosd mini wiring... Then I will use a gimbal.

 

[dtw]

The easiest thing to do between your dragonlink and naza is just to set the dragonlink receiver to use sbus (assign it to pins for channel 8 or 7, whichever you prefer) and plug in a single cable from the receiver to the X2 port on your Naza.

Oh, and DJI OSD (both the mini and standard) do not support the display of RSSI. With the Naza you don't need RSSI as much because if you're flying in GPS or ATTI modes, if you lose connection with your transmitter (which you won't using DragonLink), the Naza will take over and start to come home. As it gets closer to you, you can flip the mode switch once and you'll regain control.

So RSSI is really more important when you're flying Acro or 3D mode because if you lose connection with your transmitter, basically you crash... Or if one has setup their failsafes correctly, it'll be a controlled crash - but not fun...

 

[engin]

Thanks a lots...7.channel ppm, 8. Channel RSSI..somebody says use ppm on the internet..why ppm. Why sbus. Sorry, I have a question, jumper pin uses micro rx calibrate? Or without jumper pin..because I can not find micro rx tutorial. Only older version rx on youtube. Thanks again. You are very good person.

 

[dtw]

You can configure your DragonLink receiver any way you like. It comes with channel 7 set to ppm by default, and channel 8 rssi. However, when you download the configuration utility from DragonLink's website, you can change every port to whatever you want.

As for whether to use PPM or sbus, the Naza is setup to use either protocol and personally, I don't know of a difference between sbus or ppm. The only thing that I do know is sbus can have more channels (I think - would have to confirm that). 14~16 channels is more than I've ever needed, so...

For questions about the DragonLink mini receiver, email mike@dragonlinkrc.com - he is super helpful and will walk you through anything you're having trouble with.

 

[engin]

Thanks dtw...your suggestions are very valuable. .

 

[engin]

I will send an email to mike. You are super helpful..What do you want from Turkey.

 

[dtw]

World peace!

 

[David1953]

I've done a fair amount of searching forums regarding FPV monitor screens and it appears there no consensus on what people like. The RMRC 8" appears to have a following, but it is currently out of stock ( that may mean something); however, the RMRC 10.1" doesn't seem to get the same love even though comparable specs. I am going to use 1.3 vTx, so the 5.8 built in monitors won't work. Does anyone have experience with the RMRC monitors to comment on them?
David