First FPV Build

[Stinsonj1]

I wanted to run my plans by some experienced FPV pilots and see what you think.

Here is what im currently flying:

Hobbyking bixler (stock but with stronger spar and upgraded prop)
6EXP 6-Channel 72 MHZ radio
R168DF Receiver

Here is what im looking at buying:

http://hobbywireless.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=458
http://hobbywireless.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=391
http://hobbywireless.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=672
http://hobbywireless.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=529

Its gonna be a hefty bill, but i want to do it right the first time.

What yall think?

[lobstermash]

Wow! That's some serious investment! I'm not a very experienced FPV pilot, but I've got one criticism of the first package on the list... It's all linear polarised gear. While you'll get OK range, you'll run into multipathing being the limiting factor to your video feed. To avoid this, you would need to replace your patch antennas and vtx antenna to helical and cloverleaf (or other cp antenna) respectively.

Aside from that, the set is pretty solid, but very pricey.

[Stinsonj1]

If im gonna do it, im gonna do it right!

Heres a set of clover leaf antenna i was looking at too.

http://hobbywireless.com/index.php?m...001d238bd4a1af

[Stinsonj1]

Well i just ordered some FPV gear. Heres what I picked up:

1 x FPV1024 Plug and Play 2.4Ghz 1000mW Wireless System - Lawmate - Camera
is optional (FPV1024) = $349.97
Select Camera Video Format... NTSC
Select the camera for this kit SN555 Mini Sony Hi Res. CCD color camera
Add Battery to Power this Kit No battery
Select 2.4 GHz Receiver R2400-Deluxe built-in battery
Add Fatshark Pan & Tilt System No
1 x Fatshark Replacement 7.4 1000mAh Lipo Battery (FTSK_BAT) = $19.99
1 x Fatshark Battery Charger (FSK_CHARGER) = $9.99
1 x FatShark Dominator Modular Video Glasses (FTSHK__DOMINATOR) = $299.95
1 x 2.4 GHz BluBeam Antenna Whip Set - RHCP (AN24_IBC_WHIP) = $64.95

Now, my bixler is stock except for the 6x4 prop. I dont plan on making any long range attempts just yet because I didnt order an OSD to keep the initial cost somewhat down. That being said, what upgrades do you think i should make to the bixler? Bigger batteries? Stronger motor? etc??

[Nonamerc]

The 1000mW transmitter does not work very well on long distances since it is old technology which does not has a good filter as the new 500mW transmitter. Sorry to tell you that.... Note that some people have issues with the 2.4 GHz deluxe receiver from lawmate since the integrated battery does not work well..
Buy a http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...dProduct=12919 motor with a triple blade 6X4 prop. Dont go full throttle with the triple blade or you will burn the motor!! Get a 40 amp turnigy plush ESC. Don't buy the cheap HK ones they send out more RF noice wich shortens your range. Also they cheap hk escs are not as good as the turnigy ones. Buy another 2200 mah 3 cell and connect it in series with an other 2200 mah 3 cell. Note that the mah and the cells should be the same of the two batteries that you connect.

[Stinsonj1]

Thanks for the tips! I actually just ordered the 500mw transmitter and will return the 1000mw one when it shows up. Picked up a cyclops easy OSD as well. (2) 2200 batteries!? Seems like an awful lot of weight! I am currently running 7.4 V 1300 mah batteries and figured i could use one of those to run the video equipment on the plane, and then order a 2200 to power the motor, servos, etc.

[Nonamerc]

7.4 volt battery for your fpv system??? That is not going to work well, just buy two 2200 mah batteries and upgrade your motor/esc/prop. The bixler will be able to handle the extra weight. Note that the 72MHz system is not made for long range flights...

[colorex]

Note that the 72MHz system is not made for long range flights...

2.4 GHz is for short range (1-2 miles),
72 MHz is for medium range (3-5 miles),
433 MHz is for long range (5-10 miles)

In the United States, 72MHz transmits legally at around 1 watt while 2.4GHz transmits legally at around 100mW (or 0.1W). So 72MHz is 10x as powerful at 2.4GHz. In addition, 72MHz is at a much lower frequency so the radio waves are longer and can much more easily bend around obstacles. 2.4GHz is essentially line-of-sight and will easily be scattered by any obstacle--especially a conductive object such as metal or carbon fiber.Holding your 2.4GHz radio behind a chain link fence with 3 inch spacing could effective halt all transmission. This would never happen with 72MHz. 72MHz is much, much more powerful. You could have your 72MHz radio inside your car and probably get sufficient range to fly 1/2 mile away.

[Stinsonj1]

3 to 5 miles seems pretty dang far to me..... Im going to stick around a mile or less (if i can even get that) until i get the bugs worked out. If the fpv equipment can handle as low as 5 volts (with a voltage regulator), why wont a 7.4 volt battery work? Remember, im new at this.

[colorex]

3 to 5 miles seems pretty dang far to me..... Im going to stick around a mile or less (if i can even get that) until i get the bugs worked out. If the fpv equipment can handle as low as 5 volts (with a voltage regulator), why wont a 7.4 volt battery work? Remember, im new at this.

Check the specs for the items you bought, they all say 12 volts operating voltage.