utnuc
Member
Hey guys, I've been thinking about getting into FPV this year ever since I started building foamies. I know that FPV is its own animal and there seems to be a bit of gear tribalism at play on forums, especially eschewing companies like DJI since they have not traditionally been a part of the DIY builder market. Further, they seem to be at odds with the FliteTest ethos of build it cheap -> fly/crash -> repeat.
Having written this, I would like to hear from the fixed wing FPV community regarding the new DJI Digital FPV system. My hesitation in jumping right into the FPV market has been the poor image quality. To get image quality with good warranty and support worthy of jumping in, I'd be looking at $300 Fat Shark goggles, then adding on a $170 Rapidfire module. Getting close to $500 already, sans camera and batteries, +adding a second camera for HD recording. Even still, I'd be looking at a grainy analog video with limited range.
The reviews on the DJI Digital FPV look promising. Pros: amazing range, HD image quality, great warranty and support, no need for a second camera. Cons: Expensive at $819 for goggles + 2 receiver/camera units, weight: 54 grams for a receiver/camera unit that runs at 4-9 watts, proprietary non-interchangeable equipment.
How would 54 grams do on one the front of one of these foam planes? If I could somehow get a lightweight betaflight controller, I could consider using the DJI controller increasing range to an insane 4km, but otherwise I'd be limited to my OrangeRX DSMX theoretical range of 1km.
On one hand it seems crazy to buy such expensive FPV equipment then put it in a foam airplane, but ultimately most of the cost will be on my face and not in my plane. Please lend your expertise and thoughts.
Having written this, I would like to hear from the fixed wing FPV community regarding the new DJI Digital FPV system. My hesitation in jumping right into the FPV market has been the poor image quality. To get image quality with good warranty and support worthy of jumping in, I'd be looking at $300 Fat Shark goggles, then adding on a $170 Rapidfire module. Getting close to $500 already, sans camera and batteries, +adding a second camera for HD recording. Even still, I'd be looking at a grainy analog video with limited range.
The reviews on the DJI Digital FPV look promising. Pros: amazing range, HD image quality, great warranty and support, no need for a second camera. Cons: Expensive at $819 for goggles + 2 receiver/camera units, weight: 54 grams for a receiver/camera unit that runs at 4-9 watts, proprietary non-interchangeable equipment.
How would 54 grams do on one the front of one of these foam planes? If I could somehow get a lightweight betaflight controller, I could consider using the DJI controller increasing range to an insane 4km, but otherwise I'd be limited to my OrangeRX DSMX theoretical range of 1km.
On one hand it seems crazy to buy such expensive FPV equipment then put it in a foam airplane, but ultimately most of the cost will be on my face and not in my plane. Please lend your expertise and thoughts.