some fpv advice

[irekkin]

I'm going to start putting together my first fpv set-up and I am still doing my homework. here are a few components that I'm considering. I would appreciate any advice. one question in particular is the run cam vs. the board cam. I'm trying to keep the costs down some but it's not the most important factor. I'd rather have something that's going to work well over something cheap. tia.
http://www.getfpv.com/runcam-hd-1080p-mini-fpv-camera-w-f2-8-wide-angle-lens.html
http://www.getfpv.com/lumenier-rx5gdr-5-8g-av-diversity-receiver-with-raceband.html
http://www.getfpv.com/lumenier-sm-600-super-mini-600tvl-wide-angle-camera.html
http://www.getfpv.com/lumenier-tx5gpro-mini-200mw-5-8ghz-fpv-transmitter-with-power-switch.html
http://www.getfpv.com/5-8g-fpv-antenna-set-rhcp.html
http://www.getfpv.com/ibcrazy-5-8-ghz-rhcp-dura-spec-antenna.html

 

[makattack]

That looks like good equipment. I take it you already have a LCD screen or goggles (without it's own VRX) that you can use, that also doesn't "blue screen" on loss of video signal?

Oh, it's also not clear how many antennas you're getting for the VRX, which is a diversity unit. A lot of people will combine that with a directional antenna along with a omnidirectional antenna to get better penetration or range. You have two antennas listed, one obviously for the aircraft (the IBcrazy one?) and the other for the VRX which is an omni RHCP, but you might get an additional directional RHCP antenna, like a patch, helical, etc... for the other input on your VRX.

Here are some options from the same vendor:
http://www.getfpv.com/5-8ghz-spironet-mini-patch-antenna-rhcp.html
http://www.getfpv.com/5-8ghz-9-5dbic-helical.html

Both are close in price, but there are obviously more pricey options...

 

[irekkin]

That looks like good equipment. I take it you already have a LCD screen or goggles (without it's own VRX) that you can use, that also doesn't "blue screen" on loss of video signal?

Oh, it's also not clear how many antennas you're getting for the VRX, which is a diversity unit. A lot of people will combine that with a directional antenna along with a omnidirectional antenna to get better penetration or range. You have two antennas listed, one obviously for the aircraft (the IBcrazy one?) and the other for the VRX which is an omni RHCP, but you might get an additional directional RHCP antenna, like a patch, helical, etc... for the other input on your VRX.

I don't have goggles or a monitor yet, I had planned to use a cheap slave type (dc) monitor just to get started. got the idea from this article http://flitetest.com/articles/_160_Simple_FPV_Setup. also I'm really liking this camera http://www.getfpv.com/foxeer-legend-1-1080p-60fps-hd-camera-2618.html. it claims it can be activated wirelessly ( from your radio) which is some thing I've been looking for in an action cam. also it does double duty by recording your video. yes the ibecrazy ant. would go on the aircraft. i'll definitely look at using one of the directional ant. I think you can make some of these ant. yourself. I'm not sure but I think ibecrazy has some how to videos about that.

 

[makattack]

Yes, you can DIY antennas, but the high frequency 5.8GHz are harder / needs more precision than the lower frequency antennas, if you want to maximize performance. That said, making antennas is IMHO, a fun project in and of itself.

That's neat that the foxeer camera has a RX PWM RC input to control, but that also means you need to have an extra output channel on your RX or if you use PPM/SBUS, to make sure you can remap one of those outputs.