First Time FPV Adventures

[Phreak Out]

Hello everyone

I have been flying r/c aircraft for a long time, off and on since 1978 but I do not confuse activity with progression.

Today, I just received my FPV setup in the mail and I'm anxious to get started but I'm really confused, looking at all of these electronic components, scratching my head wondering what the hell I've gotten myself into (ha).

I was inspired to get into FPV by this guy's videos, here's one of them --> LINK

I've also been flying multi-rotor quads for a while and that's been fun. I'm building my third one now, almost finished, and plan on using it eventually with the FPV system.

I might start out using the FPV with an r/c truck, then move up to a slow flying airplane (this one is in my garage, converted to brushless --> LINK), then move over to my newest quad --> LINK

Anyway, I wanted to start a documentary of my adventures, so here I go!

Thanks

[Phreak Out]

Does anyone have a diagram of various FPV setups?

If not, I'm going to make one for the system I have. The visual will be helpful for people like me who can figure stuff out best when presented graphically, in "small pieces" with simplicity.

Thanks

[Hans]

My bet is that a lot of people are willing to help, but you have to post more info about what you currently are using

[Phreak Out]

My new FPV airplanes will be delivered this week!

I will have one for backup (and flying fun) and one for FPV adventures.

This should be fun.

I was thinking of going conservative with an FPV airplane but seriously, what's the point? If I start buying airplanes that aren't cool then it's time to ditch r/c and take up knitting socks for grandma or something.

[Phreak Out]

. . . but you have to post more info about what you currently are using

Okay, so here's most of the equipment I obtained (photos below). I didn't include photos of the antennas, wiring with connectors, or the user guide that came with the Fat Shark thing.

My plan is to start out simple and use a slow airplane with the onboard FPV camera working with the Fat Shark thing while using an FM radio (I have two FM radios from years gone by - I'll verify the functionality of these systems, making sure the Tx batteries are still good).

After I've gotten a few hours of successful FPV flying under my belt, it seems like I may have most of the items necessary to convert a radio to . . . whatever that box does - 433MHz or something?

Does this plan seem feasible? Any recommendations for a better plan? Does anyone wanna help me identify what these items do? I can sort of figure out some of them - like the onboard camera and Fat Shark thing. Most of the other items only seem to be a bunch of cool electronic gizmos that leave me scratching my head wondering "What the **** is that **** thing?"

Based on the stuff shown, besides already having an airworthy airplane using a reliable FM radio, do you see anything missing that I'll need to get started?

Thank you

[Phreak Out]

I decided it would be fun to build another airplane. This one will have a 1.2m wing and a fuselage roughly based on the Jackal Twin.

[Phreak Out]

I'll make the ailerons and trim/taper the trailing edge later. I'm happy with this so far.

Notice the pinched leading edge? Years ago, it took me a while playing around with prototypes before I figured out how to make nice bent edges with FFF but it's really easy.

I'm using the POE-180212 airfoil.

[Phreak Out]

. . . working on a fuselage and stuff . . .

[Phreak Out]

I woke up thinking about v-tail, maybe use for elevator only with ailerons.

I don't have two motors that are exactly alike that are not being used in other aircraft and I don't want to have to wait for them so I began thinking about a motor & ESC I could "borrow" from another plane with similar size and flight characteristics and came up with this design instead.

The tail booms would be c/f arrows - cheap & light enough

[Johnny]

Okay, so here's most of the equipment I obtained (photos below). I didn't include photos of the antennas, wiring with connectors, or the user guide that came with the Fat Shark thing.

My plan is to start out simple and use a slow airplane with the onboard FPV camera working with the Fat Shark thing while using an FM radio (I have two FM radios from years gone by - I'll verify the functionality of these systems, making sure the Tx batteries are still good).

After I've gotten a few hours of successful FPV flying under my belt, it seems like I may have most of the items necessary to convert a radio to . . . whatever that box does - 433MHz or something?

Does this plan seem feasible? Any recommendations for a better plan? Does anyone wanna help me identify what these items do? I can sort of figure out some of them - like the onboard camera and Fat Shark thing. Most of the other items only seem to be a bunch of cool electronic gizmos that leave me scratching my head wondering "What the **** is that **** thing?"

Based on the stuff shown, besides already having an airworthy airplane using a reliable FM radio, do you see anything missing that I'll need to get started?

Thank you

Going from left to right:
_The first thing is a high gain (meaning highly directional) yagi antenna. You really won't ever "need" this antenna, especially when starting out. Put it aside and forget you have it, or give it away. IMO
_Second is Fatshark video goggles. Yes, you will use these of course. Self explanitory. NEEDED
_Third is your 2.4Ghz video transmitter. NEEDED
_Fourth is the EZUHF receiver. It goes on your plane. You really do not need UHF for now. Just put it in your tool box and add it to your setup when you start going farther distances away from yourself. Use your "FM" 72Mhz aircraft radio for now. BTW EZUHF is top notch equipment!
_Fifth is your Video reciever. NEEDED
_Sixth is your EZUHF transmitter. You can add this to your existing 72Mhz transmitter to use with the EZUHF reciever down the road. For now, you do not need it. Put it in your tool box.
_Seventh is a very nice camera. Looks like a PIXIM. You will be very happy with the performance as long as the settings are correct. NEEDED

You purchased some nice equipment here. It should work well for you. Just do a TON of reading and research here on FPV Lab to LEARN how to put it all togther so it works PROPERLY. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Just about everybody here is willing to help.

Look at IBCrazy's antenna tutorials and make some antennas for your video system. If you can solder and follow directions, you will have no issues with building these yourself.

Enjoy!