First Time FPV Adventures

[Phreak Out]

1st photo --> I'm guessing the wingspan is ~44 inches (~1100mm)

2nd photo --> Here's the "cover" I quickly cut from a scrap piece of foam. The FPV camera mount is not fixed yet. On the bottom of the foam cover (unseen) I glued on a balsa spar that will be used to snug the small zip ties securing the camera mount.

3rd photo --> This motor, ESC and gear drive system are "ancient." I believe I obtained them back in '04 but after cleaning, lubing, and adjusting, all seems well. I've flown this plane with this setup and climbing is definitely not a problem.

My radio is setup and ready - everything trimmed. Now to install the remaining FPV items and then balance by moving battery fore/aft.

I know it's a dorky looking aircraft - again, my goal is to have the Specter in the air very soon after I get a little practice with this slower airplane first. It seems both airplanes do a great job of protecting the FPV camera.

[Scotttu]

My take on FPV, doesn't matter what your plane looks like b/c you are not there to look at your plane, you are there to look at scenery!

Nice, keep us posted!

[Phreak Out]

HOLY COW!!!


I just connected everything on my workbench - and it worked!!!! I couldn't believe it!!! SO COOL!!!

At this point, I'm only getting power to the goggles via AC/DC adapter but I'll figure out a way to use some of my 3S lipo's to get the goggles going at the field.

I can hardly wait to see what it's like to finally fly FPV!!! Dang, this is so freakin' cool!!!!

[Phreak Out]

Is there any need to include this board w/capacitor and other thing?

My FPV system seems to be working great without it

Do you guys remember how being a newb really sucks sometimes?

Many thanks

[IBCrazy]

^I highly recommend that device. It's called an LC filter. It cleans up the video feed in times of disturbances such as using throttle.

[Phreak Out]

Mega-thanks! I will use it and have greater confidence this system will actually work (that's not a negative comment - I'm someone without experience).

Does anyone wanna comment about the FPV camera transmitter being too close to the motor in the photo below? Should I move the FPV camera transmitter?

"As is" the airplane balances very nicely but I can move stuff around if necessary.

Danke!

[SnarkyMcSnarkson]

I think that distance is fine. Just make sure the ESC is a few inches from the transmitter.

[Phreak Out]

Now that I have my FPV system operational, I'm still trying to decide if I should use the quad, the slow flyer (Wingo), the Specter, T-28 or something else.

I could use the quad and do "short hops" in my yard - that would count as FPV flying, eh?

I am unsure how to record my FPV experience. I'm guessing I could either toss on a GoPro to the aircraft or would it be better to run a video cable from the goggles to a computer?

Also --> is it okay to use 5.8 GHz for FPV video and 2.4 GHz for aircraft control or should I stick with 5.8 GHz for FPV and use FM for aircraft control?

Thanks

[Holt25]

To bad you don't have a pocket DVR to record from your ground station. Like a pinnacle or fpvjapan. Then you have to add nothing to your plane. I'm still in my first build and i didn't want a expensive gopro on my plane. This seemed like my best option.

[Phreak Out]

Update: I'm finalizing my quad for FPV!

Should be operational on Wednesday, 27-Jun-2012!



Ya, I know, what's the rush . . .