First Time FPV Adventures

[Scotttu]

Hey Phreak Out - I bought the Z2 - same thing, 20 years flying experience or more - but because (FOr me) launching it is a real PITA and it requires room to fly, I built an EZStar on a low budget - see pic above...

I've had it out 1km so far and despite my super fast landing the thing does slow down EXTREMELY nice- it's a nice plane to fly....

In fact I may have over motored it, had to keep pushing DOWN on the elevator, wants to climb LOL - HOWEVER I may go do some LOS flying with it in the nearby field just to get used to how slow I can fly it .


View this video on YouTube

[Phreak Out]

I was going to start flying with one of my two Wingo's - this one isn't mine but I have the same thing. I'm using an Astro motor with a geared output.

[Holt25]

I'm still new but this helps with figuring out antennas for video and radio! antenna 101 is a must! Put the yagi away! For whatever its worth. I like your plane designs.http://fpvlab.com/forums/showthread.php?116-FPV-PILOT-TRAINING-CENTER-YOUR-ROAD-TO-FPV-SUCCESS

[Phreak Out]

I received everything I need so I began building my Specter that Alex provided.

Specter Build Question #1 --> I will be using a 72MHz radio with this thing - do I need the "ring" attached to the ESC wiring that connects with my receiver (in the circle in the first photo below)? Alex provided these parts pre-cut.

I realize the "aerodynamic enhancement" probably isn't necessary for the elevator servo - I'm a little OCD about stuff sometimes (photo 2 below).

I hope y'all don't mind if I ask questions as this project progresses. I promise I will make an effort to answer them before I ask them here.

Thanks

[Phreak Out]

Does anyone know the correct C/G for the Specter?

I have about an inch to move the battery fore/aft.

Thanks

[IBCrazy]

Put a 2200-2500mAh battery in there and it will balance perfectly. it was designed so CG would already be determined so long as you use the correct battery.

That said, the balance point should be within 1 of the carbon spar.

-Alex

[IBCrazy]

To answer your other question: Yes that ferrite ring is required. The BEC in the ESC is a switching BEC and the ring is a choke. Taking it out could result in damage to your RX.

Don't over think it. Seriously, glue the booms in, glue the tail down, put your RX in and fly it.

-Alex

[MASHTON1138]

I received everything I need so I began building my Specter that Alex provided.

Specter Build Question #1 --> I will be using a 72MHz radio with this thing - do I need the "ring" attached to the ESC wiring that connects with my receiver (in the circle in the first photo below)? Alex provided these parts pre-cut.

I realize the "aerodynamic enhancement" probably isn't necessary for the elevator servo - I'm a little OCD about stuff sometimes (photo 2 below).

I hope y'all don't mind if I ask questions as this project progresses. I promise I will make an effort to answer them before I ask them here.

Thanks

Alex beat me to it. If you move your questions to the specter thread they will get answered quicker

[Phreak Out]

I resurrected my FPV project . . . again.

After evaluating which of my top four aircraft to use for my FPV maiden, I selected the Wingo due to probably better crash protection, slower speed and familiarity and confidence with the airplane. It's my goal to get the Specter flying very soon but I thought it could be helpful to get some "slow flying" experience under my belt first.

I cleaned, lubed and adjusted the gear drive, installed new servos, repaired an elevator hinge and created a foam top piece to close the open cockpit (which may slightly improve aerodynamics while also providing a platform for the FPV camera).

It's exciting to finally get this going but the weather this weekend and Monday looks lousy.

The lengthy delay of my FPV adventures is purely my fault - no excuses - but better late than never, I reckon.

It would be nice to know how to program this "fairly old" Castle ESC. I haven't discovered how to program this ESC yet - any links to any articles would be most helpful. The date on the ESC reads "Jul 04."

Thanks

[Phreak Out]

I'm running the antenna along the aluminum tail boom (10mm x 10mm tube connecting the tail to the foam fuselage).

The antenna extends beyond the tail, hanging off ~8 inches.

Does this seem like there could be any reduction in range or reliable reception due to the receiver antenna running along the side of the tail boom?

Thanks