T-Rex 450 stretched FPV work in progress

[AforcefulThrust]

So this is my FPV project. Very new to FPV and still learning, but very determined to get this going! My ultimate goal is to achieve 15min flights and 1-2 mile range without dropouts.

Equipment:
Spektrum dx7s controller
Align Trex 450 pro V2 FBL kit
3gx FBL unit (v2.0) with 2 spektrum satellite receivers.
Tarot 480 stretch kit with 365mm blades
3000 mah 3s lipo
WDR770 fpv camera (12v)
900mhz 500mw video tx (12v) both camera and tx run off flight pack
All stock align kit electronics/motor/servos and 15t pinion
Trex 500 landing skids
Cigarette lighter, small screwdrivers, and a half dollar coin to balance the nose/tail (plan to either upgrade to 4s or get a bigger 3s pack to balance weight later)






I plan to do this mod to increase controller tx range on my spektrum.
http://diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/...ost-your-24ghz
Opinions on this? Would a UHF system be better?

I also need a ground station still, all I have now is standard video rx with basic antenna. I want to get a tripod with some kind of diversity system, but not sure wich way to go for this.

Thinking about this hornet OSD. Any opinions?

Any gear recommendations or advice appreciated. Will keep this thread posted with my improvements.

[Pelagic Pilot]

Very cool, I plan the same mod for my dx6i but only so i can go about a half mile out. You cant trust spektrum very far away. UHF would be the best choice for serious LR. With enough power and good antennas you could get over 20 miles of range from the UHF.

[AforcefulThrust]

Status update.. Heli Recently had an unexplained loss of power while flying LOS. It was only in the air about 30 seconds, and just fell out the sky I determined the ESC was the most likely cause, and wanted to run 4s or 6s eventually later on anyway so I got an ICE50 on it now



VTx was destroyed in the crash, so FPV gear off for now. I haven't given up on FPV by a long shot! I will be replacing it with a 1.2ghx VTx after doing some more research. And... Considering just swapping the whole project over to an airplane It seems so hard on a CP heli I just love the way they fly and look but weight is such an issue on a 450.

Will be going offshore to work soon and when I get back I will have all my required FPV gear waiting for me to set up can't wait hahaha

[AforcefulThrust]

OK guys, I got a problem!

First time really flying it after the last crash, and the heli lost power AGAIN!!!

Once again, I was about to do a loop, started pulling back, and it just lost power! The servos were still working, bc I could level it out on the way down.



Thats the graph of when it crashed.. The only thing I notice is current spiked right when RPM's dropped. I'm thinking my motor may be bad, but I'm not sure. I could really use some help with this bc I'm stumped! 2nd time she just lost power and fell out the sky, After the first time I replaced the ESC. This is NOT fun lol... need to get her fixed!

[midohioboarder]

Did you get this figured out?

[sim_io]

I laughed at the picture where a lighter is strapped on top of a lipo, it just doesn't click in my head right

[AforcefulThrust]

Got it figured out... Inside my TX the little connector that connects my antenna to the TX board came unplugged... Trex is in the closet now though, I'm working on a hexacopter with a nex5n. They are s much better for carrying cameras IMO because of the stabilization they offer.