I have installed a FrSky Module on a new 9X radio in order to gain at least a 3 mile range for my beginner FPV set up. I am not using OSD to begin with.
FrSky makes a patch antenna for the transmitter antenna. However they say to check to see if it will help me. How do I know without buying one??
Has anyone had experience with this patch antenna??
I don't know if you'll get 3 miles on that... Depends on your environment, how many WIFI routers are nearby, etc. I know of one person in this world thats gotten to 3 miles without a 1w booster. I can barely get to 1 mile, but if I head out into the countryside with no RF interference I should be able to get 2 miles (untested) with the patch. Then again, I'm flying a quad so its not as clean rf/emi wise as a plane. Here's the thing though, the Frsky patch is crap... There's a different brand 2.4 patch on Amazon.com that is a lot better, its what I use. I'll see if I can find you the link. On range tests it did double my range... It has a pretty wide beam, I've flown 1/4 mile out to the side... but I don't think I could get more than a couple hundred feet behind myself so definately only use it when you'll be able to point the thing at your aircraft.
i was in the same situation as you. unless you have a flying wing, or can separate at the vtx and frsky rx least 10 inches, don't go past 1 mile. (if that) separation and filtration was key with my frsky in my hk epp fpv. the more i could move then frsky the better range i got even with a low pass filter on my 1.3ghz vtx. a lw pass filter is a must with frsky and 1.3ghz.
i got the patch antenna and was planning on doing a 3.5 mile trip then decided to i didnt want to worry about rc link and got dragon link. however i still run frsky in my LOS planes. so i never even got around to trying it out.
if you decide on going frsky get the telemetry receiver - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...elemetery.html that way when your rssi is weak, the tx will beep.
Here we go...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o01_s00_i00
$8 to double your range isn't bad at all! need4speed reminded me I was going to mention low pass filters... If your video is on 1.3 or 900 you definately need one. I have 900 and the times I've forgotten to put on the low pass filter I'd fall out of the sky after 200 feet! Its safe to say I'm saving up for a UHF system!
If you want range you really are better off with an LRS or even old fashioned 72mhz for control. I use a Futaba 9c radio and I use FrSky 2.4 in my plane too. I use 5.8ghz for video as it will not ever interfere with the control link, AND I have patched in a Bluebeam 2.4 SPW antenna that is mounted up top behind the cockpit on my EZ*. Even then I still keep it "local" around the field. Without OSD and LRS flying any kind of range is just asking for trouble. Especially for an FPV newbie.
Take it slow and easy, save up for the proper tools. Don't try to push something beyond it's capabilities or you will receive an expensive lesson from the FPV fates.
Thanks I ordered one on your recommendation. For that price you can't go wrong. I can use it for a door stop if nothing else. I am using the D8R II Plus receiver/tx along with the FrSky TX. I already like the telemetry the plane will warn you if the signal gets weak.
I have these items ordered: RMRC-700XV camera, Fatshark Dominators 5.8GHz, Immersion RC 600 - 5.8TX, & Bluebeam whip antennas.
Anything else I should get as a beginner?
Sounds like a good start... Maybe a simple osd with voltage so you don't have a battery go dead in flight http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...Mini_OSD_.html
One thing about that patch... it tilts up and down, but also has a swivel and I've noticed the swivel get loose and will rotate left/right under the weight of the patch. Had it happen in flight and lost control, didn't know until I removed the goggles. So I got the thing screwed on just right and brushed epoxy over the swivel joint. Maybe a less permanent fix would be heat shrink or tape.
Should I go with an OSD that gives location data and altitude? If so what?
Also what about a Helical ground antenna?
I am setting up a ground station so others can watch too. This signal will come from the goggles. Should I go with a simple video receiver to run into the ground station or keep it simple with the goggles?
If you got the $$ ($180) I like the EzOSD personally... All the essential data, nothing else, large read-able text. Good reliability and the guy that designed it is here on fpvlab to give assistance (but watch out, he can be sassy so be friendly for best results, lol).
You won't need a helical at first, perhaps not for a while. You should be able to get a couple miles out of your bluebeams... when you start getting far enough out that your video is getting bad, then thats the time to get a helical, patch, yagi, or otherwise directional antenna.
If your goggles have a Video Out you might be able to do that, but if the signal is going to another set of goggles those will need power too. And then you've got a cable coming out that could get snagged and cause problems. If you can afford $60 for a 5.8 IRC Uno for the "passenger pair goggles" that might be easier.
Great info --------- Let us say I am using the goggles with the bluebeams on them. I get a Immersion 5.8GHz Uno Receiver and attach to my video recorder in my ground station. Do I also put a blue beam antenna on it. That seems redundant.?. Or what do I do? Until I get OSD I want to record the plane flight viewing pix.
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