1.2 or 900mhz Downlink VideoCam

[Beaver Rat]

Hey I have a Trex 450 and am looking for a downlink video camera with a video camera/built in tx with a reciever with a built in screen. Unfortunately I have a dx7 so I don't think I can use any of the 2.4GHZ modules. I need one like this one but in either 1.2ghz or 900mhz.

http://www.helihobby.com/html/helicam.html

Thanks

[MarkWebber]

As I understand, you're not permitted to use 1.2 in the US. You'll have to go with 900. I did when I switched my radio gear over to 2.4.

[ErichF]

Mark's right, L-band (1-2ghz) is restricted to military, government, or law enforcement applications for telemetry and datalink. Also in that band are GSM phones, GPS, and satellite radio.

[Beaver Rat]

Ohhh, I see, ok, whats a good 900mhz downlink camera then that comes with a reciever/screen then. I idealy want a packageed one that includes everything I need for it to work.

Thanks

[bullaculla]

you're gonna have to make it yourself. 2.4 took over for wireless cameras so 900mhz RX/TX is hard enough to find as it is, let alone a RX/LCD combo.
I have seen a few really nice 2.4 RXs with built in LCD screens and the ability to record it, but not for 900 :(
the cheapest way is to get a camera, TX/RX from rangevideo or someplace else, and plug it into a cheap portable DVD player. When I first started out, my camera operator had to sit in my Jeep with the RX plugged into my overhead DVD player. With the car on, and AC running, I think they liked it better that way anyway :D

[Beaver Rat]

WIll a 2.4 camera downlink work with spectrum dx7?

[ErichF]

It's been reported that it will not work, as the close proximity of the video TX swamps the Spektrum (or any 2.4RX). Some have said they got it to work as long as the video TX is turned on before the Spektrum system is.

IMO, I wouldn't do it. There's a good 900mhz video system from www.rangevideo.com

[MarkWebber]

I'm using the XPS modules but I'm not sure that Spektrum is any different. Even when turning the downlink tx on before the radio system, I would still get significant reduction of range. Enough that I wouldn't risk flying with the 2.4 downlink turned on. Since switching to 900mhz, I've not experienced any reduction of range. I tested thoroughly before the first flight. I will now lose reception on the downlink long before losing control of the heli flight controls.

I use Range Video's 900mhz system. You can pick up any portable LCD tv/dvd combo as long as it has RCA inputs. I use a video card w/laptop or Eyetop glasses.

Not worth the risk, IMO.

[catfight]

Another option would be 5.8 ghz. Below link is for tx only - receivers are available. Range stated at 1000'. I want to try this but funds are low right now.

http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=TMX5808

[bullaculla]

Another option would be 5.8 ghz. Below link is for tx only - receivers are available. Range stated at 1000'. I want to try this but funds are low right now.

http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=TMX5808

Wow! thats the smallest 5.8TX i've ever seen! hopefully the prices will start to shrink too :D

[ErichF]

I wouldn't bother with 5.8 either. I work with a UAV system that uses C-band for video, with a transmitter made by L-3 (SoCal Microwave) that costs over $2000. The quality of the video from this system is not very good at all. It has lots of ghosts and static. Range is also very limited for a production UAV system. The same transmitter on L-band is broadcast quality.

[Beaver Rat]

Ok, So what all do I need to get a 900mhz downlink camera working? I have a portable dvd player which will work for the screen. So is the camera,tx,and rx all for sale at rangevideo? If there are any other sites It can be that too as long as I can order all of the stuff from one website.

[bullaculla]

Yep, you can get the camera, TX. RX and cables from rangevideo.com
even BNC to RCA adapters, but I chose to trim my cables as short as possible and just use RCAs instead of the heavy BNC plug and adapter.

[Beaver Rat]

What is BNC and RCA?

[Beaver Rat]

Oh, and also, what is a good camera for the trex 450. I am looking for good quality but under 200 dollars for the camera. Does this include EVERYTHING I need to get it going?

http://www.rangevideo.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=98

The only thing about this is that it has 420 horizontal lines which is less thhan others.

[catfight]

Beaver Rat,

BNC connectors are specifically designed for radio frequencies but RCA is really designed for audio and video. You can use RCA in some cases for radio frequencies ( on very short length runs) but it not as easy to match the transmitter to an antenna (please note that BNC's are generally used on a large scale project where you typically have longer cable runs):0)

I use a Pentax A10- but most people find other cameras more to their liking. I use a PRISM IR trigger on mine- but do limited camera work. I have the Askman mount for the Trex 450

[bullaculla]

BNC is also used for video too. Its basically a locking RCA jack used in commercial video production.
RCA jacks are the normal type plug you use on the back of your TV. Yellow, red and white.
Here is some info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BNC_connector

[j_kookboy]

Beaver,

Are you doing this for work or fun ?

There's cheaper alternative/combo's on ebay if you're just doing this for fun.

Jesse

[Beaver Rat]

I am pretty much doin it for fun:YeaBaby:, but I don't want crummy resolution. I still need 900mhz and so far range video is havin it!

[Aerial RC Photog]

I have that exact Camera system. It's 2.4. gHz
Works Great!!

The platform that I built has Left / Right /Fore / aft Cockpit views. The 2.4 Screen works great, but the Sun Kills it. I built a Shading thing that is mounted to the Cam Transmitter that blocks the Sun. The Cam Scanner, I found when mounted 12" deep in a Solid Black Sun blocker brings the picture out. I have a DX7 running the TREX, and 2.4 gHz Cam scanner mounted to a 900 mHz Ch 51 JR 6000 TX.

The down side to that particular cam scanner your looking at, Is the wireless cams that I have mounted, jams wireless internet Routers and Switches within 450 feet. And the Cam scanner picks up almost all Wireless cams within 400 feet. I was going to the field last week, wife was driving.. I was looking that Scanner while switching channels and everytime I passed a house that had wireless cams. Let's just say it was pretty ugly,,
:thinking

[Tonystott]

So you are flying the Trex on a DX7, and using a 2.4Ghz cam scanner mounted to a 900 mHz Ch 51 JR 6000 TX in the same heli?

Can you explain this a bit more please, as I haven't heard of a 900mHz Ch 51 JR 6000 TX.

[Aerial RC Photog]

Ok,, You caught me,,
I kicked the Jack Russell Terrier off the Cam Platform in the Kitchen for further inspection..
(Side note), Giz Nutz likes going for rides.
I'll explain later..

I meant a 72mHz Channel 51..
900 mHz is stuck in the synaptic reflex canals for some reason,,
:YeaBaby: