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GB ian · 03-22-2012, 05:13 PM

I am looking for a low cost FPV system to add to my hexacopter. It needs to be compatible with my Spektrum rx/tx.ie that it does not interefere with them!

Any ideas..there are so many to choose from on HK.

Any advice is appreciated as usual.

Wesley888 · 03-22-2012, 09:26 PM

Since the Spektrum tx is so low in power, I figure I don't need high power video tx. Losing video signal would be an indication that i may be losing control on the heli soon. This is the one I use:
http://www.foxtechfpv.com/foxtech-58...-mi-p-178.html

You can try the 500mw one as well if you are going to mod your Spektrum to high power.

GB ian · 03-22-2012, 10:57 PM

OK thanks for the info. I think I am staring to understand all this.

I have a DJI F550 hexcopter which runs 4S.

I plan on staying with Spektrum for a while to try FPV I know it has serious range limitations. if I like FPV I will get something more serious later.

So knowing this what do I need to buy?

5.8ghz tx/rx
camera
what else?
I will power the tx (assuming that is the bit that flies on the hexacopter) with its own pack.
What do I need to make all this talk to a laptop.

Any recommendations for the tx/rx and camera...cheap and cheerful for now.

Thanks

Wesley888 · 03-22-2012, 11:46 PM

I have the same thought as well. just something cheap to try things out. That's why I bought the 200mw tx/rx package. It's only $70 and it has all the cables and TX and RX. I also bought a camera with pan/tilt servo included, for just $70.

I just have them getting power directly from my 3S since it take 6-12V (15V max).

The RX output is a regular composite video output and audio port like those old VCR. I have them connect to one of my old computer monitor that has composite in. If you want to use a laptop to watch, you'll have to get some sort of video capture hardware and a video capture software as well. They may introduce video delay though. I don't think I would want to go that route. Sounds dangerous.

I also bought an OSD to show the telemetry. It's not really needed but it's just another toy.

kdrcguy · 03-23-2012, 12:54 AM

You will need a few things for your FPV setup: a tx/rx, a camera, an OSD (not necessary but very useful), a recorder (not necessary but useful for viewing later), and a monitor to show the video stream, such as a monitor, laptop, or goggles.

It is very important to have a very stable platform for FPV. Your DJI hexcopter comes with a Naza which is very stable and is a good platform for FPV so you are set there.

I have a 5.8GHZ 500mw tx with CE OSD on my quad and I use a laptop with a video capture device, and no delay. I have an HD cam for recording and as an FPV cam. I have a Naza as well but have not flown it yet.

If you want to boost the power of your tx you can read about how to do it here http://www.diydrones.com/profiles/bl...ost-your-24ghz

However, make sure you do not interfere with anyone else flying with a 2.4GHZ radio if you do the power modification.

Another good thing to do is use cloverleaf and skew-planar antennas on your video tx/rx. You can read about how to make them here http://rcexplorer.se/page14/CPantennas/CPantennas.html

Note that cloverleaf is for the tx and skew-planar is for rx.

If you would rather buy them already made you can get them here http://www.readymaderc.com/store/ind...roducts_id=550

When you start to fly FPV it will be like learning to fly again. The hardest part is landing. You can do that by looking away from the monitor and looking at your hexcopter normally and land that way.

Hope this helps

GB ian · 03-23-2012, 09:34 AM

Thank you both, that is good info to get md started.

What video capture software are you using on your laptop?

kdrcguy · 03-23-2012, 12:43 PM

I am using the one that came with my video capture device, called one touch grabber.

sl4ppy · 03-24-2012, 11:34 AM

fwiw, even a "low power" 200 wattvideo transmitter will reach 4 or 5 times further than any spektrum 2.4 radio...

Boosting 2.4ghz isn't really such a good idea either. It takes 4x the power for 2x the distance. FASST or better yet, a 72 Mhz radio are far better choices.

You should also filter the power you are drawing off your battery to power the vTx if you plan to go that route. ESCs cause a ton of noise on the power lines all the way back to the battery and will significantly affect your range.

GB ian · 03-24-2012, 01:19 PM

Yes I think 72Mhz is going to be the next step, but for now just to get the feel of it I'll stay 2.4 and keep cost down.

I am assuming any old 72Mhz system will do...6+ channels. I should be able to pick one up for next to nothing.

03-22-2012, 05:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
GB ian Registered Users Join Date: Apr 2008	FPV I am looking for a low cost FPV system to add to my hexacopter. It needs to be compatible with my Spektrum rx/tx.ie that it does not interefere with them! Any ideas..there are so many to choose from on HK. Any advice is appreciated as usual.

03-22-2012, 09:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
Wesley888 Registered Users My HF Map location Join Date: Feb 2012	Since the Spektrum tx is so low in power, I figure I don't need high power video tx. Losing video signal would be an indication that i may be losing control on the heli soon. This is the one I use: http://www.foxtechfpv.com/foxtech-58...-mi-p-178.html You can try the 500mw one as well if you are going to mod your Spektrum to high power. __________________ Align 450, Align 700e, SK 720 GPS, DX8, T14SG

03-22-2012, 11:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
Wesley888 Registered Users My HF Map location Join Date: Feb 2012	I have the same thought as well. just something cheap to try things out. That's why I bought the 200mw tx/rx package. It's only $70 and it has all the cables and TX and RX. I also bought a camera with pan/tilt servo included, for just $70. I just have them getting power directly from my 3S since it take 6-12V (15V max). The RX output is a regular composite video output and audio port like those old VCR. I have them connect to one of my old computer monitor that has composite in. If you want to use a laptop to watch, you'll have to get some sort of video capture hardware and a video capture software as well. They may introduce video delay though. I don't think I would want to go that route. Sounds dangerous. I also bought an OSD to show the telemetry. It's not really needed but it's just another toy. __________________ Align 450, Align 700e, SK 720 GPS, DX8, T14SG

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03-22-2012, 10:57 PM	#3 (permalink)
GB ian Registered Users Thread Starter Join Date: Apr 2008	OK thanks for the info. I think I am staring to understand all this. I have a DJI F550 hexcopter which runs 4S. I plan on staying with Spektrum for a while to try FPV I know it has serious range limitations. if I like FPV I will get something more serious later. So knowing this what do I need to buy? 5.8ghz tx/rx camera what else? I will power the tx (assuming that is the bit that flies on the hexacopter) with its own pack. What do I need to make all this talk to a laptop. Any recommendations for the tx/rx and camera...cheap and cheerful for now. Thanks

03-23-2012, 12:54 AM	#5 (permalink)
kdrcguy Registered Users Join Date: Sep 2011	You will need a few things for your FPV setup: a tx/rx, a camera, an OSD (not necessary but very useful), a recorder (not necessary but useful for viewing later), and a monitor to show the video stream, such as a monitor, laptop, or goggles. It is very important to have a very stable platform for FPV. Your DJI hexcopter comes with a Naza which is very stable and is a good platform for FPV so you are set there. I have a 5.8GHZ 500mw tx with CE OSD on my quad and I use a laptop with a video capture device, and no delay. I have an HD cam for recording and as an FPV cam. I have a Naza as well but have not flown it yet. If you want to boost the power of your tx you can read about how to do it here http://www.diydrones.com/profiles/bl...ost-your-24ghz However, make sure you do not interfere with anyone else flying with a 2.4GHZ radio if you do the power modification. Another good thing to do is use cloverleaf and skew-planar antennas on your video tx/rx. You can read about how to make them here http://rcexplorer.se/page14/CPantennas/CPantennas.html Note that cloverleaf is for the tx and skew-planar is for rx. If you would rather buy them already made you can get them here http://www.readymaderc.com/store/ind...roducts_id=550 When you start to fly FPV it will be like learning to fly again. The hardest part is landing. You can do that by looking away from the monitor and looking at your hexcopter normally and land that way. Hope this helps

03-23-2012, 09:34 AM	#6 (permalink)
GB ian Registered Users Thread Starter Join Date: Apr 2008	Thank you both, that is good info to get md started. What video capture software are you using on your laptop?

03-23-2012, 12:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
kdrcguy Registered Users Join Date: Sep 2011	I am using the one that came with my video capture device, called one touch grabber.

03-24-2012, 11:34 AM	#8 (permalink)
sl4ppy Registered Users Join Date: Dec 2006	fwiw, even a "low power" 200 wattvideo transmitter will reach 4 or 5 times further than any spektrum 2.4 radio... Boosting 2.4ghz isn't really such a good idea either. It takes 4x the power for 2x the distance. FASST or better yet, a 72 Mhz radio are far better choices. You should also filter the power you are drawing off your battery to power the vTx if you plan to go that route. ESCs cause a ton of noise on the power lines all the way back to the battery and will significantly affect your range.

03-24-2012, 01:19 PM	#9 (permalink)
GB ian Registered Users Thread Starter Join Date: Apr 2008	Yes I think 72Mhz is going to be the next step, but for now just to get the feel of it I'll stay 2.4 and keep cost down. I am assuming any old 72Mhz system will do...6+ channels. I should be able to pick one up for next to nothing.

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