Toronto Electric Model Aviation Club Forum

Toronto Electric Model Aviation Club (TEMAC) => General Discussion => Topic started by: Crazyflyer on March 18, 2018, 06:25:05 PM

Title: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Crazyflyer on March 18, 2018, 06:25:05 PM
Hi All,
This year we are going to have more FPV pilots at TEMAC than ever before. Last year you mostly had to worry about the crazy Hagens brothers, now Simon, the Hazelton brothers, Vadim, Carlos, Peter and quite a few others are getting more heavily into FPV, so we are all in trouble!!
I am working on a frequency board and will come up with some rules that we should adhere to. Peter Palumbo has graciously offered to create the board.

1. Most importantly before plugging in a plane or quad with an FPV system, make sure no one else is flying FPV. Even if you are on a different channel, you may cause a lot of interference.
2. Before you plug in, check to see what frequencies other FPV pilots are using. You will need to tag yourself on the board BEFORE plugging in the battery.
3. If 2 or more people are flying FPV (on different channels), when landing try to unplug right away and away from the other pilot. Walking or landing beside someone flying FPV with another "drone", will create very strong interference (even on different channels).

Here is a link to a great article on FPV frequencies:
https://www.propwashed.com/video-frequency-management/

Ideally we should all use RACEBAND frequencies which have the best spread. And with alternating between "right hand" and "left hand" circular polarized antennas, we can have as much as 8 people in the air without too much interference (Yes I know we can only fly 5 people at ROGO field). I will create a separate option for Fatshark band (Band F), on these bands a max of 4 people can fly at the same time with a bit of interference.
We should also pay attention to the power of the video transmitters:
25mw: good for indoor or fairly close
200mw: most quad racing events use this power level (good for up to 500m depending on your setup)
600mw: good for flying to the end of the field without losing visual. Some with great receivers and directional antennas could keep the signal for up the 2 km.

Any suggestions please add below.

Stephan






Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: sihinch on March 18, 2018, 06:48:52 PM
Hi Stephan,

Thanks for taking the lead on this. We had a Board meeting last weekend and agreed we would create a frequency board for FPV. It great to have your knowledge and experience involved with it. Are you happy to continue taking the lead on this?

If there are any costs, please let us know.

Thank you again! This is awesome,

Simon
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Crazyflyer on March 18, 2018, 06:50:40 PM
Of course Simon, it is my pleasure.
Stephan
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Palkina on March 18, 2018, 08:22:38 PM
The following shows how to combine all different bands. Taken from one of the links provided earlier by Stephan.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Andy Hoffer on March 18, 2018, 09:26:44 PM
Quote from: Crazyflyer on March 18, 2018, 06:25:05 PM
Hi All,
This year we are going to have more FPV pilots at TEMAC than ever before. Last year you mostly had to worry about the crazy Hagens brothers, now Simon, the Hazelton brothers, Vadim, Carlos, Peter and quite a few others are getting more heavily into FPV, so we are all in trouble!!
I am working on a frequency board and will come up with some rules that we should adhere to. Peter Palumbo has graciously offered to create the board.

1. Most importantly before plugging in a plane or quad with an FPV system, make sure no one else is flying FPV. Even if you are on a different channel, you may cause a lot of interference.
2. Before you plug in, check to see what frequencies other FPV pilots are using. You will need to tag yourself on the board BEFORE plugging in the battery.
3. If 2 or more people are flying FPV (on different channels), when landing try to unplug right away and away from the other pilot. Walking or landing beside someone flying FPV with another "drone", will create very strong interference (even on different channels).

Here is a link to a great article on FPV frequencies:
https://www.propwashed.com/video-frequency-management/

Ideally we should all use RACEBAND frequencies which have the best spread. And with alternating between "right hand" and "left hand" circular polarized antennas, we can have as much as 8 people in the air without too much interference (Yes I know we can only fly 5 people at ROGO field). I will create a separate option for Fatshark band (Band F), on these bands a max of 4 people can fly at the same time with a bit of interference.
We should also pay attention to the power of the video transmitters:
25mw: good for indoor or fairly close
200mw: most quad racing events use this power level (good for up to 500m depending on your setup)
600mw: good for flying to the end of the field without losing visual. Some with great receivers and directional antennas could keep the signal for up the 2 km.

Any suggestions please add below.

Stephan

Great post Stephan, especially the linked article. 
A couple of questions:
How quickly can a FPV pilot convert to direct visual line-of-sight (VLOS) control when he or she loses FPV control due to interference?  (It seems like there is significant potential for this to occur.)
Is it advisable to have the spotter/safety pilot on a buddy box to allow immediate transfer of control until the FPV pilot can establish VLOS when the FPV signal is lost or severely degraded?

Thanks,

Andy
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Crazyflyer on March 18, 2018, 09:49:09 PM
Hi Andy, having a spotter on a buddy box is definitely an option and may be good for beginners, but not wanted by experienced FPV pilots.
If you understand how your aircraft reacts, and are aware of where you are and attitude of your craft, you can keep going straight and level, take your goggles off and have your spotter point where your craft is. This can be done in less than 5 seconds. If you are going 100km/h 20' off the ground, your spotter will never have the time to take over anyways.
As you become more comfortable with FPV, you will know exactly where you are and can recover LOS with less trouble. But things always happen, people crash flying line of sight anyways.

I will add some preliminary rules I am suggesting in the next post. We can definitely discuss this more.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Crazyflyer on March 18, 2018, 09:51:50 PM
Here are preliminary guidelines I am thinking about:

FPV RULES:
1. Before plugging in, check that no one is flying FPV.
2. Check to see if anyone else is about to turn on their FPV system
3. Tag the frequency you would like to use on the frequency board
4. Turn on your aircraft with FPV (ensure no one is flying) and switch to the proper channel.
5. If there are multiple people flying FPV, try to coordinate to fly together or once they have landed. Taking off while someone is flying far away can cause interference.
6. Use a spotter to make sure you are not interfering with other aircraft, and to help locate your plane in case you lose FPV connection.
7. FPV systems are very sensitive, if someone is flying FPV, do not fly or walk by them within 15' with an active video transmitter; even if you are on a different channel, this will create very strong interference with their system.

Use your spotter:
• MAAC requires a spotter to make sure another MAAC pilot can take control of your plane in case you loose FPV connection with your aircraft. If you are flying a multicopter or a fast plane, it is very unlikely that your spotter will be able to take control of your craft in time, however the spotter can tell you where you are, suggest certain maneuvers, and see exactly where you land (or dig a hole!!)
• If you do loose FPV connection, it could be for a moment, it could be due to equipment failure or it could be someone else plugging in. When flying a multicopter in "acro" mode, switch to angle mode (practice switching quickly), it will make it easier to avoid crashing, as it will let you hover (don't power too much or too little). Your spotter can then guide you with less stress.
• If you lose FPV for more than 2 seconds, try to go straight and level, calmly pull off your goggles and have your spotter point to where your aircraft is. Chances are that you will be able to recover

Learning to fly FPV
• When learning to fly FPV, one of the hardest lessons is to understand your altitude (most FPV cameras have a very wide field of view which really distorts distance). Ask your spotter to tell you approximately what altitude you are flying until you get comfortable judging for yourself. Force yourself to go lower and lower (stay at a consistent level for the length of the runway) until you get used to your altitude.
• Landing FPV is very scary at first, you may want to fly level in front on you, pull off your goggles to land LOS (line of sight), but once you are comfortable with judging distance, you will love landing FPV (this relates to planes, landing a multicopter with the camera angled up, is not fun as you can only see the sky!!).
• You will also need to get used to where you are, when you are 300' up or 1000' away, you can forget where you are and have a hard time finding the runway.
• When flying FPV planes, your speed will also be very hard to judge, if you enjoy flying slow, you have to be aware that you can stall because you didn't realize how slow you were going. Get to know your airplane LOS and be aware of wind speed and wind direction. An experienced spotter can guide you with that.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Crazyflyer on March 20, 2018, 01:15:11 PM
Quick question for all the FPV pilots.
I would like to simplify the frequency board as much as possible. Most people I fly with have "raceband" on their receivers and transmitters.
Is there anyone that doesn't have access to Raceband? and if not, is there someone that does not have access to Fatshark bands (F) on their system either?
Attached is the board I am thinking of creating. And just putting a clothespin with your name on the section you will be using.
Thanks.

Stephan
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: sihinch on March 20, 2018, 01:30:16 PM
I do have a couple of Boscam Tx Stephan, without Fatshark or Raceband frequencies.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Oscar on March 20, 2018, 02:11:23 PM
Quote from: sihinch on March 20, 2018, 01:30:16 PM
I only use FatShark / ImmersionRC product but none have RaceBand frequency.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Crazyflyer on March 20, 2018, 04:18:07 PM
Ok you trouble makers, I will add Boscam to the board as well. There are some Boscam channels that will work with Raceband and Fatshark.
I will however omit certain channels on Boscam and Fatshark to avoid potential interferences and to keep the spread to 40MHz minimum.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Crazyflyer on March 20, 2018, 05:33:20 PM
Here is the updated board.
This setup will give us 6 groups or 6 people can fly together if needed.
There are plenty of other channels, however these are the ones that should have the least amount of interference using all the bands (Race, Fatshark, Boscam A&B and Wide).
One note is that generally you want 40MHz between channels, you will notice that Racebands are a little bit less. Ideally if we have 8 people flying, we would use the Racebands only, and alternating the antenna polarization with every channel (R1 = right hand antenna, R2 = left hand, R3 = RH, R4= LH, etc...) This is the way big events do it. At this point, it isn't required for TEMAC.

If anyone has suggestions, please let me know and I will have this sign fabricated.

Stephan
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: sihinch on March 20, 2018, 06:06:18 PM
Excuse the ignorance please Stephan, but I thought from your earlier post that these were the optimal channels for Race band and Fatshark:

Race band - CH1, 2, 8
Fatshark - CH1, 3, 5, 7
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: ppalumbo on March 20, 2018, 09:20:50 PM
How is this as a draft for the board. I was thinking we could add the rules as a separate board so we can just replace as the rules are updated (e.g. pit mode, etc..).  Think I may be able have this made for Sunday.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Crazyflyer on March 20, 2018, 09:42:36 PM
Hi Simon, attached I have 2 versions:

Option A: Raceband is the main choice (1st setup I created)
Option B: Fatshark is the main choice (new option as per your last comment, but R2 is too close to A8 but we can use R3)

Option B is probably better as more people are familiar with Fatshark rather than Raceband anyways.
Let me know if I missed something.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Crazyflyer on March 20, 2018, 09:47:51 PM
Quote from: ppalumbo on March 20, 2018, 09:20:50 PM
How is this as a draft for the board. I was thinking we could add the rules as a separate board so we can just replace as the rules are updated (e.g. pit mode, etc..).  Think I may be able have this made for Sunday.

Hi Peter, maybe I am complicating things too much to come up with different options. Maybe we can just use that. It still gives 16 options of frequencies.
Stephan
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Crazyflyer on March 20, 2018, 09:50:24 PM
Simon, shall we try the board Peter is suggesting? we can always adjust things later if need be.
Stephan
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: sihinch on March 20, 2018, 09:54:50 PM
Can I just say thank you to everyone for contributing to this. It's an awesome example of what we can do as a group when we have a common goal.

Now to sound stupid! I'm afraid I don't understand Peter's chart! Sorry. I do understand the option A and option B from Stephan.

I'd rather get this right or about right, than rush it.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Crazyflyer on March 20, 2018, 10:09:36 PM
Ok so option 3 is similar to the board Peter posted but a different layout that some may prefer. Actually in that board, there is a mistake in group C, E4-5800 is actually F4-5800. E4 is really 5645.
Okay this is starting to get my head messed up with all these numbers!
Edit:
Ok after comparing the 3 boards, I just realized option A & C are exactly the same. Some my original option was the same as the board Peter posted but layed out differently!
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: sihinch on March 20, 2018, 10:12:10 PM
I'm guessing that, assuming most people will fly Fatshark, option B would be best on Stephan's board. Am I right do you think?
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Crazyflyer on March 20, 2018, 10:17:33 PM
I think I agree with option B as well.
Stephan
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: sihinch on March 20, 2018, 10:22:54 PM
....but I do try to understand Peters charts, would I be right in saying certain frequencies are in a "group" and then you would only have 1 pilot flying in each group?

That may be less restrictive to brands and maybe would allow more equipment to be used, right?

Can we combine solutions? Option B with Peter's style chart?
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Crazyflyer on March 20, 2018, 10:37:16 PM
Yes Simon, only one person in each group can fly at the same time. It doesn't change the equipment, but if you want to specifically use Boscam (for example), the chart I created makes it easier to figure out which channel is available by going down the column.
The other big version leaves a bit more room for clothespins.
I will do the graphics tomorrow like this you have options.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: ppalumbo on March 20, 2018, 11:10:44 PM
Updated for B option above.  Again rules on separate board easy updates.  Let me know and I can cut this for the weekend.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: ppalumbo on March 20, 2018, 11:31:07 PM
Just a thought however since we are only dealing with 6 frequency groups would it be easy enough to just assign one frequency group to each pilot station.  When we are ready to fly we simply switch to the appropriated channel based on the station we step up to.  It would eliminate the guessing and perhaps the chasing down of who has which channel at any given time.  With a quick glance at the pilot stations you can see which groups are available so you can safely set up in advance (eg. non-fpv pilot is at station 2 so safe to assume that channel group is free to set up).  I could make a smaller sign for each station.  Let me know your thoughts.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: ppalumbo on March 20, 2018, 11:42:02 PM
Would also like to see a process in place to facilitate the use of pit mode.  Most newer VTX's have this feature and it really is intended for the safe setup prior to flying.  The pilot station should already be a sufficient distance from the setup area to allow for this.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Crazyflyer on March 21, 2018, 07:44:36 AM
I really like the idea of each pilot station having it's own frequency group.
In organized events, that is the way it is setup and will probably be easier than putting in clothespins on the board or forgetting to do so.
This also allows people who don't want to change channels when they get to the field to line up to a station and wait their turn.

The only challenges I see are to make sure we are all on the same MW power (200mw or 600mw), I fly 600 because I like to get to the edge of the field but a large number of VTXs have one power level only.

I have concerns about the pit mode setup because most people at TEMAC are not avid FPV pilots with the latest gear. I personally don't think that part is critical.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: ppalumbo on March 21, 2018, 04:01:04 PM
Great!  If there are no objections I'll start on the following:

•   One small sign for each pilot station (A, B, C...., colour coded and will list channels and frequency)
•   One sign (maybe hung below current channel chart) as a general reference (like the PDF I attached)
•   One FPV rules sign.

I agree that pit mode is not critical at this point and does not need to be regulated at this point. If you have equipment that supports it then we should feel free to use it for set up.

Over to the board for approval I guess.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: sihinch on March 21, 2018, 04:36:50 PM
Thanks again Peter and Stephan.

Can I suggest that we keep to just 1 frequency board.  NOT one at each Pilot station.  So be all means, let's go ahead with a "larger" frequency table, to be place somewhere near the current 72Mhz sign.

But I do agree with labelling the pilot stations with a number.  I can do that, no problem.

For the FPV rules, can we please wait because I do want to review them a little more and ensure we have everything covered.  And then get Graham's approval, from a Safety perspective.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Crazyflyer on March 21, 2018, 07:15:09 PM
Cool, so to confirm the main board will be as per Peter's V5 frequency chart. And the individual groups can be placed on the individual flight stations.
Peter, do you need anything from me?

Stephan
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: sihinch on March 21, 2018, 07:34:33 PM
No. I'm not proposing we have frequency signs on the pilot stations.

Just a station number. 1-5.

And then each station will correspond to a frequency group which is shown on the central location.

We don't want people changing their frequencies at the pilots station. They shouldn't need a frequency chart at the station.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Crazyflyer on March 21, 2018, 07:46:40 PM
Hi Simon, that is exactly what I meant. Sorry I wasn't clear.
Stephan
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: sihinch on March 21, 2018, 07:51:11 PM
Awesome! It sounds like a plan!

Thanks again Stephan and Peter.  :D
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: ppalumbo on March 21, 2018, 09:48:20 PM
Perfect, one frequency sign coming up.  Simon you may want to consider using station letters (A,B,C, etc.) to coincide with the frequency groups.  it would suck if someone at pilot station 5 mistook it for frequency group A.... unless of course it actually was... you know what I mean.  Again happen to make those as well if you like.

Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: sihinch on March 22, 2018, 12:28:46 PM
Hi Peter,

That's a wonderful idea! Station letters! I agree.

If you really don't mind making them, then yes please. We're you thinking something about 6 to 8 inches high for the station signs?

Thank you!
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: ppalumbo on March 22, 2018, 01:28:49 PM
Happy to, something between 6-8 inches should work fine.  I'll also colour code them to correspond to the frequency chart.  Near sighted folks like myself that remove our glasses for FPVing may have a hard time to pick out the letter on it's own from a distance so colour will help close any gaps.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: ppalumbo on March 25, 2018, 08:02:53 PM
Frequency board is up, will have pilot station signs for next week.

Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Ededge2002 on March 25, 2018, 08:31:31 PM
Quote from: ppalumbo on March 25, 2018, 08:02:53 PM
Frequency board is up, will have pilot station signs for next week.

Looks like frank will have some company around the frequency board LOL!

Dont you guys know that FPV guys have no perspective?   They obviously cant fly as they need to be in the plane to do it HAHAHAHAHA
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: sihinch on March 25, 2018, 09:04:33 PM
Thanks so much Peter.  :)

Get lost Ed!  ;D
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Andy Hoffer on March 26, 2018, 11:06:09 PM
FPV Board in all its glory!  Way to go Peter.  Can't wait to see it in action!

Andy

Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: ppalumbo on March 31, 2018, 03:18:12 PM
Pilot station signs to correspond to the frequency groups have been completed.  "F" group sign is in the plastic mailbox by the parking fence.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Frank v B on March 31, 2018, 03:44:47 PM
So now I have to learn the alphabet.  On the road to higher learning.  Good thing the word "higher" is a relative term. ;D

Frank

ps: it looks really neat and clean.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Andy Hoffer on March 31, 2018, 05:41:31 PM
Hi @Frank v B ,

Don't worry.  I will sing you the alphabet song and everything will be just fine!  After a few run throughs we can sing it together, and then you can make it your own.   I know you can do it!!!   You might even want to entertain the gang by dong it in Dutch at the next Pilots Meeting!!  :D

Cheers!

Andy

Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Andy Hoffer on March 31, 2018, 05:43:03 PM
Hi @ppalumbo,

Great job Peter!!

Looks like we need to add some spotlights on Stations D and E.  It's kind of dark out there!

Now the big question: where is Station "F"?!!!  :D

Andy
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Crazyflyer on April 12, 2018, 09:10:27 AM
So for people who wonder why we love FPV so much. Here are a couple of videos that will explain what we are looking for:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23oBS6hcWmI&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bgktfkBgAs

Please note that these videos are from a gopro not from the FPV camera. The FPV camera isn't as nice and generally more shaky.
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Andy Hoffer on April 12, 2018, 10:38:50 AM
I have to admit this beats my Cessna for really low passes!

Thanks Eric.

Andy
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Crazyflyer on April 12, 2018, 12:00:21 PM
Actually its Stephan but I am used to it at Temac!! We Hagens' look alike  ;)
With FPV you can do things you would want to do in a full size airplane but can't afford either the cost or the death part of it!!

Stephan

Quote from: Andy Hoffer on April 12, 2018, 10:38:50 AM
I have to admit this beats my Cessna for really low passes!

Thanks Eric.

Andy
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Andy Hoffer on April 12, 2018, 02:50:42 PM
Oh my goodness.  I am SO sorry Stephan.  I don't know why I automatically thought of @Eric Adventurer when I saw "@Crazyflyer".  But you are right.  You almost look like drones clones of each other - virtually indistinguishable!   8)

I will try to pay closer attention.

Andy

Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: bweaver on April 12, 2018, 03:08:04 PM
Quote from: Andy Hoffer on April 12, 2018, 02:50:42 PM
Oh my goodness.  I am SO sorry Stephan.  I don't know why I automatically thought of @Eric Adventurer when I saw "@Crazyflyer".  But you are right.  You almost look like drones clones of each other - virtually indistinguishable!   8)

I will try to pay closer attention.

Andy



@Andy Hoffer , how close did you get to @Frank v B last night at the pilots meeting?  I hope this miss-identity matter isn't that contagious.   ???

Andy, while I always recognized you qualified for the Morning Crew, now you too have demonstrated it fully. 

Having said that; Please don't get too close to any of us with what is apparently getting carried along.  It is too confusing for many of us.... we respond to pretty well anything. 

When you and Frank join the group next time, we will be sure to wear our name-tags.  Is larger print necessary?  :-*
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Andy Hoffer on April 12, 2018, 08:12:02 PM
Quote from: bweaver on April 12, 2018, 03:08:04 PM
Quote from: Andy Hoffer on April 12, 2018, 02:50:42 PM
Oh my goodness.  I am SO sorry Stephan.  I don't know why I automatically thought of @Eric Adventurer when I saw "@Crazyflyer".  But you are right.  You almost look like drones clones of each other - virtually indistinguishable!   8)

I will try to pay closer attention.

Andy



@Andy Hoffer , how close did you get to @Frank v B last night at the pilots meeting?  I hope this miss-identity matter isn't that contagious.   ???

Andy, while I always recognized you qualified for the Morning Crew, now you too have demonstrated it fully. 

Having said that; Please don't get too close to any of us with what is apparently getting carried along.  It is too confusing for many of us.... we respond to pretty well anything. 

When you and Frank join the group next time, we will be sure to wear our name-tags.  Is larger print necessary?  :-*

Hi @bweaver ,

I must confess, I did shake @Frank v B 's hand last night, so I may have picked up something.  My wife mentioned this morning that I had been mumbling in my sleep last night - something about "solders in the polders"...

The only "miss-identity" issue I am aware of is forgetting the name of our server at Colonel Mustard's.

In any event, you will be comforted to know that I will never confuse you with anyone else.   8)

Always in awe of our masterful CFI,

Andy

Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: Frank v B on April 12, 2018, 08:27:33 PM
re: "When you and Frank join the group next time, we will be sure to wear our name-tags.  Is larger print necessary?  :-*"

Bruce,

To heck with the large print.  Try Braille...... and..... bring your white cane. ;D ;D


Frank
Title: Re: FPV at TEMAC
Post by: sihinch on August 16, 2018, 10:56:11 AM
Quote from: Crazyflyer on March 18, 2018, 09:51:50 PM
Here are preliminary guidelines I am thinking about:

FPV RULES:
1. Before plugging in, check that no one is flying FPV.
2. Check to see if anyone else is about to turn on their FPV system
3. Tag the frequency you would like to use on the frequency board
4. Turn on your aircraft with FPV (ensure no one is flying) and switch to the proper channel.
5. If there are multiple people flying FPV, try to coordinate to fly together or once they have landed. Taking off while someone is flying far away can cause interference.
6. Use a spotter to make sure you are not interfering with other aircraft, and to help locate your plane in case you lose FPV connection.
7. FPV systems are very sensitive, if someone is flying FPV, do not fly or walk by them within 15' with an active video transmitter; even if you are on a different channel, this will create very strong interference with their system.

Use your spotter:
• MAAC requires a spotter to make sure another MAAC pilot can take control of your plane in case you loose FPV connection with your aircraft. If you are flying a multicopter or a fast plane, it is very unlikely that your spotter will be able to take control of your craft in time, however the spotter can tell you where you are, suggest certain maneuvers, and see exactly where you land (or dig a hole!!)
• If you do loose FPV connection, it could be for a moment, it could be due to equipment failure or it could be someone else plugging in. When flying a multicopter in "acro" mode, switch to angle mode (practice switching quickly), it will make it easier to avoid crashing, as it will let you hover (don't power too much or too little). Your spotter can then guide you with less stress.
• If you lose FPV for more than 2 seconds, try to go straight and level, calmly pull off your goggles and have your spotter point to where your aircraft is. Chances are that you will be able to recover

Learning to fly FPV
• When learning to fly FPV, one of the hardest lessons is to understand your altitude (most FPV cameras have a very wide field of view which really distorts distance). Ask your spotter to tell you approximately what altitude you are flying until you get comfortable judging for yourself. Force yourself to go lower and lower (stay at a consistent level for the length of the runway) until you get used to your altitude.
• Landing FPV is very scary at first, you may want to fly level in front on you, pull off your goggles to land LOS (line of sight), but once you are comfortable with judging distance, you will love landing FPV (this relates to planes, landing a multicopter with the camera angled up, is not fun as you can only see the sky!!).
• You will also need to get used to where you are, when you are 300' up or 1000' away, you can forget where you are and have a hard time finding the runway.
• When flying FPV planes, your speed will also be very hard to judge, if you enjoy flying slow, you have to be aware that you can stall because you didn't realize how slow you were going. Get to know your airplane LOS and be aware of wind speed and wind direction. An experienced spotter can guide you with that.

Hey everyone,

There was a little accident last night involving FPV; there was no damage or no harm done. It was more of a little reminder of the challenges of multiple people flying FPV.

So I thought I'd come on here today to review the rules, and check they were posted.  I found this (quote), which is good!  But realised we never formalised them or posted them at the field.  So here is an action for me.

Anyway, FPV flyers, please try to remember these rules for flying FPV at TEMAC.

Thanks,
Simon