Can anyone recommend a decent place to get a introductory set of FPV gear?
Not looking for top end stuff, just something that works and won't break the bank.
Thanks
If I was doing it all again, I'd get a plug n play set.
So cheap end looking at HobbyKing.
Stateside I like Ready Made RC. Very helpful and reasonably priced.
Hi Mike, the options are huge for fpv, hobbyking is the cheapest or surveilzone.
- Goggles: Fatshark $350usd+, Headplay $250, Quanum DIY FPV Goggle V2 $56, or go with an LCD screen $150+
(one of the fastest guys in my drone racing group still uses an LCD screen ... but he is the only one)
- VTX (video tx): if you want to do racing or fly with others, go 200mw max, some racing will now require 25mw. 600mw will cause interference with the people beside you but gives you good distance. Everything 5.8ghz if you want the small antennas (look for 32 or 40 channel). If you want to go long range (3+ km) than you want to go 1.2ghz but you will also need UHF on your transmitter.
The cheapest are the skyzone TS 5823:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__63114__SkyZone_TS5823_5_8GHz_32CH_A_V_200mW_Mini_FPV_Transmitter_v2_.html (still one I use but some of the QC isn't good and you may get a dud, I am happy with it)
or you can go Aomway (1 step up) or http://rotorgeeks.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=335 for $42CAD but is push button. (choose SMA for the antenna so that it is compatible with fatshark antennas, makes life easier)
Also, the new standard for FPV racing is using "racebands" which was a fatshark setup, but if you choose a 40 channel VTX, the eight extra channels are the racebands. Something the cheapest skyzone VTX doesn't have.
- Antennas: don't go for the cheapest, you will throw them out, actually I can give you my first set!
I have had the best results with Immersion http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__49826__ImmersionRC_5_8GHz_Circular_Polarized_SpiroNet_Antenna_V2_RHCP_SMA_.html , you can also go cheaper with Boscam http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__44643__Boscam_5_8GHz_Cloud_Spirit_Circular_Polarized_Antenna_Set_RP_SMA.html
Also between your VTX and antenna, use an extension to avoid putting the pressure on the VTX board (I have broken a few that way) http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__50463__SMA_Male_SMA_Female_180mm_Aerial_Extension_Fatshark_ImmersionRC_Compatible.html (you can also get a right angle on one end) The important part is to make sure that the connection are tight otherwise you will get a lot of interference and may fry your VTX. (If you run power to your vtx without an antenna, you will fry it!)
- Cameras: my favorite is the HS1177 (sony components), you can get is in toronto http://rotorgeeks.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=25_32&product_id=231 or china http://www.surveilzone.com/DC5V-plastic-case-mini-sony-super-had-ccd-600tvl-super-camera-2.8mm-lens-for-fpv
Eric uses Runcam and is very happy with it: http://shop.runcam.com/runcam-skyplus/
If you have a choice of IR Block or IR Sensitive, choose IR Sensitive (no Ir Block) as it will be better when it gets dark. The IR block gives you better colour during the day but you can't see anything when it gets dark (this camera is only good for FPV anyway, not really for high quality recording like a mobius or RunCamHD). Also get a 2.8mm lens, you want a wide enough lens too see what is happening around you, especially when landing. Also don't get one that can do higher than 600tvl quality, otherwise there will be a time lag of up to 1/2 second.
- Finally the video receiver, if you don't go with fatshark and you need an external receiver, the best choice is a diversity setup (2 antennas choosing the best quality) http://www.nghobbies.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_5_96&products_id=1155#.VmWQ27_x3zM for $150usd
For a cheaper solution is the RD40 but I have heard some negatives when you are running 5+ units side by side for $76. http://rotorgeeks.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=25_94&product_id=408
This part for me is the most important, if you don't get a good signal, FPV is not fun. I will probably be getting the Immersion Duo from Zoltan even though I currently use Fatsharks.
Stores:
http://www.readymaderc.com
http://www.nghobbies.com (Zoltan - local) (Immersion / Fatshark dealer)
http://www.rotorgeeks.com (local)
http://www.surveilzone.com
https://www.rotorquest.com (local)
http://www.hobbyking.com
There is a ton to learn with a ridiculous amount of options. Zoltan and NG Hobbies is awesome for info along with a few other local retailers.
If you want to try out my gear, let me know and we can get together.
Although I am relatively new at this and still have a lot to learn, I am very happy to share what I have learned, don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, that goes for anyone in the club.
Stephan
Wow,
That's a lot of info. Thanks!
Now I have something to do other than work today at the office!
Yes FPV will take up a lot of your time. Once you get comfortable with FPV it really sinks it's teeth in you.
My next project is a 36" racing wing with FPV setup. ;D
Check with Zoltan from NG Hobbies (Weston Rd/ Hwy 7). He did a FPV presentation at our meeting early this year. That is where I get my stuff. He is also the Canadian distributor of Fatshark and ImmersionRC.
http://www.nghobbies.com/
(416) 642-6830
Spektrum sells what appears to be a starter set, SPMVS1100, complete with Fatshark goggles, and camera/tx. Camera/tx runs on 1S battery.
A few people asked me to post some of my FPV videos here although they are not TEMAC based.
The video was recorded using the RunCam HD, this is much better quality than the reception you get from the video transmitter.
These are on a 3S battery, I will try to shoot a video with a 4S battery this weekend (it is like trying to steer a bullet!)
https://youtu.be/fInFMxUfMbI
https://youtu.be/gGsbJy9AY3k
Lots of options out there but I feel the important question you need to answer yourself is what aspect of FPV you enjoy most - relax soaring out in the open or close-in fast racing. Once you decided on that, then you can select the equipment to optimize to that type of flying. Also when selecting equipment, keep in mind on possible radio interference among the various transmitters/receivers used for control/video/telemetry.