RC Groups - Video Piloting (FPV/RPV)

Help! GPS Issue..

Cralis — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:46:49 GMT

I am battling with my GPS reception on my plane. The problem is probably around two issues.

1. I run a 900Mhz video Tx.
2. Proximity of the GPS model (Eagle Tree) to the Video Tx and ESC.

On the ground, motor off, but video Tx tx-ing.. I get 10 sat lock. It's only when I fly, things go bad, and fluctuate between 0 sats and 4 sats, then up to 8... then down to 0... crazy.

Note: I have done NO other mods.. (Foil underneith might help?)

My video Tx is on the boom of my Easy Glider Pro, the GPS module is then maybe 3cm from the Video Tx also on the boom, and then the wires from my ESC are about 3cm further up the boom. So, it's in a bad place, I guess.

I think I have two optons, but looking for comments on which is best, or maybe other options.

1. I have a GPS Antenna extention cable. I could keep the GPS module in the same spot, and run the extended antenna to the nose of the plane, quite a distance from the ESC/VideoTx.

But - will that help the issue? The GPS module is still close to the Tx. Will the extended antenna become the GPS Rx basically? Or will the proximity of the GPS Module to the VideoRx still be an issue?

2. I could extend the GPS wires (between the Elogger and the GPS Module), and move the GPS module to the nose of the plane.

But - those wires on the GPS module are MICRO thin... and are not easy to split and strip... So, it's not my prefered method. Also, it's 4 wires... and the extention would be think and ... not pretty. They would be layed along the side of the plane.

I'd prefer option 1, but want to know if it will fix the problem at all.

Hope you guys can help.

Discussion Aerial Search Practice

Tarro — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:21:11 GMT

I took my Maxi Swift out today and practiced aerial searching with the camera pointed almost straight down. I put the RVOSD in Fly By Wire mode to keep the plane flying straight and level. The FBW worked great keeping the plane stable in the 10 to 15 MPH winds I had to deal with today.:)

FPV Aerial Search Practice (1 min 3 sec)

Discussion Receiver Dilemma

Dimitris76 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:32:43 GMT

I have been flying FPV for quite some time with JR equipment, without headtracker and no problems whatsoever.
My trusty JR SPCM modulated RS77S receiver @ 35Mhz had (still has..) all the range I need and the failsafes at all channels in order to take advantage of my DragonOSD's RTL feature.

Recently though I modified my RF module for headtracker use (see thread here: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1129231) and all of a sudden I have an Rx dilemma.

These are my new needs:
1. I need PPM modulation for headtracker compatibility (it can not inject the pan/tilt channels in PCM stream).
2. I need failsafes.
3. I need all 9 channels.
4. Last but not least I need good quality.

Does anybody know a receiver that fulfills all these specs?

I have a Corona synthesized with failsafe but only 8 channels. I have a few 9 and 10 channel JRs. Could I use this in-line failsafe circuit that R/C car people use on the throttle to trigger the RTL?

Dimitris

Build Log Polymmersion Low cost and unbreakable FPV Platform.

muppet61 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:15:53 GMT

Polymmersion a simple and efficient plane for FPV.

This EPP airplane is cheap, less than 45$

Link to buy it (worlwide delivery):
http://www.intermodel.fr/62-eppim-v2.html
Wingspan: 1m (39,37")
Lengt: 70cm (27,56")
weight: full fpv equiped less than 500grs

Post of the Build log:
http://fpv-community.com/forum/editpost.php?pid=2591

Some Video:

http://vimeo.com/6458469

http://www.vimeo.com/7758436

http://vimeo.com/7753561

http://vimeo.com/7068535

Question Small/Cheap delta FPV plane?

kmart — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:55:37 GMT

Just curious, has anyone tried one of these? It's cheap enough, that I'm tempted to try the fatshark tx, and a micro 72mhz rx...

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXKZC3&P=0

Discussion RSSI on Rvosd v3 with Futaba R617FS 2.4ghz

Neo360 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:41:09 GMT

See the video

http://www.vimeo.com/7755467

The % of the signal is not perfect!!

I have futaba with 1w booster and have fly to 6km without problem.

Have any resolution of this?

I use this diagram to connect the RSSI:

Discussion flight battery is 250 grams more but econo cruse is double.

videocruzer — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:17:55 GMT

8s a123 the green ones are 650g. 12 minute cruise @ 50% throttle.
turnigy 6s2p flat cell is 900g 24min @ 55% cruise.
both rpms were very close in sound but the 8s was tic faster.
today i hope to get the tachometer involved as yesterday the new battery were being tested indoors. I am in the process of removing the hinge gap on my sea wind, changing it to a knuckle hinge line. the sock hinge line is just wacked its so bad its causing trim chages at different speeds.
its not confirmed on gps yet but the cruise is around 120k, just an eyeballed guess. 100kph is 1 mile every minute. the 71" sea wind wont hold any speed records. but its cg range is large just like its electronics bay.:D
'

Poll A question about FPV and stress

Jack_LaLanne — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:04:20 GMT

Do you think FPV is good to relax a bit from every day stress? (a successful complication free flight is assumed)

Discussion What kind of range do YOU get on the Synth Corona RX?

EyeFlyPlanes — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:25:13 GMT

Hey Guys,

So I just upgraded to a Futaba 9c and decided to start with one of the Synth Corona 8ch RX's for FPV.

http://hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store...iver_8Ch_72Mhz

Now im coming from a 2.4 ghz Spektrum radio so I was always used to flying within quarter mile safely. So im curious what kind of range have YOU seen reliably with this rx?

Also is it a PPM or PCM? I cant seem to find it on the website.

Thanks!

Discussion Collective thinking - and some help from the pros..

giluriel — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:09:09 GMT

Hi There,

I'm trying to arrange a new setup for my FPV.

Here are some thoughts and questions. all tips, remarks etc.. will be highly appreciated.

Goals:
- Should be able to carry extra 300gr of video equipment.
- Electric motor
- VERY stable flight
- simple building process
- time in the air .. 10 - 15 minutes at the minimum
- Preferable - rudder and elevator and not V tail (this is not a must)
- Large range of flying speed (I'd say - as an estimation something like 30km/h to 80 km/h). I guess this range is to big but it's the idea ...

At the moment I'm negating all the simple gliders as they have no place inside of them for equipment (easy star and a likes)

Things I thought of:
- I'd rather use a pusher model of something with the prop at the middle (Not a from prop)
- Large wing area ? (should help carrying more weight ? will be able to surf the air a little bit more ? ) I'm not sure if this assumption is correct..

I thought of a modification to the good old Shrike:
Taking the motor backwards, and virtually - splitting the bird - Front half Video and OSD stuff, Rear part - Powering, receiver etc ..

Well ....

If you have something similar,
Any remarks... etc ..
Please post them here :-)

Thanks,
Gil

The good old Shrike (not me and not mine .. hahah)

Discussion FS: Fatshark Goggles and TrackR1 Headtracker

Pepelatz — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:19:07 GMT

For Sale: Fatshark Goggles and TrackR1 Headtracker

Discussion One battery to power everything ?

GoldCraft — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:27:33 GMT

Ild like to set up my ez star with one battery to power the tx,cam and plane functions(motor,rx). Can this be done and if so what is required?

Discussion A question about FPV and trees...

Steve91t — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:41:39 GMT

A friend of mine just let me wear his goggles while he flew his FPV equipped plane around. What an experience! This is something I've been wanting to do for a long time, but am now just finally getting serious about it. Here's what I want to do. Using my Slow Stick as my FPV plane, I want to sit on my deck, take off from my tree lined back yard, and fly around my small neighborhood. But I was told that trees absorb the signal and most likely I'd have problems.

Here's a FlyCamOne 2 video of what my back yard/neighborhood looks like.

I'm not interested in a long distance, but just something to tool around with.

Is it not worth it, or do you think I'd be OK. I'm also on a budget. I don't want to spend a lot of money.
Thanks,
Steve

Slow Stick Flying around the backyard... (4 min 22 sec)

Discussion Video tx rx

L14m — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:29:11 GMT

Hi all Ive just replaced my video tx from Hobbywireless to a 1.2ghz 500mw plug and play unit. I used to run a 1.2ghz 1000mw but it was over kill for my fpv-ing. Anyway Ive just dry run the camera kx 171 (brand new as well) with the v tx 500mw one and I used to run my old one on channel 3 1160 mhz but for some reason I cant pic a picture up on that channel now with the new tx. I can only pic up channel 1 ,dont no but the only thing I can come up with at the moment is my lippos im using arnt fully charged. Any Ideas for not being able to pic up channel 3?
Regards Liam.

Discussion Where to buy : Stryker

JohnyGab — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:13:55 GMT

Where on the web I can buy all the parts for a Stryker, Fuse, canopy, wings...ect ?

Discussion ONE STOP: Portable Recording Device discussions (Updated 11/22/2209)

SoMoney — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:45:31 GMT

Aiptek MPVR+cb

+ video resolutions: 720x480, 640x480, 320x240 (the VJ classics!)
+ SMALL size! Doesn't take up much room in gig bag.

HDD Portable Media Players: One Touch Video Record!

Now these are tried and true. China Vision sells them for about $80US
Requiring 12v a single 1500mah 3sp1 11.1v. pack will easily power it for an hour.

Mini DVR: Chinese Made, there are MANY versions of this! DogcamSport, Micro DVR, Mini HDVR

Mini DVR1 records in mpeg4 format at 640 x 480 resolution
eBay between $80-300US this purpose built DVR for Helmet/spy cam use captures video and 640x480 and looks very promising.

San Disc V-Mate:

Popular $30 Recorder.
640x480 30fps 5volt
Note: Some units can not record and view at same time. Generally these are used to just record via a video splitter. they are not designed for portability so you need to rig a DC 5volt adapter on your own.

Neuros MPGEG-4

Open Source $70 Recorder.
640x480 30fps 5volt.
These Units appear to Record and view at the same time but I have not seen any reviews from FPV Pilots using them. they are not designed for portability so you need to rig a DC 5volt adapter on your own.

ARCHOS AV405

ARCHOS AV500 - 605

Archos is a very Popular portable recorder company for those with $100-300 burning a hole in there pocket. From reviews it has a Poor battery life however from the pfv footage I have seen posted looks decent.

CS-T60C Portable HDTV Player/Recorder

Price Range Between $120 - $150 on eBay
Recording quality At DVD quality, i. E. MPEG-4 D1 resolution(720x576/720x480 pixels), MP3 stereo
Recording mode: Quality setting at 3 level (HQ/MQ/LQ)
Recording format: AVI file format (AVI)
NOTE: They are not designed for portability so you need to rig a DC 12volt adapter on your own.
Questions: WILL IS RECORD AND PLAYBACK WITHOUT LAG IN REAL TIME?!

DY-T60 Portable HDTV {;ayer/Recorder

Arround $99 on eBay. Not sure whats diffrent between the DY-T60 and the CS-T60C.
NOTE: They are not designed for portability so you need to rig a DC 12volt adapter on your own.
Questions: WILL IS RECORD AND PLAYBACK WITHOUT LAG IN REAL TIME?!
Features:
Recording function (Smart and powerful)
- connected with Set top box to record TV programs; Connected with VCD/DVD player to record contents in VCD/DVD disc
- One-touch video recording; Advanced Scheduler for multiple time recording. Smart!
- Up to 280 hrs (recording in SP mode) in a 750GB exchangeable HDD. Powerful!
- In DVD quality with selectable high, medium and low compression ratios (720 x 576@25fps, 720 x 480@30fps MPEG 2 mpg format).
- time shift
- simultaneously playing and recording function
Questions: WILL IS RECORD AND PLAYBACK WITHOUT LAG IN REAL TIME?!

If an HD Portable DVR is what your looking for....
These run $70 Wholesale $130-150 Retail.
Holds 2.5" Hard Drives
Accepts 12v DC
Records and plays back in HD!
Questions: WILL IS RECORD AND PLAYBACK WITHOUT LAG IN REAL TIME?!

JXD 990 4.3" 8GB TV-Out Camera MP3 MP4 Media Player

These DVR's can be had on eBay for under $100US.
TV-In Recording / TV-Out Support Resolution 720x480 Although I doubt very much it can RECORD anywhere near that. Not many reviews in FPV circles but I did find one from gromitvt10 who reported that its not the greatest but works well for what he does.

I'm thinking of changing out my V-MATE for something I can record and view at the same time in REAL-TIME that doesn't switch to blue screen.
If you use a particular brand of recorder and it does real-time record and view, please post it here and your thoughts for all to share. :D

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Question Is any one using an Airtronics transmitter and a head tracker?

markeydoo — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:56:47 GMT

Is any one using an Airtronics transmitter and a head tracker?
If so please let me know
Thanks
Mark

Cool Formation Flight, Patrulla Vertigo

munonakill — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:47:25 GMT

Hi everyone:

Aftel a long, long time, flying in formation (3rd person), we started doing it in FPV.

Results?

Please visit:

Patrulla Vértigo, Capítulo 2 (3 min 41 sec)

If you liked it, you can visit us at

www.patrullavertigo.es

Enjoy it!

Discussion Advise regarding battery setup requested

Lissey — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:26:48 GMT

Hey guys!

I need a bit of help choosing the right batteries for my planned FPV Easy Star.

I'm planning to use this TX/RC 1,2GHZ Set:
http://alai.h3m.com/~s0350672/catalo...roducts_id=370
with one of the standard fpv cams.

my engine: http://hobbyking.com/hobbycity/store...idProduct=4201
esc: http://hobbyking.com/hobbycity/store...idProduct=2164

going to use 2 of these servos: http://hobbyking.com/hobbycity/store...idProduct=8499
and 2 of these for aileron : http://hobbyking.com/hobbycity/store...?idProduct=662
and 2 of those gyros for the rudders: http://hobbyking.com/hobbycity/store...idProduct=6755

now with all the hassle related to single battery setups, I've decided to go with a multiple battery setup.
I'd like to go for long flight times but without overdoing it. (30min should be doable at least!)

What battery setup would you recommend?

Right now im looking at: http://hobbyking.com/hobbycity/store...idProduct=9272 for TX and Cam
and http://hobbyking.com/hobbycity/store...idProduct=6518 for RX and Motor.

You think thats a good combination? I think the engine's going to be a bit thirsty,
would you go higher / lower on Motor or Cam/Tx Bat?

You know it says on most pages selling VTX that the Vid Transmitter only needs 450 mA and the Cam roughly 100mah.
You think these values are correct? As that would mean I could squeeze well over an hour of video transmission out of a 800mah Lipo?

Maybe in that case I would be better off with a:
800 mah 75g Lipo for Vtx/Cam
and a 3000mah 240g Lipo for rx/motor ?

You think 20c is sufficient for the motor or better to go with 30c?

Thanks for any advise!

P.S. If it matters: I'm planning to use a UHF System.

Discussion raining days vs all weather fpv

kason — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:38:12 GMT

well,

i just lost my stryker last weekend, since that day it'd been raining all the time.
then i started to wonder if there's any all weather fpv projects around?

would it be possible?
i'm wondering if the VTx & Tx signals could punch through rain drops or the distance would greatly shorten.

any ideas?

Discussion Futaba 9C users - How do u do this?

EyeFlyPlanes — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:13:16 GMT

Ok ive got a Futaba 9Cap comin in the mail here very soon & I came across this video. Too freakin cool!! The perfect alternative to a head tracker.

But how do you do it? Am i ripping apart and Old TX and then jimmy rig a futaba trainer port somehow?

3 joystick futaba 9c for FPV (0 min 53 sec)

Discussion Best FPV Stores Online

kyle7119 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:01:56 GMT

I am looking for the best online stores to purchase fpv products. I have several in mind: rangevideo.com, dcpav.com, and hobbywireless.com. I know there are also many other sites out there. Can anyone make a recommendation for (or against) any of these.

Discussion 1000 mW makes servos go mad?

kyle7119 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:40:24 GMT

I have read that using a 1000 mW video transmitter will make my servos go crazy unless the servos are high-end. Is this true? I would really like to use the 1000 mW video transmitter, but I guess I will have to buy the 500 mW if the 1000 mW does this.

Discussion Modifying ebay portable spy cams into DVR's?

SoMoney — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:10:43 GMT

Not sure if this has been discussed.
Is it possible to take a $15 720x480 /30FPS Spy Cam off ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=180432447697

Replace the 2wire Camera wires with an RCA type video adapter?

I have one of these on order to replace my 640x480 gum cam

Sample Video:

FPV Crash! RC Plane Crash/found, kids discover camera on board! BUSTED! (3 min 51 sec)

Sample Video:

It seams plausable to me that if I remove the camera and send it a video signal from my 900mhz receiver, it will work?
What say you?

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Discussion FPV Parkzone T-28 Trojan "First Video Flight"

x7cj87 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:06:53 GMT

So I caved and got the Parkzone T-28 Trojan. Wow this thing has a ton of room for stuff! It needs more power though. Only flown it a few times and have made one video so far.

FPV T-28 Trojan (8 min 22 sec)

Discussion Range video 900mhz/500mw set up

ziomatrixacs — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:41:37 GMT

Quick question, I am about to buy this set up.

http://www.rangevideo.com/index.php?...c61733deae4788

There is a drop down box that says select camera, then adds the price of the camera onto the $190. Then under that, it says the kit includes a camera. Why would they have a drop down box to select a camera if it already comes with one? The other area also says "optional"

And then there is this page:

http://www.rangevideo.com/index.php?...c61733deae4788

It has the RX/TX alone listed for $50 each, which is $100. So if the set up doesn't include a camera, then whats the $90 increase in price for?

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Discussion FPV... for a slot car!

Gemma Jane — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:17:40 GMT

Hi guys,

Sorry for being slightly off topic but FPV doesn't quite seem to have made it yet in the slot car world so I knew you would be the people to ask.

I need a UK legal tiny camera/transmitter/LiPo to put in a slot car, any thoughts?

Do you think I'm going to get mega interference from the 12V motor in a slot car.

I know I've seen some very tiny cameras whilst browsing these forums, can't now find where I saw them.

Thanks for any help, warnings, advice etc. ;)

Discussion sufficient payload capacity on EZ* for 5000mah lipo and HD Cam?

Fritzi — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:36:38 GMT

Hey guys,

I'm currently planning my first EZ* FPV Plane and it's about ultra long flight time with a HD Cam.

I'm planning to use 400g 5000mah 3S lipos that I already own and one of these 120-180g HD cams with AV out for FPV in sd quality and recording at hd quality. As everybody seems to be using really small lipos though, I'm a bit worried now that it may be too much payload for the EZ*?

Do you think its doable? (obviously not going to use stock engine)

Regards

New Product ReadyMadeRC Pan/Tilt System for Antenna Trackers

Reckless Bill — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:30:36 GMT

Since I am going to be helping with the beta testing of EagleTree's new EagleEyes antenna tracker / diversity system, I got my hands on a beta version of ReadyMadeRC's new antenna pan/tilt system.

I have to say I'm very impressed with the design of this system. It's light weight and well engineered. It easily supports and moves a 900MHz patch antenna without strain and I can't wait to get this thing out in the field to start playing with it.

The kit comes with all of the wood, hardware (screws, bolts, etc), and servos that you need to get it built and working.

I understand that ReadyMadeRC is going to be developing two versions of this system, one for the EagleTree antenna tracker and one for ImmersionRC's. At the moment the product is only available to beta testers.

I have two videos below. The first is a short summary video and the second is a full blown build log.

Short Version (2.5 minutes)

http://vimeo.com/7725809

Long Version (20+ minutes)

http://vimeo.com/7717436

Discussion Would these be ok for FPV Goggles

Jasonbo — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:32:14 GMT

Goggles
would these be ok for FPV goggles?

Screen: LCOS screen,no radiation,no eye injury
Virtual display size: 80" LCOS(2.0M distance)
Resolution: 640*480(VGA)
Aspect Ratio: 4:3
Viewing Angle: 35�diagonal
Video Input: NTSC/PAL/SECAM automatic selection
Audio: Double-channel stereo
Power supply: 1000mAh standard Nokia battery
Battery duration: 4 hours
Net weight: 85g

This device can be connected to any multi-media devices which support AV output as a monitor to:
1.Watch movies connect with Ipod video, MP4,PMP, Portable DVD,Car DVD player,HDD media player
2.Watch movies connect with mobile phone (3G mobile, Nokia N95,N81,N73,N72,N70 etc,Samsung SGH-G608、SGH-P318+、SGH-D908i、SGH-U608 etc)
3.Play video games connect with SONY PS2,PS3,MicroSoft Xbox,Nintendo Wii,game pad or any other game console