I have been using 1.3GHz for my video since I started flying FPV a couple of years ago, but I am now going to try 2.4GHz for video. I played with 5.8GHz but was getting to may drops in the video which was spoiling the experience for me, and lets face it, the live feed it what we fly FPV for isnt it?!

I do like the smaller size antennas, for both the cloverleaf style as well as the directional like the crosshair.

I have made a backpack groundstation which now has Diversity and recording built in. I copied joffa_dans idea of this particular backpack, and I think its a good choice.

I have a monopole that extends the SPW antenna up about a meter when the backpack sits on the ground. I will take some more pics soon.

10db Crosshair
Skewplanerwheel on second receiver
Eagle Eyes Diversity/groundstation
DV02 recorder from Foxtech FPV.com
1x lawmate 2G4 Rx
1x RC302 Boscam Rx

DIY Crosshair - 2510MHz
DIY Skewplaner wheel/ cloverleaf

I am now flying a TBS Disco for my main FPV ship, I am enjoying it quite a bit, especially now I am able to (skills wise) go to some new locations - without freaking out, and see them from above which was my initial goal.

I basically stripped down my Carbon Hexacopter and sold the frame and am using the same electronics in the Disco.
RCTimer 2830 1000kv motors
RCTimer 30A SimonK ESC
But I upgraded the props to 9x5 Graupner props

I have fitted the Naza flight board with GPS and already the RTH has saved it from video/control issues a couple of times. The Naza is a fairly easy to setup board providing you read the manual carefully, but that's the same as anything...

There are some enthusiastic old guys on the Naza thread that are more than willing to show their expertise if you give them half a chance, so if you get stuck setting up the Naza, just pop in there and they will sort you out I'm sure.

I am able to fly out to 2kms using a 4 cell 3300mah battery, but I got some new 3600mah batteries which seem to give me a few more minutes flight time, so I may be able to stretch the distance out a tad, if I'm keen.

I just bought the TBS Core which I will have to solder it all together in the next week or so.

Next project is an Ov3rquad (cut by seafurymike) with OP CC3D board...

EDIT:
I had some issue with the CORE, so TBS are replacing it as well as the damaged bottom board of the Disco... This means its now stripped down waiting for TBS.

Meantime I built the Ov3rquad that Seafurymike cut for me, fitted the CC3D but had some issues tuning it, (proby cheapo props) so reverted back to the Naza with graupners and its flying great.

I flew it out to 2.2 kms this past weekend, didnt miss a beat.

EDIT:
I didnt like the CORE, very noisy, even my video turned to crap. Sorry, after only 1 week using the Disco w/ CORE, I sold it. The Overquad is easily as good without any of the Disco's issues...

I have just upgraded to a NAZA & GPS for this Hex, on initial flights/tests it is well worth the extra cash. the stability is awesome, which should work well for my plans to film my upcoming outback Australia holidays...


Heres my Hobbyking Talon Hexacopter V2.

I have finally finished it and maidened this morning. The kit did not arrive with all pieces in the box so I have had to make my own replacements. The motor 1/2 clamps did not get included as well as some parts for the landing gear. I bought this high landing gear from GLB for $13, I made some 1/2 clamps for the carbon tubes. I also made some plates for the Dragonlink receiver and antenna, a battery plate under the hex to strap the lipo to, as well as a FPV camera plate and finally a protection plate for on top on the KK2 when I crash it...

I am quite happy with it so far, other than the missing parts, but now I have it flying, I like it that much more as I have invested more time into it by manufacturing the parts myself...

Parts list:
Talon V2 Hex
RCTimer 2830 1000kv motors
RCTimer 30A ESC (SimonK)
Gemfan 8x4.5 props
Goodluckbuy Landing Gear
Dragonlink RC
KK2 - 1.4FW - Now Naza & GPS
3300mah 4 cell batteries
Racewood VTx 1280MHz 500mw
DIY Cloverleaf antenna

Heres some pics of my T9x that I have modified.

Mod 1
First mod is flash the firmware to ER9x. This makes the radio at the very least - usable. But in reality, it makes the radio comparible with any high end radio available. The build quality is not as good, admittedly, but having said that, I have had zero issues with the hardware. I sold my JR DSX9 and replaced it with this cheapo radio, honestly, after using it for just over 6 months I cannot see myself ever going back to using any of the name brand radios.

Mod 2
Install FrSky DIY transmitter. I removed the stock Turnigy 2.4GHz module and soldered the DIY FrSky inside the box. IMO the FrSky is one of the better ways to use 2.4GHz for radio control.

Mod 3
Fit an AVR programmer inside the radio as well as a custom USB port to the bottom of the radio to allow quick and easy connection to the AVR programmer inside.

Mod 4
Install a double pole double throw switch to select between the 2.4G FrSky and the Dragonlink UHF radio without the need to disconnect anything. I chose to switch both the power and the PPM signal from FrSky to Dragonlink.
EDIT:
I added a hand drawing of the DPDT switch schematic below

Mod 5
Install a 3 pin plug and socket for the Dragonlink UHF connection to the radio. I chose to do this to reduce the risk of the wire/plug coming out while flying. The socket has a threaded locking ring to secure it to each other (male to female)

Mod 6
Swap the positions of POT3 and the Elevator switch . This will make it easier for me to access the flaps using POT3 without taking my hands off the sticks.

I have recently setup a MFD AAT as my ground station. Up till now I had been successfully using directional antennas that were manually aimed before flight and I had to be aware of where the plane was to keep it in the beam.
The MFD is fantastic, I have had zero issues with it from initial setup till now after maybe 20 flights so far.

Here are some piks of how I have mounted it to my tripod. I made a backing plate to mount the batteries (2x2200mah) with a keyhole to attach it to my holding bracket. (thanks to my mate Steve who suggested it) also a video splitter/amplifier for extra monitors or recorders as well as a 5.8GHz Video transmitter so I can use my Fatshark goggles wirelessly. I had pulled over the tripod a few times by wandering around while flying so now I can go where I want, even sit in the car if its cold!

I currently use 1280MHz for my video system, along with IBCrazies circular antennas, a cloverleaf on the plane and a cross-hair on the ground, I made my crosshair with the smallest reflector I could which doesn't give me maximum range but I have been to 8km so far with perfect picture, so it looks like it will do the job.

Myflydream AAT Ground Station Walkthru 5.8 Fatshark repeater (1 min 37 sec)

Some piks of my SW -

Maidened my 1680mm Skywalker this weekend, what a great plane... Im very happy with the performance and efficiency. With 60-80% flaps, it washes off about 15-20km/h for slow drop on the spot landings.

• Weight: 2.45Kg
• Motor: Turnigy Aerodrive SK3 - 3536-1200kv
• Prop size: 9x4.5 APC-E
• ESC: Turnigy Plush 60A (only signal wire used)
• Separate BEC: CC 20A
• Flight battery: 2x 3300mah 4 cell
• Servos used: HXT-900 (x5) JR DS290 Digital for elevator
• Video battery: N/A Single Battery setup
• Voltage Regulator: Stepdown from 16.8V to 10V for all A/V equipment/DOSD/Telefly etc
• Flight cam: Security Camera 2000 600tvl WDR
• Recording cam: Was a GoPro till I smoked it with overvoltage...
• VTX: 500mw Racewood 1280 MHz
• VTX antena: DIY Cloverleaf (RG-316, 0.8mm MIG wire)
• LRS: Dragon link
• RTX: Dragon link
• RX: Dragon link
• RTX antena: Diamond 771
• RX antenna: Dragonlink dipole
• OSD: DOSD
o Current Sensor
o Calibrated Airspeed sensor
o Baro/temp sensor
o GPS
• Stabilizer: DOSD via gps
• RTH: DOSD
• Max speed: not yet achieved
• Average flight times: Easily 40 min, voltage at end of flight @ 14.6V
• Average distance reached: Easily 35Km total distance (17km each way)
• VRX: Racewood 1280 (4 selectable channels)
• VRX Antenna: DIY Crosshair (7.5 Db) Been to 8km
• Diversity: N/A
• Tracker: My Fly Dream AAT
• Ground station battery: 2xZippy (HK) 3S 2200mAh
• Video distribution: 4 channel video amp
• Flight recording: Canon DV handy cam AV In
• Flight control viewing: Fatshark Dominators, stock 1000mah battery

I built a tricopter, loosely based on Davids design, I have had a couple of crashes/rebuilds and am slowly getting used to flying it fpv. I do find it harder to fly the tri via fpv than a plane, but I'm getting there...

I have been flying FPV since Christmas 2011, slowly progressing with longer flights and further adventures. I started out with a Clouds Fly as a first fpv ship but found it a bit dopey and not the type of plane I like to fly, (handling wise). I since bought a Ritewing ZII which I have had much fun with, and am now building a Skywalker 168, hoping to get some more distance...

My system is
Dragonlink UHF
1280 MHz 500mw for video (Racewood Tx and Rx)
testing MANY IBCrazies antennas, currently a cloverleaf and crosshair
DOSD
MFD AAT for tracking
Fatshark Dominator goggles (wireless repeated from ground station)

Skywalker Flight - Foxtech DV02 dvr (9 min 35 sec)