Hello guys,

Here's something I've been working on that might interest those of you who like 2.4GHz video systems.

This is the first prototype, so the final rev may not look identical. But this is also a good time to make any requests before I order a batch of boards.

This system has 3 parts.

1. Three channel, 500mW Airwave-based VTx with integrated PS filters and switching power supply. Input voltage range from 5-24V. Integrated filters enable system to be powered from MAIN FLIGHT BATTERY with ZERO interference. The system connects to the main battery (3s lipo) through the included balance plug. Reverse-polarity protected. 28grams with antenna.

Part 2 is the 2.4GHz receiver.

This receiver uses the SMT version of the popular Airwave modules. Couple of innovations here.

First, built in circular-polarized patch antenna. Great reception regardless of TX orientation and no feedline loss! And WAY cheaper than buying a separate commercial antenna.

Second, 3 channel selectable, built in regulator and PS filter for clean video.

Third, NO MORE TANGLE OF WIRES! RX connects to your ground station using common, low cost ethernet cables. Video, stereo audio, and power combined on a single flexible cable. Twisted pairs ensure noise-free signals. Prototype video is using a 15 foot cable to connect the RX on a tripod to my groundstation.

(I'm currently working to get some vacuum-formed ABS enclosures made.)

The third module is the ground station interface.

The RX connects via ethernet connector. 12V from your GS battery connects to the power plug and audio/video outputs through the RCA connectors. There is a power filter and a power LED.

Here is first flight test on 5/2/2010! EDIT: recorded using AIPTEK MPVR. Camera is the $25 Sony ebay camera from this forum.

2.4GHz video system (5 min 11 sec)

This looks really cool. Will you be producing and selling any?

Wow, very nice.

I would like to know projected price for final revision?

Nice work
What do you think the distance will be?
Is there a way to make the receiver divercity?
mark

Originally Posted by markeydoo

Nice work
What do you think the distance will be?
Is there a way to make the receiver divercity?
mark

Yes, use the RCA output, plug directly into oracle. Repeat with side B of diversity.

To answer a couple questions,

Yes I will be selling these in sets. I'm setting up an initial batch of 50 sets. Once I get the prices of the parts nailed down I will give a ballpark price. I will say this, the system is designed to be low cost, great performance and easy to use.

To get the results like you see in my video, simply plug the camera into the TX and the TX to the balance connector of the main flight battery. That's it. If you have a mic, it plugs into the TX as well. The plane is a stock PZ T-28 with stock ESC and 72MHz radio (electron 6 rx). No external voltage regulators or filters were installed in the plane.

When weather permits (hopefully next week) I'll do a long range test with my twinstar.

@Mark: This can be used with an Oracle or similar diversity controller.

Excellent, nicely done hauntme13

Sweet. I will be waiting for more details. Great job on your R&D projects.

Excellent! Very nice!

Looked like you were at your club flying field, how many Futaba and Spektrum 2.4 Tx's got turned on while you were flying?

Saw the odd glitch that looked like 2.4 Tx interference.

Oh... and when can we expect the 900mhz and 1.2ghz versions?

Awesome!
Is your 900mhz poweramp be ever finished?

That's way cool John! You should consider building a version of the interface that has two ethernet connections to go to two separate rx's to further simplify a diversity setup.

Alright guys, I just ordered almost all of the parts for 50 units. The Receiver and integrated patch will be enclosed in an ABS vacuum-formed case with molded-in tripod mount. The production version antenna elements will be brass. Units will be available for sale in about 30-60 days. Price still yet to be determined, but I will finalize that soon. Affordable performance is the priority. Once I establish price, I will start taking pre-orders by PM.


And along with this order is V2 of the 900MHz amp (since I blew up prototype #1 LOL).