I haven't noticed any issue flying the stock headplay firmware with my relatively sedate freestyle/proximity quad FPVing, but when Vova of Headplay released the low latency firmware patch I figured why not.

The claim was that it would lower display-side latency, resulting in a reduction of typical analog-system latency ("glass to glass") from 50-60ms to ~25ms.

Firmware file and install directions are linked/attached below.

I only did a relatively low resolution latency test before the firmware install (using an online counter, which although appearing to measure down to 1ms actually "paused" for 16ms or 33ms every other frame, as shown by Daemon). Anyway this method appeared to confirm the 50-60ms claim.

After firmware install I used Daemon's much more accurate method (using 240fps GoPro and an LED light, which gives +4 -0ms results) and got 10.2ms average latency over 9 tests.

That's pretty damned fast.

Here is the thread with info on testing method: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show....php?t=2702343

Here is Vova's post with the firmware file: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show...postcount=3092

You'll need a USB cable adaptor to plug into the board shown in the instructions. Seems some Headplays came with this cable, mine did not but Vova had one sent for free from Rangevideo. If you PM him he should be able to have the same done for your HP.

Note: if you have a very early unit with a Innolux LCD panel it's a straight install and everything will work fine.

If you have a Hannstar panel (like mine, photo of back of panel below), the image will be inverted and you'll need to physically invert the panel to get the image right side up again. There is enough cable to do this.

After about 30 FPV flights thought I'd share my set-up:

1) $250 Headplay HD headset (various headsets coming out now for less money, but personally I'd be sure to get one with at least 1200x720 resolution screen not only because it will look better, but because the price for digital, TRUE 720p FPV is dropping fast). Even the Headplay is cheaper and much higher resolution and MUCH bigger image than even the best $500 Fatsharks. Trying to fly FPV from a little LCD screen is nowhere near as immersive or satisfying as a headset. Bite the bullet and spend the cash. It's worth it.

Prices are what I paid; they go up and down.

My Headplay mods:
a) $9 micro fan for anti-fogging and face cooling in hot muggy weather. Nice to have.
b) $23 Fatshark 1800mAh battery. ~1.5 hours of runtime, twice the stock one
c) $25 HMDVR for recording flights
d) $25 Airblade cloverleaf antenna. Improved range over stock dipole.

2) $38 Quanum micro camera and 25mW video Transmitter Tiny, 5g, comes with Y-plug with micro-losi connector to plug right into Syma X5C main battery. Wide angle lens, very nice color, contrast and white balance.

3) $43 Syma X5C. NOT any of the other versions (-1, SW, HW, SC etc). The original flies the best.
Nihui 807 is another option (actually, just about any quad that can lift 5g is an option. The Syma X5 is just a super smooth operator) if you want more speed and can deal with less precision.

4) extra batteries and multi charger: http://www.gearbest.com/...Continue Reading

After about 100 flights and over 2 years flying I finally put the 808#16 video camera on the X-Wing. The 20g extra nose weight didn't bother it much but I wasn't keen to go swimming for it through snake and snapping turtle infested waters if crashed so didn't do anything too radical.

Also flew the Vampire, SR-71 and F-14 off the "island runway". Was some of the most enjoyable RC flying I've ever done, with the sun setting behind lighting up the planes and water beautifully.

RC X-Wing and Vampire over flooded Scobee Field, Houston May 2015 (9 min 11 sec)

The 64mm LX Blackbird is several years old, but still the only option in foam EDF Blackbirds out there so pickup up a kit with the intentions of adding 4S EDFs and uprated components.
Reports are that this one is quite sensitive to CoG and AUW, plus the stock servo-actuated retracts are fiddly and not exactly reliable.
Went with 4000kV 5-blade Dr. Mad Thrust EDFs from HK, 60A HK Blue ESCs, digital metal gear servos, DSMX Orange 6-channel RX (only 3 used) with satellite and ~2.5m of 1x6mm carbon strips reinforcing the airframe.

Came close to stuffing it on the launch, but once trimmed she flew well for ~1 minute at least until the rain starting coming down.

May try bungee launching next time, or at least waiting until there's a decent headwind to throw into.

Awesome plane

AUW: 1400g
over 1:1 thrust on fresh battery
battery: Zippy Compact 40C 4000mAh (gives ~3:45 flight time)
connectors: XT-90
CoG: ~75mm back from motor nacelle leading edge
needs ~5mm of 'up' elevons for hands-off level flight

SR-71 Maiden flight & Dynam ME-262 flight #9 [720p] (5 min 9 sec)

[720p] RC Dynam ME-262 ESC fire (3 min 30 sec)

Believe it or not after burning from the inside for almost 1 minute there is no damage to the exterior of the plane. I've already cleaned up the inside of the canopy and fuse and will install 70A ESCs and enlarge the cooling holes

The Phoenix will fly again!

fantasy racer Dynam ME-262 in Gulf colors, just waiting for a warmish day to clear coat.

After 26 flights on the F-82 with L/R APC 2 bladed props gave two stock 4 bladed props (same direction) a try today. Squirrley takeoffs and less performance, so despite the cool looks on the ground going back to the counter rotating APCs.
Also adapted a spare cockpit to hold a 270degree servo and an 808#16 keychain cam.
Great POV! Now has me thinking about FPV....

Brought out the fleet for a short visit to the big event last Saturday. I only had time for 1 flight each (2 on the X-Wing, second one hit LVC and barely made it back to the strip...) but got to put FF^2 next to Fitz's bf109z for some beauty shots, and briefly fly together. Heard his twin went down on Sunday after a midair during the 20+ plane mass warbird flight...

After ~50 flights decided to dress up the X a bit with wing-tip laser cannons and some panel lines. Knocked at least 5mph off her top speed but she sure does look cooler swooping around.
Hoping to bring her, the P-38 and F-82 to the B.E.S.T event in 2 weeks but with a baby due next Friday it could be tough to get away for even a few hours :/

Getting more comfortable/confident with FF^2

[720p] F-82 Twin Mustang 2nd and 3rd flights (6 min 33 sec)

[720p] F-82 Twin Mustang maiden flight (2xDurafly P-51d kit bash) (3 min 17 sec)

on the Green River Lake in Kentucky

RC PBY Catalina on the Green River Lake in Kentucky [720p] (17 min 33 sec)

put together a video of a (finally) gorgeous day last weekend flying my custom X-Wing, Stinger EDF and Jpower P-38 LIghtning.
Equipment details in Youtube description.

RC X-Wing, Stinger EDF, and JPower P-38 at Richard Bong RC Field WI [HD] (9 min 4 sec)

http://youtu.be/GKjPUDFYgaA?hd=1

EFlight Blade MSR carrier landing

(HD) Blade MSR carrier landing June 2011 (2 min 50 sec)

NE Bravo SX backyard puppy buzzing

(HD) 2011 8 21 NE Bravo SX (2 min 40 sec)

...Continue Reading