FPV-Community.com

Hey Everyone!

I'm very new to rcing. I've had a cheap heli and a car before but that's my extent. I could never have anything radio controlled when I was younger because my dog would always destroy it. So now I have a new dog and I would like to get into fpv rc flying. I'm currently studying for a license as a yacht engineer. So I am pretty good with electronics, computers and some programming. But my knowledge on rc planes is minimal. I've been trying to soak up as much information as I can online. But now its time to act. Some of my ideas may be off due to my lack of knowledge. I know I have alot of questions. Please bear with me. Also, feel free to give me advice , tips or anything else you feel useful.

My Budget: Well atm I like to keep it under $2000.

My Goals:

10+ Mile Range
100+km/h
Enough power for 20+ miles

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So far I'm thinking of a easy star plane fpv setup.



1. Radio: I'm not sure what radio transmitter or receiver to use. I'm thinking I would need a range extender like Dragon link. Would that limit my choice of transmitter and receiver? Does the dragon link only support 433mhz? Does my radio need to use the same frequency?

2. A/V: I don't have any idea of A/V transmitter or receiver or antenna/amps. I read that there are issues trying to get video out that far. Would it be a good idea to setup the old fashion tv antenna with a amp to increase my range? Would the best option be a 2.4ghz frequency or something like 900mhz? I live in the USA, would I need a ham radio license in order to get video out 10miles+? I have a omni directional attena that we use to use for vhf fm two way radios back in the day. Its on the top of my house, I think the peak of the antenna would be about 45feet. Could I use this for the radio or a/v to increase my range? i'm thinking this: http://www.dv2.futurehobbies.com/product...B900mhz%5D

3. Motor/Servos: I'm not sure what servos do or how they work. I would guess thy move the flaps and rudder by a cable or gear or something. I looked into the digital servos, and they looked like they need some programming to function properly. Would analog be easy for me as a beginner? I imagine I would use a slow motor to start out and learn how to fly, but I would like a 2nd motor where I can reach my speed goal. Also , will there be temperature issues?

4. Battery's: i'm thinking I would need two 3300mah 11.1v lithium battery's for this range of flight. Would 12c be the best voltage option for versatility? Would I separate the motor/servos/radio rx fom the camera / AV tx? I don't want to run into a weight issue. What would you recommend max weight for battery's?

5. OSD: I like black stork's osd gui. I would like to have to have current elevation , speed, distance from base, Lat & Long, Battery info/graph and maybe a signal strength. Do most OSD come with GPS module? How hard are they to install? Do they send the information over the radio and how is the gui displayed in the video feed?

6. Prop. What prop would be good for the easy star with a upgraded motor? Also, does the finish and angle/design have any effect on efficiency? Is it a good idea to have multiple props?


7. Camera. I don't know much about the different cameras. Ideally a color camera capable of night flights. Is interference from the camera and gps a issue?

8. Gyro: How important would a gyro be. Also how hard is it to install one?




Sorry, for all the questions. I realize some of my goals may seem impractical. Feel free to give constructive criticism. If you have any good reading information online, please link them.


Thanks.

Hi welcome, but didnt you post the exact same thing in rcgroups fpv section?

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthrea...ight=i3ond

When you say youre new, are you new to rc flying or new to fpv or both? You need to learn at least basic rc flying before going into FPV and as everybody has already mentioned in rcgroups youre doing the noob thing of wanting to run before you can walk.

Learn to fly rc and get confident on how to set up what ever it is youre flying before any of this FPV stuff. In my opinion for now anyways youre being too ambitious and wanting the best. Theres nothing wrong with that but youre learning curve will be steep and theres no doubt that if you havent learnt rc flying then you will have a lot of crashes. Its better to learn from it get to the point where you dont crash anymore (unless you know youre risking it) than to crash once with expensive FPV kit on and just get turned off by the whole thing because its a heap of mess.

FPV guides:
http://www.rcexplorer.se/page14/FPV/FPV.html

http://fpvpilot.com/GettingStarted.aspx

Most of the qustions you asked above would totally depend on what youre intending to fly with the FPV setup and by youre goals it would have to be BIG! With any aircraft you have to know how much payload the aircraft can take and you have to compensate on weight. This usually means not having equipment thats not needed. Personally I think you would easily find out you would pass yorue budget if you want to keep to these goals.

Also I have no doubt that you will need a HAM license to get video out that far.

Other people would be better suited to answering youre plane specific questions Im a heli flyer.

The question you have to ask yourself is are you really going to fly that far even if it was possible!

The thought of an inexperianced fpv flyer flying some huge rc aircraft for the first time with a tx pumping out some serious range is not only unrealistic but disturbs me.