FPV made easy (part 1)

Take an RC plane, throw a camera on it and you've got a "First person view" model -- right?

Unfortunately, it's not that simple and there are many different things to learn and decisions to make -- which is why I have created this series of "FPV made easy" videos.

In part 1 I offer an overview of the basic components of an FPV system and discuss the pro's and con's a little.

In coming videos I'll look more closely at these components and we'll also build an ultra-low-cost "bareback FPV" model based on the AXN Floater RC plane and very cheap DIY electronics.

Subscribe now so you don't miss the rest of this series and if you have any questions, ask them here or in the forums at:

http://www.rcmodelreviews.com

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• RC plane
• model airplanes
• FPV
• UAV
• RPV
• UAS
• first person view
• flying
• onboard video

[sborn1571]

Hey everyone, dont get caught. FPV is against AMA policies. If they find out you are flying FPV, they will cancel your membership for life.

[RCModelReviews]

@sborn1571 Remember that the AMA, like all national bodies, is there to represent its members. If you don't like what they're doing, you can vote out the present officers and vote in people who are more representative of your own perspectives. Did you watch the videos posted to YT by the AMA this week?

[sborn1571]

@RCModelReviews I did see the AMA videos. I am in the aerial photography business myself. I know under AMA policies, it is PROHIBITED to fly with a "direct line of sight of your aircraft". The use of a FPV constitutes a cease and desist from the AMA.

[RCModelReviews]

@sborn1571 I assume you meant "*without* a direct line of sight to your aircraft". The same rules apply here -- and the line of sight must be without the use of a telescope/binoculars. Around here you're also supposed to have someone spotting for you. These are commonsense rules but there must also be room for exemptions when other provisions have been made to ensure safety. I suspect some kind of "FPV wings" certification would be in order to gain such exemption.

[MrTrollYourAss]

please don't bail on this series of videos, i really need them

[CrackerMcGillicuddy]

can you use a Darth Vader mask as a FPV helmet?

[pokies100]

plane has arrived and my HD camera man has withdrawn so I am going to use my iphone today to cover building the plane stage of fpv flight.

[RCcunuk]

@Shorn1571 I have been flying gov for 3 years. You say the AMA will cancel my membership for life? Do you ready think every one lives in the US? Even if I lived there, I'd be over joyed the had banned me. FPV is the best way to fly RC. Keep flying like a dinosaur in LOS

[jelcyneze]

Little rain and your video will be dead. It's dangerous toy, not an FPV plane!

[TheBlackKnob]

So.. where is part 2? or are they not labelled as part 2?

[secondgear26]

Looking forward to the instructions for building the 5.8GHz transmitter.

[steijn30]

Great video. I love your cheap video goggles!! great idea!

[notasixpack]

I am just starting to get into FPV and finding information is like asking what's your favorite movie. Everyone has a different opinion. Thanks for putting this all in 1 place! I need to watch this 5-10 times. Please continue on with the other parts!

[twocsies]

@sborn1571 You might get several hundred meters of signal with 5.8GHz radio, even a km, but not even 100 meters if you don't have line of sight. You need direct line of sight to your aircraft to maintain radio contact. 900 MHz would be more tolerant to obstacles, but you will be getting a much better picture if you do have direct line of sight.

[surf1punk]

I like the helmet and how it doubles as a face protector, good work, lol

[awuma]

Americans are scared s***less by the security fears. One terrorist act and the fear is that all aeromodelling will be banned.