FPV RC Plane crashes 2Kms from launch

Something went wrong with this RC model plane and it crashed while on its way back to the launch-point. This video shows the launch, pilot and the aftermath.

Fortunately the model was recovered and it appears as if all the really expensive bits (cameras and RC gear) escaped unscathed. Not bad for a fall from half a kilometer up in the air.

The cause of the crash has not yet been established. It could have been anything from an in-air structural failure to a faulty ESC or RTL system -- although everything worked perfectly on the first flight of the day.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• FPV
• RPV
• UAV
• aviation
• model
• airplanes
• hobby
• remote
• control

[01VIPER27]

@xjet Thank you.

To everyone else, I understand Line Of Site and Directional but if the radiative side of the antenna is pointed towards the model which actually spreads out the futher it gets should suffice unless the spotter just didn't care is another story. The question still remains should I bother to upgrade to it or not?

[xjet]

@01VIPER27 I don't think I'd bother but I'll be looking at antenna options in my "FPV made easy" series of videos on the RCModelReviews channel.

[01VIPER27]

at xjet or the flyer, Is that the HK directional 7 dbi antenna? Does it really improve range? will it work with my TGY9X? If it does do I just solder in the cables together or should I buy a female connector for the modules cable? Thanks in advance.

[xjet]

@01VIPER27 Yes it does increase the range, but not by as much as you might think - and it means that you have to be sure to point the antenna at the model because it's directional.

[cbrewer79]

what model is that rc plane please?

I have a sky hawk but that looks a lot better.

[xjet]

@cbrewer79 It is a Skywalker

[franja1002]

We should be able to see the goPro footage from the airplane :(

[s1l3nze]

the key word was "directional" in describing your new antenna...if its not pointed exactly at the plane it doesn't work

[karizma8175]

hobby king crap - yeah you get slightly better range, but what is the immediate radiation given off by this unit? Use a ground station or amplified antenna that you can stand 100m away from. Radio waves scare me, and I work for these companies that sell this stuff - to Australian standards

[Wearymanblogger]

I think a large part of your problem is that you are using Linearly polarized antennas. They are easily obstructed and that crappy little HK add-on antenna isn't going to get you very much additional range. Simply put, you need a high quality circularly polarized antenna like the Blubeams available at ReadymadeRC and Rangevideo, and maybe a helix CP directional antenna, and then you need to have them mounted on a stand with a tracker so you don't lose the signal so easily.

[jackcogswell]

Pretty amazing craft. Ive put a few in the trees but not nearly so far away.Terrific engineering work.I'm definately going to stay tuned for further updates.Good luck with the reassembly.

[guily6669]

LOL, a little of duct tape and chuck norris, and the plane will be like brand new :)

Thankg god u saved the electronics, the plane is not the big deal!

[av8orguy]

Nerd alert

[YaniT991]

The RNZAF's unmanned drone project is officially on schedule. Flying out of Tokeroa, this TopSecret project (code named Toke-it-up) led by Barry "the Bourne Identity" (insert family name) is designed to fill the gap left 10 years ago in NZ's air capability created by the retirement of the country's Skyhawks.

[WhatNameShalIHave]

you look like a prick

[2k10jedson]

Gutted for ya mate! 

[EwaltFpv]

cool video, but unless you are using UHF LRS , you shouldnt fly that far ...

[kondzioo29]

scotch tape will repair it...