FPV – First-Person View: A technique that uses an onboard video camera and wireless connection to the ground to allow a pilot on the ground with video goggles to fly with a cockpit view.
FPV systems can be classified into two categories:
- Long Range: 2+ mile distance; 500-1000mw
- Short Range: ~1 mile distance; 10-300mw
More Watts = Further Distance
500mw is the most popular and can typically travel a distance of 2-3 miles. They are a great compromise of distance versus power draw.
EasyPod setup and the pan/tilt setup for use with the Multiplex Easy Star plane.
Two types of camera: CMOS & CCD. CCD cameras are more popular with FPV flying because they refresh the while frame, instead of each line like CMOS cameras. This allows CCD cameras to generally maintain clearer pictures with regards to vibrations and quick movements. CCD is also better at low-light and have more pixels for their size.
12 volt systems are most popular because a small 11.1 volt 3 cell lipo battery can power the video unit and transmitter.
Frequency: Go with 900MHz with 500 milliwatts. This will be about 1-3 miles line of sight distance.
Monitor: The larger the better; or go with a headset with a resolution of at least 640×480. Find a way to block out the extra sunlight by using ski goggles or something else for maximum viewing pleasure.
Use a separate battery source for your video gear. Don’t tie it into your plane’s battery system. Go with a 12 volt system.
Test the distance of the FPV system by installing it in your plane, and simply walking out a determined distance. Turn the plane electronics on to make sure the interference is minimal/non-existence. This might require a friend holding the plane while you send throttle and servo signals to it while wearing the FPV goggles, to check for any errors. Do this testing before you start flying with your system so you know it will work for at least a one mile range.
Place your name and phone number on all equipment in case it crashes. “Reward if found” text might also help.
Info on this page is taken from ‘here‘.
Camera: KX 171 ($65)
Transmitter: 500mW 900MHz ($60)
Unfortunately nghobbies.com’s shipping to the US is like $70 or so 