ok, so i mentioned above that you can get an OSD and the PDB in one board which can make the build a bit easier if you don't have an integrated power distribution system built into the frame (like with the DJI flamewheel frames and others). the integrated power distribution is more common but props to DJI for doing it first.
i've already bought the Hobbyking F550 clone frame for my build and I'll be doing it as an XY4 (four motors with the front and rear arms omitted) which has the PDB built in but I won't be using it. the two OSD/PDB boards I was referring to were the
PowerOSD PRO from QuadRevo
http://quadrevo.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=56
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and the RedRotorRC-RROSD PRO from ReadyMadeRC
http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76_639&products_id=5096
View attachment 27380
it was pointed out to me that the RedRotorRC board has more features and has updateable firmware (because, you know, we love us a good firmware update!) PLUS........GET READY FOR IT.......IT LOOKS LIKE IT CAN BE CONFIGURED TO OUTPUT 5V OR 12V TO YOUR CAMERA WHILE ALSO OUTPUTTING FULL PACK POWER OR 12V TO THE VIDEO TRANSMITTER. This can come in really handy so I'm going to order one and give it a try.
It will only allow up to 100 amps of system power passing through it though so if your motors are high draw and the total max current of your combined motors exceeds 100 amps then you can't use this. I'm using the Tiger MT2216 motors that I had on my F450 so I should be fine.
Also, with an integrated OSD/PDB like this you can use Opto ESC's more easily as you don't really need the 5V power from the ESC's the way you would with other systems.
Posting to this thread has me excited again. I'll order this board and get ready to start building when I'm back home next week.