Help With First FPV Setup

[...guest...]

I'm very new to RC in general but am totally hooked. I'd like to kit my DJI Phantom quadcopter with FPV and was hoping to get some feedback.

The reason for wanting FPV is to both be able to navigate better and also to get better video footage. However, being new, poor, and a non-professional, I am trying to keep to an very entry level budget.

1) Camera

GoPro Hero 2
GoPro Hero 2 cable

I plan to use the Hero 2 that I'm also using to record the video. I understand that the wide angle can cause issues; its sensors can be less than ideal in sudden changes of lighting; and its aspect ratio renders a letterbox on the monitor but I'm ok with all of these things for now.

2) Transmitter / Receiver

Boscam 5.8Ghz 200mw FPV Wireless AV Tx & Rx Set

I understand 5.8Ghz is ideal so as not to interfere with the 2.4Ghz controlling the quadcopter itself. I like this Bascom set because it has decent reviews, decent range, and decent price. I'm curious though about the ones I see on eBay from China that look identical down to the labels just not marketed as Boscam - although they are only slightly cheaper from the HK one linked to above.

3) Monitor

Some generic 7" LCD monitor

I'm aware that most people swear by goggles but I think I'd like to use a monitor for now mostly for price reasons but also just preference.

4) OSD

Haven't picked one out and may hold off on this. I'd really like one with navigation components aside from just voltage. Specifically, alttitude, pitch, roll and home.

5) Power

I'm not sure how to determine the appropriate lipo for this setup. What I've seen suggest a 2S 1000mAh lipo for the receiver and a 3S 2000mAh lipo for the monitor. How would I determine the appropriate lipo?

Also, assuming the lipos use a XT60 connector, can I simply use these XT60 female connectors to connect to the receiver and monitor? Is there any potential harm in powering both the receiver and monitor from a single 3S 2000mAh lipo aside from shortened operating time? (I just want to minimize the number of lipos lying around.)

6) Other Gear

Monitor mount to transmitter
Transmitter mount

As always, I really appreciate any feedback from you experienced folks.

 

[FlyGirl]

Check the set ups by ImmersionRC for 5.8GHz systems. They are the easiest to set up and the 600mW video transmitter is really good.

 

[Oso Grande]

I'm very new to RC in general but am totally hooked. I'd like to kit my DJI Phantom quadcopter with FPV and was hoping to get some feedback.

The reason for wanting FPV is to both be able to navigate better and also to get better video footage. However, being new, poor, and a non-professional, I am trying to keep to an very entry level budget.

1) Camera

GoPro Hero 2
GoPro Hero 2 cable

I plan to use the Hero 2 that I'm also using to record the video. I understand that the wide angle can cause issues; its sensors can be less than ideal in sudden changes of lighting; and its aspect ratio renders a letterbox on the monitor but I'm ok with all of these things for now.

I would use a dedicated flight camera personally, something like the PZ0420. The image will be much better and less prone to problems.
http://www.securitycamera2000.com/products/600TVL-SONY-SUPER-HAD-CCD-D%252dWDR-Color-Board-Camera-with-OSD-Menu-DNR.html

That will allow you to use any camera you chose to record, GoPro, Mobius, 808 camera, etc.

2) Transmitter / Receiver

Boscam 5.8Ghz 200mw FPV Wireless AV Tx & Rx Set

I understand 5.8Ghz is ideal so as not to interfere with the 2.4Ghz controlling the quadcopter itself. I like this Bascom set because it has decent reviews, decent range, and decent price. I'm curious though about the ones I see on eBay from China that look identical down to the labels just not marketed as Boscam - although they are only slightly cheaper from the HK one linked to above.

The Boscam's work just fine, but if you're willing to spend a few extra $, the ImmersionRC is better IMO.

3) Monitor

Some generic 7" LCD monitor

I'm aware that most people swear by goggles but I think I'd like to use a monitor for now mostly for price reasons but also just preference.

Goggles, monitor, its personal preference. If you stay in this a while you'll end up trying both eventually.

4) OSD

Haven't picked one out and may hold off on this. I'd really like one with navigation components aside from just voltage. Specifically, alttitude, pitch, roll and home.

Depending on how far from yourself you plan on flying, most of that stuff will just add confusion. Start off slowly before you inundate yourself with info while you're flying. Its easy enough to get overwhelmed just piloting the craft in the beginning. Personally, I'd start by just adding a battery beeper like this to tell you when it's time to land.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1S-8S-Lipo-...pt=Radio_Control_Vehicles&hash=item3cd8154018

Then work your way up to more and more complicated when you KNOW what you need. Its pretty easy to get sucked into thinking you need everything to get started. It just isn't so, despite what the advertisers try to tell you!

5) Power

I'm not sure how to determine the appropriate lipo for this setup. What I've seen suggest a 2S 1000mAh lipo for the receiver and a 3S 2000mAh lipo for the monitor. How would I determine the appropriate lipo?

Also, assuming the lipos use a XT60 connector, can I simply use these XT60 female connectors to connect to the receiver and monitor? Is there any potential harm in powering both the receiver and monitor from a single 3S 2000mAh lipo aside from shortened operating time? (I just want to minimize the number of lipos lying around.)

XT60 connectors work great, I use them for pretty much everything these days.
I'm not positive on running 3s lipos for the receiver, it may run too hot. That said, you could always wire in a step down transformer from the 3s running your monitor to give the receiver its preferred voltage if you don't want to use a second lipo.

6) Other Gear

Monitor mount to transmitter
Transmitter mount

As always, I really appreciate any feedback from you experienced folks.

I've not tried either, but then I like my goggles.

Hope that helps fill in some blanks for you.

 

[maurof78]

I would recommend the PZ0420 camera as well. You can still use the GoPro for high quality video recording.

As far as the OSD, you may want to look at the Tiny OSD III from Skylark. Very small and not as expensive as others. It gives you all the info you need including an arrow pointing to Home. In general it is good to start simple and work your way to more advanced equipment. However, the OSD could be very beneficial to avoid making mistakes also.