My FPV setup & experience - First few flights
I’m currently using the standard ArduCopter frame and Motors with a custom build Camera mount.
The Camera mount was build with aluminum and support Roll and Pitch stabilization (Stabilization not tested yet.)
To improve the central point of gravity I decided to move the battery to the back:
Transmitter & Receiver
800mW Wireless Video transmitter, 1G - 1.3G selectable.
Tested up to 1.6 km (Decided to turn around when my plane stopped to respond to my radio.)
http://www.securitycamera2000.com/products/8-CH-800mW-Wireless-Audi...
What’s nice about the transmitter is that I can switch between 8 channel from 1G to 1.36G. This allows me to choose a channel with low interference.
Camera
For my first attempt I used a cheap security camera - my experience wasn’t good.
I’m now using a GoPro HERO HD camera for flying and recording - MUCH BETTER!
Ground Station:
12 Volt Battery - Lead acid battery, 7AHr - lasts forever.
FAT Shark Goggles - I tried to use an LCD screen, but goggles are so much better. I strongly recommend FAT Shark goggles, because it was designed for FPV and it blocks out the sun very well. I also wore a cap to reduce heat on the
goggles.
Standard antenna mounted on a tripod. (Rubber duck antenna)
What’s working for me:
- Sit while flying to avoid motion sickness - standing up wasn’t working for me. Just look at this picture:
It’s easy to get lost:
- Make sure you have a spotter on site to tell you where your quad is and to assist with your landing.
- Familiarize yourself with your surroundings - look at areas that are easy visible from the air.
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Comment by Jonathan M on February 14, 2012 at 1:48pm -
Very nice setup! Do you mind sharing what your overall weight was with the gopro and battery?
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Comment by Kevin Bouchard on February 14, 2012 at 1:54pm -
How are the flight characteristics with the camera mounted, compared to no camera? I also have that frame and want to try FPV this summer with a GoPro, had doubts if the 850kv motors could support it, but you just confirmed it could. I'll probably start with a fixed mount though, to save on weight/complexity.
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Comment by Willie Prinsloo on February 14, 2012 at 1:54pm -
Around 1.4kg using 2.7mAH 3s 20C.
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Comment by Willie Prinsloo on February 14, 2012 at 2:08pm
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@Kevin -The 850kv got lots of power - no problem lifting the gopro with the mount and two extra servos! Not sure what’s the difference in flight characteristics - But it's still easy to fly.
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Comment by JP on February 14, 2012 at 2:13pm -
Sweet setup! Does the battery counter balance the camera? I am about to do something similar with my quad and two IR A490 cameras.
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Comment by Willie Prinsloo on February 14, 2012 at 2:18pm
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@JP You can balance the Quad by moving the battery aluminum plate in & out. But make sure that you use Servos with metal gears!
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Comment by JP on February 14, 2012 at 2:19pm
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Awesome
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Comment by Ruwan on February 14, 2012 at 6:41pm -
Cool! what is the flying time?
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Comment by Willie Prinsloo on February 14, 2012 at 7:15pm
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@Ruwan, My radio timer is set at 7 min giving me enough time to get back and land. Not sure but I like to keep about 30-40% amps in the battery.
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Comment by David M Eno on February 14, 2012 at 9:43pm -
I really like your camera mount.
Contests
Season Two of the Trust Time Trial (T3) Contest has now begun. The third round was a reliablilty/aerial photography round for both planes and copters, which is now closed. Stay tuned for the next round, beginning soon.A list of all T3 contests is here.
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