Hi all,

I'm am a former RC heli pilot and would now like to get an FPV drone set to get into FPV flying which I haven't done before. I can't use any of my old equipment ( Transmitter etc. its an old Futaba FF9 ), because I think its just outdated. 

So I would need everything from scratch.

• Transmitter + recevier --> Want to fly Mode 2 with Throttle stick inverted, pulling towards the body is positive Throttle
  
• Complete drone with FPV camera & transmitter , the option of mounting an existing GoPro Hero 3 would be great
  
• Googles or even simply an FPV monitor, I like to idea that others can watch with me the screen while flying
  
• Suitable lipos and charger
  

I would like to spend not more than 500€ in total, but if this not enough to get something with "reasonable" performance I accept to spend a bit more. I was looking already at the Eachine wizzard X220S, but im unsure about possible alternatives and the video equipment. 

If possible I would like to get a complete RTF set but I even don't mind to buy things separately.

Any help and suggestions would be much appreciated. 

Thanks in advance.

Best regards

Radiomaster Boxer ELRS
DarwinFPV 240 Johnny 5 ELRS
Eachine EV800D Goggles
SkyRC e455 Charger
2x CNHL 4S 1200mAh Lipos

Would come out at roughly 500 euros.

To get reverse throttle: https://manual.edgetx.org/color-radios/m...p/throttle

Not sure what kits are available in Europe, but most of the RTF combos seem more for micros which won't carry a GP3, and most also come with budget radios/goggles so you might be better picking up a BNF and radio/goggles or screen separately.

I believe GP3 is around 80g? If you just want to do some cinematic flying/cruising, you could probably get by with a 3.5", but if you want to do more aggressive flying then a 4" or 5".

For the radio, there are plenty of options, but consider getting ELRS which provides a very robust link. If you are comfortable with the game pad type controllers, those start around $60, if you prefer the traditional larger box style that will cost you more, maybe $120 up. Most ELRS radios run on EdgeTX, and you can reverse your sticks using its menu.

If you don't mind using a screen, there are some pretty inexpensive screens with integrated battery, diversity 5.8 receiver, and DVR which might be a good budget option to start with.

Hi, thanks for your responses.

What is the range I can expect from the control- and video signal with an ELRS transmitter as you suggested and analog video signal?

Is analog video quality "as bad" as visible in this video in the first part?



Br

(02-Apr-2024, 03:54 PM)ITManuel Wrote: Is analog video quality "as bad" as visible in this video in the first part?

Yes.

I started with FPV at the time the original DJI Air Unit came. It saved the hobby for me because analog gave me a migraine.

ELRS has a very robust link, and in an open low noise environment you can get several kilometers of range at 25mw. It has a dynamic power setting so it will automatically ramp up the transmitter power as needed if you are flying in a more challenging RF environment. Typically you will lose your video signal before you lose your control link.

As for analog video, in open space with LOS to your drone, typically you will get a decent "clean" image, but if you fly around/behind buildings/trees/hills then expect a lot of static. I think the pilot does a full run in the video, it should give you a good idea as he moves from good to bad reception. Digital video will certainly perform better and look nicer, but if you are on a strict budget, then maybe only analog will meet your price target.

(02-Apr-2024, 03:54 PM)ITManuel Wrote: Hi, thanks for your responses.

What is the range I can expect from the control- and video signal with an ELRS transmitter as you suggested and analog video signal?

Is analog video quality "as bad" as visible in this video in the first part?



Br

Range on ELRS 100km+ (using 1W, on dynamic with perfect LoS), but real world 5-10km, because very few people fly more than that.

Video, depends on antennas and other factors, but ideal conditions, omni antennas with diversity, at least 5km at a reasonable power level.  I've done 1km a few times with perfect picture on 400mW, with a linear antenna on my goggles.  If you used decent omnis or patch, probably 5-10km, if you go up to helicals 20-30km.  Very few people do those kind of distances with quads.  Most do them on planes and wings.  For quads, 7km is very easy to achieve and i've seen a fair few videos of people doing that sort of distance on 7" quads with Li-ion packs.

For you on a probably 5" with say a 400-800mW VTX and a decent RHCP antenna, a couple of km is going to be easily possible and probably more, as long as you have some sort of LoS, ie, fly it at 30-40m high, take off from somewhere in an open, non complex environment, like somewhere without a lot of trees.

So videos.  Start with the best of the best, but notice it's open air flying in an open environment.




Some Bando action (old video from long ago, but analog).



For me this is worst case scenario.  You fly into a brick sh*t house with loads of walls and loads of concrete.  If you are outside, signal will suck.



Best advice is to shell out on good quality kit for the VTX and antenna.  Foxeer or TBS, a good quality RHCP antenna.  On your goggles, go with good quality antennas as well.

For ELRS, you always want the dipole version.  Never get the ceramic or flat antennas, they suck at range and you won't get the penetration of a proper antenna.

Rc heli pilot, i believe you like performance.?
I would mention a racequad, most pilots comming from helis i know does practice racing.