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Cometh the Storm: Fat Shark Byte Frost [PASS ON THIS!]
#1
UPDATE JANUARY 26, 2020 -- TL;DR - PASS ON THIS.  NOT WORTH THE TROUBLE AND PAIN.

---------------------------


This will be my impressions and feedback on the Fat Shark Byte Frost system.

As of writing, I have not received it yet but am on getFPV preorder for the beta release.  This thread has a lengthy discussion leading up to its release.  There's also tons of info out there about its relationship with HDZero as well as early released flight footage on Youtube.

Why Not DJI?

Make no mistake, the reason I hopped on the Byte Frost preorder was because I got so sick of flying analog after seeing so many of these DJI videos.  Still, I just could not get myself to pull the trigger on the DJI system even at a very tempting $700 out the door no tax (from a local guy).  Primary reason is the same for most people - I've just invested too much into the non-DJI ecosystem to just drop it like that.  I also do not want to keep two sets of FPV gear.  I also question the longevity of the DJI system.  As vast as its resources, I wonder if they waited too long to get into the FPV game what with all the new names that are now in the mix since the days of Timecop and Naze32.  Yes, Byte Frost is not as "open" as the promotions might lead you to believe, but it is still far more "open" than DJI's system.  So while the current incarnation of Byte Frost may leave much to be desired, I'm guessing the usual suspects of Shenzhen will be having a heyday with this one.  Last but hoenstly not at all least, and maybe particular to me, I just can't get past those goggles.  In my opinion, they are just way too hideous.  

The Goal

I already know that Byte Frost will not hold a candle to DJI HD.  It's 1080 true digital vs 720 analog HD so right there you're already beat.  But I am ok with that at the $400 (less 10% coupon code  and 3% credit card cash back) "subsidized" beta release price point.  I just cannot continue flying in analog, and if the Byte Frost system can get to even just 50% of DJI's tech on this early access release, then I am all in.  As I theorized earlier, once the Runcams, Caddx's, IRC's, TBS's of the world get in on this, that development curve should tighten quicklike.


The Plan

As it currently physically stands, I'm probably the last guy that should be jumping into Byte Frost.  For starters, I only fly 150 class.  I'm going to try and get this elongated 30x30 footprint in there somehow.  Second, I use a Frsky X-Lite which does not really lend itself well to monitors.  The Byte Frost system houses its four receivers inside a monitor.  So that'll be fun lol.

Once I do get the system which will hopefully be later next week, I'll post pics as well as dimensions of the various components.  I've been trying to get my hands on some specs so I can 3d print some mockups for test fitment into these 3" frames but can't get the numbers.

Okey dokey stay tuned!!   Big Grin
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#2
I guess you will just have to create a ground station for the monitor by sticking it on a tripod or something similar.

What antennas are you going to get for it? And are you also getting the onboard DVR unit? I understand this is an separate "add-on" board which costs extra (obviously) but I don't see it listed anywhere or prices for it.

Looking forward to hearing your experience with it first hand from someone on here we can trust rather than some random people that we don't know from Adam Smile
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#3
In theory, BFrost is still analog. Just busting your chops. Looking for to seeing how you are going to overcome all your hurdles.
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#4
Thanks guys but there will be some bias.  Namely, I refuse to fly the DJI system.  I just don't want to be depressed on a system that I so want to avoid if that makes any sense.  But really, I just have no friends that fly drones much less have a DJI system for me to try out lol.  So from that standpoint, there will be a bias.

What I will be comparing this to as a reference point is what I'd like to consider a fairly top of the line analog system comprised of HDOs + IRC RF + VAS Ion v2 + VAS Crosshair Xtreme on the VRX side and Caddx Tarsier + HGLRC Forward Mini VTX + TBS triumph antenna on the VTX side.  And this is some clean video with minimal mechanical noise.

For antennas I'll just be using 4 Foxeer lollipops which have worked well for me as generic omnis.  I can't get a straight answer as to which antennas go with what receiver and therefore which would lend themselves well to directional vs. omni.  I'll be swapping out the lollipops with beefier VAS antennas to see what changes.

The DVR will be an issue from a review perpsective because I really don't want to jam a Gopro or something into my goggles to show "real" goggle view.  (I can't fly LOS lolll.) 

I will claim my first victory with the monitor mounting though ... Big Grin 

[Image: Screen-Shot-10-06-19-at-11-51-AM.jpg]

[Image: 20191006-093952.jpg]

You can download the STL here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3906511
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#5
I love to watch a guinea pig in action....thanks for taking on the challenge and testing the system for us.....



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#6
It begins Big Grin

[Image: DSC-6364.jpg]
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#7
Hurry up please Big Grin
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#8
(09-Oct-2019, 10:23 PM)SnowLeopardFPV Wrote: Hurry up please Big Grin

Really! You've already had it there in front of you for at least 23 minutes!! Big Grin
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#9
The Unboxing

Initial impressions ... ooohh shiny ...

[Image: DSC-6367.jpg]

[Image: DSC-6369.jpg]

Ground station / monitor ...

[Image: DSC-6371.jpg]

[Image: DSC-6378.jpg]

[Image: DSC-6373.jpg]

[Image: DSC-6374.jpg]

[Image: DSC-6375.jpg]

The VTX ...

[Image: DSC-6379.jpg]

[Image: DSC-6381.jpg]

The camera is not the same one I see in the ads. It's a Runcam "RacerHD" ... so it looks like the collabs with HDZero has already been going on.

[Image: DSC-6385.jpg]

[Image: DSC-6383.jpg]

The battery case is bigger than the standard goggle battery. Wish I had known that lol.

[Image: DSC-6386.jpg]

Be back with some measurements. Wish I had measurements before I got this so I can prep the build. So hopefully that'll be helpful to someone ...
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#10
Just FYI these are bigger batteries than what you might use for your Xlite. Off to the Vape store lol.
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#11
Measurements incoming ...

[Image: dJaokEJ.jpg]

[Image: vZ3jCDt.jpg]

[Image: K4y3EAB.jpg]

[Image: 6QFAVIv.jpg]

Next up ... the build Big GrinBig Grin
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#12
Thanks for sharing the measurements. Those will surely come in useful for others  Thumbs Up

It's going to be tough getting that into the Acrobrat frame. I guess without an HD camera board mounted in the front section, you will have more front-to-rear space to play with.
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#13
Have faith my friend. Big GrinBig Grin  You've seen what I can cram into an rc car, this will be easy peasy!!  Big Grin Big Grin

I hope.   Cry
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#14
The battery pack is able to be attached into back of GS.
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#15
(10-Oct-2019, 01:17 AM)ntant Wrote: The battery pack is able to be attached into back of GS.

If that was a question, yes, it does attach to the back.

[Image: b5wUBc4.jpg]
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