UPDATE JANUARY 26, 2020 -- TL;DR - PASS ON THIS. NOT WORTH THE TROUBLE AND PAIN.
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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!!
---------------------------
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!!