Hi all

Please forgive the following noob questions...

I'm looking to source a suitable camera, video transmitter and video receiver combination, whereby I can mount the camera/VTX on a remote controlled plane, with a video receiver capable of producing a real time video stream connected to an ipad or kindle.

The plane will be controlled by it's own dedicated radio controller. I'm looking for a VTX/VRX distance of up to say half a mile.  Assuming I can do this, I welcome comments and suggestions, websites where I can obtain such hardware, etc, many thanks

Regards Dave

We can give you better recommendations with a bit more information:
What’s your budget?
What is the weight and size allowance on your plane? Or, what’s your wingspan?

If you want to easy and affordable, I’d suggest skipping the iPad and kindle (and the lag they may introduce) and going with an fpv monitor with a built in video receiver like the one below:

https://www.racedayquads.com/products/fy...gKvOvD_BwE

For camera, I’d suggest something like this:

https://www.racedayquads.com/products/fo...your-color

And for your video transmitter, I’d suggest something like this:

https://www.racedayquads.com/products/sp...z-vtx-mmcx

You’ll also need a way to power it. You can piggyback off of your rx battery if it’s 5v, or you can use a separate battery. That video transmitter needs 3.7 to 5v. A bec is an option if you’ve got a higher voltage battery like a 2s or 3s that you’d prefer to use so that you don’t suck your receiver battery dry, like this:

https://www.racedayquads.com/products/ma...gJzEvD_BwE

This is for an analog setup. If you want digital, that can be done as well, but the price goes up significantly.

Range will be dependent on the antennas you use, as well as if there are any obstacles between you and the video transmitter antenna. With a clear line of sight, half a mile is no problem.

Video transmitters get *hot* so you’ll need to make sure to mount it somewhere where it can get good airflow, or actively cool it with a fan (and ducts or vents).

There are regulations about transmitting power and many other things that vary from country to country, so it is important to look up the regulations wherever you live to make sure you’re in compliance with UAV and frequency/power rules. I’m assuming you’re already familiar with some of those if you fly rc planes.

Welcome to the forum!

it's usually not easy to get a feed out onto a tablet as they don't have a video input. The new avatar/walksnail system receiver has an HDMI out on it, but again, a tablet doesn't take HDMI. there is a hack for DJI to get video over a USB cable to a laptop or tablet, but youll need their goggles(which are relatively expensive) in order to do so. There are also analog systems which are significantly cheaper, and they sell analog FPV monitors which are a screen and video receiver built together for you to use as well. Until a few years ago those were the only option really.

Range of half a mile won't be an issue for any of these systems. The digital systems (avatar, DJI, HDzero) will look way better than analog, but will cost more.

EDIT: damn i got beat out by lemon!

(05-Jan-2023, 08:41 PM)matt0725 Wrote: EDIT: damn i got beat out by lemon!

Yeah, but, you were able to expand more on why using a tablet isn’t the best idea, and you were able to say everything I did in much less words. I tend to be stuck in permanent verbose mode.

thank you both for your helpful replies. Couple of questions ...

I understand the issue with no video input possible to a kindle etc, but what if I can use a Laptop with HDMI connection ? Is it then possible to get a VRX and connect to the laptop?

Assuming I want to get hold of the gear you (very helpfully!) listed Lemon, it means buying everything from the states ? Are there issues with doing that ? Do these items not exist in Europe ?

many thanks again!

You don’t need a laptop with an hdmi in.
You could use something like this:
https://www.racedayquads.com/products/sk...ne-usb-otg

And be fine with a usb port on a laptop or an android tablet/phone.

It will not work on an iPhone.

You’re going to be introducing a whole bunch of lag, and making life harder than it needs to be if you go this route.
That thing I linked to above is $27.99.

The vrx monitor I previously linked to is $54.99, but there are cheaper options available.
Here’s one for $45.99.
https://www.racedayquads.com/products/ha...attery-3-5

You can go even cheaper if you’re willing to order direct from China.

Buying something made to do what you want is going to be much easier than buying some random adapter and hoping that you can make it work with your tablet/pc/phone.

I’m in the USA, so I can’t give you recommendations on retailers in your country, but everything I’ve mentioned is available in your country.

In terms of UK sellers, these are my go-tos. They've been around for years and are well established:

https://www.unmannedtechshop.co.uk/
https://www.hobbyrc.co.uk/