This page is always being updated

 

Here we try to Answer some of the Questions that you might have about FPV

Q. What does FPV stand for ?

A. FPV is short for First Person View.

 

Q. What's the difference between FPV and UAV?

A. Typically a UAV will be controlled by a autopilot using GPS and some may not even have a camera . The user will pre-program waypoints and then the UAV will fly autonomous to the set waypoints. With FPV a pilot will do most of the flying by video camera.

 

Q. Do I need too or should I join the AMA?

A. The AMA is not for everyone. The AMA is a insurance carrier and is not a ruling body of R/C aircraft. Their rules are for the AMA insured and are Not Laws but rules at AMA fields and events. The AMA does not insure FPV, UAV, or AP pilots.

 

Q. Does anyone make a Plug n Play wireless camera system. Something that I can plug in and not have to cut wires or add different connectors?.

A. At this time some companies have  Plug n Play wireless systems for FPV like Hobby Wireless, but this does not mean other equipment will work with it like GPS, OSD. Most of these however have big bulky RCA connectors so some people like to replace them with smaller ones.

 

Q. Why would a GPS be used with FPV?

A. A GPS unit can be a useful device when used in a RC aircraft along with On Screen Display (OSD) It overlays the GPS info onto the viewing screen, giving the FPV pilot information on his/her aircrafts location, speed, altitude, heading, etc....

 

Q. Do I have to have a On Screen Display (OSD) and a GPS  to do FPV flying?

A. No, for many years hobbyist have been piloting there RC aircraft without the use of a OSD and GPS data . But it is a good idea and getting the info to the pilot is a useful tool.

 

Q. I noticed that some wireless systems are on 2.4ghz or .9ghz (900mhz). Why is this and what frequency is better?

A. The 900mhz came around first then later the 2.4ghz which is now the most common. Both are good but the 900mhz  has more range and penetrates around obstacles a little better along with less video drop outs.  Also with the new Radio Controlled 2.4ghz radio systems that are out now, like Spectrums DX7, are becoming even more popular and there is less chance of interference when using the 900mhz wireless camera equipment.   If using a Spectrum 2.4 radio the AR6100 RX  has been reported to have glitches when placed near a  video transmitter. The AR7000 / 9000 is recommended. Personally I've never had a problem with using a AR6100 when it's more then 8" from A/V TX.

 

Q. Can I use one of those eBay cheapy wireless cameras?

A. Not a good idea, most of those cheaper wireless systems found on sites like eBay don't have enough range for aircraft but for the boat and car hobbyist they might work ok. The way to tell if it's a cheap system is if the receiver has a tuning knob on it.

 

Q. Can I use a 2.4ghz Radio like a Spectrum DX7 with 2.4ghz wireless video gear?

A. Although some hobbyist have been able to use the 2 together by powering the video gear up first. There are a lot of people that have reported trouble with the 2 together with much shorter range so it is not recommended.

 

Q. Do I have to fly with goggles or can I use a monitor ?.

A. No goggles are needed and some pilots don't like them.  A monitor can be used just fine.   A monitor size 7" or larger

 

Q. What is Head Tracking gyro and why would I want it ?

A. Head Tracking (HT) is mainly used with a pan/tilt servo mounted camera. Mounting the Head Tracking Gyro to goggles will allow the FPV pilot to control the camera with head movements. Example: FPV pilot is flying and looks down and to the left while wearing the Head Tracker, this motion is transmitted to the pan/tilt servos allowing the pilot to see down and to the left while flying. HT's are not necessary  to fly FPV and most  new pilots use the rudder stick for panning  with no tilt servo.

 

Q. Can I use the Head Tracker with any camera and radio equipment ?

A. Yes any small camera for FPV can be used but as far as R/C radios  there are some compatibility issues with most radios that are still being resolved. HT's have some issues like drifting and not returning to center after looking around so they have a Re-center button to reset the servo back to center. Futaba 9 channel and higher is the best choice for head trackers and work with all HT's available today.

 

Q. What is a Diversity Receiver and do I need one?

A. A Diversity RX is a receiver devise that has 2 antennas and sometimes 2 RX mounted on it which then can automatically choose  between the 2  picking the one that is receiving the better signal. Most FPV flyers won't need it if using 900mhz but if you tend to fly in a populated  area or high and far it's a good idea to use one.

 

Q. Do I need a Amateur Radio License (HAM) to fly FPV?

A. For most wireless video equipment that is of high output and depending on what country you live in you may need a HAM license to operate. Even though some lower powered units don't necessarily require a license  to operate it's a good idea to get one even though you will never be asked for a lic# when buying the gear (this may change in the future). Most classes our done in one day at a community center or local school and the test is not as hard as some may think. Check the FCC website for more info.

 

Q. What is a Omni antenna?

A. A Omni antenna (usually a rubber whip) is a antenna that receives or transmits a radio signal in all directions. 

 

Q. What is a Patch antenna and do I need one?

A. A patch antenna is a type of antenna that is used for receiving/transmitting  (mostly used for RX with FPV) a radio signal in the direction it is pointed (Directional). It's not necessary but is a good idea because it will cut down on interference from other signals from other sources that are not in the direction of your aircraft.    Note: For best reception keep a patch antenna close to the ground (0-12")

 

Q. What is a Ground Station?

A. A Ground Station is typically a case that houses all of your video equipment for FPV piloting such as wireless video receiver (RX) , TV monitor, video recorder, amplified video splitter, battery, etc...

 

 

 

Q. Do I need a audio mic with my wireless video system?

A. Although there's a lot of videos on the internet of FPV flights with added music it is a good idea to have audio during FPV piloting. This will allow the pilot to hear what the aircraft is doing, like whether the motor(s) is running or not and some speed controls (ESC) will beep when batteries get low so hearing from inside the aircraft is very handy tool.

 

Q. What is a Downlink / Uplink mean?

A. A downlink is to describe the signal being sent back by way of the aircrafts TX (video) to the receiving ground station. A uplink is info being sent to the aircraft from the ground like a R/C radio TX.

 

Q. How should I point my video Tx/Rx  antennas

A. You should always try and point your whip antenna straight up or down for the best performance (vertical) and if using a patch RX antenna always try and point it towards your  aircrafts predicted flight pattern for best results. Patch works best closest to the ground.

 

Q. What's the better radio system for long range flights. The newer 2.4ghz radio or the older standard FM/AM 72,36,50mhz

A. The FM/AM radios at 72,36,50 MHz will have further range then the newer 2.4ghz radios. FM will have a basic range of 1 to 1-1/2 miles and a J pole type antenna can be added for more range where 2.4ghz will only have  1 mile range at best. Keep in mind that you can't see an RC plane at 3/4 miles away and adding wireless video gear can shorten the aircrafts range also.

 

Q. What's the main difference between a CMOS camera and a CCD camera when used for FPV?

A. The CMOS camera  sensor does not have a shutter. It scans the the image from the lens line by line instead of snapping a full frame at once like a CCD camera does. Because of this the CMOS can have waves or ripples in the video if there are vibrations generated from the aircraft/vehicle. Most prefer the CCD with a 1/3" lens image sensor.

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