We don't call them "drones."

[mk23]

This is the video the got me into FPV, one year ago.

I know, somewhat reckless to do on the Golden Gate (let's not get into that debate), but very cool to watch!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce4uESM1thQ

[silencertalk]

Your setup seems super impressive. I am interested in an antenna tracker - normally the OSD sends that I guess. My craft has 900 Mhz telemetry and I believe my mission planning software will control the tracker.

I think a videographer would want to pilot with the GoPro so that they could compose the shot. But your benefits of two cameras seem good.

Another benefit is of having two cameras is that I could remove the GoPro if I didn't care to record and just wanted to pilot. This would save weight and risk of the GoPro.

And then you can also use one of those $68 sports cameras.

So I should also get two cameras. Is there one that you recommend?

[silencertalk]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nda3QqrQsqo

This shows how lower frequencies are generally better for video, but 900 Mhz has issues and the antenna is even larger, so the 1.2 seems best.

I will see how it goes with 5.8.

Mk23 - Is there anything about your setup you would do differently?

I wanted the RcImmersion DUO but got the UNO because it was 1/4 the price, but now I am wondering if that was a mistake. I guess the answer is that if you use an antenna tracker (and hence a high-gain antenna) you are more likely to want/need the DUO.

[silencertalk]

This is the video the got me into FPV, one year ago.

I know, somewhat reckless to do on the Golden Gate (let's not get into that debate), but very cool to watch!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce4uESM1thQ

Good images, bad music.

I want 3D with a Rift. Too bad the 3D transporter is $700.

[Fulmen]

Unless you had a MRAP-sized microwave emitter that could alter the timing of 4-6 different signals surrounding the craft

A GPS is a radio reciever, why wouldn't standard radio jamming techniques work? They're sold online for less than 100$, we're nok talking about jamming the entire service over a large ares (that would probably be illegal and certainly irresponsible). Just a jammer with a directional antenna.

[doubloon]

Unless you had a MRAP-sized microwave emitter that could alter the timing of 4-6 different signals surrounding the craft

A GPS is a radio reciever, why wouldn't standard radio jamming techniques work? They're sold online for less than 100$, we're nok talking about jamming the entire service over a large ares (that would probably be illegal and certainly irresponsible). Just a jammer with a directional antenna.

His google fu is weak ... GPS hijacking is old news.

A simple jammer is a meager task but taking control isn't that much harder although maybe 10x more expensive.

http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2012/06/25/ ... chers-say/

[kalikraven]

I had a long post but I guess it didn't submit...

www.fpvlab.com is the place to go for info on First Person View RC flying I've been for a couple years same screen name.

www.readymaderc.com is one of the best places to buy FPV gear.

Good luck on jamming a Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum signal...

My longest flight has been two miles and I'm working on a plane that should be able to do five.

Immersion RC makes good stuff. I have on order Dominator HD goggles that are 3D capable. I just need a 3d camera system.

[mk23]

Your setup seems super impressive. I am interested in an antenna tracker - normally the OSD sends that I guess. My craft has 900 Mhz telemetry and I believe my mission planning software will control the tracker.

I think a videographer would want to pilot with the GoPro so that they could compose the shot. But your benefits of two cameras seem good.

Another benefit is of having two cameras is that I could remove the GoPro if I didn't care to record and just wanted to pilot. This would save weight and risk of the GoPro.

And then you can also use one of those $68 sports cameras.

So I should also get two cameras. Is there one that you recommend?

Correct. Taking off the Go pro on the little quad gives me at least another 5 min of flight because of the saved weight.

Telemetry is fed usually from the OSD down one of the audio channels (in 5.8Ghz, the right one, in all other there is only one audio channel).

You need a telemetry decoder down on your ground station, which also drives the pan and tilt for the antenna. They are proprietary to the OSD. So if you have an ImmersionRC OSD, you need the same tracker:

http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index. ... Path=11_27

For cameras, I like http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index. ... ts_id=1405. I have used that one both on my quad and the Penguin

[mk23]

I second kalikraven post about ReadyMadeRC. Great place to shop.

You pay a little more than ordering China or HK, but you also get the service that goes with.

I place my order by noon PST, and it ships same day. Priority mail has it at my has almost always 2 days later.

[mk23]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nda3QqrQsqo

This shows how lower frequencies are generally better for video, but 900 Mhz has issues and the antenna is even larger, so the 1.2 seems best.

I will see how it goes with 5.8.

Mk23 - Is there anything about your setup you would do differently?

I wanted the RcImmersion DUO but got the UNO because it was 1/4 the price, but now I am wondering if that was a mistake. I guess the answer is that if you use an antenna tracker (and hence a high-gain antenna) you are more likely to want/need the DUO.

No, I am pretty happy with the set up. I also forgot to say I have a pocket DVR recording video flight and telemetry. Very import once again in the recovery of a downed aircraft.

You range will very greatly depending on the frequency pollution. I live in the sticks, so there is nothing else really emitting anything at all!

I also have multiple other OSDs and various bits of kit. Another good company for the OSD and tracking is Skylark. Their Set Up is GTG, and has nice HUD options, including F16 style display.

This is my plane: http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index. ... ts_id=1072

[mk23]

I also have a full Scherrer TSLRS set up with 8W booster, but have not played with that.

I see they just released an even bigger one, the TITAN: http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index. ... ts_id=2483

They had fully loaded at over 12 lbs.

I have not gotten my Penguin very high either (for fear of collisions and strong air currents where I live), but there are videos on Youtube, where the Penguins are up at 8,000ft!

[kalikraven]

I also have a TSLRS system with the booster. The booster has been sitting in a box... The TSLRS is the most "professional grade" out of all the systems. It is a quality unit and reminds me of military gear due to the design, ruggedness, shielding and idiot proofing.

[silencertalk]

Passed the Technician exam tonight with 32 correct. Not bad for deciding to get it two days ago. They said I should have the license in a week.

[oldcoot]

tag

[Libertarian_Geek]

Passed the Technician exam tonight with 32 correct. Not bad for deciding to get it two days ago. They said I should have the license in a week.

Did you attempt the general? Where I took mine, they encouraged everyone to at least try the other exams too.

I took all 3, but hadn't studied for the extra and came out w/ general (I was 8 short of passing it).

http://www.arrl.org/question-pools
It helped me to study the question pools after removing the incorrect answers. This way, I'm reinforcing the right answers without trying to forget something that I read.

[alucard]

The skydrone looks cool: http://www.skydrone.aero/ They got a video of an oculus rift hooked up as well.
Basically you use your 3g/4g data signal to get your video feed. So you could fly in theory where ever you get a data signal. The only issues I have read are the latency, but they claim to use a custom encoding that minimizes latency to 150ms.

The only down side is they have yet to start shipping any products. They started out as a kickstarter program and for $350 you could get a unit, but they did not raise enough money, now they are selling the units for $400, but promising to raise the price to $700 when they start shipping units. Difficult to commit when they haven't released anything yet.

Got a friend who picked up one of the pixhawk units: https://store.3drobotics.com/products/3dr-pixhawk
Lots of customization with the open source coding. My friend currently has it set up so he can use his computer to control the pan/tilt of his camera with a joystick on his computer.

[alucard]

I also like Team black sheep's (TBS) statue of liberty flight:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9cSxEqKQ78

especially the very end with the cops. This situation had a good outcome, but I have heard TBS has had trouble with authority's in other involvements. I saw one where they lost their plane in a city and place WANTED signs all over the city to try and recover the aircraft.

[silencertalk]

They asked if I wanted to take the General, but while the Technition is possible to pass without studying and just using common sense and lnowledge, the General requires memorization of things that you could not possibly know without study. I could probably pass it with a day of study but then I would need to grow a beard and wear sandles with socks and stuff to fit in.

[Libertarian_Geek]

They asked if I wanted to take the General ... I could probably pass it with a day of study but then I would need to grow a beard and wear sandles with socks and stuff to fit in.

I think there was a test question about that.

G1B04 (A) [97.113(b)]
Which of the following must be true before general or extra class operators may broadcast?
A. Sandals must be insulated from feet by socks extending at least above ankles.
B. Immediately following callsign, station operator must complain about the new license exams not requiring code.
C. Combined beard and hair length must be greater than or equal to 1/16th wavelength.
D. All of these choices are correct

[silencertalk]

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:303495

You can record video, use a time-lapse app for high-res photos, or even FaceTime/Skype the iPhone for FPV.