WBflyers Ground Station. Alternative to goggles. Monitor inside box mounted on tripod. This removes unwanted sun glare. Video RX on side. Photo: WBflyer

 If you are new to wireless video the first thing is to get a wireless video system that will fit your needs. First you must consider what type of FPV piloting  you will be doing, long range or short. Long range will require more equipment and a powerful wireless transmitter 200mw or more.  We will assume that you already have a RC Plane, Heli, Car or boat and are familiar with the radio controlled hobby. If not we suggest you start with a Radio Controlled Aircraft/Vehicle and become good at controlling it before you ever try FPV piloting. Even though some hobbyist may think it's easier to control a RC aircraft/vehicle through the use of FPV it's not. Most people who have done it will tell you it is hard to get it at first but worth the reward once you master it.

 You will be better off understanding how Radio Controlled vehicles operate and what type of equipment will be needed before you start.

A good platform for FPV is a well built RC Aircraft/Vehicle keeping in mind that you will be adding more weight for a Video Transmitter (about 2oz), Camera (1.5oz) and a separate power source (battery 2oz) and that's just the basics.

Another thing to consider is the aircraft. Electric RC has come a long way in the past couple of years with the newer Brushless Motors and Lipo batteries that allow for longer flights. They're recommend for FPV over gas (nitro fuel) and don't have the mess associated with fuel. Trainer aircraft can make a good platform and some modifying of the equipment location may be necessary to keep the center of gravity (CG) correct along with a more powerful motor, larger prop, etc...

 Some popular planes for getting started in FPV are the Multiplex (MPX)  EasyStar and TwinStar II which are made from a durable EPP foam. There's also the electric Telemaster, GWS Slow Stick, some flying wings, etc...  Even though you might be a expert flyer we suggest starting with something like the EasyStar plane when trying FPV for first time. It's also a good idea to have a plane dedicated just for FPV as changing back and forth will cause you more headaches. Once you have the plane you will need to install your wireless camera gear. It's a good idea to keep the wireless video TX 10" or more away from the planes RX and antenna and try to keep servo wires separated from video wiring. This will keep any interference down to a minimum or none. Camera mounting is usually in the cockpit area giving a pilots view. Some FPV pilots prefer to see apart of the aircrafts nose and some don't want anything but the view so final camera placement will be up to you. Another great way to practice FPV is to use a simulator like G4 RC Flight Sim which allows you to fly from the cockpit view (not able on photo fields). I use the simulator for FPV helicopter practice and has helped tremendously, not to mention cutting down on repairs from crashes and saving money. 

 

KX-151CCD 12volt camera

Wireless goggles from Fat Shark

It's a good idea to use twisted servo wires to remove interference and lose of proper range when using Wireless A/V system. photo. Twinturbostang

 Crash9 system .9ghz wireless gear

Intelligent Flights On Screen Display

EasyStar the most popular FPV plane Photo: scrtsqrl

4 way Video Distribution Amplifier 12volt needed to send a video to more then one device (camcorder, goggles, etc..)

Your First FPV Piloted Flights

 Once you have done a range test you should fly your new FPV plane in normal view until you get the hang of how your new plane flies and get all the trims set to your liking. When you feel comfortable to move on to FPV it is recommended that you don't use a Head-Tracking Gyro with a pan and tilt set-up for your first few FPV flights and that you use your camera in a fixed position Pointing Straight Ahead (don't point camera down). This will help with visual flight (VFR) in allowing you to put the horizon in the center of the screen during level flight you will be better able to till whether your climbing, descending or banking a lot easier.  This will also help you become oriented with your aircraft and what to expect while flying FPV.  Another good idea and can't be said enough is "Have a Spotter" to watch your aircraft. Having a spotter is a important FPV tool and if possible have your spotter hooked to your radio with a buddy box/trainer cord. If you become disoriented or lose video feed you'll be able to select your trainer switch allowing the spotter to take over your aircraft until you can regain it. Don't fly over 400' altitude (FAA rules in US) keeping in mind that your spotter must be able to see your plane and it's orientation. Try to keep level flight and refrain from doing loops, rolls, hammer heads, etc.. until you become a good FPV pilot. Piloting by FPV takes a lot of concentration and can be hard at first so if your thumbs (fingers) are shaking that's normal for most newbie's but should go away after a few flights. Don't fly to far!!! Most first time FPV pilots fly out of range on there first flights and it's easy to do so stay close by and expect shorter flights since most new FPV pilots tend to use more power, practice flying slow at a safe altitude (100').

 At this time some RC clubs may not allow you to fly FPV (AMA rules) so check with your local club if you intend to fly there. Most FPV pilots fly in unpopulated areas in the middle of nowhere which is highly recommend for new FPV pilots.  

 Landing should be done without FPV piloting until you become comfortable with flying in this mode. Just like when you first started to fly it will take lots of practice and will be very rewarding when your able to do it.

Plug & Play 2.4ghz FPV system from HobbyWireless.com

Most popular recommended set-up for basic First Person View, FPV piloting:

1. **Multiplex EasyStar with a brushless motor (2400kv-3000kv, 6x5apc prop) and matching ESC (25-35 amp) Hi-Tec HS-81 servos**

2. Futaba  , 9C (9channel), 12Z, 14MZ if you plan on using a plug n Play head-tracker (Head-Tracker not recommended for beginners)

3. KX-131(5v) or KX-151 (12v) camera (mounted on Pan & Tilt servos if using Head-Tracker)

4. 50mw to 500mw 2.4ghz or 900mhz wireless audio/video transmitter with whip antenna

5. Matching wireless receiver with a patch antenna (standard whip is fine for short range flights)

5a. 5v voltage regulator for 5v wireless gear not necessary for 12v gear

6. Separate 2 cell (for 5v) or 3 cell (for 12v) 480mAh Lipo battery for powering wireless video gear

7. Video goggles or monitor with good resolution

**It's a good idea to go with a brushless motor when adding the extra weight of camera equipment. It's been reported the stock brushed motor set-up may still work with the added weight but performance will be lacking.

 Note: If using a 2.4ghz radio like Spektrum/Futaba  it will be necessary to use a 900mhz(.9ghz) or 1300mhz (UK) wireless video system and not a 2.4ghz system due to interference with 2.4ghz radios.  

 

  

Disclaimer: ** Use of the information on this site is at your own risk.  Radio Control hobby can be dangerous and can cause injury or even death. BE SAFE!!!**

R/C models should be flown under the supervision of an experienced adult pilot. Our sponsors are not responsible for the content of this site and do not endorse radio controlled model helicopters, airplanes, cars, boats or the use of video camera equipment on them. Our sponsors and/or the web site's authors are NOT responsible for any personal injury, property damage, or financial loss resulting from using the published information.

 

 

FPV Driven R/C Tank Photo: Keith Luneau