First Person Video on RC Planes?`

Archive New Product Ideas
21

Cralis:
With regards the yawwing on turns… the wagging from left to right - has this easystar got ailerons? Did you modify it to have ailerons? I ask, because I have done most of my PPL licence, and know that this soft of effect LOOKS like ‘Adverse Aileron Yaw’, caused by the drag increase on the wing with the aileron in the down position ‘yawwing’ the aircraft in the opposite direction of the attempted turn for a moment. This is resolved with correct rudder input - so, in real life, you’re only inputting rudder (with your foot) when the ailerons are deflected. As soon as you stop the aileron input, you remove rudder input.

Getting your PPL!! Nice one! I have a PPL to but not for fixed wing :)

No ailerons, no modifications. I have a thing about planes, I buy them to fly not fix+mod :smiley:

Actually that’s funny that you are getting your PPL. Most guys get into FPV because they want to feel like their flying a real plane. I guess its cheaper than hiring a Cessna though :smiley:

Cralis:
I had a debate once with a chap who told me that using a rudder on an aileron R/C plane isn’t required, because you don’t notice the adverse yaw from the ground - However, I guess with FPV, it’s a lot more noticable…

Your exactly right, you notice lots of flight characteristics flying FPV that you don't when flying normally.

Cralis:
A quick question about the easy glider. Some guy told me you need a hell of a lot of ‘runway’ for the landing of these things, because they tend to glide a long way. Is this correct? Do they have spoilers to slow down and descend quickly on finals?

The EZGlider has a servo for each aileron, so you can mix them into spoilerons. You don't want to use them as flaps though, as i'm sure your aware, flaps need to be no the inner TE of the wing not in the middle. Turning them into flaps in an EZGlider will probably get you to tip stall when 4ft of the ground.

Edit: Check the RCGroups post for a bit more on landing…

Cralis:
Just checked my bank, and the chap that bought my chopper HAS paid - so it’s go, go, go! Buy, buy, buy!!! :slight_smile: Find stock, stock, stock. :frowning:

That's great. So what are you going with. EZGlider with RV Goggles + 900MHz video. I think you should be able to pull that off for under $850 easily. The dollar is a bit better now to.

Also, you might want to check out this:

http://readymaderc.com/store/index.php? … ucts_id=20

Some food for thought:

The only problem is that you don’t have a spare linear channel on the DX7, like a knob. When I had my EZStar I had the pan on the aileron channel and the tilt on the 3-Pos switch. Problem is you need all the directions on the stick for flying the EZGlider, unless you disconnect the rudder which I have been known to do on occasion on some planes (who uses rudder anyway :smiley: :D)

There is some new head tracking units coming out that look like they may be compatible with the DX7, but as far as I can read into it, the installation process will mean you have to open up your TX and do some soldering. If HT’s were compatible with the DX7 then I would be all over it already. I am working on something as far as HT’s go, but its very early stages, nothing physical yet.

For now an option could be to have a fixed tilt and the Pan on the 3 position switch. It’s not a very nice solution but it’s a start?

22

OK, Gussy… I think I’ve been talked into the Easy Star - as it seems to suite my needs - for now.

So, can you crit my selection of goodies:

Aircraft

Frame

Multiplex Easy Star $119.99 AU Hobbyrama.com.au

Reciever

AR7000 $0 Already Got One!

Servos

HTX 900G * 3 $3.95 US HobbyCity.Com

Hitec HS55 * 3 $18 US

ESC

TURNIGY Plush 25amp Speed Controller $16 US HobbyCity.Com

Motor

HXT 2835 (380S) 2200kv Brushless Inrunner $19 US HobbyCity.Com

Battery

Kong Power 2200mah 20C 3S $0 Already Got One

FPV Equipment

Camera

Panasonic GP-CX161 Color Mini Board Camera 2.9 Lens $17 US Ebay

Receiver

900MHz standard receiver $50 US RangeVideo.com

Transmitter

900MHz 500mW audio/video transmitter $50 US RangeVideo.com

Goggles

Rvision-D high resolution goggles $275 US RangeVideo.com

23

They are ripping you off with the EZStar. Those things should retail for $90… anyway, we are in a MPX drought like I said.

I wouldn’t get a 25A ESC, go at least the 30A, it will run cooler.

I have the 2700kV version of that motor in my EZStar oh a 6x4 prop (biggest you can go) and it has loads of power (probably too much, but good for hauling gear).

24

Ah! I’m on the Paypal screen, about to pay…

So I should upgrade the ESC a bit? Can you maybe send a link to one that will suit (and not burn) the motor? I’m a bit confused… If you get an ESC that states, ‘30amp’, and a motor that states 25amps… does that not mean the ESC will throw 30A at the motor at WOT - causing the motor to … maybe… smoke a bit?

25

Damn - how do you get that GP-CX161 camera? The ebay link only ships to the US…

Ouch - I also notice you need to build step down regulators or something to get it to 5V. This is WAY out of my league. :slight_smile:

26

They do ship outside US, I know a few guys here in Melbourne who have got them.

As far as the regulator goes, what voltage do servos run on? (Answer, 5v)

27

gussy:
They do ship outside US, I know a few guys here in Melbourne who have got them.

As far as the regulator goes, what voltage do servos run on? (Answer, 5v)

Ah - so, it powers off the Rx?

Also, can you recommend an ESC?

Maybe, this?

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/stor … Controller

Is it OK to have 30A ESC with a 25A motor?

28

Aha, found a fantastic thread on RcGroups, and the first posting has an extremely informative video. Seem good?

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=855139

29

That 30A speedy is the good one. I have it in my EZStar.

The 25A is what the motor should draw, the 30A rating is what the ESC can supply. If your able to supply 30A but only supplying 25A then it will run cooler and more efficient.

I have an 80A speedy on my funjet but it only pulls 40-60A, but it runs nice an cool.

30

Well, I’m putting the cool things together. :slight_smile: Some bright sparks made the stuff for me. :slight_smile:

Gussy - whats the difference between the standard and the dual recievers? Am I right in saying that the Dual allows you to plug in an extra device (Like a recording device, as well as the goggles)? While the standard only has one output?

Also, does the EZPod work with that Ebay camera you refered to?

http://www.rangevideo.com/index.php?mai … cts_id=106

31

The difference is the dual receiver is a huge waste of money and you wish you had never bought it. The video quality is very poor on them, and they are huge.

If you want to plug two things into the single ones, just use some double adapters, that’s what I do.

All the EZPod does is hold the camera, so yes I guess it should work. Make sure you strengthen your EZPod I broke mine on the first rough landing. The weight of the camera was too much for the thin ply.

32

Cool, you saved me an extra $20. The standard will do the trick then. I see there are video splitters for $20. Pointless?

Would you recommend the EZPod? It would be nice to remove the camera and all the equipment to just go and fly normally now and again. But is it worth the $35?

Also, the patch antenna… the 8dbi one (or something). Is that a requirement for non-breakup video?

Also, I am trying to order that Ebay Panasonic camera. The guys says I can just pay him via PayPal, and he can send. $15 delievery though… so I’ll order 2, and have a backup. Connecting this camera to the VTx (I assume that happens? Camera direct into Video Tx?), will I need any adaptors, power requirement cables? Infact, can you maybe explain the connections?

Camera to VTx, and Camera to Tx (For 5V power?). Then the VTx… hoes does that get powered? Hopefully off the same pack that’s driving the plane somehow?

I’m hoping to use the (I fly Mode 2, to… rudder and throttle on the left) rudder stick as my ‘Pan’ channel, and find a way to enable and disable panning while I am using the throttle… Some clever mixing maybe on the Gear switch? I like the idea of the gear switch being used as a throttle hold, and setting it to maybe 20% throttle… then you cna pan about and not worry about throttling up or down. Not sure if you cna disable the Panning while the throttle is enabled… Would rock though!

Just wondering what else you recommend I need before I order. Adaptor, cables etc. Also, remember, I am clueless with electronics. I can solder a wire together, and make a LED light up off a battery - but that’s it. :slight_smile:

Also - guys on my RcGroups thread are rubbishing the HTX servors… :frowning:

33

gussy:
A few people are using [this camera with pretty good results. Only $20 to which is nice. [/quote]

This camera seems to be NTSC - how does that effect my setup? I think I am ordering a PAL Rangevideo setup, no?

Actually, just got a reply from an aussie guy who bought a few and is selling for less postage - I questioned the NTSC, and he says:

“Craig - I’m almost certain that the camera will work with RV’s TX and Rx. Generally, the TX and RX don’t care what system the video is on, and will work with either PAL or NTSC. This is why RV don’t worry too much about specifying the system type - remember, they ship to both NTSC and PAL-based countries. The two things that will have to be compatible video-system-wise are: (1) the camera and (2) the display and/or recording device you use. Most TV’s (and video glasses) these days are multi-system and so are OK, but if you plan to record video on a video recorder that is PAL only, NTSC could be a problem for you.”

I’d prefer not to be limited to NTSC stuff… And… RV does ask which camera you want (NTSC or PAL), so I think it would make a difference…

Darn!!

PS: Seen this?

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/stor … To_Fly_EPO

Postage is pricey though…](http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Panasonic-GP-CX161-Color-Mini-Board-Camera-2-9-Lens_W0QQitemZ250476698416QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a51931b30&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14)

34

Ah, you have abandoned me!! :slight_smile:

More questions…

The RV site says I will need another 480mah 3S onboard to power the VTx and Camera… So, is the 100% correct, or can it somehow be powered off the flight pack?

Ta

35

Would this be suitable?

http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produc … ts_id=8739

Info:

Description: This is a high-quality color CMOS camera module. Power the CM-26N/P module, hook up any display, monitor, or LCD screen with an RCA input and get vivid color video at 640x480 resolution. Module is easily mountable and has a wide operating voltage (5V to 15V). Comes with high quality optics, all the on board circuitry to output RCA signal, and cable harness.

Features:

  • 5V to 15V input

  • 50mA (at 12V)

  • Switchable NTSC and PAL output using a jumper

If so - how would it be connected on the plane? I’ll need plugs and wires? And a soldering iron?

36

I am traveling away for the weekend at the moment, I will reply to the above when I arrive later tonight :wink:

37

EZPod… yes its ok and probably worth it. Otherwise you have to make your own mount which is annoying.

A patch is a directional antenna, so only good if your flying in a straight line. Some people will say you need one, but they are the same sheep who suggest the easystar, it’s what they were told when they were new so its what they tell new people. It’s vicious cycle. :stuck_out_tongue:

If you get a patch you really need to either be flying in a straight line or have a diversity box, which is $$$

Have a look on the FPV forum on RCGroups. Most people wire up servo connectors onto the cam/mic/tx, you will need to solder these and trust the connections to the highest level. You don’t want to loose video in flight. :wink:

If you can solder wire together you will be fine. Maybe get some servo extension leads from hobbycity to use for the camera connectors.

PAL and NTSC doesn’t matter. Like I said before it is all just a video signal, any camera and transmitter will work. The goggles support NTSC and PAL so you have no problems there. The difference comes into effect when you want to use it on a screen or TV that only supports one type, which isn’t too often these days.

That AXN floater is a nice plane, have a look in the “show us your plane” thread, a user called sassen has a good post on one.

The HXT900’s, some people have trouble with them with interference, but that’t not the servos fault its usually a noisy video TX, which at the end of the day its better to fix the noisy tx than replace the servos. The HXT900s wont have as good a resolution as some other servos, which could be an issue with the panning.

I will have a think about anything else you need but you already have the main components you need.

38

Thanks Gussy.

The NTSC/PAL thing just worries me a little but, purey that I would be locked into an NTSC system, basically, for recording. Lets say I get the NTSC camera - how would I record video? What are the options available? The recorder obviously has to have one of those little yellow video input signal ports, right? I’d need a video splittler before the input to the goggles? If the video was maybe (preferably) into a SD card or something, then at that point - we don’t care if it’s NTSC/PAL, as once it’s AVI/MPEG or what ever… the video system falls away?

Something … this: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5707

(Edit: Just grabbed one! http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll … tsupported. Aussie prices were $49… around there… ebay are around $25… Found this one… grabbed it. 2 available. :slight_smile: )

With regards the Patch Antenna…

What sort of range are you getting with the whips? Have you made any modifications, and do you suffer range breakup now and again? I have been searching for a video I saw yesterday where I guy tests all 3 antennas, including the patch, and the patch made a HUGE difference. I’ll try hunt it down.,…

39

Actually, you’re an electronics guy, right?

Hows this for a million dollar plan. Design a build abit of it that recieves the GPS coords from the aircraft. Based on that, it knows it’s position, so, the antenna ‘swivels’ based on the direction at which the plane is at!!

Man, that’s GENIUS!! :slight_smile:

Then - I wanna be able to do THIS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e22i801ic6U&NR=1

So - make it so. :slight_smile:

40

Ah!

I have ordered the camera - but been told it does NOT have a mic. Can I add a mic some other way? I ask, as it would be nice to put a mic INSIDE the a/c, to hear the motor and the servos…