FPV Racing and parts.
Hi Lee,
As promised, a little parts list for FPV gear.
The best way i can think to do it is a separate list for the scythe, and a one list for everything else.
The scythe needs special attention to light weight gear, so you cant use the full size camera, even if it has a slightly better image. Performance is more important than a picture that is a nominally more clear...
Scythe:
Camera: http://www.banggood.com/600TVL-8_0MP-14-2_8mm-CMOS-FPV-170-Degree-Wide-Anlge-Lens-Camera-PALNTSC-p-984345.html?cur_warehouse=USA
ATTENTION - 5v MAX only. Any more voltage than 5v will burn this camera up. It is super light, has a nice wide FOV. It is best to cut or desolder the bottom mounted microphone so that you can mount it easier. Hot glue works just fine.
Video transmitter :
1.3ghz option: http://www.dpcav.com/xcart/1280Hz-A-V-Transmitter-80mW-Micro-Size.html
Again, this only takes 5V max. It is a linear antenna, which is fine on the 1.3 band. Circular polarized antennas really have an advantage at 5.8ghz, not so much for 1.3ghz. You will need a voltage regulator, and an LC filter. Here is a good one:
http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_66_71&products_id=1185
This system is best paired with a strong ground station antenna. I use the RMRC Pepperbox. Simply put, it is the best ground station antenna out there. It has incredible gain (13dbi) and a 180° beam. This antenna is the trick to me getting good video signal, even behind many trees, and many buildings. I've flown out to 5.5 miles with this antenna, and had perfect video the whole time...
The user can pick up their choice of ground station receiver for the 1.3 band.
5.8ghz option: http://www.rccrazed.com/electronics-fpv-gear-aomway-tx25-8g-40ch-av-25-200mw-switchable-mini-vtx-p-212.html
This is a nice transmitter because it is light, small and provides 5V filtered necessary for the camera, so make wiring the system up easy. It should be paired with a circularly wireless antenna such as:
http://www.rccrazed.com/electronics-fpv-gear-aomway-8ghz-leaf-clover-antenna-set-for-tx-rx-sma-rhcp-p-213.html
User can pick their choice of video receiver and viewing device.
Assassin and bigger:
Camera: http://www.rccrazed.com/electronics-fpv-gear-foxeer-hs1177-xat600m-ccd-600tvl-8mm-ir-block-fpv-camera-p-224.html
This camera accepts a wide range of voltage input. It can be bought many places under the model HS1177, It comes with a 2.8mm lens, but i like the 2.1 for a wider FOV and more situational awareness over a slightly fish eye effect. The lens is also available at rccrazed.
Video Transmitter:
1.3ghz option:
Again you could use the pico video transmitter named above.
For a little more power, this one is good:
http://www.getfpv.com/fpv/video-transmitters/1258-1280mhz-mini-200mw-transmitter-us-1753.html
It requires 12v, and a filter, such as: http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_66_71&products_id=2938
That filter is nice because it steps 4s voltage down to 12v required by the video transmitter. The transmitter is best paired with this antenna: http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_45_52_99&products_id=301
CP antennas are just too big and bulky on 1.3 for a wing that will be crashed.
5.8ghz option:
Same as above for the scythe.
I could probably talk for hours about other options and why i picked what i did, which if you are curious or have specific questions, let me know :)
Michael
Radios, Chargers, Power supplies, Tools, Parts, Plugs
Here are some questions to ask as you choose a radio system.
1. What are flyers in your area using and why?
2. Does it meet your needs and give you options to grow?
3. Does it have mixing for flying wings?
4. What kind and how many batteries does the transmitter use?
5. Does it come with transmitter batteries and a transmitter charger?
6. Can you get receivers and servos at your local hobby store?
7. How much do additional receivers cost? (Each plane will need its own receiver.)
8. Is there a place to get it serviced in the USA or where you live?
9. Can you program it to store the flight data and settings for more than one plane?
We fly Spektrum radios here at Crashtesthobby but there are many good systems out there.
Spektrum DX6i 2.4 GHz 6-Channel Tx – Our favorite!!!! We like that it uses 4AA rechargable batteries.
A source for the DX6i transmitter only. Horizon hobby is the distributor of Spektrum Radios.
Orange Transmitter 2.4 GHz, low cost, does not include receiver, charger or rechargeable battery system
Orange Transmitter 2.4 GHz from Flying Trainer
Orange Budget Receivers Works with Spektrum and Orange transmitters. We use these in many of our planes and like them.
Satellite Orange Receiver for Spektrum Used with Orange Receiver listed above for longer range.
Lemon DSM2 Receiver Ultra light, great price. Well reviewed but I have not owned one.
Spektrum 6-Channel Stock Receiver Stock part, works great but expensive.
Turnigy 9 Channel Inexpensive for all the options it has.
Flysky i6 at Amazon shows links to receivers
Flysky I6 at Banggood. Great first radio at a great price.
FlySky FS-TH9X 2.4 GHz 9-Channel Tx – from Plane Insane RC. Very cost effective.
Flysky i6 2.4GHz 6 channel Hobby Partz - small and light with full function, uses 4 AA cells
FlySky i6 2.4GHZ 6 channel Planeinsane - small and light with full function, uses 4 AA cells
Flysky i6 cheap 4 channel receiver
Hi Lee,
As promised, a little parts list for FPV gear.
The best way i can think to do it is a separate list for the scythe, and a one list for everything else.
The scythe needs special attention to light weight gear, so you cant use the full size camera, even if it has a slightly better image. Performance is more important than a picture that is a nominally more clear...
Scythe:
Camera: http://www.banggood.com/600TVL-8_0MP-14-2_8mm-CMOS-FPV-170-Degree-Wide-Anlge-Lens-Camera-PALNTSC-p-984345.html?cur_warehouse=USA
ATTENTION - 5v MAX only. Any more voltage than 5v will burn this camera up. It is super light, has a nice wide FOV. It is best to cut or desolder the bottom mounted microphone so that you can mount it easier. Hot glue works just fine.
Video transmitter :
1.3ghz option: http://www.dpcav.com/xcart/1280Hz-A-V-Transmitter-80mW-Micro-Size.html
Again, this only takes 5V max. It is a linear antenna, which is fine on the 1.3 band. Circular polarized antennas really have an advantage at 5.8ghz, not so much for 1.3ghz. You will need a voltage regulator, and an LC filter. Here is a good one:
http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_66_71&products_id=1185
This system is best paired with a strong ground station antenna. I use the RMRC Pepperbox. Simply put, it is the best ground station antenna out there. It has incredible gain (13dbi) and a 180° beam. This antenna is the trick to me getting good video signal, even behind many trees, and many buildings. I've flown out to 5.5 miles with this antenna, and had perfect video the whole time...
The user can pick up their choice of ground station receiver for the 1.3 band.
5.8ghz option: http://www.rccrazed.com/electronics-fpv-gear-aomway-tx25-8g-40ch-av-25-200mw-switchable-mini-vtx-p-212.html
This is a nice transmitter because it is light, small and provides 5V filtered necessary for the camera, so make wiring the system up easy. It should be paired with a circularly wireless antenna such as:
http://www.rccrazed.com/electronics-fpv-gear-aomway-8ghz-leaf-clover-antenna-set-for-tx-rx-sma-rhcp-p-213.html
User can pick their choice of video receiver and viewing device.
Assassin and bigger:
Camera: http://www.rccrazed.com/electronics-fpv-gear-foxeer-hs1177-xat600m-ccd-600tvl-8mm-ir-block-fpv-camera-p-224.html
This camera accepts a wide range of voltage input. It can be bought many places under the model HS1177, It comes with a 2.8mm lens, but i like the 2.1 for a wider FOV and more situational awareness over a slightly fish eye effect. The lens is also available at rccrazed.
Video Transmitter:
1.3ghz option:
Again you could use the pico video transmitter named above.
For a little more power, this one is good:
http://www.getfpv.com/fpv/video-transmitters/1258-1280mhz-mini-200mw-transmitter-us-1753.html
It requires 12v, and a filter, such as: http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_66_71&products_id=2938
That filter is nice because it steps 4s voltage down to 12v required by the video transmitter. The transmitter is best paired with this antenna: http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_45_52_99&products_id=301
CP antennas are just too big and bulky on 1.3 for a wing that will be crashed.
5.8ghz option:
Same as above for the scythe.
I could probably talk for hours about other options and why i picked what i did, which if you are curious or have specific questions, let me know :)
Michael
Radios, Chargers, Power supplies, Tools, Parts, Plugs
Here are some questions to ask as you choose a radio system.
1. What are flyers in your area using and why?
2. Does it meet your needs and give you options to grow?
3. Does it have mixing for flying wings?
4. What kind and how many batteries does the transmitter use?
5. Does it come with transmitter batteries and a transmitter charger?
6. Can you get receivers and servos at your local hobby store?
7. How much do additional receivers cost? (Each plane will need its own receiver.)
8. Is there a place to get it serviced in the USA or where you live?
9. Can you program it to store the flight data and settings for more than one plane?
We fly Spektrum radios here at Crashtesthobby but there are many good systems out there.
Spektrum DX6i 2.4 GHz 6-Channel Tx – Our favorite!!!! We like that it uses 4AA rechargable batteries.
A source for the DX6i transmitter only. Horizon hobby is the distributor of Spektrum Radios.
Orange Transmitter 2.4 GHz, low cost, does not include receiver, charger or rechargeable battery system
Orange Transmitter 2.4 GHz from Flying Trainer
Orange Budget Receivers Works with Spektrum and Orange transmitters. We use these in many of our planes and like them.
Satellite Orange Receiver for Spektrum Used with Orange Receiver listed above for longer range.
Lemon DSM2 Receiver Ultra light, great price. Well reviewed but I have not owned one.
Spektrum 6-Channel Stock Receiver Stock part, works great but expensive.
Turnigy 9 Channel Inexpensive for all the options it has.
Flysky i6 at Amazon shows links to receivers
Flysky I6 at Banggood. Great first radio at a great price.
FlySky FS-TH9X 2.4 GHz 9-Channel Tx – from Plane Insane RC. Very cost effective.
Flysky i6 2.4GHz 6 channel Hobby Partz - small and light with full function, uses 4 AA cells
FlySky i6 2.4GHZ 6 channel Planeinsane - small and light with full function, uses 4 AA cells
Flysky i6 cheap 4 channel receiver
Things to know about lipo battery chargers and power supplies:
1. Some chargers require an additional power supply that plugs into the wall. AC/DC chargers do not.
2. Make sure the voltage and amps of the power supply matches the requirements of the charger.
3. Most chargers must have 13.8-17 volt power supplies and they won't work with a 12 volt power supply.
4. Chargers connected to a car battery will discharge the car battery unless car is running.
5. Your charger should be rated to charge the batteries you have (3s, 4S, etc.).
6. We recommend a charger that also balances your batteries while it charges.
7. Some chargers charge through the balance plug on the battery.
8. Some Chargers need both power and balance connectors to be plugged in at same time.
Battery Chargers need a 13.8-18 volt (5-40 amp) power supply
Hobby/King 3S 4 battery balance charger. I love the display. This charger won't work with input voltage less than 13.8 volts!!!
Charge at low amperage with a high amp power supply. This used to be the Maxpro x304 quad charger.
Turnigy 2S/3S balance charger Cheap, small and slow, plugs into wall works best with smaller batteries
HobbyKing B3AC balance charger Cheap, small and slow, plugs into wall works best with smaller batteries.
Hitec AC/DC chargers Quality DC and AC/DC chargers
HobbyKing 3S 4 balance charger. Charges and balances 4 batteries at once.
HobbyKing 4B6 balance charger Charges 4 batteries at once.
Turnigy Accucel 6A balance charger Charges only one battery at once.
Turnigy 2S/3S balance charger from Plane Insane RC (does not require power supply)
Supermate DC6 balance charger from Plane Insane RC (requires at least 12V 5A power supply)
JST-XH 3S battery balance lead extensions – allows you to charge batteries in a bunker, also used with LED lights.
Turnigy 2S/3S battery charger/balancer, works best with smaller batteries from Flying Trainer
Accucel charger/balancer with power supply from Flying Trainer
Power supply You want to get a 13.8-18 volt power supply with the highest amperage you can afford.
Link to power Supplies at Hobby King
Hobby King adjustable voltage 14-18 Volts 30 amp power supply. Great for chargers that charge more than one battery at once.
Pyramid power supplies on Amazon Look for 13.8 volt and as high of amp as you can afford.
Pyramid PSV300 30A 13.8V power supply from Amazon.com. I have this power supply.
Tenergy 12V 5A power supply from Amazon.com (works with Supermate DC6)
1. Some chargers require an additional power supply that plugs into the wall. AC/DC chargers do not.
2. Make sure the voltage and amps of the power supply matches the requirements of the charger.
3. Most chargers must have 13.8-17 volt power supplies and they won't work with a 12 volt power supply.
4. Chargers connected to a car battery will discharge the car battery unless car is running.
5. Your charger should be rated to charge the batteries you have (3s, 4S, etc.).
6. We recommend a charger that also balances your batteries while it charges.
7. Some chargers charge through the balance plug on the battery.
8. Some Chargers need both power and balance connectors to be plugged in at same time.
Battery Chargers need a 13.8-18 volt (5-40 amp) power supply
Hobby/King 3S 4 battery balance charger. I love the display. This charger won't work with input voltage less than 13.8 volts!!!
Charge at low amperage with a high amp power supply. This used to be the Maxpro x304 quad charger.
Turnigy 2S/3S balance charger Cheap, small and slow, plugs into wall works best with smaller batteries
HobbyKing B3AC balance charger Cheap, small and slow, plugs into wall works best with smaller batteries.
Hitec AC/DC chargers Quality DC and AC/DC chargers
HobbyKing 3S 4 balance charger. Charges and balances 4 batteries at once.
HobbyKing 4B6 balance charger Charges 4 batteries at once.
Turnigy Accucel 6A balance charger Charges only one battery at once.
Turnigy 2S/3S balance charger from Plane Insane RC (does not require power supply)
Supermate DC6 balance charger from Plane Insane RC (requires at least 12V 5A power supply)
JST-XH 3S battery balance lead extensions – allows you to charge batteries in a bunker, also used with LED lights.
Turnigy 2S/3S battery charger/balancer, works best with smaller batteries from Flying Trainer
Accucel charger/balancer with power supply from Flying Trainer
Power supply You want to get a 13.8-18 volt power supply with the highest amperage you can afford.
Link to power Supplies at Hobby King
Hobby King adjustable voltage 14-18 Volts 30 amp power supply. Great for chargers that charge more than one battery at once.
Pyramid power supplies on Amazon Look for 13.8 volt and as high of amp as you can afford.
Pyramid PSV300 30A 13.8V power supply from Amazon.com. I have this power supply.
Tenergy 12V 5A power supply from Amazon.com (works with Supermate DC6)
Battery Accessories. Your batteries will last longer if you take care of them.
Hobby King Battery Medic 6S Tells the voltage of each cell in your lipo battery and will balance the battery.
Hobby King Battery Monitor for 2-6 cells – tells you the voltage of each cell of your battery. Does not balance
Watt meter from Hobby King Tells amps and watts and voltage to help you choose ESCs, props, batteries.
Fireproof charging/storage pack Damaged lipo batteries can catch fire. Do not charge batteries in your plane.
Always use a battery charging bunker. I use $2.00 cement cinder blocks with a cinder block or metal lid.
Battery charging pouch from Flying Trainer
Battery Monitor 2-6 cells from Flying Trainer
Hobby King Battery Medic 6S Tells the voltage of each cell in your lipo battery and will balance the battery.
Hobby King Battery Monitor for 2-6 cells – tells you the voltage of each cell of your battery. Does not balance
Watt meter from Hobby King Tells amps and watts and voltage to help you choose ESCs, props, batteries.
Fireproof charging/storage pack Damaged lipo batteries can catch fire. Do not charge batteries in your plane.
Always use a battery charging bunker. I use $2.00 cement cinder blocks with a cinder block or metal lid.
Battery charging pouch from Flying Trainer
Battery Monitor 2-6 cells from Flying Trainer
Building Tools links are shown but items available many places
Low-temperature hot glue gun from Amazon.com or Walmart
Glue Gun that is 3S lipo battery powered from HK
CA thin glue from any hobby shop
CA glue from Flying Trainer
Scotch Extreme tape, at Amazon, Home Depot, Staples, or other locations.
Bi-directional filament tape, from FindTape.com
Bidirectional tape from Amazon Comes in a variety of widths.
#64 Rubber bands (for Pelican, Albatross and StormChaser) any office supply
Goop Household glue from Amazon.com for hinge lines and building.
Amazing Goop from Flying Trainer
Gorilla Glue “White” from Home Depot
Hobby Iron for ironing laminate, from Hobby King.
Soldering iron from Amazon.com. I buy mine at Harbor Freight.
Soldering Iron from Flying Trainer
Low-temperature hot glue gun from Amazon.com or Walmart
Glue Gun that is 3S lipo battery powered from HK
CA thin glue from any hobby shop
CA glue from Flying Trainer
Scotch Extreme tape, at Amazon, Home Depot, Staples, or other locations.
Bi-directional filament tape, from FindTape.com
Bidirectional tape from Amazon Comes in a variety of widths.
#64 Rubber bands (for Pelican, Albatross and StormChaser) any office supply
Goop Household glue from Amazon.com for hinge lines and building.
Amazing Goop from Flying Trainer
Gorilla Glue “White” from Home Depot
Hobby Iron for ironing laminate, from Hobby King.
Soldering iron from Amazon.com. I buy mine at Harbor Freight.
Soldering Iron from Flying Trainer
Decoration, LEDs, Micro Video
Colored or holographic tape from Paperstreetplastics, on eBay
Colored Packing tape from findtape
More colored packing tape
More Colored Packing Tape
LED light strips from Hobby King
9 Mode LED Lights (Recimmended) from Hobby King
LED light strips from flying Trainer
JST-XH 3S battery balance lead extensions from Hobby King – use red/blk wires to connect LEDs to battery balance plug
LED light strips from Plane Insane RC
808 #16D Micro HD Video Camera Recommend #16 V2 with D lens with class 4-6 with 8-16gig micro SD card
Mobius HD micro camera from Aerialtechhobbies.com
Colored or holographic tape from Paperstreetplastics, on eBay
Colored Packing tape from findtape
More colored packing tape
More Colored Packing Tape
LED light strips from Hobby King
9 Mode LED Lights (Recimmended) from Hobby King
LED light strips from flying Trainer
JST-XH 3S battery balance lead extensions from Hobby King – use red/blk wires to connect LEDs to battery balance plug
LED light strips from Plane Insane RC
808 #16D Micro HD Video Camera Recommend #16 V2 with D lens with class 4-6 with 8-16gig micro SD card
Mobius HD micro camera from Aerialtechhobbies.com
Plugs and Connectors
Different batteries have different style plugs. You need the same plug on your ESC
XT60 connectors on Nanotec batteries from Hobby King
Male XT60 connectors from Hobby King
Female XT60 connectors from Hobby King
XT60 "Y" connector from Hobby King
JST-XH 3S battery balance lead extensions from Hobby King – to charge batteries in a bunker
Banana plugs from Hobby King
3.5 mm Bullet plugs to connect ESC to motor (female on ESC, male on motor)
Deans micro 4-pin connectors Use 3 pins to plug ESC to motor
XT60, HXT, EC3, and Deans style connectors from Plane Insane RC
Different batteries have different style plugs. You need the same plug on your ESC
XT60 connectors on Nanotec batteries from Hobby King
Male XT60 connectors from Hobby King
Female XT60 connectors from Hobby King
XT60 "Y" connector from Hobby King
JST-XH 3S battery balance lead extensions from Hobby King – to charge batteries in a bunker
Banana plugs from Hobby King
3.5 mm Bullet plugs to connect ESC to motor (female on ESC, male on motor)
Deans micro 4-pin connectors Use 3 pins to plug ESC to motor
XT60, HXT, EC3, and Deans style connectors from Plane Insane RC
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