Anybody involved in FPV at Dallas Makerspace? That’s something I’m looking to get started in. I would like to start with quadcopters.
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The person that you need to talk to is Romeo Espana, a DMS member and one of the founders of the North Texas Drone User Group. He is a wealth of quadcopter information and has demonstrated FPV at several DMS events.
The NTDUG has a meetup page at http://www.meetup.com/North-Texas-Drone-User-Group/.
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Thanks Doug. Noticed there is a meetup in Seagoville this weekend. I’ll try to get out there.
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I was actually going to see if there was interest in a group buy of these items from HobbyKing after the holidays:
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/_52863__HobbyKing_Spec_FPV250_V2_Quad_Copter_ARF_Combo_Kit_Mini_Sized_FPV_Multi_Rotor_ARF.html
I’d like to get into FPV flying, and I already own FPV gear ( 5.8Ghz 200mW Tx with a all-in-one RX/Monitor/DVR) and both the Turnigy 9r and FrSky Taranis radio systems. I just need to get a frame to start flying around…
I blame this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsxyV-kgfio
FPV looks cool, but one of the things mentioned in a class I took on using UAVs for photography is that your situation awareness, both of the vehicle and of yourself, is so diminished by the FPV that he advises against it. You need to be able to see what is near the aircraft, and what is around you, the pilot, so that neither of you crash into anything. Definitely, holding a display away from your face is preferable to wearing goggles.
I’m looking to get my first radio gear. Should a I get a 6 channel or a 9 channel transmitter? Here is a link I found for some pretty good deals for the FlySky radios.
This transmitter is popular with the DIY drone community. The firmware is open source, the transmitter module is user swappable (some also have telemetry), and the hardware is very inexpensive.
https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=52332
The more channels the better because accessories like a camera gimbal or autopilot features can eat up more channels.
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I’d stay with the Turnigy 9XR as the basic good Tx with lots of room for doing all kinds of stuff, and then the FrSky Taranis as the “tons of bells and whistles” but still affordable option. I actually own both…
FYI, found another inexpensive bit of gear at HobbyKing. FPV goggle set for $30, and they even have them in the US warehouse.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/_53706__Quanum_DIY_FPV_Goggle_Set_with_Monitor_KIT.html
In general I agree, but it really is dependent upon what you are doing/the results you are looking for.
Personally I would want the FPV setup for a defined, closed circuit racetrack or obstacle course.
General filming/photography is better served by not using goggles, or at least not using them all of the time while filming.
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I’m pretty disappointed that HobbyKing doesn’t have a TX module with the Turnigy 9XR. You would think that would be an automatic accessory. I guess it’s understandable since the 9XR is more of an accessorized transmitter. What TX module is recommended? I noticed the Orange is on backorder.
I’m thinking of getting the Turnigy 9X that has the RF module and receiver included. http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=67087
The Turnigy 9XR doesn’t have a module because Turnigy modules are crap and everyone replaces them anyway. Might as well give the people what they want (no module, lower cost). If you want telemetry the FrSky and Orange modules are popular. If you want a name brand module they will work too, like Hitec, Spektrum, JR, etc. I believe it’s a JR form factor module.
Thanks for the advice Luke. I went ahead and got the 9X. I intend to upgrade to a 9XR when I feel I’m ready for it. After all my boys will need a radio (my excuse) 
Fairly minor differences between a 9x and the 9xr, overall. If you want to upgrade after the 9x, I would suggest going to the FrSky Taranis. Same open source software, but much better hardware and expandability.
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Be sure and check out the frsky taranis. Its a bit more expensive but the options are truely endless.
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I fly FPV all the time in my backyard and around the area behind my house. I live in Rockwall, so it’s a bit of a drive from Dallas. I have a few multicopters and a large airplane set up for fpv. I have quite a bit of gear as well as experience in the hobby (I have multiple video systems as well as flight controllers/autopilots). If you want, we can meet up sometime and I can bring some stuff and give you a rundown of different systems, gear, and also let you know favored places to buy parts. Makerspace is fine… or, if you’re close to Rockwall, we can meet up around here.
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Thanks Preston. I’m in Richardson so DMS is probably the best place to meet. I’m not sure of my availability right now but I’ll definitely keep you in consideration.
Hey Preston are you a member of Dfw Rc flyers?
Related topic, so hoping I don’t derail thread. I do photography and videography. Is anyone else interested in the larger quad/hex designs capable of leveraging a DSLR or similar? Know some individuals source parts and fab their own rigs, wasn’t sure if this would be a fun project?
I’m game! Been working on my fpv drone lately and even got a nano drone to help train on.