FPV (First Person View) is the term used to describe a ground level view of what the camera on your quadcopter is seeing. Current systems use various monitors to accomplish this, including:

1. Small LCD screens – sometimes built into the TX, other times mounted above it.
(see pic)
2. Goggles – popular models include the Fatshark and the new Epson Moverio – in the near future, the Occulus Rift will likely be an important addition to this category.
3. Smart Phone or tablet screen – existing products such as the Phantom 2 Vision+ and the Parrot AR Drone use IOS or Android devices to display the camera output from the flying drone.

In this article we will put together a simple FPV system which could be installed on any quadcopter with enough payload to carry the weight.

The very Basics

Most modern quadcopters are controlled with an R/C radio that uses the 2.4GHZ frequency band. Therefore, this frequency cannot be used for a companion FPV system since it may interfere with your R/C radio control. FPV systems are typically sold in the 5.8GHZ frequency band, although you can also get other frequencies.

In this intermediate level exercise, we’ll put together a very basic 5.8GHZ system. This system took less than one hour to assemble and test, making it an easy project for those who want to start working with some DIY aspects of the hobby.
[Read more…]