Step by step guide for beginners in FPV
Welcome to the world of FPV (First Person View) drones! This comprehensive tutorial is designed to guide you through the fascinating and adrenaline-filled journey of building, flying and tuning FPV drones. Whether you're interested in racing, freestyle flying or just exploring the skies from a unique perspective, this tutorial will provide you with valuable insight and practical advice to help you get started. From understanding the essential components and choosing the right equipment to learning how to fly safely and optimizing your drone's performance, we've got you covered. Let's embark on this exciting adventure together and discover the limitless possibilities of FPV drone flying!
Table of contents
The short answer
While we strongly recommend reading the entire tutorial to gain a deeper understanding, here is a quick roadmap to help you get started in the world of FPV drone flying.
Step 1
Buy a radio controller compatible with FPV simulators
Step 2
Download your favorite FPV simulator and start practicing
Step 3
Take more than 10 hours of simulator training while researching different FPV drone types and flight styles to find out which one is best for you
Step 4
Build or buy your first FPV drone or opt for a starter drone kit, preferably something sturdy. Aim for 100+ crashes before investing in a premium or more expensive model that will save you money in the long run.
If you ever need any help or guidance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
What is an FPV drone?
FPV stands for “First Person View”.
An FPV drone is a type of drone equipped with a camera that transmits live video to a pair of goggles worn by the pilot. This real-time "first-person" view allows the pilot to control the drone as if they were in the cockpit while remaining on the ground. Flying an FPV drone with goggles provides an immersive experience that allows you to see the world through the eyes of the drone.
FPV drones are popular for racing and freestyle flying because they allow the pilot to overcome obstacles and perform flight maneuvers with more precision and control than with a traditional line of sight. They are also ideal for capturing stunning aerial photography and videography, providing unique and cinematic shots that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with other types of cameras. The live video feed allows the pilot to adjust the camera's angle and settings in real time for optimal results.
FPV flying requires intense concentration, and the speed and agility of an FPV drone make it a truly sensational experience. To fly an FPV drone, the pilot wears goggles to view the live video feed from the drone's camera while using a remote control with joysticks to control the flight. It's almost like playing a video game, except that a crash has real-world consequences - for example, damaging a top-of-the-line FPV drone that can cost as much as a new PlayStation!
While some FPV drone pilots fly professionally (racing, videography, etc.), the majority fly FPV as a hobby on their days off. The FPV drone community is supportive and enthusiastic, creating a welcoming environment for likeminded people to network and share knowledge.
This guide will teach you how to build, maintain, and repair an FPV drone, as well as how to fly and tune it for optimal performance. Building and tuning an FPV drone is a rewarding engineering endeavor that requires knowledge of electronics, mechanics, and software. The hobby offers a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills and get involved in problem solving.
How much does an FPV drone cost?
Getting started with FPV drones is comparable in cost to DJI camera drones. Here's a rough breakdown of the costs involved in building a basic FPV drone and purchasing all the necessary equipment:
Radio control + simulator: 100 - 400 CHF
FPV goggles: 150 - 700 CHF
FPV drone: 100 - 700 CHF
Batteries, charger & accessories: 100 - 400 CHF
The total cost of building an FPV drone can range from around CHF 400 to CHF 1,800, depending on the quality and performance of the components you choose.
If the thought of building a drone from scratch seems overwhelming, there are complete, ready-to-fly packages available. These packages include all the components needed to start flying. While they may be of lower quality and have fewer features, they are often more affordable.
Basic drone control
FPV drones are controlled with a remote control, which you might also call a radio transmitter. This remote control has two sticks, often called “gimbals.”
Left joystick (throttle and yaw)
Throttle: This control stick controls how fast the motors spin. Push it up and the motors spin faster; pull it down and the motors slow down. It's all about controlling the speed of the drone's motors.
Yaw: When you move this stick left or right, the drone turns left or right. Think of it like a drone turning its head to look around.
Right control stick (pitch and roll)
Pitch: Pushing this stick forward will make the drone tilt and move forward, pulling it back will do the opposite and make the drone tilt back and fly backwards.
Roll: When you move this control stick left or right, the drone will tilt and move in that direction. It's like tilting your body left or right in an attempt to maintain balance.
Learning to fly an FPV drone in a simulator is a safe and inexpensive way to get started and improve your skills without damaging your real drone or causing injury. We highly recommend spending some time in a simulator (ideally 10+ hours) before purchasing or building your first drone.
Simulators can teach you the basic controls of an FPV drone and help you develop the muscle memory your hands need. The physics of modern FPV simulators are incredibly realistic, so the transition from a simulator to a real FPV drone is relatively seamless. Additionally, simulators allow you to practice advanced maneuvers and techniques like flips, rolls, and acrobatics without the risk of crashing your drone.
FPV sims are all excellent in their own way. Each FPV simulator has its own unique strengths. If you have a decent gaming PC, we recommend Liftoff and DRL. If you have a lower spec PC, Velocidrone may be a better fit for you. Sims like Liftoff and Velocidrone have built-in tutorials to help you learn to fly and master acro mode, which is essential for FPV flying.
To use an FPV simulator, the first thing you should do is buy a radio controller that supports FPV simulators. This means plug-and-play USB HID/joystick support, with no dongles or adapters required.
Avoid using Xbox controllers or keyboards as they don't offer the same benefits. Using a proper wireless controller will help you build your muscle memory and ensure you get the most out of your workout.
The types of FPV drones
What is a drone?
The term "drone" has become synonymous with any unmanned aircraft with an onboard camera, and sometimes a camera isn't even required for the title! Aside from military purposes, drones have also been used for aerial photography in the past and have been large with high payload capacity for carrying cameras and equipment.
What is a multirotor?
A multirotor (or multicopter) is any "copter" with more than one main motor or propeller. For example, a tricopter has 3 motors/rotors, a quadcopter has 4, a hexacopter has 6, an octocopter has 8, and so on. They all fall under the category of "multirotor".
drone sizes
The size of drones is determined by the maximum propeller size they can operate. For example, a 5-inch drone, the most popular size, has space for 5-inch propellers. Each drone size has its advantages and disadvantages and can be used in different applications.
Tiny Oops
Tiny Whoops are small, ducted FPV drones designed for indoor flight. They are lightweight (about 20-30g including batteries), easy to fly, and relatively inexpensive. Their built-in propeller guards (or "ducts") protect people and objects from the propellers. On the downside, the ducts make them heavier and less powerful, making them less suitable for outdoor use and in windy weather.
Typical construction specifications:
1S LiPo 300–350 mAh
06xx–08xx motors, brushless or brushed motor
Ultralight (toothpick)
Ultralight drones are small, lightweight and designed for performance. Because their thin bodies look like a bunch of toothpicks tied together, these drones are also called "toothpicks." They are not made for crashes, but for pure performance by being as light as possible.
Cinewhoops
Cinewhoops are 3-inch or smaller drones with propeller guards (ducts) designed for capturing footage with an HD camera like a GoPro. They are intended for slow, steady flights, not freestyle or acro flying, and they are safe for flying indoors.
2 inches, 2.5 inches and 3 inches
2-inch and 3-inch drones are popular due to their small size and good performance. They can do almost everything a 5-inch drone can do, except carry a GoPro.
Typical construction specifications:
2-4S Lipos 300-800 mAh
13xx-15xx
4 inches
4-inch drones have become increasingly popular due to the 250g weight limit imposed in some countries, as 4 inches is the largest drone size that can meet this weight limit without sacrificing too much performance.
Typical construction specifications:
3-4s Lipos 600-900mAh
13xx-15xx or 18xx-22xx
5 inches
5-inch FPV drones are versatile and offer an excellent balance of power, efficiency and agility. They are suitable for freestyle, racing and even long-distance flight. Components are widely available and easy to work with. They can carry action cameras such as GoPros. A typical 5-inch FPV drone weighs around 500-700g including battery and reaches an average top speed of 120km/h.
Typical construction specifications:
4-6S Lipos 1000-1800 mAh
22xx-25xx motors 1600-2800 kV
6 inches and 7 inches
6-inch and 7-inch drones can have a higher top speed and carry more payload than a typical 5-inch drone, such as a larger battery, so they are suitable for long range. However, they tend to carry more momentum and are not as maneuverable as the smaller 5-inch, which is why they are not as popular for freestyle and racing.
Typical freestyle build specifications:
4-6S Lipos 1000-1800 mAh
6-7 inch props and 22xx-25xx motor 1500-2400 kV
Typical construction specifications for long distances:
4-6S Lipos 1500mAh or Li-Ion 3000mAh
22xx-23xx Motor 1300-2100 kV
equipped with GPS
X-Class and Beast-Class
X-class and Beast-class drones are the largest and most powerful on this list and are not recommended for beginners due to their high cost, maintenance, and potential danger. X-class drones have frame sizes between 800mm and 1200mm and use 9-13 inch propellers, while Beast-class drones use frames smaller than 800mm. Both classes are typically used for racing or high performance flying.
Typical construction specifications:
8-12S Lipos 4000-5000 mAh
9-13 inch props and 3xxx-4xxx engine.
Cinelifter
Cinelifter drones are octocopters in X8 configuration (looks like a quadcopter, but each arm is equipped with two motors), usually equipped with 6-8 inch propellers. They are designed to carry high-end cameras for professional shooting.
Which size is right for you?
For beginners, a 5-inch FPV drone is highly recommended due to its versatility in flight style, it can do almost anything: freestyle, racing and cinematic photography. It is powerful enough to carry a GoPro and is the most popular size, so it is easier to find help and support online. Ultimately, the size of drone you choose will depend on your flying preferences and goals, as well as the regulations and restrictions in your area.
Identify your flying style
Before you decide what type of drone to build or buy, it's important to determine your goals for FPV flying and understand your flying style.
The common flight styles in FPV are:
freestyle
racing
long-distance (long range)
Cinematic (cinematic photography)
freestyle
Freestyle is probably the most popular FPV style. Freestyle flying is all about creativity, tricks and maneuvers. There are no rules to how you can fly, so the sky is the limit (and the ground, so try not to crash!).
When flying freestyle, you value durability and responsiveness. Choose motors with high torque, controllers with sufficient current carrying capacity and frames with strong materials and a robust design.
It's also common to mount a GoPro on a freestyle drone to capture your flight, but this isn't always necessary.
Run
In FPV racing, you compete against other pilots on a set course with gates and flags. Speed, agility and durability are crucial in racing.
Opt for lightweight frames with minimalist designs, powerful motors and ESCs that can withstand high currents. A low-latency FPV system with adjustable power output is also crucial. In addition, a high-performance low-latency radio connection and high refresh rate are important to ensure precise and reliable control at high speeds.
long-distance flights
Long-haul flying is all about covering great distances while maintaining a low-key, efficient travel style. Efficiency and reliability are key in this type of flying. Here are some tips for long-haul flying.
Choose motors with lower KV values for better efficiency and use larger capacity LiPo or Li-ion batteries to extend flight time. Consider using GPS and telemetry for navigation and real-time data monitoring. To ensure a strong signal even at long distances, long-range radio systems such as Crossfire or ExpressLRS are recommended.
Cinematically
Cinematic photography or cinematic FPV flying is all about capturing smooth, stable footage in epic locations without too many acrobatic movements. The ideal body type for cinematic flying depends on the task at hand.
Consider using drones specifically designed for this purpose, such as cinewhoops or 5-7 inch freestyle builds with GoPro. Larger drones (5, 6 or 7 inches) can provide more stability and better wind resistance, while smaller drones can access tight spaces for unique shots. Cinewhoops are also a popular choice for indoor and outdoor cinematic flights, but these tend to be slower and noisier.
Affordable FPV Drone Kits for Beginners
Getting into the FPV hobby can be expensive, but there are affordable Ready-to-Fly (RTF) kits that include everything you need to start your journey. These kits are a great way to test the waters without investing a fortune up front.
An example of a well-rounded, beginner-friendly FPV kit is the BetaFPV Cetus X FPV Kit. This kit includes a drone, radio, FPV goggles, battery, and charger. Before you take your drone to the skies, you can use the included radio controller to practice flying in FPV simulators like DRL, Liftoff, and Velocidrone. Once you're comfortable with the simulator, you can try flying the Cetus micro drone around the house or at local parks.
Should you build or buy your first FPV drone?
As a newcomer to the world of FPV drones, you may be wondering whether to build or buy your first drone. Both options have their pros and cons. Here are some factors to consider:
Are you building your first FPV drone?
Building your first drone has several advantages
Experience and skills: Gaining hands-on experience with drone components and assembly will enable you to diagnose, repair, and upgrade your drone in the future.
Budget: Building your own drone can be more cost-effective since you are not paying someone to build it for you. However, it is less attractive if you do not have the necessary tools, such as a soldering iron or screwdriver.
Customization: Choosing your own parts allows you to customize your drone to your specific preferences and needs, but it can be daunting if you have no idea what components to get.
While there are affordable DIY kits like the Eachine Tyro79, they may be of lower quality. If you prefer higher-quality components, you can purchase the parts separately and follow the recommendations of experts.
The Emax TinyHawk II Freestyle is another great option. This drone is more advanced and offers great performance and value for money mainly for outdoor flying. You can continue to use the same FPV setup for future builds.
It's important to note that while RTF kits offer a budget-friendly entry point, they often include low-quality goggles and radio controllers with limited features. As you progress in your hobby, you may outgrow these components and need to invest in better equipment.
If you're sure you're committed to the FPV hobby and have the budget, consider purchasing higher quality goggles and radio controllers from the start. This way, you can avoid having to replace them as you progress in your hobby, ultimately saving money and improving your flying experience from the start.
Buy a pre-built FPV drone?
If you'd rather spend more time flying than building, a pre-built drone may be a better choice. Keep in mind that the closer a pre-built drone is to "perfection" (which isn't always the case, but it is in most cases), the more expensive it will be. And if it breaks, you'll probably have to learn how to solder and repair it anyway. With pre-built drones, there's a risk of getting an inferior product. Some manufacturers may use outdated electronics to cut costs. Research is key here. You might think pre-built drones are the obvious choice for beginners, but opinions vary. Building your own drone is a valuable skill, especially for repairs or customizations. However, diving into building without any prior experience can be overwhelming.
In summary, building your first FPV drone can be a fun and rewarding experience that will teach you valuable skills for maintaining and upgrading your drone. However, if you're nervous about building a drone, a pre-built model will help you get up and running quickly and understand the basics.
Whatever your choice, each path offers its own learning experiences and joys. Remember, it's not just about flying; it's about understanding and appreciating the technology that makes it possible. In any case, consider getting advice from experienced pilots before spending any money. Online forums like are great places to connect with knowledgeable pilots who are happy to help newcomers to the hobby.
parts and equipment
Here is the anatomy of an FPV drone
An FPV drone consists of the following parts
Frame:
A structure on which all components sit and protects the electronics
FC (Flight Controller):
The brain of a drone, it has sensors that take measurements and a processor that performs all the calculations
1x 4in1 ESC or 4x ESCs (Electronics Speed Controller): It receives the signal from the flight controller and controls the speed of the motors
4x engines
4x Props (propellers), 2x CCW & 2x CW rotations
LiPo battery
FPV camera
FPV antennas
video transmitter (VTX)
To fly your quadcopter in FPV, you also need the following equipment
radio transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX)
FPV goggles
LiPo charger
beeper with built-in battery
You should also get these important tools
soldering iron and solder
A set of hex screwdrivers (e.g. 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm) for M2/M3 screws
An M5 (8 mm) nut wrench or ratchet for the propeller nut (or you can just use your large pliers)
cable cutter
cable ties
insulation tape
multimeter
smoke stopper
Select components
Choosing the right components for your first build can be challenging. If you're unsure, consider using popular components to ensure there's more support available if you run into issues. Do your research and don't hesitate to ask for help on forums.
To avoid hardware incompatibility, you should follow someone else's parts list. Hardware compatibility depends primarily on the mounting sizes, which vary for different components such as FCs/ESCs, cameras, motors, and propellers.
FC/ESC sizes
Flight controllers (FCs) and electronic speed controllers (ESCs) are available in three main sizes
20x20mm
25.5×25.5mm
30.5×30.5mm
FPV camera sizes
FPV cameras have different widths, such as
Full size (28 mm)
Mini (21 mm)
DJI OG camera (20 mm)
Micro (19 mm)
Nano (14mm)
The camera size you need depends on the compatibility of your frame. 3D printed camera mounts allow you to mount other camera sizes as well.
engine mounting sizes
Motor mount sizes typically use four screws in a square or triangular pattern. Common sizes include
19 mm (7 inch quads)
16 mm (5 inch quads)
12 mm (ultralight 5 inch or heavier 3 inch, 4 inch quads)
9 mm (3 - 4 inch toothpick)
Triangle pattern, 6.6 mm spacing (whoops/tiny <2 inch quads)
Types of propeller mounting
Propeller mounts on engines vary depending on size
M5 threaded shaft (5 inch or larger quads)
T-Mount (1.5 or 2 mm shaft with two M2 holes on each side) (Micro Quads)
Clip-on 1 or 1.5 mm shaft (Tinywhoops/<2″ Quads)
For smaller components such as radio receivers, video transmitters, buzzers and capacitors, mounting is more flexible and situational. Use materials such as cable ties and double-sided tape to secure them in place.
Make sure electronic parts have compatible voltage ratings. Most components can handle either 5V or battery voltage (e.g. 7V – 36V or listed as cell count, e.g. 2S to 6S). Overvoltage can damage components and possibly cause a fire.
Get LiPo batteries and charger
For LiPo batteries, a 4S 1500mAh (or 6S 1100mAh) on a 5" drone would typically give you 5-7 minutes of flight time. You can start with a set of 4 batteries for practice, but you'll likely need more later as you progress and want to fly longer.
Get a backpack
To make it easier to transport your drones and all your flight equipment, consider purchasing a backpack specifically designed for FPV equipment. These backpacks come with compartments and straps to safely store your drones, radios, goggles, batteries and other accessories.
software setup
After you've completed your build, you'll want to configure the drone before flying. There are two components you'll want to configure: the flight controller and the ESC. You'll need to download two different software programs to configure them because they run different firmware.
There are tutorials that go into detail about setting up the software, just do a search on the internet.
The most popular flight controller firmware is Betaflight and the most popular ESC firmware is BLHeli_S / BLHeli_32 or AM32 depending on what hardware you have. You can't go wrong with these choices.
FC firmware
There are numerous flight controller firmware options available for FPV drones, but it doesn't matter, just use Betaflight. This is what the vast majority of people in the hobby use. It's free, open source, powerful, and regularly updated. There is a huge range of flight controllers available. In addition to freestyle and racing, Betaflight has added features geared towards long-distance flight, such as GPS rescue mode (similar to "Return to Home").
KISS:
(Closed Source) is another firmware that is easy to set up and works well. You will need to purchase KISS-specific hardware to use their firmware.
iNAV:
(Open Source) is also very popular with long-haul and autonomous aircraft. They do not support as many air traffic controllers. In addition to multirotors, it also supports fixed-wing aircraft.
ESC firmware
Each controller has its own processor running an "ESC firmware". The language spoken between the controller and the ESCs is called the "ESC protocol".
The most popular firmware on which most FPV quad controllers run is either BLHeli_S, BLHeli_32 or new future AM32.
The most commonly used ESC protocol today is DShot, more specifically DShot300 and DShot600, where the number indicates the speed of the protocol.
Important information about ESC firmware! (June 2024)
BLHeli was a staple in the FPV drone community for years and unfortunately it has been abruptly discontinued and there will be no more new BLHeli_32 ESCs or software updates. So what does this mean for FPV pilots and what steps should you consider next? Let's dive into the details.
Why BLHeli_32 is shutting down
According to information provided by the company, the decision to close was driven by the increasingly complex geopolitical situation and the associated risks of using BLHeli32 in war drones. Norway's strict export control regulations based on the European Union's legal framework made it untenable for BLHeli to continue operations. Essentially, the company felt it could not continue operating under these restrictions.
Impact on FPV pilots
In the short term, there is no immediate cause for concern for FPV pilots.
First of all:
Now if you have BLHeli32 ESCs in your quadcopter, they will continue to work the same as before. You can still configure your ESCs using the BLHeliSuite32 software, change settings and do all the usual configuration. However, one thing you can no longer do is flash new firmware updates.
The problem with firmware updates
If you try to flash your BLHeli32 ESCs to a different version of the firmware, you will see a message saying "Server down for maintenance, please try again later". Unfortunately, this server will be permanently down for maintenance. This means that there will no longer be any firmware updates for BLHeli32 ESCs, which could be a problem if you encounter any bugs or issues in the future.
BLHeli32 ESC availability
Will there be a shortage of ESCs? There is a large inventory of BLHeli_32 ESCs, so you should be able to buy some for at least the next few months. Even though there may not be any new BLHeli_32 updates in the future, your ESC will continue to work as before.
Note that this incident only affects the closed-source BLHeli_32, not the open-source BLHeli_S.
Manufacturers will eventually have to move from BLHeli_32 to an alternative ESC firmware. According to information from some manufacturers, this could be AM32. This transition may cause some disruption to ESC availability, but the impact will be minimal. Time will tell.
BLHeli_S ESCs remain unaffected
The good news is that BLHeli_S ESCs are not affected by this shutdown. BLHeli_S has been released as open source firmware and is still maintained by the community. You can continue to use, update and configure your BLHeli_S ESCs without any problems.
ESC firmware alternatives
With BLHeli32 no longer available, the FPV community is looking for alternatives and AM32 is quickly becoming the new standard. AM32 is being actively developed and should receive even more attention now that ESC manufacturers are looking for a new firmware solution.
And for BLHeli_S there is Bluejay. When changing to a new ESC firmware, the flashing and updating process also changes.
What should you do now?
If you are currently using BLHeli_32 ESCs, there is no immediate reason to switch. Your ESCs will continue to work as before. Don't rush into flashing AM32 as there is no real benefit and once you flash AM32 there is no going back to BLHeli32. It is better to wait and see how the situation develops and then make an informed decision.
If you are buying new ESCs today, consider AM32 to be future proof or go for BLHeli_S ESC so you can flash Bluejay. It is still OK to buy BLHeli_32 and upgrade to AM32 later if you want.
For those who want to try AM32, it's important to understand the process thoroughly. Take the time to research and ensure compatibility before making any changes.
For BLHeli_S users:
You should flash Bluejay because it offers more features and better performance, especially bi-directional DShot and RPM filtering.
Diploma
The discontinuation of BLHeli_32 is a significant and unfortunate change, but it's not the end of the world for FPV pilots. While there may be some short-term disruption, the FPV community is resilient and adaptable. With alternatives like Bluejay and AM32, we have the tools to keep flying and enjoying the hobby. In the meantime, keep flying with your current equipment, stay up to date with the latest developments, and be ready to adapt as the ESC firmware landscape evolves.
How does an FPV drone work?
Here is a brief overview of how the different components in an FPV drone work together
The pilot controls the drone using a radio controller with two joysticks. The joystick commands are sent wirelessly to the radio receiver installed inside the drone.
The FC (flight controller) receives commands from the RX (radio receiver), combines them with data from the gyro sensor, and calculates the speed at which each motor should move.
The ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) converts the signal from the FC and adjusts the motor speed to produce the desired thrust.
A drone is usually powered by a LiPo (lithium polymer) battery.
FPV system explained
The FPV (First Person View) system is a crucial aspect of an FPV drone and provides the pilot with a real-time video feed from the drone's perspective. There are four main components involved in an FPV system:
FPV camera:
The FPV camera mounted on the drone captures live video footage of the drone's surroundings.
Video transmitter (VTX):
The video transmitter captures the video feed from the FPV camera and transmits it wirelessly on a specific frequency.
FPV goggles (with video receiver):
The pilot wears FPV goggles that receive the video feed from the VTX and display it on integrated screens. The video receiver (VRX) can either be integrated into the goggles or added as an external module.
Antennas:
Antennas play an important role in the FPV system as they help transmit and receive the video signal between VTX and VRX. High-quality antennas can improve the range, signal quality and reliability of your FPV system.
Analog vs. digital FPV systems
When choosing an FPV system for your drone, it's important to understand the differences between analog and digital FPV systems. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Analog FPV Systems: Analog systems have been the standard in the FPV community for many years. These systems are generally more cost-effective and offer lower latency. Additionally, analog VTXs are better suited for micro FPV drones like Tiny Whoops due to their smaller size and weight. However, analog video quality is noticeably worse and static and interruptions are common during flight.
Digital FPV Systems: Digital systems like DJI and Walksnail Avatar provide a significant improvement in video quality compared to analog systems. With resolutions up to 720p or even 1080p, digital FPV feeds deliver clearer and sharper images with minimal frame breakup and increased resistance to multipath interference. This improved video quality allows for a more immersive FPV experience. However, digital systems tend to be more expensive and may have slightly higher latency, which could be an issue for racers.
In summary, the decision between analog and digital FPV systems depends on your priorities and preferences. If you value image quality and an immersive FPV experience, digital systems are the way to go. However, if you are focused on racing or flying micro drones and are looking for a cheaper option with lower latency, an analog FPV system may be a better choice.
FPV frequency
The 5.8 GHz frequency band (5800 MHz) is most commonly used for transmitting FPV video feeds. This frequency is separate from the 2.4 GHz band used for radio control, ensuring minimal interference between the two systems.
Analog FPV video transmitters and receivers typically support 40 channels or more, allowing multiple pilots to fly simultaneously without interfering with each other's video signals. This also allows viewers to use the channels of different FPV drones and follow the action in real time.
When flying with others, it's important to follow good FPV etiquette. If you have an accident and need to recover your drone, remember to unplug the battery as soon as you pick it up. Otherwise, your video transmitter could interfere with other pilots' video signals since your transmitter is much closer to their receivers than to their drones. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that everyone involved has a smooth and enjoyable flying experience.
Stay within sight to get the best signal
To maintain the best possible signal, make sure your VTX antenna is in line of sight with the VRX antenna at all times during flight.
If you fly behind obstacles such as trees or hills, your signal may weaken or even drop out completely because you are outside the Fresnel zone. In these cases, you may experience video interruptions. This problem is more pronounced at higher transmission frequencies, which is why the 2.4 GHz radio signal typically has a greater range than the 5.8 GHz video transmission for the same power and antenna gain.
For optimal signal quality, it's important to consider antenna positioning and placement. Since most FPV drone frames are made of carbon fiber, which can interfere with the signal, try to mount your antennas as far away from the frame and other electronic components (including HD cameras) as possible. Proper antenna positioning and placement can make a significant difference in your FPV experience.
How do I get these beautiful FPV shots?
If you've ever watched a stunning FPV video on YouTube and wondered how the pilot got such high-quality footage, you should know that the secret lies in using a separate HD action camera.
Footage captured with the FPV goggles is usually far from 1080p HD quality, let alone 4K. To capture the stunning images you see online, pilots often use a separate HD action camera, such as a GoPro or similar camera, attached to the drone with a 3D-printed TPU mount.
Learn how to fly FPV drones
You might think that you need to be able to fly in line of sight (LOS) before attempting FPV, but that's not always the case. LOS and FPV are two different styles of flying. Nonetheless, being able to fly your quad in LOS is valuable, as your FPV system could fail, and some LOS knowledge can help you regain control in an emergency. Ultimately, it's up to you whether you start FPV without LOS experience.
FPV simulators are of great benefit to beginners as they help you develop basic skills quickly and reduce the cost of broken parts due to pilot error or attempted maneuvers that exceed your capabilities.
It may take some time to transfer the skills learned in a simulator to flying an FPV drone in real life, but eventually it will all work out and the sky will become your playground!
Acro mode
While self-leveling flight modes (such as Angle Mode and Horizon Mode) are easier and more tempting, it is important
to learn Acro mode if you want to become familiar with flying an FPV drone.
Acro mode may be challenging at first, but once you master it, you will gain complete control of your quad. Betaflight offers an Acro Trainer mode to help you get used to acro without the risk of flipping or spinning out of control.
Auto-level mode acts like a pair of crutches, helping with balance but being limiting in more dynamic situations. Once you're comfortable with acro mode, auto-level mode will seem limiting and encourage bad habits that are hard to break.
Flying with other people
When you come to an FPV meetup, the first thing you should do is find out which video transmitter channels are being used by other pilots.
DO NOT turn on your quad before confirming your video channel, especially if other pilots are in the air! If they are in the air, wait until they land before turning the power on.
If two quads share the same VTX channel or their frequencies are too close to each other, their video transmission may be disrupted. Interference can lead to accidents, as the image in the goggles may disappear completely during flight, leaving the pilot "blind".
Always warn other pilots before turning on your quad.
Even if you're not on the same channel, some low-quality VTXs can dump power across the spectrum when starting up or changing channels, causing brief interference to everyone else.
You can also turn on your video receiver first to scan which channels are in use before turning on your video transmitter.
With appropriate equipment and frequency management, up to eight pilots can usually fly simultaneously, but for an interference-free race it is more common to have four pilots.
Safety Rules for Flying FPV Drones
Safety should always be your top priority.
Keep in mind that FPV drones are extremely fast and powerful and can cause serious injury to people and animals, as well as property damage. Compliance with safety rules is crucial, as ignoring them not only affects the pilot and potential victims, but also the reputation of the hobby itself.
Check your local rules and regulations regarding FPV and RC model flying in general.
Get insurance coverage for your drone activities.
Use a spotter or fly with a buddy.
Choose your flight location carefully and avoid crowded or risky areas.
Never fly too close to or over people or animals.
Disconnect the battery immediately after recovering a crashed quad.
Do not attempt to catch an FPV drone in the air.
Never use damaged LiPo batteries and dispose of them properly.
How to tune an FPV drone
By optimizing your FPV drone, you can optimize its performance and stability.
It is recommended to use "Blackbox" to tune your drone. Blackbox is a powerful tool that records flight data while your drone is flying, providing valuable insights for optimization. By analyzing the data, you can optimize your drone's PID settings and filters for better performance.
If Blackbox seems too complicated for you, you can still manually tune your drone without Blackbox. While you may not achieve the same level of performance optimization as with Blackbox, you can still improve your drone's performance over the default settings.
Remember that tuning is a personalized process and what works for one pilot may not work for another. It takes time, patience and practice to find the ideal settings for your FPV drone.
Diploma
In this comprehensive FPV drone tutorial, we've covered important topics such as understanding drone components, choosing the right equipment, building or buying your first FPV drone, and tips for safe and effective flying. We've also looked at the different FPV systems and the importance of proper tuning and software setup.
As you begin your FPV journey, remember that practice, patience, and a commitment to safety are key. Consider starting with simulators and gradually building your skills, and don't hesitate to ask the FPV community for help. Stay up to date with the latest advances in FPV technology, and most importantly, enjoy the incredible experience that FPV flying has to offer. Happy flying!