RC model building weekend

I just spent Saturday building RC models with the guys and was able to get a first look at what the FPV kit would be able to deliver.


I also had a miner accident assembling the quad in a hast without doing vital calibrations. Hope the accident wont render any further problems.

The micro USB connector that allows configuration of the MultiWii flight controller got loose at one point but was fixed by one of my friends. It's now soldered and hot glued to the board. Hopefully it stays there for a bit as I'm afraid that it wont be fixable if it happens again..

Stuff has arrived!

The things I recently ordered arrived today. Transport took 17 days, which is longer than normal.

 

This picture is supposed to illustrate how I'd connect the items. From top, transmitter and camera. Then LCD display connected to the receiver with the option to use the USB connector instead.

See anything missing? Yes, nothing to connect the camera and the transmitter.. I've apparently forgotten to order a cable, which I thought to be included. On other sites where I've observed the same camera, this specific cable has always been included. However not at banggood. 

This is the missing cable. It connects the USB output to a video cable, which then connect to the radio transmitter.Only $3 and now I have to wait another few weeks to get it.

Stay tuned!

Merry Xmas!

Merry Xmas and so on..

Long time and no posts. I've actually not been up to anything in this project lately due to winter times and less hobby time.

However, Christmas has yielded some donations for my quad project. I've therefore decided to take it one step further. I've previously written about FPV and how I'd like to set it up. Until today, I've only been looking but the time has come to put down the order. These is the items I bought..

First of all, we need a suitable camera to record images. This is the 808 #16 key chain camera is similar to the other original 808 key chain camera I bought this summer apart from a 120 degree wide angle lens and video output capabilities. Having 120 degree instead of 76 degree lens helps a lot when trying to navigate using a small screen or goggles.

Next you need a way to transmit the images you've captured. I've decided to use a 1.2GHz transmitter instead of the regular 5.8GHz that most people use. The reason for using a lower frequency is to gain a longer wave length. For you who are not familiar with the result of this wave length difference, it basically will allow the radio waves to bypass larger objects. With a 5.8GHz radio you need pretty much nothing in between transmitter and receiver. However with 1.2GHz, trees and stuff may come in the way. Even larger objects probably allow the waves to reach its destination.

To display the result of the capture, I've gone with this 7 inch monitor. It requires 12V DC, which as to be solved in one way or another to make the experience mobile. Here I have a secret plan that some day may be turned into reality but will so far stay my secret :).

Next item is something I came across just by browsing banggood.com and is a composite video receiver for a computer. This will allow received images to be projected on my laptop screen instead of an external monitor. This is also a part of my secret plan.





Now for the bad news, what do I need to pay for these items?
FPV 1.2G 8CH 800mw Wireless AV Transmitter And Receiver $55.99
Easycap USB 2.0 Video TV DVD VHS Audio Capture Adapter $7.00
FPV 7 Inch TFT LCD Monitor HD 800x480 Screen With Audio $52.99
808 NO.16 V2 HD 120 Degree Mini Camera Module 7g $43.99

Total US$160

Shoestring FPV kit

Something I haven't written about yet is FPV on a shoestring budget. The main reason why I haven't is that I can't currently afford it. However, here is a suggestion that definitely goes on my wishlist for Christmas.

First item on the board is a camera. I've previously written about the key chain 808 DVR for less than $7 that does OK recording. But for FPV you need something else. Now there is a version 2 of the 808 key chain camera that can do just that. The kit also includes a USB to video out cable that can be attached to any video transmitter to enable FPV. The improved camera is fitted with a 120 degree wide angle lens instead of the crappy narrow angle lens on the cheaper 808. This camera goes for $39 at eletoponline365's eBay shop.



For transmitter, I'd choose something with a low frequency again as with the controller radio. That is to gain as long range as possible. I found this kit at Banggood featuring a 1.2GHz transmitter. Other FPV kits regularly feature 5.8GHz. The problem with 5.8GHz is that you need clear sight between the transmitter and receiver. With a 1.2GHz it can work with some obstacles. This transmitter and receiver kit goes for $56 at Banggood.





A OSD device is something some people prefer as it applies a virtual head up display on the FPV image. The OSD device is hooked between the camera and radio transmitter hijacking the image and applying OSD using data from the flight controller. An OSD usually applies information such as: virtual horizon, altitude, air speed, heading, direction and range to "home". Home as applied for RTL. This OSD goes for $27 at Banggood.

You probably need additional wiring to connect the kit together but these are the basic devices needed for FPV.

Summarizing purcuses:

• $39 - 808 #16 v2 key chain camera
• $56 - FPV radio
• $27 - OSD device

In total, $122.

Ladybird key chain camera construction

I just remembered that I hadn't documented the way that I attached the key chain camera to my Ladybird. As I described in an earlier post, I'm using Velcro to attach the camera upside down to the bottom of the Ladybird. I'm also using a soft and sticky padding to angle the camera in the right position slightly pointed downwards.

The first post was however with the camera pointed slightly upwards, which in general is a bad idea when recording things below the camera ;).

An update regarding the package containing new motors is that I've received a tracking number and that the package should be on it's way. Hopefully I'll receive the package before my vacation is over.

Lady bird flies with a new camera

I bought this Mini DVR 808 key chain camera a while ago as many RC model enthusiasts use them for cheap video recording.

It works fairly well and records in 720x480 with a pretty narrow angle lens. Having a wide eye lens would however have been ideal for this kind of video recording. There are however other cameras that feature that but not for less than $7.

I'd recommend removing the plastic container by unscrewing a couple of screws to reduce the weight of the camera. This is what I've done to fit it to the ladybird, still it feels like it's pretty overweight at the moment. I fitted the camera using Velcro to make it possible to remove the camera if desired.

This is my first attempt to do any kind of recording so please don't mind the quality :).

You might notice that the date and time annotation is upside down, that is because I had to mount the camera upside down on the Ladybird to be able to access the start/stop buttons. I then used the enhancement features from YouTube to rotate the screen :).