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.

The beginning

So, I've decided to get my self a hobby. Hobby hasn't ever really been an issue as computers always been at hand, however, by getting older, I need something new to focus the ever shrinking free time on.

Walkera LadyBird V2 FPV was my first quad RC, seen here to the right. Bought it from the good old banggood.com.

As I grew more interested in quads, I've now decided to build my own from parts that can be acquired online. I've therefore made my self a wishing list of the things I need to buy in order to build my UAV. And as always, budget is of the essence and I've decided on a shoestring budget.




This budget may however change during the project but I will try to keep it up to date with all parts I need for the UAV.

To comment on some of the parts that are in the list, the frame I've decided to go for is a light weight low budget frame, which I will probably buy two of to keep one as spare part. Light weight also means more payload.

This Multiwii and Megapirate All-In-One Flight Controller allows for autonomous flight from take-off, thorough way-points and onwards to the landing. It runs on the same software as the well-known but more expensive ArduPilot flight controller. Once again, shoestring budget.