Cheapest FPV quad with great range

[madsilencerr]

Hello!

So, i live in a forest and i'd like a quad to get some nice footage of it and just have fun avoiding trees and things like that!

But, i understand that because of the trees, the range will drop, so i'd like something that will give me a LOT of range and FPV range and that is cheap (Under 700) easy to built or preferably, RTF.

Is the DJi phantom v1.1.1 any good? What kind of range will it give me and what's the best and cheapest FPV system i could get for it? And i'm also considering the AR drone 2, but i guess that cuz of Wi-fi, the range will be awful.

Any recommendations?

[madsilencerr]

Any ideas?

[SeanM]

Under 700 euros? Sure.

Seriously though, you would be dissappointed with the Phantom if you're interested in long range FPV, especially through trees. In order to do what you're interested in, you will need to focus on the control and video frequencies so that they are able to penetrate through the trees. The Phantom uses 2.4 GHz for control, which is great for LOS (line of sight) flying. However, you will not be able to use this frequency to fly through a forest, lower frequencies are needed for this.

To get the best range/penetration possible, you will want to rely on 1.2-1.3GHz for video and 433MHz for control. I believe using 2.4GHz for video is possible for what you're interested in, but 1.2-1.3 will be even better. Just remember, that with either of these two frequencies for video, you will most likely need UHF 433MHz for control in order to avoid any interference between the two antennas due to harmonics.

[madsilencerr]

Originally Posted by SeanM

Under 700 euros? Sure.

Seriously though, you would be dissappointed with the Phantom if you're interested in long range FPV, especially through trees. In order to do what you're interested in, you will need to focus on the control and video frequencies so that they are able to penetrate through the trees. The Phantom uses 2.4 GHz for control, which is great for LOS (line of sight) flying. However, you will not be able to use this frequency to fly through a forest, lower frequencies are needed for this.

To get the best range/penetration possible, you will want to rely on 1.2-1.3GHz for video and 433MHz for control. I believe using 2.4GHz for video is possible for what you're interested in, but 1.2-1.3 will be even better. Just remember, that with either of these two frequencies for video, you will most likely need UHF 433MHz for control in order to avoid any interference between the two antennas due to harmonics.

So could you suggest a setup?


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[SeanM]

I would check out the TBS Gemini. For $550, you get a prebuilt mini FPV racer that's reciever ready. All you have to add on is your video Tx of choice and whichever control Rx you want. In your case, a Taranis control Tx with a EZUHF antenna module paired to an EZUHF Rx would allow you to do what you want. As for the video side, you would want to choose a 1.2-2.4GHz Tx that will fit.. Probably around 200-500mw.

http://www.team-blacksheep.com/products/prod:gemini

You could easily build one for cheaper by piecing together a kit.. It's just a matter of whether you would rather spend the extra $$ to get something prebuilt/tuned or if you enjoy doing that part yourself. One thing to keep in mind is that in order to do what you're interested in, you will not be able to find something RTF without spending much more. The route I'm suggesting will require some setting up, especially on the control side.

TBS Gemini (0 min 54 sec)

[daneger21]

Budget build...

Bone stock f450
4000-5000mah batts
1.3ghz fpv kit
UHF control
Decent antennas

[powerstroke01]

oh man that thing looks fun

[madsilencerr]

Idk all these things end up being too expensive and hard to build...


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[petedee]

If you do not want to learn to build then maybe this path is not for you, perhaps you need to find one already built or Ready To Fly. they are not that hard but there is a leaning curve and some research to do on your part.

[madsilencerr]

Originally Posted by petedee

If you do not want to learn to build then maybe this path is not for you, perhaps you need to find one already built or Ready To Fly. they are not that hard but there is a leaning curve and some research to do on your part.

I understand, but with school, it would take me months to finish it...

[Big Island Guy]

Hmm... like the guys are saying, it don't think it'll be possible to get one that does everything you list, RTF for $700 or less, unless you can find a good deal on a second hand one. The old saying "Done right, done fast, done cheap - pick any two" applies. If your studies won't permit you the time to build one that can do what you want, maybe now is not the right time to start on something that ambitious. If you're looking to fly FPV and beyond visual range behind trees etc, you really should know how these things work inside and out and, of course, building one is the best way to gain that knowledge. On the bright side, it's not as hard as you may think to build one yourself and plenty of us here would be more than happy to help guide you through the process. We were all new to these at one time and here is where plenty of us learned the ins and outs. Plus, there is hardly any better feeling than when an admiring bystander asks where you bought it, you can say, "Oh, I built it myself."

[madsilencerr]

Originally Posted by Big Island Guy

Hmm... like the guys are saying, it don't think it'll be possible to get one that does everything you list, RTF for $700 or less, unless you can find a good deal on a second hand one. The old saying "Done right, done fast, done cheap - pick any two" applies. If your studies won't permit you the time to build one that can do what you want, maybe now is not the right time to start on something that ambitious. If you're looking to fly FPV and beyond visual range behind trees etc, you really should know how these things work inside and out and, of course, building one is the best way to gain that knowledge. On the bright side, it's not as hard as you may think to build one yourself and plenty of us here would be more than happy to help guide you through the process. We were all new to these at one time and here is where plenty of us learned the ins and outs. Plus, there is hardly any better feeling than when an admiring bystander asks where you bought it, you can say, "Oh, I built it myself."

I agree! Well, i decided that for that i should wait until summer, when i'll have endless time, then i'll probably make a thread again asking for help hehe

[Big Island Guy]

Originally Posted by madsilencerr

I agree! Well, i decided that for that i should wait until summer, when i'll have endless time, then i'll probably make a thread again asking for help hehe

We'll keep an eye out for ya! And good luck with your studies. Those are the most important thing.

[setishock]

Originally Posted by madsilencerr

I agree! Well, i decided that for that i should wait until summer, when i'll have endless time, then i'll probably make a thread again asking for help hehe

Hang out and read the threads. There's a wealth of information to had.

"I'm Seti with HeliFreak and we'll leave the light on for ya." (Unless budget cuts force us to turn it off)

[madsilencerr]

Thank you everyone!! What an amazing forum Helifreak is with amazing people!

BTW, I'm 15 so it's school and not studies haha


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[PTcaflyer]

...you still need to study for school and prepare for what comes next ! Education is #1 !

[daneger21]

Originally Posted by PTcaflyer

scool Education is #1 !

[PTcaflyer]

Originally Posted by daneger21

...yeah, flunked typing ! LOL!

[madsilencerr]

Yeah though honestly education is #1... Otherwise how will I fund my heli addiction when my parents stop doing so?? Hehe


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