Point me in the right direction!

[Gomojoe]

I am looking to get a quadcopter setup that can do realtime FPV. I would like this to be something I build, not just to be cheaper, but also so that I understand it and can maintain it. I'm not really wanting to spend more than 1K. I apologize to everyone as normally I would do all kinds of research and slowly shape what I'm looking to build. However, in this case my son is in Minnesota for a Bone Marrow Transplant. He loves seeing these things fly and I know he would love seeing the FPV video as well. Yesterday was his actual transplant so he has 99 days left in Minnesota. I am here with him now but have to leave in about two weeks and won't see him for 3 months. I would like to have it up and running by then. I would like this to have a pretty decent range and be able to say, film some mountain bikers on the trail. Anyway, I am not asking for a shopping list or a single answer, but just a nudge in the right direction. From what I understand now you can build your own frame or buy custom...a good rule of thumb seems to be 2x the thrust for the weight you plan(I'm thinking maybe even more since I live a 6,000ft+ altitude). Blade length, controller, etc. Anyway, please help me show my son something awesome when he gets back! Thank you!

Humble noob!

[Windbreaker]

Check this out. People have been getting outstanding results, both for FPV and for aerial video.

http://www.fpvmanuals.com/qav500

BTW, they provide a shopping list of what to get.

For a controller, get the OpenPilot CC3D.
http://www.drotek.fr/shop/en/149-fc-...openpilot.html

[Manzooka]

Greetings Super Dad

Two of the best frames out there at the moment are the popular TBS Discovery (my personal favorite) and the aforementioned QAV500 from FPVmanuals. I own both.

I prefer the TBS Discovery because it's a little less expensive, handles better in a crash, uses inexpensive and easily obtainable DJI Flamewheel arms, and the integrated TBS Core option makes wiring and voltage management a breeze. Both are built with the GoPro in mind and take excellent video with proper setup and a little balancing. The Discovery has a big following and there are plenty of build logs out there that may help you with part choices.

Another fun option would be to build an H-Quad (http://fpvlab.com/forums/showthread....0-H-Quad-Build) and then transfer parts to a better frame in the future.

Your general shopping list will look a little something like this...

Quad Frame
Motors
Props
ESC's
Battery
Flight Controller
RC Rx
RC Rx Antenna

And the FPV bits...
Video Tx
Video Tx Antenna
Flight Cam
Cables, etc.

And for your Ground Station...
Video Rx
Video Rx Antenna
LCD or Goggles
A means to power the above
RC Tx
Coffee

Lots to learn but there's a lot of help out there. I'll be happy to answer any questions and you may want to check out FPVLab as an additional resource.

Here's a recent vid from our local field using the TBS Discovery.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycMtiMX79zI[/ame]

[Gomojoe]

So does this look like a good list? It is Team Black Sheeps all-in-one FPV. Anything in this list a no go?

• TBS DISCOVERY top & bottom plates
• 4x Flamewheel F450 Arms (black)
• DJI Naza Flight Control
• 4x 750kV Motors
• 4x 30A ESC
• 4x 9x5 Graupner E-Props
• Short Servo Extensions
• TBS-branded Velcro Straps
• Graupner MX-12 Hott Transmitter with GR-12 Hott Receiver
• 4S 3.3Ah TBS LiPo
• Charger B6AC 80W
• TBS CORE installed, with RF Tin Shield
• TBS 59 FPV Camera
• Fatshark Dominator Video Glasses
• TBS Dominator Video RX (5G8)
• TBS GREENHORN (25mW) Video TX
• Fatshark Battery for Dominator Goggles
• Fatshark Battery Charger - EU Version
• 5.8 GHz SpiroNET Antenna Set (RHCP)

[satgod]

start with this
[ame]http://www.ebay.com/itm/REPTILE-500-Alien-Multi-Quad-copter-ARF-set-w-Motor-ESC-MWC-SE-Flight-Controller-/150905426621?pt=US_Character_Radio_Control_Toys&ha sh=item2322aa12bd[/ame]
remove the mwc add a naza with gps, get you a full fatshark 5.8ghz setup for about 300-350.00 and your right at the 1k mark
Get the 600mw vtx if its a option and bluebeam (spironet antennas)

[Manzooka]

Originally Posted by Gomojoe

So does this look like a good list? It is Team Black Sheeps all-in-one FPV. Anything in this list a no go?

That's one hell of a list!