450 FPV

[jolyboy]

Unfortunately all the info on my build is scattered among many threads. I won't spam your thread with details I'll try post pics later when I get back from work

All you need is the apm 2.5 with GPS and current sensor for $180, then some time reading the info. The only issues I've had were due to me not knowing enough (had to re-read about the bits where I had messed up).

Stick with your build man, then when you are ready to upgrade it will be easier for you because there will be less pressure to get in the air quickly. To honest, the rtl and loiter are luxuries, but a flyable heli is a must-have

[sutty]

Fair enough, I appreciate that. Look forward to seeing your pics.

Cheers

Sutty

[Tomstoy2]

Sut, if you venture into this area, take a close look at the Naza-h by DJI. It fills the ticket nicely and a proven system.

[jolyboy]

Arducopter is proven, ill upload a video on Sunday and show ya

[Tomstoy2]

Jolyboy, not saying otherwise. However, please do post a vid, we all love them!!!

[sutty]

Will do Tom. Indeed, if I do I'll check out various options, but I must say I like the sound of $180 as opposed to £385.

[jolyboy]

Ok going on a trip Sunday, should be awesome

[jperkosk]

My understanding is both arducopter and naza-h will remove the 3D capability from the heli sort of permanently. Not a problem if you want to dedicate your ship strictly to fpv duty, though. Or am I completely wrong here?

[jolyboy]

You are correct. Currently only rolls are possible, no loops. In the next number of months there will be development on full 3d capabilities for arducopter.

[Tomstoy2]

I'll admit that I haven't followed Arducopter much. However, I do know that they have put together a team of very talented people together and have made major improvements over the last year.
In the multi-rotor field, the word on the street is that they are now in direct competition with HoverFly.
HoverFly has taken over the top position for professional pilots. Their smoothness of control and stability in unparalleled.
However, their position hold has not all been sorted out, nor has their gps. These are WKM's strong points. No other gps and position hold works as well as WKM's, period.
Couple that with all the other features, point of interest, intelligent orientation control, ceiling and range height control, and now Bluethooth compatability to make changes at the field with the APP puts them on top of the dung heap.

The nest couple years are going to be a total revolution in the field!

I can't imagine flying 3d in fpv. Not saying it can't be done, just my inability to imagine doing this all under goggles. Those that can do it, and do it well, are at the top of the game. Those guys are, I'm sure, not concerned what-so-ever with all the bullshit you and I need to keep the repairs in check. I'm sure they just snap on a camera and go for it.

Exciting stuff, indeed!

[jperkosk]

I'm still browning my underwear while putting my hexa around the sky with the goggles on, but getting a bit more confident on 15" monitor . Can see trying some mild fpv 3d in the very distant future only if there is a sophisticated and reliable bailout system ready to take over at the flick of the switch.

[sutty]

Originally Posted by jperkosk

My understanding is both arducopter and naza-h will remove the 3D capability from the heli sort of permanently. Not a problem if you want to dedicate your ship strictly to fpv duty, though. Or am I completely wrong here?

Was just reading naza-h and it said full 3D FBL capability, so not sure. Obviously jb has confirmed that this is true for arducopter. As I see all the gear on it now, and when I try 3D with it, it is somewhat restrictive anyway. A little like trying to do 3D with the Belt-CP when I got that going again a few months back. So if I sitck with it for FPV, who cares, and if I don't I'd be converting it back anyway.

As for maiden effort today. Blowing a gale, cold and hailstones!!! Was all lined up, with spotter available and everything.


Cheers

Sutty

[Luke Warmwater]

As a scale flier, the thought of 3D gives me the shakes. The thought of FPV 3D (with motion sickness) blows my mind....I need a lie down....

[sutty]

Well, funny you should say that, I was trying just that using an FPV 450 on the SIM the other day. Couldn't do any piro flips, as there was insufficient visual feedback to time it correctly. Just shows that it is not simply repeated actions, or muscle memory, and corrections must be being made throughout. Amazing that we can even do this. That aside, loops and rolls were perfectly possible, and I did several. No wonder it made me feel sick, lol.

Cheers

Sutty

[Tomstoy2]

Here's an option, I ordered one of these last nite.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300806705902...84.m1497.l2649

Thinking of going with a 10 inch monitor for it, too. Will use my 7 inch one first, see if it's really worth a damn first.
I've been toying with the idea of using a 15 inch monitor on my tripod for over a year now.
I like my goggles, but the monitor does have its pro's, also. Just trying to decide which is going to work out best.
Obviously, long range fpv, for me, ( anything out of visual range ), the goggles are the preferred method. Long range with no chance of seeing it visually, I might as well get fully immersed in the job,

Sorry to hear your flight had to be canceled, Sut.
Today, we have 60+ F. weather and 2 mph breeze. Time for me to do a few calming, fpv flights!

Funny thing about that, others report being nervous as hell flying fpv. Me, just the opposite, it really calms me down and relaxes me. At least up to the point where things go wrong, anyway. Remember my pumpkin wreck? That was fpv.
When the prop broke in flight and she started pitching uncontrollably, that experience sucked, big time!

[jolyboy]

Hey guys, here are pics as promised. For full details see here: http://diydrones.com/forum/topics/tr...age=3#comments

[Tomstoy2]

Nice rig!

[jolyboy]

Thanks man!

[copterboy]

I'm amazed you have squeezed all that on there!! Busy, but I like it

[sutty]

Yeah me too. Excellent stuff jb. Lots of different things to think about there, such as blade choice and much lower headspeed than I'm running, which must give you much more air time.

Will look at it in more detail today as I have time.


Cheers

Sutty