FPV question

[Biffa]

I have a budget FPV set up consisting of FS Aviator goggles, 100mw and 600mw TX, and a Sony Super HAD camera.

I have it wired using a 2 cell LiPo but with the camera fed directly from the same LiPo to avoid heat build up on the TX.

Works fine in the kitchen goofing around pestering the dog, moving around the house and stuff but as soon as I step outside it suffers with loads of interference and if fitted to any form of flying thing would render it useless and is the same with both TX';s and both the standard and spironet antennas.

However if I take it a little further up the road to an open area with no buildings and it seems to be OK and I guess would be flyable. I have no idea of possible range as my son was moaning about running with the camera looking like an idiot and how cold it was

So my question is this: Is this a downfall of flying near buildings and other junk you find in a built up area or could this be down to a particular component? Like the RX in the goggles perhaps.

Any input will be gratefully received. If you want more specific info or pictures I will be more than happy to oblige.

[Jumpy07]

I take this is 5.8ghz tx ?

Normally the ImmersionRC / Fatshark TX kit runs off 3s batts balance lead..  if you using 2 cells it wont be enough voltage  ?.. same for Chineese Tx';s..  require @12v

Also make sure u set the channel to 5.740 ghz as this is the channel least like to get or give interference.

Flying near other sources of radio rf is an issue.. as it near buildings.. but with 600mw and spiros you shouldnt be having too many problems..

Onboard the multi.. if you dont use the balance lead LC filter from the Fatshark kit.. then install a good LC filter

[Biffa]

I take this is 5.8ghz tx ?

Normally the ImmersionRC / Fatshark TX kit runs off 3s batts balance lead..  if you using 2 cells it wont be enough voltage  ?.. same for Chineese Tx';s..  require @12v

Also make sure u set the channel to 5.740 ghz as this is the channel least like to get or give interference.

Flying near other sources of radio rf is an issue.. as it near buildings.. but with 600mw and spiros you shouldnt be having too many problems..

Onboard the multi.. if you dont use the balance lead LC filter from the Fatshark kit.. then install a good LC filter

Cheers Jumpy, Yes it';s 5.8gHz.

I got the goggle and TX';s used and as such there is no lead to fit a LiPo balance plug, any chance you can provide a link to the item?

In the mean time I';ll chuck it all on a 3 cell and see what happens. The LC filter did cross my mind but this test was done with it not fitted to the quad.

Thanks for the info

[Jumpy07]

There is one on Ebay  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fat-Shark-ImmersionRC-Filtered-Balance-Lead-Power-Adapter-FPV-orangeRX-uk-/190728997647?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item2c68558b0f
Just noticed that it can be used with 2S/3S.. so scratch my previous comment re: voltage..

[Biffa]

There is one on Ebay  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fat-Shark-ImmersionRC-Filtered-Balance-Lead-Power-Adapter-FPV-orangeRX-uk-/190728997647?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item2c68558b0f
Just noticed that it can be used with 2S/3S.. so scratch my previous comment re: voltage..

Thanks for that. I';ll still try the set up on 3';s and see what happens. Always worth a shot.

[Biffa]

Seemed a little better on a 3 cell to be honest so there may be something in what you said but it was a little too cold and windy last night to draw any real conclusion but it sure looked like I got less signal loss.

Hopefully I';ll get out to test again in a while.

[Balders]

almost sounds like your antenna';s are not making proper contact in either the vtx or vrx to me.  You';ve not got a female-female connection going on anywhere?

[Biffa]

almost sounds like your antenna';s are not making proper contact in either the vtx or vrx to me.  You';ve not got a female-female connection going on anywhere?

Both sets of antennas have male SMA into female on the TX';s and RX fitted in the goggles so nothing out of place there.

I have just taken them back up to the field and my helper got a fair distance away and no degredation or interference until he dropped out of my line of sight as the path dips off from level a little and after that was only the trees and and other bits and bobs in the way that caused any problems.

So I am guessing once fitted to my quad and up in the air with clear line of sight between the antennas I will be good to go

I had no idea though that buildings in close proximity would cause so much problems with reception. That scuppers my idea of sitting in the garden in the summer and buzzing around the neighbours houses

I seem to remember reading somewhere about ';signal reflection'; could this be that?

[Balders]

It';s called "multipath interference" and is common with whip antennas near any surface, be it a wall, building hedge whatever.

CP antenna';s do alleviate the vast majority of these problems, but I imagine if you are fairly close to the transmitter, the bounced signal may be strong enough to have an influence.