Video tx rx confusion!

[JT]

 I want to start getting the bits together for some FPV with my 450 quad, I';m planning on getting a gopro hero 3 silver in the next week or two so that I can record directly onto it and use it for FPV. Now looking at 5.8Ghz transmitter/ reciever combinations I';m getting all confused The vast majority seem to be 200mW but there are also 400, 500 and 1000mW transmitters too. My question is simply are there any benefits to having the higher powered transmitters or are the 200mW ones adequate for general FPV flying? I';m using a flysky th9x but am planning to upgrade it to FRSky at the same time as setting up FPV.  I have flight times on a 4000mah of about 15 minutes currently so wouldn';t be going more than 3 or 4 minutes out in any direction(and likely nothing as much as that anyway). I would like to fly around stuff too(trees, occasional obsticles etc) so would a more powerful video transmitter be helpful there?

Thanks

[firey1]

im running 200mwh gear for my fpv with cloverleaf aerials

this gives me same range as my 9xr with frysky on max 3 beep range

  Can I use a 500mw video transmitter instead of a 200mw and will the extra power double my range?

A. No, adding twice the Transmitter power does not double the range but add about 10-20% more range. It';s always better to have a good Receiver antenna to get better range like a good directional patch, yagi or grid antenna

[JT]

 Thanks firey can I ask what sort of range that is?  and is that with cloverleafs on both the video  rx and tx?

[firey1]

i have taken mine out to 2 km + with no loss of video or transmitter link I havent taken out to loss of signal yet as still to test RTL
and yes clovers on both rx / tx

the advantage of a higher power vtx is if you intend to fly round trees and stuff like you see in alot of videos  the extra power helps go round objects but i like open area flying so the 200 suits me fine
just depends where you want to fly and is the extra costs worth a small percentage of tx power

[Jumpy07]

FrSky kit should get you 2km no probs..

On 5.8Ghz video to get 2km.. you will need a set of Spiro Antennas and 500mw...  1000mw is overkill.. much better to get a more sensitive rx @ 90dbm ..  its not always about power..     

You could also use a diversity video RX..  fitted with a panel antenna and a spiro for even more range...

[JT]

 Thanks, I';ll look into all that Do you know of any trusted brands/suppliers?

[Jumpy07]

The new Airwave modules as fitted to ImmersionRC and Fatshark kit is currently the best..  buts its pricey and uses different frequencies from the Chinese stuff.. 

[JT]

 Thanks Jumpy, I want to do it as cheaply as possible but don';t want to buy what essentially turns out to be crap and ends up with me buying good stuff to replace it!! Good stuff from the outset is probably the best way to go

[JT]

 OK still looking into the cheap route before I buy anything Does this reciever look Ok it says its 90dbm http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-8G-FPV-Video-Receiver-RX-5-8ghz-digital-Channel-Display-for-TX-RC-Hobby-plane-/130884708372?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item1e79562814  I understand it would need the antenna changing.

[firey1]

the rc305 is basicly  the same for half the price
only difference is the 305 has manual dip switches but same internals as the 805

[JT]

 Thanks Firey. In that case there is also this one that comes with a lipo for the tx http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-8G-FPV-A-V-Transmitte-r-RX-500mW-6Km-For-RC-Aircaft-Multi-quad-Hexa-X-copter-/251025562342?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item3a724a1ae6

[firey1]

yep nothing wrong with that setup at all for a good cheap kit
i have had no probs with mine and its the same gear just a 200 VTX is only difference

[JT]

Thanks firey. I might get this as a cheaper way in to fpv then. :)

[firey1]

what you using for viewing JT

[SimonS]

Just be aware that that panel antenna is vertically polarised so it will not work with spironets/cloverleafs as they are circular polarised.  The Tx and Rx are fine so just use them and some cloverleafs.

[firey1]

Username : Gav on this forum makes and sells  the cloverleaf antennas

[JT]

what you using for viewing JT

Not got that far yet!  I would love goggles but nature provided me with an enormous brain cavity, so they likely wouldn';t fit well, so propbably a monitor and a cloth to go over it and my head. I am open to suggestions and would like to know what others use

Just be aware that that panel antenna is vertically polarised so it will not work with spironets/cloverleafs as they are circular polarised.  The Tx and Rx are fine so just use them and some cloverleafs.

Ok thanks Simon, will do.

[firey1]

these are what i use

http://www.chinavasion.com/china/wholesale/Electronic_Gadgets/Cool_Gadgets/4_GB_Portable_Video_Glasses_with_AV_function