Starting out in FPV - camera and Tx advice

[DarrenG]

Now my TBS Disco is flying it';s time to start looking at FPV.  I';m guessing that TBS';s  ';69'; camera is over priced and equal or better alternatives can be had for less?

What is the recommended camera for FPV that will fit a TBS Disco?

I';ve been told a 600mW ImmersionRC Tx is what I want, and FatShark goggles. Also looking for advice regards OSD, am I best going with TBS';s Core?

I';m saving like mad so I can start acquiring the FPV gear, any advice and pointers appreciated!

[Jumpy07]

Ok..  I have been down the route.. and made a few mistakes.. so here is my tuppence worth...

The "Core" is not worth the money.. buy a proper OSD..  ezOSD or Cyclops etc depending on budget.

ImmersionRC video channels are the same as Fatshark.. but different to the Chinese stuff.. its not all about power.. the ImmersionRX RX as a lot more sensitive than the rest.. 

The Fatshark AttitudeSD';s comes with a 250mw VTX..  which should be good for 750m with decent Circular Polarised Antennas and Fatsharks. If you buy Dominators you will need to buy TX and RX separately..

The ImmersionRC / Fatshark kit is set up for 5v cams.. which is a pain...  most of the better cameras are 12v .. so you will need a step up converter..

Best Camera at the moment for me is the Pixim Seawold WDR..  don';t buy anything but a WDR camera.. and also you need one with an IR CUT filter installed and 2.8mm lens.  ..  www.firstpersonview.co.uk have a new WDR camera that works on 5V and is smaller.. which might be worth looking at..

[Biffa]

If you are not in a rush, this is a great FPV camera

http://www.securitycamera2000.com/products/SONY-Super-HAD-CCD-600TVL-D%252dWDR-DNR-Board-Camera-For-FPV.html

[dp106]

If you are not in a rush, this is a great FPV camera

http://www.securitycamera2000.com/products/SONY-Super-HAD-CCD-600TVL-D%252dWDR-DNR-Board-Camera-For-FPV.html

+1 for that

[DarrenG]

Thanks guys.  That gives me something to get started. Can you point me in the direction of a suitable step-up converter?

[Biffa]

Thanks guys.  That gives me something to get started. Can you point me in the direction of a suitable step-up converter?

Just runs off a 3 cell pack

I have a tiny Turnigy 500mAh pack that runs my FPV cam and the 600mw TX.

[Toledodave]

Im also running Immersion 600mW and this Tx has its own 5v output for the camera. It so happens i already had the Gopro Hero 3 which runs off the immersion tx at 5v with correct a/v power harness and i paired them with Fatshark Dominators but downside is dominators are modulated rx for (your choice) of 2.4 or 5.8 mhz and also if you want tracking thats another module. The plus side is you have choice! For instance. Everybody untill month ago that has tracking is stuck with v4 tracking firmware as i am atm but... With domiators i can just purchase the v5 module for 50 bucks and upgrade. Those not with modulated fatsharks can not and i havent seen a firware avail to flash yet. Dominators in the end are little bit more due to modules but with no firmware updates you get what ya get so to me was worth the modules for long term investment :/. Picture is great other then the menu buttons from gopro are on screen while streaming and im running Apache Osd. Which was a pain in the arse untill i bought the IR sensor and remote to program it on the copter. Apache isnt the cleanest display but it tells me more then enough info and is readable just not smooth and as clear as i would expect. But definately not worth changing unless needed. :/