1st FPV Quad, any advise appreciated

[BraveDave]

Hi, this is my first post on the forum.

I'm looking for my first FPV Quadcopter, but there's so much choice and I have no idea where to start or what to look for so any advise on what's a good starter would be appreciated, either a kit or ready to fly out of the box.

What I want is an FPV quad, with relatively good camera/picture/screen quality, that's real time or close enough, that's easy enough to fly for me.
I was looking to spend max about £150, ($225).

Anything else I should be looking for as well?

Please let me know what you think would be a good choice for me. Thanks!

 

[ringolong]

I think your budget is a little low, but there is a good post here somewhere that is about a cheap fpv setup, but I am not sure it includes the craft also.

 

[ringolong]

Found it.

http://quadcopterforum.com/threads/cheap-yet-good-fpv-setup-to-get-you-started.5162/

 

[BraveDave]

I think your budget is a little low, but there is a good post here somewhere that is about a cheap fpv setup, but I am not sure it includes the craft also.

Thanks! One thing from that post I keep seeing is the Quanum V2 goggles, I was thinking a screen instead of googles to begin with, but so many people recommend the Quanum V2s they must be good.

If rather buy a kit than buying everything separate really. (That post doesn't include the craft either).

I was thinking of getting the Walkera runner 250, the RTF Basic 3 package which comes with DEVO-7 radio/camera/OSD/battery/charger included. And buying the Quanum V2 goggles, so I "THINK" the only other thing i would need is a video receiver for the goggles.

Then someone else pointed out the Eachine racer 250:
http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-Rac...nch-32CH-Monitor-HD-Camera-RTF-p-1008942.html
This kit seems like a copy of the Walkera runner 250, but comes with a radio with LCD screen attached, instead of goggles.

Price wise it would be roughly the same for either setup, but I can't decide what to get now, the Walkera runner 250 setup or the Eachine racer 250?

I remember the Walkera name from when I used to look at RC helicopters, and I know they're a very reputable company. So I expect everything they provide (cameras, recievers, etc,) will be good quality parts. (But I have heard of the "Flip of Death" issue with the runner 250).

The Eachine racer 250 was recommended to me when I mentioned the Walkera because of the Flip of Death. But I have no way of comparing the two, I can't tell what's good or not by looking at the technical specs of the Eachines recievers, radio, camera etc, as I don't really understand them to compare.

What I'd like to know about the Eachine 250 is what the range of the radio/reciever/transmitter is, because I can't seem to find this info anywhere. I know the Walkera 250 has an impressive range of 1-1.5km. So I'd like to know what the range of the Eachine is.

 

[BraveDave]

Found out the range of the Eachine in that bundle is only 300m so not big enough for me.

Maybe Id be better buying all the bits separately, like the better radio, cameras and transmitters from Walkera or wherever, and buy a craft without cameras/transmitters etc.

 

[ringolong]

Have you flown a quadcopter before, and feel comfortable flying?

 

[BraveDave]

Have you flown a quadcopter before, and feel comfortable flying?

No I've not flown a quad before, I'll be practicing carefully for a while before I take it on a proper flight.
I don't really want to get a really cheap one to start with, more something half decent that I'll be happy with and won't want to upgrade immediately.

 

[ringolong]

What size are you thinking of. Have you found any that you like? There are so many I am just trying to figure out which one to recommend.

 

[BraveDave]

What size are you thinking of. Have you found any that you like? There are so many I am just trying to figure out which one to recommend.

I was looking at 250s just because I liked the style of them really and they're supposed to be strong enough to withstand a few crashes/easy to repair. But it doesn't have to be that size really.

What I want is a quad that has:
- A control range of at least 1km.
- A video transmitter/reciever range of at least 1km for FPV.
- Good quality FPV camera.
- Robust/strong build, can handle a few crashes/easy repairable.

The main things I want to do is fly it up to 1km away, and have good picture quality on FPV.

I'm thinking now maybe it would be more fun to build one. Not from scratch, but buy a frame with motors and flight controller etc, and buy separate camera and video transmitter/reciever etc. Then I can get a decent 600mw transmitter and good quality camera etc.

 

[Jackson]

I remember the Walkera name from when I used to look at RC helicopters, and I know they're a very reputable company.

Not exactly. Seems they have dropped their name from their latest endeavors now going with XK DETECT.

Seem odd that are you looking for a long range quad in a small, 250mm size.

Well this looks like a great way to get your feet wet.
http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-EC2...H-AT9-Transmitter-R6D-CC3D-RTF-p-1008943.html

Decent components and a very slick radio, that you will be hard pressed to out grow.

You may want to research AOMWAY products for your fpv needs. I saw a range test on this and it did quite well without a fancy antenna.
http://www.banggood.com/AOMWAY-FPV-...CMOS-HD-Camera-For-Aerial-Photo-p-989258.html

 

[BraveDave]

Not exactly. Seems they have dropped their name from their latest endeavors now going with XK DETECT.

Seem odd that are you looking for a long range quad in a small, 250mm size.

Well this looks like a great way to get your feet wet.
http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-EC2...H-AT9-Transmitter-R6D-CC3D-RTF-p-1008943.html

Decent components and a very slick radio, that you will be hard pressed to out grow.

You may want to research AOMWAY products for your fpv needs. I saw a range test on this and it did quite well without a fancy antenna.
http://www.banggood.com/AOMWAY-FPV-...CMOS-HD-Camera-For-Aerial-Photo-p-989258.html

I love the sound of that setup. The AT9 transmitter is very impressive. Good price for everything considering the price of the AT9 + R6D. (I might get an R9D as well to increase the range).

You've sold it to me then! I've decided, that's the Quad for me! Thank you very much!

I read good things about AOMWAY. But still can't decide between the Aomway 600mw VTX, or the Immersion 600mw VTX. The Aomway is a little cheaper, but what gives the best picture quality, or are they the same? (Think I read somewhere the module inside the Aomway is the same as the Immersion?)