Where to START !!! ?????

[I in da sky]

OK....I have been very busy with work for the last week !!! And now I have some funds for the TX/RX...... What is all the above ?????????????
OK......Would you go with their TX/RX combo package from Alloft ?????.....and add the rest of the items above ???? I can see where it would be excepionally good to monitor the radio link between the ship and TX.....and where the monitoring of various telemetry would be extremely desireable !!!

What then does the OSD do when wearing the Fatshark unit !!! I am confused !!! Since the eventual plan is to go FPV......All the telemetry information needs to be seen within the FS display ??? How does all the above equiptment dump into the display of the FS ???? ....or doesn't it ???? does the telemetry info display on the LCD screen of the TX.....but......then.....when the FPV is integrated.....One will have the FS unit on.....and not be watching the TX LCD display.....right ???? Sorry for the lack of some of the basics ???? Trying to understand....as fast as possible.....but ALL this has my head spinning !!! Please advise !!! THANX !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Update....OK....after doing homework/review of Aloft site.....Looks like the

FRSKY D8R-XP- 8 CHANNEL RECEIVER W/ TELEMETRY, RSSI, & CPPM


has an RSSI output on it. I assume that the Video TX ...which is connected to the video on-board camera...is also connected to the D8R-XP-8........SOooo.....the telemetry data is sent from the D8R-XP-8.....via the Video TX.....and ALL this telemetry ends up displayed on the FatShark goggles.....BUT....

I also have the telemetry data from the Nazda GPS unit... which I assume also connects to the Video TX....and needs to show up within the FS display screens....Can THREE video feeds go into the Video TX.....and ALL that data end up on the FS googles ??????????? SOooo much to learn !!!! Perhaps I need to give the fine people Aloft a call.....as I imagine they do get questions like this ALL the time !!!

Hey....this stuff is complicated to a newbie to "quadcopteraction" !!!! but it is important that I do not screw up...and order component "A".....which cannot talk to component "B"

Try'in ta get....IIDS's

 

[I in da sky]

OK...I had a 45min talk with Wayne from http://www.alofthobbies.com/ Great person for a newbee to talk with !!! This is the type of service that builds customer loyality !!!!!!!!!!!!!! I WILL be getting the http://www.alofthobbies.com/frsky-taranis-x8r-combo.html TX/RX combo. This set-up has the telemetry transmitter module built into the Transmitter.....so....the D8R XP receiver sends telemetry directly to the LCD screen on the TX....Great !!!

And when I take the system to FPV....the D8R XP will connect to the on-board video TX....and then the data will display to the Fatshark Dominator HD goggles as OSD !!! I think this is how it will ALL work ????? But for now...this is the TX/RX I will go with !!!! THANX FOR THE HEADS UP ON ALOFT HOBBIES !!!!!!!!

I am convinced this set up will deliver the best/most secure link between TX and RX......something I am greatly concerned over !!! Safety of by-standers and NO-Damage to the copter are two (2) of my MUST HAVE'S !!

Later...
IIDS

 

[Mike]

Sounds like your project is really coming along! Good research! I just got all my components and installed everything on the TX. I'm using the addon LCD for the tx to read the telemetry data for now. I didn't want to do the FrSky DIY kit because the inside of the 9x seems a bit fragile, so I don't want to pull it apart and mess with it too much. Once I get the telemetry stuff down on the external screen, I will start researching how I can get OSD in the goggles. If I figure it out, I'll post how I did it.

Yeah, I haven't talked to the guys at Aloft, but their website is clean, very informative, and the prices are great! And I got my stuff in two days! Great seller!

OK....I have been very busy with work for the last week !!! And now I have some funds for the TX/RX...... What is all the above ?????????????
OK......Would you go with their TX/RX combo package from Alloft ?????.....and add the rest of the items above ???? I can see where it would be excepionally good to monitor the radio link between the ship and TX.....and where the monitoring of various telemetry would be extremely desireable !!!

What then does the OSD do when wearing the Fatshark unit !!! I am confused !!! Since the eventual plan is to go FPV......All the telemetry information needs to be seen within the FS display ??? How does all the above equiptment dump into the display of the FS ???? ....or doesn't it ???? does the telemetry info display on the LCD screen of the TX.....but......then.....when the FPV is integrated.....One will have the FS unit on.....and not be watching the TX LCD display.....right ???? Sorry for the lack of some of the basics ???? Trying to understand....as fast as possible.....but ALL this has my head spinning !!! Please advise !!! THANX !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Update....OK....after doing homework/review of Aloft site.....Looks like the

FRSKY D8R-XP- 8 CHANNEL RECEIVER W/ TELEMETRY, RSSI, & CPPM


has an RSSI output on it. I assume that the Video TX ...which is connected to the video on-board camera...is also connected to the D8R-XP-8........SOooo.....the telemetry data is sent from the D8R-XP-8.....via the Video TX.....and ALL this telemetry ends up displayed on the FatShark goggles.....BUT....

I also have the telemetry data from the Nazda GPS unit... which I assume also connects to the Video TX....and needs to show up within the FS display screens....Can THREE video feeds go into the Video TX.....and ALL that data end up on the FS googles ??????????? SOooo much to learn !!!! Perhaps I need to give the fine people Aloft a call.....as I imagine they do get questions like this ALL the time !!!

Hey....this stuff is complicated to a newbie to "quadcopteraction" !!!! but it is important that I do not screw up...and order component "A".....which cannot talk to component "B"

Try'in ta get....IIDS's

 

[I in da sky]

MM...I am dead in the water....a very slow rotating gyre !!! Waiting for Aloft to relese their new TX !!!....Besides....This is the Primo " Honey Doo" time of the year....Deck washing/staining, Pool opening and flower planting....Geting ready for Memorial Day !!! VERY little time for cool toys....BUT...there will be time....soon....and I bug Wayne every so often.....trying to make sure I am in the que for the TX !!!...I have not even had time to do the assembly....just open the boxes...sigh....look thru the plastic...and sigh again !!! It'll happen.....Meantime...I am reading up on prop balancing...as I think this will be very important !! Do you have the special prop balancing unit ??? Which one to get ??? Thanx !!

IIDS

 

[Mike]

It will all come along soon! I just have a standard prop balancer from Hobby King.

Turnigy Magnetic Prop Balancer

It gets the job done. Prop balancing is very important if you want to keep your motors in good shape! The other important thing is to not crash =)

 

[I in da sky]

Well...I don't PLAN on crashing !!! BUT...SH!T HAPPENS !!.....I am now further confused !!! I plan on the Naza iOSD to return telemetry....and to integrate with the Naza Controller and Naza GPS.....SO.....what TX/RX to go with ???? The FrSky ???? or a Futaba...or what ??? Since ALL the Naza components are designed to work together....is the FrSky the best option ??????As I don't need two inputs of telemetry data ?????? Could go with the FrSky....and have the on-board RX send telemetry to the TX screen....and then later....have the Naza iOSD send telemetry to the FS googles...SOoooo many choices ???? Things are further complicated by starting ThirdPV....then evolving to FPV at a later date !!!! THOUGHTS ????????
IIDS

Note 1: Thanx for the Prop Balancer tip.
Note 2: After re-reading the info about the FrSky....I think I will stick with that !! Some telemetry built in...to fly Third PV.....then later....Naza iOSD, Naza GPS, Fat Shark set up for HD FPV...That is the plan...for now !! Hurry up Aloft on the TX/RX delivery !!!

Note 3: Spoke with Wayne from Aloft Hobbies...again today. The FrSky receiver will send telemetry to the TX for RSSI TX/RX signal strength and RX battery condition. In addition... I will purchase the module FS-100... to send main Lipo charge/discharge telemetry back to the TX($22).
All things considered....this is a very good information to have while learning on Third PV....and then... when making the jump to FPV....I will go with the Nazda iOSD, Video TX, FS goggles....these would then provide the rest of the telemetry !! SOooo...that is the plan. Wayne...if you review this...pls correct any mistakes I may have made.

 

[Mike]

I never planned on crashing either =) We got our first copter built and were so pumped to fly it, but all it did was somersaults across the field we were flying in, then the arm broke off! haha.

I'm really glad that Aloft is helping you out so much! They seem like a great shop. I will definitely be a return customer! Plus their prices are lower than most places.

I got my Turnigy 9x modded with all the FrSky stuff I bought from Aloft. I hope to fly sometime this weekend. I'm still researching to see if I can get FrSky telemetry data OSD. If I figure it out, I'll post here, but it might not matter since you're going with the Naza OSD when you go FPV.

 

[I in da sky]

Well...wouldn't ya know it....limited funds when the first batch of transmitters were available !!! so...waiting on the second shippment....nothing ever goes per the plan !!!

 

[Mike]

That's no fun. Look at it this way though - if there are bugs, they will hopefully be all worked out by the second shipment!

 

[I in da sky]

Well....FINALLY !!!!! The Taranis TX/RX combo package from Alloft has been ordered and shipped !!! Well...it was a LONG time-out !!!...four (4) long months !!! But....I believe worth the wait !!! But....finally I am back on track !!! I will be in the assembly and extremely limited indoor flight mode until the spring. I beleive I may have access to the local school gym.

With the Holidays on us......that is about as good as it is going to get !!! I will post a few pics of the build....Nothing real new...just populating the Flamewheel 450 !!!!!

And yes...If there where ANY bugs....I did NOT hear of them.....If anybody has heard about Taranis bugs...please post here !!!
I have read the reviews....and they were ALL very good !!!

" I in da SKY "

 

[I in da sky]

Well....another question.MM ???? Oculus Rift ??? 110 degree FOV !!! THAT is wide !!! Since I will be ready to dive into FPV...say by June/July !!! I have plenty of time to wait for the latest and greatest.....which sounds like is coming to the Consumer Market ...in 2014 !!! Well....as you would predict...I WANT IT ALL !!! Wide FOV !! and HD...of course !!! BUT surly HD !!! Have you or anyone heard ANY news on the Fatshark Dominator HD unit ??? What resolution is the Oculus VR ???? I am really not concerned with head tracking...at THIS time...for whatever camera I end up with will NOT be gymbal mounted....for now. For view paning...I will just rotate the ship !!!

Anyway....ANYONE want to jump here !!! Yes...I know I am " Greedy "....true.....but....since my purchase timeline is hopefully in sync with great products hitting the market.....I might as well target the latest and greatest.....and...as fast as this field seems to be unfolding.... latest and greatest will not hold THAT position for very long !!!

Thanx !! I in da sky ( eventually )

 

[I in da sky]

Mmmmmm....OK....THIS posted over at FPVlab.com on 11.11.2013 - concerning the availbillity of the "Dominator HD" goggles

"Well it comes down to a few things really.
How much do you want to spend ?
How are your patience levels?..lol

Attitudes are availiable and have big FOV , HT , Reciever all built in and adjustable IPD.
Great view ,if you are more after the imersive feeling. most places selling for around $359

DomHD's wont be available widespread till March next year (according to the first page of this thread)
Probably around the $550 mark.........but will be so worth it !!!
Just remember the DomHD's are modular , so you'll have to buy a HT and Reciever for it also on top of the original purchase price for the goggles.

So there's your options ............happy hunting !!!"



NO idea what the FOV will be ????

I have come to the conclusion that FPV flying....is really a " Hobby within a Hobby " !!!
Third Person View ....the standard format is a VERY involved hobby.....and THEN....add the " Other Hobby" of FPV ( Camera's, Transmitters, Receivers, Antenna's and ALL the issues involved )....Well...I only predict...ALL this will be worth it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IIDS

 

[Mike]

Oculus probably won't be marketed specifically for FPV, at least for now, so it will require some research and hacking to get it going for your FPV setup, although there are people already doing it, so I'm sure there are guides somewhere.

I can't comment on any of the HD goggles yet because I haven't used any, but I'm sure they're well worth the money. FPV is a hobby all in itself when it comes to cost and complexity for sure! If you're going to run HD goggles, you'll almost definitely want a diversity receiver setup so you can capture the video with your directional antenna and non-directional antenna and have the diversity system pick the best video feed to send to your goggles. It gets more expensive =)

 

[I in da sky]

" It gets more expensive "....hahaha.....now, that's a suprise !!! As you had previously stated....at least with ground born equiptment....there is a much lower degree of potential damage !!! Again...ONE good thing is that....at least...the
"HD" googles will be my first set !!!! so, they will be the original, and not the replacement !!!

I was suprised to note how many views this thread has had....around 1400....if I am reading correctly.....not that this is some " magical thread " of nubie wisdom.....but....it is an interesting read showing a pattern of some evolution. Pass the popcorn...and wait for the first " Dash'n crash" !!! hahaha

THANX for your help !!!!!!!

IIDS

 

[Mike]

Yes, I totally agree. I have $500+ into FPV equipment and Goggles are the bulk of it, so replacing mine every time a newer one comes out would break me! Although, maybe if I sold my SD Dominators after I got the HD's, I could justify it. Hmmmm... so much stuff I want to buy though!

Yeah, that is correct - it does have 1400 views. Half of them are probably you and me though. Haha.

 

[I in da sky]

Yea...I am fortunate to be in the market when the latest and greatest is set to be available !! BUT....I am sure there will be improvements...as the hobby evolves as a whole !!! Increased FOV, Longer range, Even better resolution. The Oculus Rift does have the head position feedback feature ! But, then we are talking a gimbol mount with servo control. More money, more money, more money !!

Anyway....it is good to see that others are watching this thread/unfolding ! An idea....for the group of potential hobbist's....perhaps it would be good to start a thread concerning ANY person's experience with an ARF unit !!!!! The prospect of first selecting...then assembling ALL the right parts...CAN be a real "DEAL KILLER" for many people. Perhaps they just want to " Dip their finger" in this hobby !! There are MANY, MANY great ARF ships....with built in FPV !!! Perhaps THAT could be a complete section....by itself !!!

The real common foundation is the love of flight....and for the next logical evolution....the FPV experience !!! Allthough it will really help to build and fly.....it is NOT necessary to enjoy the experience !!! If you recall...the ARF was the first option I considered. For the Forum to have the maximum appeal to potential Quadcopters Flyers...perhaps ARF would be a wider entry-level door ??? ??? MMMmmmm?? It was NOT for me....but...what is the "Big Picture" ??? Your thoughts ???

IIDS

 

[Mike]

Everyone is in the market when the latest and greatest is available. It's just not the latest and greatest any more a month after you buy it =) The FatShark dominators have a head tracking addon and FatShark also came out with another one that can be used externally so you can use it with other goggles:

http://www.fatshark.com/migext.html#

The ready to fly stuff is getting better and better and cheaper as it gets better too. Someone was talking about the Husban with the built in FPV monitor in the transmitter today. It can be had for $215 on Amazon right now. Not a bad deal at all. You're right about having a section just for that. I started the forum because there were no other forums just for quadcopters, so I kind of picked forum sections based on what I thought seemed useful. I've been doing some research based on the activity of the forum and I'm working on making some changes - renaming some sections and removing/ adding some new ones. RTF or ARF is definitely high on that list since that's what half of the newbies are looking for when they come here. I think I'll also start buying some of the less expensive RTF models and reviewing them. I'm still working on a newb build guide as well... I just need to stop working 50+ hours a week at my day job so these things get done faster!

 

[I in da sky]

RTF coupled with HD....THAT will sell....if the price point can be LOW enough !!! Manufactures: READ !!! Have a set-up at the Toledo SHOW...and.....I get " dibs" on the first one !!!

As to having a RFT or ARF section....yes !!! That would be good....and I bet it gets traffic....ESPECIALLY if you " SEED IT " with a few good write ups......AGAIN....Manufactures !!! STEP UP !!! READ===> FREE ADVERTISMENT= Sales !!! THIS is your " Target Market "....or...I predict will be a major market share within a few years !!! ?????? AND I think HD will be the feature that REALLY lights the fuse !!!.....Like a comparision between the first Color TV....and the WOW delivery of TV today !!! WHAT a Difference !!!!!

As to a head sensor for on-board camera vector...Maybe a gimbol mount camera driven by head position is the best ??? Dunno ??? That question will eventually be answered....but..all that needs to be done is adjust the ship pitch or yaw !!! EASY enough to do !!! Perhaps a gimbol mount offers a more stable performance !!! Having trialed neither....it is just a guess for now !! Your thoughts ???

IIDS

 

[I in da sky]

SOooooo....Going to the BIG SHOW in Toledo !!! Got my FrSky receiver/transmitter from Aloft for Christmas....AND...the weather is FINALLY turning good !!!

BTW.... What a beautiful and well made product !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanx Aloft !!!!!!!!!!!

I had SO many other project over the winter....just now starting to assemble ALL the parts !!!! Just when there is about a month of yard work ta do !!!

Will post some build pics !!

I will be looking at the FPV gear at the show.....See what's new....and especially...HOW GOOD THE PICTURE IS !!!!!!!!

THAT is the final piece in this puzzle !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want GoPro HD quality...realtime....3mile range !!!!!!!!OH...for a reasonable $$$
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA !!! MAybe the "BAR" is tooooo high !!!!! We'll see what there is !!!

IIDS

 

[I in da sky]

SOooooo....Going to the BIG SHOW in Toledo !!! Got my FrSky receiver/transmitter from Aloft for Christmas....AND...the weather is FINALLY turning good !!!

BTW.... What a beautiful and well made product !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanx Aloft !!!!!!!!!!!

I had SO many other project over the winter....just now starting to assemble ALL the parts !!!! Just when there is about a month of yard work ta do !!!

Will post some build pics !!

I will be looking at the FPV gear at the show.....See what's new....and especially...HOW GOOD THE PICTURE IS !!!!!!!!

THAT is the final piece in this puzzle !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want GoPro HD quality...realtime....3mile range !!!!!!!!OH...for a reasonable $$$
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA !!! MAybe the "BAR" is tooooo high !!!!! We'll see what there is !!!

IIDS