...getting there Lately I've been doing a lot of FPV flying, almost all of it with the Floater Jet, as I try to fine-tune the system and push the boundaries to determine what's reliably possible. Although the flying isn't spectacular, one benefit is that there's plenty of pleasant scenery and, on this particular afternoon, lovely clouds in abundance.
While the FPVsystem doesn't have the capability to go flying in the clouds, it's enough to get a pleasant view and see the cloud footprints dotting the landscape. So far the mobius and dock have managed to go 1.2km while still maintaining a clear, if graining, picture. As regards height I wouldn't not sure as my estimation is not very accurate. However we'll be getting a variometer with altimeter soon, so will be able to check how we're doing on altitude...
...pretty good so far
As I mentioned before, I've recently got an FPV system to complement the Mobius, consisting of a Docking Station with integrated FT592 transmitter and a RX-LCD5802 monitor with integrated receiver and battery.
This works straight up with the FT592 transmitter, however a little trial and error is required to get a frequency which is free from 2.4GHz interference. While there shouldn't be any, it can happen if there isn't a solid link between Tx and Rx.
After having tried several combinations, I've settled on channel D3 as suggested in an online forum, and found it to provide solid video quality up to around 800m, when it starts to get grainy. Ultimate range is around 900m, with the interference bands appearing and the video losing colour. Worthy to note that the Mobius doesn't have to be recording to output video, and that likewise it will not switch off with the power input via the integrated voltage regulator. Also, if you do have your Mobius recording and the card fills, there's no fatal error. In fact you get a warning displayed on the monitor but you can carry on flying.
So I'm pretty happy with a solid 800m range from this mini system. However, as I'm wanting better range than that, I'm going to try a helical antenna, although I'll be getting a budget version as I'm not going to spend $100 on a copper spiral...
For a while I've been considering getting an FPV system but, with the complexity, cost and choice of systems and components out there, I had deferred on the matter indefinitely.
A few things bothered me; firstly having to have two cameras because the supplied FPV cameras only supply video without storage capability. Secondly goggles; purported to be the best to provide an immersive experience but having low resolution and a limited field of view for the most-part, unless you're happy to spend the best part of $1,000 on HD goggles. And having to buy corrective lenses separately if you wear glasses.
Then I discovered that they'd released a Mobius Docking Station with a built-in transmitter. This takes care of getting the video stream from your mobius while still enabling you to record as you would usually. All that is required is a 2-4S power input on a JST plug, making it a simple plug-and-play application.
Next, reviewing FPV screens as a cost-effective alternative, I came across the RX-LCD5802, a 7 inch FPV Monitor with a 800x480 screen. What's nice is that is has integrated 5.8GHz 32CH diversity receiver and built-in battery. Furthermore, the screen image is clear and bright and it has OSD and an auto-search facility. Only, get this off eBay; the same thing just much cheaper!
The net result is remarkably simple and effective; connect the antenna to the dock, slide the mobius into the dock and connect a power via a JST lead. The mobius should power-on automatically and you'll now be transmitting video!
Then, screw the antennas onto the RX-LCD5802, hit the power button and within a second you'll be seeing crisp clear footage straight off your mobius.
