This thread is geared towards folks modding their NON-Vision series Phantom2's for 5.8Ghz FPV. This thread isn't really updated anymore but the data is mostly valid (the theory is for sure) and should at least get you started in the right direction
The "DJI FPV Hub" ONLY works with the DJI AVL58 transmitter, which I don't even mention here because it's widely regarded as the worst option. The same function of the DJI hub (connecting together the Phantom mainboard, iOSD Mini, and video transmitter) is accomplished on the other transmitters by a simple Plug and Play cable.
DPCAV.com now makes Phantom 2 FPV PnP cables for both ImmersionRC AND Boscam transmitters - and they each only cost $10
ImmersionRC/Fatshark style PnP cable for Phantom 2 and iOSD mini
Boscam/Foxtech/Flysight style PnP cable for Phantom2 and iOSD Mini
This means the cost of putting in a FPV system drops a bit since now we can use the less expensive Boscam transmitters, receivers etc but that isn't to say the ImmersionRC 600mW isn't a great transmitter, it is. Many folks don't realize but the Boscam/Neewer RX-LCD5802 32ch receiver has always worked fine with both Boscam and ImmersionRC transmitters, and the 32ch version (if you want the IRC Tx) is about $50 cheaper than the Black Pearl at present.
prices for comparison:
Transmitters
the cheapest I've seen the ImmersionRC 600mW is 69.99 at ReadyMadeRC or on AliExpress for $68.99
You can save money going to Boscam/Skyzone transmitters instead of the IRC600. My personal recommendation is the TS353: it's a 400mW transmitter and with good antennas will easily provide signal at over a mile distance (1600m).
HobbyKing sells a TS353 that displays as $37.12 but if you idle on the page for 2 minutes you'll get a popup offering it for $32.48 instead. I bought 2. (*NOTE: watch your shipping charges!)
If you feel like you want more power, the TS352 is a 500mW rated transmitter but certain channels will output as much as 1000mW, but take heed: it's quite a bit heaver and draws a lot more power than it's little brother the TS353.
Again, ]Hobbyking has the best price on the TS352 when they have them in stock, at $41.76 but again if you idle on the page it will offer you a discounted price of $39.
If you want a Boscam branded TS352, here's AliExpress for $45.97
Transmit power (400mW vs 600mW) is much LESS a factor in FPV performance than the antennas you use. More on that below!
Receivers
-Black Pearl receiver 7ch $229 at DPCAV (oos as of this edit)
-I'm seeing the 32-channel (in case you have ImmersionRC) RX-LCD5802 for $150 on Amazon and BangGood, or $140 on Dx.com
-there is a new white version of the RX-LCD5802: $154 on Hobbyking or $139.99 on Banggood . don't forget a wall charger!
-If you go with a Boscam transmitter, you should be able to use this 7-channel version of the receiver for $88.85 on GoodLuckBuy or $77 on Ebay however it is NOT a diversity receiver (2 antennas at once).
*note: many receivers especially the Boscam/Neewer do NOT come with a wall charger power adapter.. either order one when you buy or go snag a one from Radioshack Here is a RX-LCD5802 Wall charger for $6.35 from Newegg that adapts into the JST-female cable that comes with the receiver
Antennas
So theoretically if you go with the TS352 transmitter and 7ch receiver, you stand to save around $150 (USD) over the ImmersionRC 600mW and Black Pearl. I humbly suggest with those cost savings you head over to FPVLR and get the premium 3-antenna kit for $110 and yes, that link is indeed the proper link for Boscam transmitter antenna connector (RP-SMA Male for antenna).
*NEW 2015-02-05: at my suggestion FPVLR added another bundle he's calling the "Premium Combo" (as if FPVLR weren't premium enough ) which has their Pentalobe transmit antenna instead of the pinwheel. It's only $10 more! Check it out here, and be sure to pick the right connector type! ask if you aren't sure
There is a different part# for ImmersionRC which needs SMA-Male antenna connector! pay attention to the product notes!
*note always email the sales at FPVLR with your order number to confirm which receiver you have so you get the right antenna connectors for the receiver. I'm not sure if the BP and LCD5802 take the same antenna connectors!
Other parts
DJI iOSD Mini: $64 on Amazon with free/Prime shipping
this 3D-printed monitor mount from RaveAerialVideo for ~$32 USD is most people's favorite for mounting any display on the stock P2 RC. I personally have one and love it. some people prefer tripods
This bracket (H3-3D variant) can replace the screw-in bracket that holds the GoPro to the H3-3D mounting plate.
You'll should want something to secure the gimbal during transport. This 3D-printed option is pretty cool for $9.99 or
here is a different style 3D-printed clip for $19. Either should work fine
you're going to want a lanyard too
The "DJI FPV Hub" ONLY works with the DJI AVL58 transmitter, which I don't even mention here because it's widely regarded as the worst option. The same function of the DJI hub (connecting together the Phantom mainboard, iOSD Mini, and video transmitter) is accomplished on the other transmitters by a simple Plug and Play cable.
DPCAV.com now makes Phantom 2 FPV PnP cables for both ImmersionRC AND Boscam transmitters - and they each only cost $10
ImmersionRC/Fatshark style PnP cable for Phantom 2 and iOSD mini
Boscam/Foxtech/Flysight style PnP cable for Phantom2 and iOSD Mini
This means the cost of putting in a FPV system drops a bit since now we can use the less expensive Boscam transmitters, receivers etc but that isn't to say the ImmersionRC 600mW isn't a great transmitter, it is. Many folks don't realize but the Boscam/Neewer RX-LCD5802 32ch receiver has always worked fine with both Boscam and ImmersionRC transmitters, and the 32ch version (if you want the IRC Tx) is about $50 cheaper than the Black Pearl at present.
prices for comparison:
Transmitters
the cheapest I've seen the ImmersionRC 600mW is 69.99 at ReadyMadeRC or on AliExpress for $68.99
You can save money going to Boscam/Skyzone transmitters instead of the IRC600. My personal recommendation is the TS353: it's a 400mW transmitter and with good antennas will easily provide signal at over a mile distance (1600m).
HobbyKing sells a TS353 that displays as $37.12 but if you idle on the page for 2 minutes you'll get a popup offering it for $32.48 instead. I bought 2. (*NOTE: watch your shipping charges!)
If you feel like you want more power, the TS352 is a 500mW rated transmitter but certain channels will output as much as 1000mW, but take heed: it's quite a bit heaver and draws a lot more power than it's little brother the TS353.
Again, ]Hobbyking has the best price on the TS352 when they have them in stock, at $41.76 but again if you idle on the page it will offer you a discounted price of $39.
If you want a Boscam branded TS352, here's AliExpress for $45.97
Transmit power (400mW vs 600mW) is much LESS a factor in FPV performance than the antennas you use. More on that below!
Receivers
-Black Pearl receiver 7ch $229 at DPCAV (oos as of this edit)
-I'm seeing the 32-channel (in case you have ImmersionRC) RX-LCD5802 for $150 on Amazon and BangGood, or $140 on Dx.com
-there is a new white version of the RX-LCD5802: $154 on Hobbyking or $139.99 on Banggood . don't forget a wall charger!
-If you go with a Boscam transmitter, you should be able to use this 7-channel version of the receiver for $88.85 on GoodLuckBuy or $77 on Ebay however it is NOT a diversity receiver (2 antennas at once).
*note: many receivers especially the Boscam/Neewer do NOT come with a wall charger power adapter.. either order one when you buy or go snag a one from Radioshack Here is a RX-LCD5802 Wall charger for $6.35 from Newegg that adapts into the JST-female cable that comes with the receiver
Antennas
So theoretically if you go with the TS352 transmitter and 7ch receiver, you stand to save around $150 (USD) over the ImmersionRC 600mW and Black Pearl. I humbly suggest with those cost savings you head over to FPVLR and get the premium 3-antenna kit for $110 and yes, that link is indeed the proper link for Boscam transmitter antenna connector (RP-SMA Male for antenna).
*NEW 2015-02-05: at my suggestion FPVLR added another bundle he's calling the "Premium Combo" (as if FPVLR weren't premium enough ) which has their Pentalobe transmit antenna instead of the pinwheel. It's only $10 more! Check it out here, and be sure to pick the right connector type! ask if you aren't sure
There is a different part# for ImmersionRC which needs SMA-Male antenna connector! pay attention to the product notes!
*note always email the sales at FPVLR with your order number to confirm which receiver you have so you get the right antenna connectors for the receiver. I'm not sure if the BP and LCD5802 take the same antenna connectors!
Other parts
DJI iOSD Mini: $64 on Amazon with free/Prime shipping
this 3D-printed monitor mount from RaveAerialVideo for ~$32 USD is most people's favorite for mounting any display on the stock P2 RC. I personally have one and love it. some people prefer tripods
This bracket (H3-3D variant) can replace the screw-in bracket that holds the GoPro to the H3-3D mounting plate.
You'll should want something to secure the gimbal during transport. This 3D-printed option is pretty cool for $9.99 or
here is a different style 3D-printed clip for $19. Either should work fine
you're going to want a lanyard too
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