cheapest path to FPV on the FC40

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Been reading some of the OSD and FPV threads. Quite a bit of equipment is needed to achieve FPV on the FC40. FatShark Predator would save quite a bit, but it operates at 5.8G.

Any thoughts on a minimal-cost conversion project?

Edit: Doh! Made a mistake - the Predator operates at 5.8G (which is the same as the FC40 remote, and thus is a no-go)
 
Last edited:
Welcome to the party,

You probably want a system running at 2.4 or 1.2 ghz. Your controller is using 5.8 ghz and you don't want to interfere with your control of the Phantom.

Here's a good video on the subject:
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There are some GoPro clones out there for under $100.

If you have the FC40 camera, you can get a tablet with WiFi for $30, or even less. It's not really FPV because of the lag, but it will give you some idea what it would be like.

Here's a great way to search within our forum:
https://cse.google.com/cse/publicurl?cx=014775389315664725445:ejku2ysgyhi
 
So here is what I am thinking:

I always like to be able to revert to stock configuration (if I need to sell, or whatever), and so I would like to keep the remote at 5.8G, thus forcing my video into 2.4G.

My equipment list becomes:
--------------------------------
Camera - SJ4000 - $35 (seems waay too cheap?)
Gimbal - Walkera G2-D white/plastic - $75 (too expensive compared to cam?)
Gimbal tilt lever kit - aftermarket - $5

FPV Screen - FatShark Dominator - $365
FPV Rx - FatShark Dominator 2.4G module - $50
Rx Antenna - 2.4G puck - $10 (who is a reliable manufacturer?)
FPV Tx - ImmersionRC 700mW 2.4G - $80 (700 mW seems like too much power)
Tx Antenna - 2.4G puck - $10
FPV Tx batt - ??? - help please
Tx transmitter/batt mounting bracket - ??? - help please

OSD - S-OSD - $38

Total: ~$700 ......... far more than I paid for bird itself
------------------------------------

If I was able to use the Predator Kit, the total would be around $300 :(

Can you guys identify any places where I could cut costs?
 
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Camera - SJ4000 - $35 (seems waay to cheap?)
Gimbal - Walkera G2-D white/plastic - $75 (too expensive compared to cam?)
Gimbal tilt lever kit - aftermarket - $5

FPV Screen - http://www.helipal.com/airy-7-monitor-for-fpv-system.html?gclid=CJbF__OOp8UCFRCnaQodfqUA6w $55
FPV Rx - FatShark Dominator 2.4G module - $50
Rx Antenna - 2.4G puck - $10 (who is a reliable manufacturer?)

FPV Tx -
Boscam - TS321 2.4G 500mW AV Transmitter $25 with antenna
http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_30_32&products_id=1480

Tx Antenna - 2.4G puck - $10
FPV Tx batt - Same battery as is powering the bird


OSD - S-OSD - $38
 
IflyinWY, thanks for the suggestion - quick question:

Are there goggles that can be used with the Boscam Rx?
 
Not to my knowledge.

I use a tv screen.
 
The cheapest way to convert an fc40 to some thing with fpv would be to just get a phantom vision
 
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Ok, here's my new plan:

(big thanks to IIVII and IflyinWY for their advice)

Camera: HD 700TVL 1/3" SONY 3.6mm - $13
Camera Mount: velcro on battery door
Video Tx/Rx: BOSCAM 2.4G RC802 +TS321 500mW $55
Video Tx mount: velcro on belly of the copter
Screen: 7" 480x234 $32
Screen mount: lanyard mount $9
OSD - mini S-OSD $38

Still not sure about how to power the screen... I'm thinking of using a cell phone power bank (5VDC) + boost dc/dc converter (5->12VDC).

Now criticize my selection! ;)
 
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i paid $55 for this set last year from the same seller (different name) .. they seem to bring 40-50 sets each batch and sell em fast in the US .. i really like this combo i have a second set on the way for a new 900mm monster project :)
 
Still not sure about how to power the screen

Thats and easy one. esp if you already have an fc40. Get your self a XT60 plug and what ever plug the screen takes for its dc in (more then likely it will be a barrel connector) Then make a power lead that you can plug in from one of your flight battery's. also most screens use such a small amount of power that even if you use a battery that has already been flown it will still have plenty of juice left to power the monitor for a few more flights.
 
hey guys, what is the difference between:

Boscam RC302
mQ2pORf5tDnirshIG_hA1Eg.jpg


and

Boscam RC802
mpVZ5OdBSP0GdJW_Vngm-TQ.jpg
 
hey guys, what is the difference between:

Boscam RC302
mQ2pORf5tDnirshIG_hA1Eg.jpg


and

Boscam RC802
mpVZ5OdBSP0GdJW_Vngm-TQ.jpg
Seems to me like the 802 may be a bit newer that the 302. It looks as though the 802 has a push button selector for channels with LED readout while the 302 has DIP switches for channel control and no readout. The power in and A/V outputs have been moved to the antenna side on the 802. Other than that it appears to have pretty much the same specs but maybe someone else can provide more details. It seems to be only a few dollars more at most places. Between the 2 I'd go with the 802
 

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