Is a Phantom V 1.2 worth adding cam and gimbal

[Wedeliver]

I have a Phantom V 1.2 that I bought off Ebay for $350.00. When I got it I found that I could not connect through software so I opened it up and found that the micro usb connector had been removed from the LED. Go figure, but the seller gave me $50.00 off and sent me a new led mod with the connector. I have put it in and the quad works great. So, now I am thinking about where can I go with this V1.2 Phantom. I would love to fly FPV and I wonder if this would be a good way to get there.
zenmuse h3-3d, gopro black 3+. I guess to get the image down to me I am thinking boscam 5.8ghz 1000mw wireless av transmitter. Is this how it is done? I read that some folks might use the gopro for videos and stills but fly by another camera.
I have understand I might need a mount for the zenmuse but am unable to find it (just a warning to get it at Amazon).

I don't know if I understand things correctly but I am thinking that having a aircraft control that uses 2.4 give more range then for instance the 5 ghz transmitter used by the other phantoms. But then the Phantom V1.2 only has one antenna does that effect the range very much. I guess to have a 2 antenna quad it would require replacing most of the control guts, Naza v2 etc. Sound like it might not be money wise to do some improvments to this bird. Any links, pointers, help, experience or just comments are appreciated.

 

[OI Photography]

I have a 1.2 that I fly and love to this day, that has been heavily modified. However you can add just the few things you've mentioned (gimbal/fpv) and get a lot of mileage out of it yet.

Must-haves:

-H3-3D mount and extended legs for P1: http://www.allerc.com/dji-part-49-zh3-3 ... -9209.html
-Upgrade board (necessary to power and control the H3-2D/H3-3D): http://www.allerc.com/dji-phantom-zenmu ... -8536.html
-P2 props: http://1uas.com/DJI-Propeller-9-White-P ... arch=props
-Larger battery. I'm testing several different higher-capacity batteries right now that will fit in the P1 internally, I should have some final results soon. Short version: there's a number of affordable options that will give you a significant increase in flight time over the stock (or any) 2200mAh batts.

-FPV: There's a ton of options, but if you want the simplest proven solution then just pick up the iOSD mini and Immersion 600mW video transmitter that lots of us are fond of:
http://www.readymaderc.com/store/index. ... cts_id=266
http://www.allerc.com/dji-mini-osd-for- ... -8232.html

...and the magic cable to wire all that up with no soldering required (it will work in a P1): http://www.firstpersonview.com/cables/p ... ransmitter

You'll also need a receiver and a monitor, or a combo unit that includes both. Goggles can be used in place of (or in addition) to those if you want. There's many options for those, have a look through our FPV section for input: viewforum.php?f=31

Now, if you want to maximize your 1.2 to the furthest extent you can, consider joining the 1.5 club: viewtopic.php?f=29&t=7017

 

[Wedeliver]

Thank you very much for you great reply above. I have been trying to learn and get a grip on this stuff. I was told by a person with some experience and he said do not get less then 1000mw fpv system. Are there problems with that much or even 2w, does that mess with the 2.4 quad control? From experience folks might have advice for what parts to purchase to get this done. At this time the Phantom v1.2 that I am working on has a Naza-m controller. When the guy I bought it from sent me a new led board he also sent me a larger (perhaps called main) board and one with the two antennas on it. Should I install that stuff, will it somehow help with something.

 

[Wedeliver]

[quote="OI Photography"
Now, if you want to maximize your 1.2 to the furthest extent you can, consider joining the 1.5 club: viewtopic.php?f=29&t=7017[/quote]

sounds like you guys are having a blast and just to check cause I have only read about 10 pages of the thread is that the first mod, changing to a phantom 2 shell is only to increase the size batteries. which is a great thing and I was just wondering if there are other advantages to this swap. I should go back and read more, like price of shell and more of what you guys found in the way of results. This would make my doing an upgrade to a two antenna system more of a reason to do. Thanks for pointing me to this. I am still trying to use your info above to build a fpv system. I really want to see how others have addressed it, but it is not as easy as it seems even in the fpv thread. Thinking of calling a hobbyshop for advice... Then I think I will go fly for a little while, if the wind dies down.