I think I am on my 5th or 6th ground station.
I keep ripping them apart and starting over. I guess that what happens is you find the flaws in one setup - so change to another format!
At the moment I fly using three key methods.
1. Goggles Only
2. A Duo Diversity with a 5 turn Helical & Clover
3. A Duo on a Skylark with a 12dbi helical + Clover.
While I love flying with the tracker - the bottom line is that it is heavy, and a pain to pull out for those quick sessions. Far more suited to those planned days, where you know you are going to be pushing the limits a bit.
The point being - option two is actually easier and simpler to use for most sessions.
My latest ground station is evolving to improve my setup for use of option 2 & 3.
What I am doing is getting a small suitcase sorted out that has an LCD, DVR & RELAY station in it. The suitcase will have the appropriate filtered power supplies etc in it to cover both antenna receiver systems I use.
What this means is that I will in effect be able to get away with taking one flight box, and a suitable antenna with me. In effect - reducing my 'parts count' and making it all reasonably portable.
My 'bits' arrive next week - so I will be posting pictures at some point soon.
Rob
Hmmm.
Another update - and this ones a good un!
I am going to reduce my tripod count slightly.
The antennas on my light wright tripod are going to be moved and mounted direct to the ground station case.
The receiver in the case will be wired into an eagle tree av diversity controller.
What this means is - if I want go and fly - I only need to take the case with me.
But..
Plug my tripod and tracks in, and I automatically get diversity off the eagle tree system.
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Phase one...
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/13/me9aqabu.jpg)
This is the first part of the puzzle.
Lots of work to do to get it ready :)
Rob
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Rob,
mounting that clock on top of the case is ugly. Use the timer on your Tx mate. :laugh:
I know. I have been looking forms digital one, but just ended up settling on the big wooden analog one :)
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what DVR are you using? i am just looking for a nice small cheap one.
cheers.
Thinking one of these.
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=251355903414
But not decided yet.
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This might help you make your mind up :
Review: $60 DVR for FPV (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sik1JOZ7B44#ws)
Quote
Unfortunately, the results were less than impressive -- although perhaps not a total failure.
Here's my summary:
Pro's:
- cheap. Just $60-$70 on eBay
- good playback options
- fairly well built.
Con's:
- creates MJPEG files (large, not particularly good quality)
- drops frames in fast scenes (even with a class 6 card)
- noise can cause it to lock up
Unfortunately, the bottom line is "thumbs down".
I'll be looking at other DVR options shortly.
Any suggestions?
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Best DVR out there : Mini DVR (http://www.firstpersonview.co.uk/recorders-dvrs/fpv-pocket-dvr)
£100 but you wont buy any other after you have bought this. I love them, best quality by a million miles
My next picture....
You can see in this example how I will have a helical and clover mounted on the lid for my compact station.
And a relay on the front left corner.
Now... The beauty of this is that because of the additional eagle diversity inside the case, I get the ability to plug a tracker into an rca port in the case.
Then instantly I get quad diversity.
2 antennas in the tracker, and 2 antennas on the case.
But if I don't plug the tracker in - it still 100% works with no change.
Clever hey?
:)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/13/je7ezety.jpg)
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Some more views...
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/14/yna7ymud.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/14/beburevy.jpg)
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Quote from: Coyote on February 12, 2014, 11:44:36 PM
Best DVR out there : Mini DVR (http://www.firstpersonview.co.uk/recorders-dvrs/fpv-pocket-dvr)
£100 but you wont buy any other after you have bought this. I love them, best quality by a million miles
I wholeheartedly agree with this statement.
I bought mine from BEVRC though, arrived within 5 days from China and I managed (somehow) to avoid customs.
I will certainly consider it :)
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Quote from: Coyote on February 12, 2014, 11:44:36 PM
Best DVR out there : Mini DVR (http://www.firstpersonview.co.uk/recorders-dvrs/fpv-pocket-dvr)
£100 but you wont buy any other after you have bought this. I love them, best quality by a million miles
I agree - the only problem I have is that I have not yet found a way to remove the overlay - some of which is right where I want my OSD info.
Anyone?
Spent a few hours today soldering up all the wires, lc filters etc..
Had a small issue with the DVR being affected by noise - but solved that with a second lc-filter!
The result... It works :)
I have screwed on the top panel - and all going well it will not need to be opened again!
Rob
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This is the total packed size...
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/15/yhe3a4ug.jpg)
The larger flight box and a tripod are optional. Only needed if I am using the tracker.
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And a video run down.
Rob's modular ground station for FPV (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPo3f8nLvd8#ws)
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Would have to say that's very impressive. Portability and speed of set-up on site is so important so you can concentrate on getting the aircraft ready. Are you going to be powering it up with a Lipo or sealed lead-acid? Lipos are too fussy for me, it's easier to use a Yuasa type battery kept fully charged so you don't have to worry about charging up a Lipo every time you go out. Now if it could only make tea as well..... :laugh:
Thanks.
I have gone through so many versions to get to this.
I think I am now happy!
For probably 60% of my flying, the suitcase and the tripod are all I need.
For the rest... Well plug and play :)
I will probably use a mix of batteries, depending on how and where I am flying!
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Very nice Rob :)
Just done some reworking.
By using some pick and pluck, I can now store the skylark in the rucksack.
So one less case to carry :)
Rob
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how is your case mounted to the top of the tripod?
You in own those clawed metal nuts that are used for bolting on wings? They claw into plywood.
You can get them with the same thread size for the tripod.
So...
Some 3mm ply to spread the load epoxied to inside of the case.
Drill a hole.
Insert clawed nut.
Then use the tripods quick release plate on the outside to sandwich it all together!
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I took the whole system out for a flight this morning.
Worked exactly as expected.
Result :)
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what thread size is the tripod screw thing?
Now there is a good question!
I believe these will work:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AM-88-RADIOACTIVE-AA-1076-MODEL-AIRCRAFT-WING-BOLTS-SET-M6-X-50-AM-88-/400659319511?pt=UK_ToysGames_ModelKits_ModelKits_JN&hash=item5d49280ad7 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AM-88-RADIOACTIVE-AA-1076-MODEL-AIRCRAFT-WING-BOLTS-SET-M6-X-50-AM-88-/400659319511?pt=UK_ToysGames_ModelKits_ModelKits_JN&hash=item5d49280ad7)
I just happened to have one in my bits box. Tried it and it was ok!
Looking at google, there seem to be two standards.
1/4 6.3500 20 (this is the most common size)
3/8 7.9375 16
So I guess a case of take the tripod to a shop, and try!
Rob
Quote from: Coyote on February 12, 2014, 11:30:15 PM
This might help you make your mind up :
Review: $60 DVR for FPV (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sik1JOZ7B44#ws)
Quote
Unfortunately, the results were less than impressive -- although perhaps not a total failure.
Here's my summary:
Pro's:
- cheap. Just $60-$70 on eBay
- good playback options
- fairly well built.
Con's:
- creates MJPEG files (large, not particularly good quality)
- drops frames in fast scenes (even with a class 6 card)
- noise can cause it to lock up
Unfortunately, the bottom line is "thumbs down".
I'll be looking at other DVR options shortly.
Right. 100% agree.
Did some recording today with this unit.
Crap. Crap. Crap.
I have pulled it out - and will be installing an alternative unit :-)
Rob
Hi Rob,
The ground station looks impressive, but seems a lot of stuff. I get everything including my tracker in one small rucksack....
In the rucksack:
On bottom
AV cable from tracker to goggles
Serial cable from tracker to RcTx
next side by side
Fatshark goggles in case
AntennaTracker - with antenna and Vrx removed.
Then on top
taped up Cardboard box with antenna, Vrx Mini DVR and other knicknacks
Then on top
RcTx with antenna removed.
In the back pocket of rucksack, 4x flight batteries. spare prop knife tape etc.
EDIT oh and forgot 3 x tent pegs to hold the legs of tripod down through little loops in the foot of each leg
Finally the tripod gets pushed down inside one side of the rucksack and I zip it up and connect the toggles to hold it together.
Rucksack on my back and plane in one hand I can walk for miles...
So I dont see the raison d'aitre of the full ground station if you want to travel light...?
regards
Andy
Quote from: skyscraper on February 17, 2014, 11:20:54 AM
Hi Rob,
The ground station looks impressive, but seems a lot of stuff. I get everything including my tracker in one small rucksack....
In the rucksack:
[Lots of stuff]
Rucksack on my back and plane in one hand I can walk for miles...
So I dont see the raison d'aitre of the full ground station if you want to travel light...?
regards
Andy
Same here, a rucksack for me is the most convenient way of getting your gear to interesting launch sites. I use a Crumpler Brian's Hot Tub which has compartments to keep everything safe and a big loop on the side designed to carry tripods.
Sometimes it's good to be able to make a quick getaway too!
Its actually not much at all.
For most flying I just take the suitcase. So essentially one shoulder bag.
If I do want too, the tracker actually fits in mg back pack, and the tripods attach to the side.
This is everything. Battery.. Tracker and ground station, goggles etc..
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/17/tezyguqy.jpg)
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Think I will get one of these! Looks exactly what I need.
lrosm
Bixler 2
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Uhm... What part exactly :)
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(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/19/beqeza5a.jpg)
Just made a magnetic snap on antenna mount :)
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My final bits on the station are now down.
I stripped it down a bit to make end maintenance easier.
- shortening cables.
- internal immersion RC power box to provide LC-filter function.
- magnetic clip on UHF relay.
- more compact antenna bracket on top.
- strap on back to prevent lid closing in wind.
- side strap anchors for shoulder harness
- rubber feet to enable it to be used when on a table
Quite happy with the whole thing now.
Every single item is effectively power filtered, and end diversity is working well.
The new antenna from fpvlr is super compact - so now fits easily in the storage bay in the case.
The final bit to still plug in will be the new dvr. This will not need the case to be opened so a result all round.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/25/ra5yva9e.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/25/9ajy4yqa.jpg)(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/25/5aba3aja.jpg)(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/25/eha7epuq.jpg)
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magnetic clip is a nice touch..so long as it doent upset the tracker :)
regards
Andy
No chance of that.
Tracker would have to be on top of it (less than 20cm)
It sits a meter away, well out of the effect.
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Its funny now some things cause do much hassle!
I have had two different intermittent issue on my ground station with the video display going bad.
One on the main 8 inch display, and one on the wireless feed to the goggles.
After pulling EVERYTHING apart, and rebuilding - I finally found the source of both issues.
For the 8inch monitor - a screwy RCA connector. Probably a dry solder joint inside the sealed unit!
For the video relay - this is a strange one.
If I take the feed direct off the eagle eyes diverisity, and into the 10mw relay. - I get a wobbly display.
If I take the feed off the eagle eyes, feed it into an video amp/splitter. - I get a perfect display!
Strange!
I am so fussy.
I opened up my ground station earlier this week.
I took every video and power lead and reduced them to the shortest they can be, and routed them away from one another.
I also shielded every video feed by wrapping it in foil tape, then some heat shrink over the top.
It took some time - but I am VERY pleased with the results.
I used to get a really small flicker on the monitor & goggles. Its now clean as! No flickers, lines - nothing. Just the clear image.
It makes me think that there is value in shielding the video leads on all my models too! It just takes that last bit of rubbish EMI out the equation.
Rob
Were your RCA cables not shielded anyway in the GS Rob ?
You would think they are - but you will be surprised to find as I did that a large number of AV cables you buy on the net have non shielded wires!
The units all come sealed, so you gave of way of knowing unless you cut the cable!
I large selection of mine have been found to be utter crap :-)
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Yeah had it a few times with the pre molded wires, picking up noise, trace it to the cable then when I chop the coax its not coax at all but just simple two core sold as coax