Ok so the goal is not to crash, does adding stuff like UBEC and OSD with autopilot really add to reliability?
Is there any other way to add reliability? maybe through wiring or how we separate components from each other?
Reasons why your plane crash:
Dead battery
Pilot error
Loss of video image
Loss if rc control
Loss of a control surface
components failed due to overheating i.e ESC ubec VTX motor
Did not maintain Line of sight with plane and video/RC control was lost
Incorrect COG
Bird stike!
Missed anything?
Keep it simple with a solid installation using proven equipment is the best way to maintain reliability.
Also, regularly checks and maintanence.
We cant account for a true random system breakdowns e.g. an ESC simply popped on me the other day... no reason.
Chris
Im pretty new to FPV but i found straight away that adding an OSD, where it doesnt add to reliability it certainly give me a lot more confidence.
Im currently working through my wiring on my ezstar, trying to get it as neat as possible. I have this recurring thought that keeping on dragging the wiring out of the cockpit and putting it back differently etc etc can only cause fatigue to my soldered joints etc. I reckon that some thing that looks right generally will be OK - This is the theory that i use in my day job of designing and building skyscrapers :D so look out if your in the centre of London looking at the Shard of Glass building!!
Anyway, i have also added ferrite rings to pan and tilt servos to try and improve performance and an LC filter. Keeping the power leads away from the video leads helps !
Sorting the airframe out helps aswell, with regards to the flight controls i have made a new rudder from balsa and i am never content just to cyno ithe hinges in place, instead i have used cocktail sticks to pin the hinges for added security.
Hope this inst teaching you to suck eggs mate. Your only down the road from me by the way!
Cheers
Quote from: Chris R on May 12, 2011, 01:20:38 PM
Reasons why your plane crash:
Dead battery
Pilot error
Loss of video image
Loss if rc control
Loss of a control surface
components failed due to overheating i.e ESC ubec VTX motor
Did not maintain Line of sight with plane and video/RC control was lost
Missed anything?
Here's a few more.
Preflight checks :
Security and condition of equipment, connectors, linkages, control surfaces, etc.
Full and free movement of control surfaces.
Range check.
Full power check.
Assessment of meteorological conditions :
Flypoppa lost his Easystar the other day due to wind strength and not noting wind direction before take off.
I have had to land a model quickly due to spotting a distant lightning flash. I did not wish my tx aerial to act as a lightning conductor! Also the energy field around charged clouds may affect radio gear. Avoiding lighting may seem like a no-brainer but people are killed or injured on golf courses by continuing to play in a thunderstorm and using umbrellas to keep dry.
(Aside : I have also experienced a massive build up of what appeared to be static when flying a kite. Concerned as to why the lines were crackling and my hair was standing on end when I raised my hands to my head I brought the kite down. Shortly afterwards a thunderstorm started.)
Quote from: Chris R on May 12, 2011, 01:20:38 PM
Missed anything?
Yeah - incorrect COG...
My first 3 crashes were because of that!
#4 Lack of Video link / pilot skill.
Other possibilities:
Bird strike : Raven strikes back my Speedo thermo.avi (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BG4w4XMBeE#)
welcome back nick weve missed you,,, :)
Ak47 this is a general thread to help everyone advoid crashing!!
Some good advice and info so far :)
Also make sure your components are well secured and wires dont get in the way of servo horns.
Quote from: mark1975 on May 12, 2011, 02:00:38 PM
welcome back nick weve missed you,,, :)
:-* :-* :-*
Finally getting my things back together. Unpacking the last of the FPV gear now - hopefully be in the air this weekend!!!
Don't pretend you can see properly when you can't, get your eyes tested, test the plains maiden flight without goggles on first.
Swissnic, that vid is amazing, must have had a chicks nearby.
Gordon
Never say to your mates....
'Ok i will just have one more flight before i go home'
It some how always end up in a crash!
Ant
Lol aint that a fact :)
Quote from: Swissnic on May 12, 2011, 01:49:54 PM
Quote from: Chris R on May 12, 2011, 01:20:38 PM
Missed anything?
Yeah - incorrect COG...
My first 3 crashes were because of that!
#4 Lack of Video link / pilot skill.
Other possibilities:
Bird strike : Raven strikes back my Speedo thermo.avi (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BG4w4XMBeE#)
OMFG! That was awesome, that raven was rabid!