Rather than passively sit back and take flak from the RC clubs, what about pro-actively promoting at the clubs in an organised fashion?
As I see it we could organise a flyer/email/word of mouth campaign to offer an FPV awareness workshop that we could deliver to RC clubs who show interest for free.
For a workshop we would need:
- 2 (or more) experienced FPV fliers willing to drive to an RC club in their area.
- Legal radio equipment (35Mhz + 10mW 2.4Ghz) or (2.4Ghz + 20mW 5.8Ghz)
- As large a screen as we can run off a car battery with a sun shield of sorts.
- A common, sensible FPV plane or two, EzStar, Radian, Easy Glider Pro, Skywalker, StealthWing etc. etc.
The workshop would be conducted under BMFA rules - as the RC club will most likely require this.
Pilot in command on master Tx would be an experienced FPV'er. Video pilot would be any member of the club who wishes to have a go, after the techniques are demonstrated of course.
During the work shop we suggest (though not demand) that any 2.4Ghz models remain grounded.
We promote safe FPV flying and answer any/all questions relating to FPV WITHOUT and I stress this, getting drawn into arguments.
At the end of the show we give them an FPV-UK branded USB key containing GoPro quality footage of their club field done properly. :)... for a fee to cover the cost of the USB key only.
Your thoughts?
Paul
i thinks thats a brilliant idea.
i am in the derby/east midlands area and would be up for some of that.
i have a fpv f27c stryker which could be used as a demo model.
TBH i think the loudest club members (i.e. those who whine the most about FPV) do it because it's different to what they're used to, not because they want to do it - people like leccyflyer on RCMF, for instance, would have found a way to have done FPV at least once by now if they were that interested, but it's far easier to sit back and bitch at people who do. He's been going on about it since at least 2009 and has done sweet FA except complain about it since.
I'm of the opinion that those who want to do FPV will find FPVUK themselves without having it thrust upon them. Personally, given the attitudes I've seen from those I've come across so far, I'd much prefer to keep anyone out of this aspect of the rc hobby as much as I can unless they take steps to join in themselves. (I found out about it, and I wasn't even involved in RC).
Just my 2p.
I'm inclined to agree with you Steve
I offered some the club flyers at the local park go on the goggles and was totally amazed that out of 6 people no-one wanted a go. I think they were trying to tell me something. The club president was there.
If they are interested, they will come. If we try to promote, they will resist!
I wanted to see if we could do a "show" at Hop Farm this year with a giant LED screen... I'm sure the punters would be interested but the BMFA management probably wouldn't
Last weekend I was flying my FPV Skywalker at our local club and whilst a friend flew it LOS I offered the goggles to anybody who wanted to try them, everybody, all 14 people there tried it and were very impressed. Two of them have already started buying some FPV gear. I operate a club-friendly set-up, take my turn and don't interfere with other people's flying. It can be done.
My local club embrassed FPV, all were keen to try the goggles. A few decided to take the plunge. Then the 2.4 scare stories went round. Then a witch hunt. Very sad