Simply, I hate paper lists. I lose them very easily... so this thread is not just about my platform, but a progression from where I am now (just getting back into the hobby after a decade absence) with next to zero kit, up to maidens and beyond.
Effectively, it's my project list that will turn into my regular FPV. Feel free to comment on any of it - and indeed this would hopefully add value. Plan twice / thrice, build once. At least that's the plan, lol.
Airframe
Sky Walker - I've hummed and haa'rd over this choice, but in reality, the choice came down to a sketch I'd drawn about 3 years ago and it almost exactly matches it - it's ordered, just waiting for delivery.
- strengthened with additional CF rods / tube (depending upon the specific function of that piece of CF)
- uprated control horns, ideally using heli ball joints to remove slop. It's a personal thing
- Paint scheme : design is sorted and in my head. It involves pink and purple
- Shell strengthened using the stockings / varnish technique - cheers Coyote, tis a good idea!! Currently eying up the wifes fishnets.
- Uprated hinges... in reality the airframe itself will be overall strengthened and uprated. I'd ideally like this to last longer than some dodgy landings.
- Motor - 35-42 1000kv 35A Brushless Outrunner - max input 45amp - will consider bigger ESC.
- 0906 prop - I have plenty
- UBEC - I have a couple now, so the 3/5amp should be fine
- 50 amp ESC - have one to hand
- 5000 mAh 3S Lipo - sorted
Onboard AV
Camera - FPV - 4mm-9mm Lens 690TVL WDR Pixim SEAWOLF (possibly - see Picsio below)
VTx - Finally decided to go 5.8GHz for VTx. Predominantly so that I can keep clear of 2.4GHz for club flying. I didn't really fancy faffing about with other frequencies.
OSD - RangeVideo OSD - so far it has all the features I want, including IMU horizon... and the fact that you can customise the screen in flight. Made the decision that it'd best suit my purposes.
Recording - JVC Picsio. I've had a brief look at the internals of the one I have, and I may well be having a pop at removing the camera part from the make up and mounting that with the FPV cam - if that works and the picture quality is decent enough off the video out, I'll stick with it for both FPV and on board recording. PTZ may be an option for when I'm flying in Swazimarundiland ;)
Autopilot - RangeVideo OSD covers this... job sorted!
Radio Gear
Either 2.4 GHz or 35Mhz - I have both, so either is good. It's just a case of fitting either up I suppose, so no harm no foul.
459Mhz - is a thinker - but would need new radio gear - this part is on the back burner at present.
More to come... as my brain digests more.
It will eventually turn into the actual build. :)
Looks good to me. With that kv motor and prop, I assume your battery is 3S? Is the motor rated for about 350W?
oooh, ahhh, good point. I'm 100 watts down... *scuttles off to address situation*
In my defence (hehe) I'm still wrapping my head around prop power conversion stuff, lol. And yes, 3S lipo.
Updated on OSD, have decided that Rangevideo is for me.
Now I need to make a decision on VTx/Rx combo... I'm aiming for over all range from LZ, as I don't want to be limited. The way I figure it, the better the system is long range, it'll handle shorter range just as easily.