Hi all,
Here is my FX61 which I just finished building. Its spec is:
In the Air:
FX61 Phantom
Turnigy 9g Servos
900KV Tunigy Aero Motor + 6x10 Prop
6000mAh 3S Turnigy Battery
EZUHF 8ch Diversity RX on 433Mhz, Stock Sander antennas
Ardupilot APM 2.7 with Power Module, GPS, MinimOSD, 900Mhz Telemetry
1.2G 800mW video TX, Stock rubber ducky
Mobius Action Cam for HD, Sony WDR camera for FPV (going to use the Mobious now I have link cable)
On the Ground:
Turnigy 9XR PRO
EzUHF JR Module 500mW + SR771 Diamond Antenna
Boscam/chinese Video RX (1.2G) stock antenna
Quanum 7" LCD Display + Carry Case
FatShark Goggles
Chinese DVR
I had no end of issues with my video RX TX setup and radio control link, which I worked on sorting before maidening the plane today - my old ezUHF TX was putting out 20mW - so replaced with new one (which puts out the 500mW!) and my Video setup which I used spiro type antennas had -34DB at 3 feet - the rubber duckies gave me -13dB at 3 feet so the spiros ended up in the bin as well :)
Flew awesome today - only a little test flight around my house/paddock to see if it was all good before I go for a decent 'mid-range' test tomorrow up the Westbury White Horse - really happy, video coming shortly, though here are some build pics and my EVE 2000 as well which although built, I haven't flown it yet as I am still quite a newbie and want to get the best from the FX61 first.... perfect RSSI which was expected I guess at such close ranges, but considering on my old TX I got 50 feet then RTH, I am over the moon I can now just launch and fly rather than focus on range/link issues at last!
(http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/pcvfuvks1opqul3/IMG_20170410_220406.jpg)
(http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/k7b98zt2mwhzsrx/IMG_20170413_112324.jpg)
(http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/jg4r3d46gvmq6vn/IMG_20170413_112332.jpg)
(http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/ppj6egz66ctgvyj/IMG_20170401_112447.jpg)
Heres the video - its DVR capture only as I forgot to put an SD into my mobius!
Anyway, you can cleary see 2 issues (theres a 3rd, my lack of talent, but lets ignore that for now!)
1. Heavy interference on ESC power up - going to power the video setup from the balance plug next.
2. My DVR (Chinee HC_DVR thing) seems to 'zoom' in a bit - on my screen/goggles, I see all the screen properly- anyone have this before/any ideas? I have tried NTSC and PAL modes, same effect...
Hi Matt,
I think there are more than 3 issues
1. The EZ rssi is showing an unwanted charecter at the end, this is a known bug but you can fix it by simply toggling between screens. The rssi also appears to be uncalibrated as its showing 100% constantly.
2. Altitude...there are 2 available, HASL Height above sea level...this is the one you have chosen, (I did too at first) HAGL Height above ground level, this is what you need for fpv I would suggest....pick one....but not both...Its not obviuos at first I made the same error.
3.Sats...you only had 5...not enough....inhibited possibly by your wireless link on 900mhz?...Move them apart or better still unplug the tx when not in use.
4. ESC noise...looks like it to me.
5.Sanders antenas on your EZ reciever...not the best for aircraft use...a Dipole is way better, at least one anyway, with a Sanders on the other.
It flies ok though mate...nice...:)
:vulture:
ET.
Thanks for the input, 1. (Do I need to actually setup a channel to do the toggle on this or is there abother work around?
2. Ah yes excellent, I'll grab the OSD off the plane and change it, makes more sense!
--RSSI - I did indeed calibrate it and radio off, it drops to 0, radio on it drops to 100 - used the RAW readings at first - maybe becuase of <100M range it stays at 100% for now - though I agree will goback and look at this
3/ YEs it also takes a while to lock on - tbh I dont actually use the telem for naything other than setting up the APM when on the deck - will unplug and see if it improves
4. Yes, sorted this with an fatshark filter than runs off the balance plug - no noticeable interference on the ground now
5. I agree - are there any UK sources, and also for a dipole 1.2G video antenna like dragonlink sell do you know of?
Cheers, going for a better flight today, going to handle (2) and (3) right now also :)
The next thing I want to fix is throttle pulsing on Auto/RETL - from what I have read it is down to PID/TECS but not having an airspeed sensor probably doesent help, so ordering one of those today also :D
Nice one mate!
Just popped out with Tim for 5 just to test his new quad! Flies OK!
Might meet up over the holidays? Are you running Apm?
Quote from: mtechmatt on April 14, 2017, 01:31:35 PM
ET.
Thanks for the input, 1. (Do I need to actually setup a channel to do the toggle on this or is there abother work around?
2. Ah yes excellent, I'll grab the OSD off the plane and change it, makes more sense!
--RSSI - I did indeed calibrate it and radio off, it drops to 0, radio on it drops to 100 - used the RAW readings at first - maybe becuase of <100M range it stays at 100% for now - though I agree will goback and look at this
3/ YEs it also takes a while to lock on - tbh I dont actually use the telem for naything other than setting up the APM when on the deck - will unplug and see if it improves
4. Yes, sorted this with an fatshark filter than runs off the balance plug - no noticeable interference on the ground now
5. I agree - are there any UK sources, and also for a dipole 1.2G video antenna like dragonlink sell do you know of?
Cheers, going for a better flight today, going to handle (2) and (3) right now also :)
The next thing I want to fix is throttle pulsing on Auto/RETL - from what I have read it is down to PID/TECS but not having an airspeed sensor probably doesent help, so ordering one of those today also :D
Hi Matt,
Ok, no problem...You will need to set up a dedicated channel in order to screen toggle, I have a blank screen as my optional screen type, for when you want a clear view...
Noted about your RSSI...good....Low TX output should be fine up to say 5kms.
Yes, unplug your Telemetry TX if you are not using it while flying.
You can improve a Sanders antenna no end by simply soldering on a ground plane wire to it. It needs to be the same length as the active element. I had dropouts at only 400mtrs without one and used a dedicated Dipole in the end. But the Sanders mod will be ok unless you are going out a very long way.
Don't know about Auto RTL tbh, It sounds like a Pitot Tube is vital though to me...?
If you want a nice compact 1.2G Dipole, look no further than Flytron.....They will provide a Channel tuned one of your choice for very reasonable money....I have 4 of them now....LOL...Really good they are. You can use the RDs, but they are a bit on the big side.
:vulture:
Am going to do the sanders mod today as well - my list keeps growing, though I appreciate it!
Also, good source there, thanks, just ordered the tuned video dipole for my VTX - they dont offer a dipole for the 433mhz RX but I suppose with sander modded it is esseitnally that :)
What do you use for VRX antenna - patch or just the whip?
Quote from: ClippedWing on April 14, 2017, 01:59:45 PM
Nice one mate!
Just popped out with Tim for 5 just to test his new quad! Flies OK!
Might meet up over the holidays? Are you running Apm?
Yes running APM - sure are you on FB?
Yes and added you, we got alot of friends in common lol
Quote from: mtechmatt on April 14, 2017, 03:10:06 PM
Am going to do the sanders mod today as well - my list keeps growing, though I appreciate it!
Also, good source there, thanks, just ordered the tuned video dipole for my VTX - they dont offer a dipole for the 433mhz RX but I suppose with sander modded it is esseitnally that :)
What do you use for VRX antenna - patch or just the whip?
Hi Matt,
Yes, you won't be disappointed with the 1.2G Flytron Dipoles...I did make my own 433mhz Dipole and it works just fine, I have also recently purchased one from Bignose (Simon) who can provide a first class tuned and tested Dipole for your UHF RX.
My go to antenna for 1280mhz is the 8dbi Patch antenna for use without a Tracker. There is a detailed thread I did on here showing how to modify a standard 8dbi Patch and tune it specifically for 1280mhz by cutting down the active plate. You can buy the Patch here in the UK too. If i'm flying close in, the standard RD also works on my Lawmate VRX or the little 1275 mhz PCB Yagi. The Patch gives me the cleanest video reception though for sure.
:vulture:
ET,
Ordered the flytron diploe for the VTX, will be here wednesday I hope... will have a search for your thread now :)
Quote from: mtechmatt on April 17, 2017, 12:02:06 PM
ET,
Ordered the flytron diploe for the VTX, will be here wednesday I hope... will have a search for your thread now :)
Hi Matt,
Yes, the 8dbi Patch mod isnt hard to do, you just need a bit of patience opening the plastic case...mark and cut the plate accurately and ensure its reassembled with spacers to maintain the gap...You wont be dissapointed when you try it...lol
:vulture: