Rob's ground station... evolved

rob.thomson · February 14, 2014, 06:07:29 PM

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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rob.thomson · February 15, 2014, 02:17:23 PM

This is the total packed size...

The larger flight box and a tripod are optional. Only needed if I am using the tracker.

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rob.thomson · February 15, 2014, 04:21:56 PM

And a video run down.

Rob's modular ground station for FPV

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Heliotrope · February 15, 2014, 06:31:34 PM

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:

rob.thomson · February 15, 2014, 06:36:08 PM

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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Coyote · February 15, 2014, 06:47:40 PM

Very nice Rob :)

rob.thomson · February 16, 2014, 10:10:42 AM

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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BlueFlyer · February 16, 2014, 11:53:05 AM

how is your case mounted to the top of the tripod?

rob.thomson · February 16, 2014, 01:10:33 PM

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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rob.thomson · February 16, 2014, 01:11:20 PM

I took the whole system out for a flight this morning.

Worked exactly as expected.

Result :)

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BlueFlyer · February 16, 2014, 03:12:51 PM

what thread size is the tripod screw thing?

rob.thomson · February 16, 2014, 04:12:14 PM

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

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

rob.thomson · February 16, 2014, 10:41:19 PM

Quote from: Coyote on February 12, 2014, 11:30:15 PM
This might help you make your mind up :

Review: $60 DVR for FPV

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

skyscraper · 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:
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

iPeel · February 17, 2014, 12:01:41 PM

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!