Chapter 6. First Person View (FPV) Gear

Okay, now you've got your multicopter flying, and it's time to shoot some video. Usually, the whole point of using a multicopter is to use it as a camera platform. So, what good is it if you can't see what the camera sees? Any serious multicopter imager needs an FPV system to be effective. Let's take a look at how these systems work.

Components of an FPV system

There are really only five main components of an FPV system:

• The camera

• OSD (onscreen display)

• Video transmitter (TX)

• Video receiver (RX)

• Monitor

Let's take a look at these one by one. The following image shows you the wiring diagram with an added FPV system so that you can see how it fits into the grand scheme of things (the bottom-left section of the figure):

The Camera

There are so many cameras in the market that can suit your needs. Recommending a camera can be a whole book by itself. So rather than getting into specific models, let's take a look at a few specifications you should look at.

CCD versus CMOS

The whole reason HD cameras have gotten so small and power-efficient is the CMOS chip. Far more cameras use CMOS than CCD sensors to convert light to data. The main difference is that CMOS sensors scan from the bottom-up while CCD sensors capture an entire frame (image) at once. This scanning (by the CMOS chip) method can lead to what's known as shutter roll or jello...

Some general guidelines

FPV flying is a subject of hot debate. Some feel that there is a lot of potential for invasion of privacy and malicious use of this technology. Therefore, don't become a target of these debates.

Rules for flying

Some of these rules are grounded in common sense. Most are law. It's important to remember, above all else, your priorities:

1. Safety for the public.

2. Following the law.

3. Safety for your aircraft and camera.

4. Getting the shot.

Shifting your priorities out of order opens you to injuring people, property, and possibly criminal/civil consequences. Remember … every RC aircraft has a clock. They will eventually crash. By following your priorities and best practices, risk of liability/injury/loss is greatly reduced. It's not if … it's when.

Priority 1 – safety for the public

By following these dos and don'ts, your risk of injury and liability can be greatly reduced:

• Never fly over unsuspecting crowds.

  People you fly over must be aware that there is a multicopter flying overhead...

Summary

Our multicopter is now ready for prime time. We've got some experience in flying, we have our video system ready to roll, and it's time to learn the moves to get great shots. In the next chapter, we'll cover advanced flying techniques to get the footage that will make your clients and friends drop their jaws and get very excited.