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| <span id="start-fpv-flying"></span> | | <span id="start-fpv-flying"></span> |
| == Start FPV Flying == | | == Start FPV Flying == |
| | First-person view (FPV) flying offers an immersive experience, piloting drones from the perspective of the cockpit. This guide covers everything beginners need to know about equipment, simulators, and initial flights, drawing from community insights and recommended practices. |
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| Return to [[unmanned-systems-chat|Unmanned Systems]]
| | '''Community Contacts:''' Justin C., Bryan S., Stanislav Oros, Lito, Flo. |
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| <span id="summary"></span> | | <span id="summary"></span> |
| == Summary == | | == Summary == |
| | | This guide walks new pilots through simulators, gear selection, first flights, drills, strike‐net training, and community resources to accelerate safe, confident FPV flying. |
| First-person view (FPV) flying offers an immersive experience, piloting drones from the perspective of the cockpit. This guide covers everything beginners need to know about equipment, simulators, and initial flights, drawing from community insights and recommended practices.
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| Hit up Justin C., Bryan, Stanislav Oros, Lito, or Flo for more on this.
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| <span id="simulators"></span> | | <span id="simulators"></span> |
| == Simulators == | | == Simulators == |
| | Simulators let you hone throttle, stick control, and orientation without risk of real‐world damage. |
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| Simulators are essential for safe practice without the risk of damaging actual drones. They help you master controls and get accustomed to FPV flying dynamics.
| | ''Note: You’ll need a compatible radio controller—see Equipment section below.'' |
| | | * '''Liftoff''' – Realistic physics, beginner-to-advanced modes. [https://store.steampowered.com/app/410340/Liftoff_FPV_Drone_Racing/ FPV Drone Racing on Steam] |
| NOTE: You’ll need to purchase a Controller, see below for recommended equipment
| | * '''Velocidrone''' – Custom environments, wide controller support; available from the publisher. [https://www.velocidrone.com/ Velocidrone official site] |
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| '' '''Liftoff:''' Available on Steam, provides a realistic flight experience, great for both beginners and advanced pilots. [https://store.steampowered.com/app/410340/Liftoff_FPV_Drone_Racing/ FPV Drone Racing on Steam] | |
| '' '''Velocidrone:''' Offers a wide range of environments and supports various controllers, though not available on Steam. [https://www.velocidrone.com/ Visit Velocidrone]
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| <span id="equipment-to-buy"></span> | | <span id="equipment-to-buy"></span> |
| == Equipment to Buy == | | == Equipment to Buy == |
| | Choosing the right gear ensures reliable, enjoyable flights: |
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| Getting the right equipment is crucial for a successful FPV experience:
| | * '''Radio Controller''' – e.g. RadioMaster Boxer with ELRS internal module for low latency. [https://www.radiomasterrc.com/products/boxer-radio-controller-m2 RadioMaster Boxer ELRS] |
| | | * '''Goggles''' |
| '' '''Radio Controller:''' Start with a quality radio like the RadioMaster Boxer with ELRS for reliable control. [https://www.radiomasterrc.com/products/boxer-radio-controller-m2 RadioMaster Boxer ELRS Internal Module]
| | ** HDZero Race Bundle – Balanced cost/performance for digital FPV. [https://www.hd-zero.com/product-page/race-bundle HDZero Race Bundle] |
| '' '''Goggles:''' Choose between analog or digital based on your budget and quality preference. Examples include:
| | ** DJI Goggles 2 – Premium clarity; HDMI input; higher price point. [https://www.dji.com/dji-goggles-2 DJI Goggles 2] |
| ''' '''HDZero Race Bundle:''' Offers a good balance between price and performance for digital systems. [https://www.hd-zero.com/product-page/race-bundle HDZero Race Bundle]
| | * '''Drones''' |
| ''' '''DJI Goggles 2:''' High-quality digital goggles providing excellent video clarity. [https://www.dji.com/dji-goggles-2 DJI Goggles 2]
| | ** Tiny Whoops (1S) – Indoor micro quads for initial learning. [https://pyrodrone.com/products/sub250-whoopfly16-1-6-ultra-light-hdzero-1s-tiny-whoop-choose-receiver Sub250 WhoopFly Ultra-Light] |
| '' '''Drones:''' Depending on where you’ll fly and your preferred video protocol:
| | ** Outdoor 6S HD – e.g. ProTek35 V1.4 O3 for mixed-environment flights. [https://shop.iflight.com/ProTek35-V1.4-O3-6S-HD-Pro2033 ProTek35 V1.4 O3 6S HD] |
| ''' '''Indoor Tiny Whoops:''' Great for learning indoors. [https://pyrodrone.com/products/sub250-whoopfly16-1-6-ultra-light-hdzero-1s-tiny-whoop-choose-receiver “the only commercial off-the-shelf solution for ultra-micro setups”]
| | * '''Batteries & Charger''' – Multiple batteries; fast-charge capable. |
| ''' '''Outdoor Larger Drones:''' Require more space but offer more power and capabilities.
| | * '''Propellers & Tools''' – Spare props, hex drivers, zip-ties, Velcro straps. |
| '''' '''ProTek35 V1.4 O3 6S HD:''' A good beginner drone for various environments. [https://shop.iflight.com/ProTek35-V1.4-O3-6S-HD-Pro2033 ProTek35 V1.4 O3 6S HD]
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| '' '''Batteries and Charger:''' Necessary for powering your flights. Ensure you have multiple batteries.
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| '' '''Propellers and Tools:''' Essential for maintenance and quick repairs.
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| <span id="your-first-fpv-experience"></span> | | <span id="your-first-fpv-experience"></span> |
| == Your First FPV Experience == | | == Your First FPV Experience == |
| | | Start with ~20 hours in a simulator before real flights; this eases the transition and reduces crash rates.<ref name="reddit">Reddit: “Guide to getting started” (July 2025)</ref> |
| Begin with a simulator to gain confidence. Then move to a real drone, starting with simpler models and progressing to more complex systems as you gain experience. Reddit users suggest about 20 hours in a sim before flying IRL to ease the transition. [https://www.reddit.com/r/fpv/comments/154rolj/guide_to_getting_started/ Reddit Discussion on FPV Training]
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| <span id="community-and-training"></span> | | <span id="community-and-training"></span> |
| == Community and Training == | | == Community & Training == |
| | | Tap into shared knowledge and tutorials: |
| Join FPV communities online and offline to share experiences and get tips from experienced pilots. Practice regularly and consider following FPV tutorials from experts like Joshua Bardwell.
| | * Joshua Bardwell’s YouTube Channel: [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX3eufnI7A2I7IkKHZn8KSQ Joshua Bardwell] |
| | | * FPV forums, Discords, local meetup groups |
| '' '''Joshua Bardwell’s YouTube Channel:''' A comprehensive resource for FPV tutorials and equipment reviews. [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX3eufnI7A2I7IkKHZn8KSQ Joshua Bardwell on YouTube]
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| <span id="fpv-drills-and-practices"></span> | | <span id="fpv-drills-and-practices"></span> |
| === FPV Drills and Practices ===
| | == FPV Drills & Practices == |
| | | Structured drills accelerate skill growth. |
| Drills and practices are crucial in FPV flying to improve control, precision, and adaptability in various flight conditions. Here’s a breakdown of recommended drills for beginners and advanced pilots, based on community feedback and specific skill goals.
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| <span id="for-beginners"></span>
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| ==== For Beginners ====
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| = '''Box Patterns:''' Start by practicing box patterns. This drill involves flying in a square path and helps pilots master basic stick movements and drone orientation. = | | === For Beginners === |
| = '''Hovering:''' Learn to hover in place at different heights. This improves throttle control and stability. =
| | * '''Box Pattern''' – Fly a square to practice orientation. |
| = '''Figure 8s:''' Once comfortable with box patterns, move on to flying in figure eight patterns. This helps in understanding coordinated turns and maintaining altitude during maneuvers. =
| | * '''Hovering''' – Maintain altitude at various heights. |
| = '''Slowing Down and Hovering:''' Practice reducing speed and coming to a stable hover. This is crucial for precise movements and is especially useful when navigating tight spaces. =
| | * '''Figure 8s''' – Combine turns for coordinated flight. |
| | * '''Slow & Hover''' – Reduce speed into a steady hover. |
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| <span id="for-advanced-pilots"></span>
| | === For Advanced Pilots === |
| ==== For Advanced Pilots ====
| | * '''Orbits''' – Circle a fixed point smoothly. |
| | * '''Shooting Gaps''' – Navigate tight openings (doors, trees). |
| | * '''Fixed-Bearing Decreasing-Range''' – Approach a target on a constant bearing. |
| | * '''FPV Tag''' – Chase moving objects for agility. |
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| = '''Orbits:''' Fly in circular patterns around objects. This advanced drill helps in maintaining a focus on a central point while managing throttle and yaw. = | | === Specialty Drills === |
| = '''Shooting Gaps:''' Fly through narrow openings like doorways and between trees. This enhances your precision and confidence in tight spaces. = | | * '''Angle Mode''' – Stabilized flight for indoor/data-capture missions. |
| = '''Fixed Bearing Decreasing Range Intercepts:''' This involves approaching a target along a fixed line while gradually decreasing the distance. It’s great for mastering control over flight path and speed. =
| | * '''Acro Mode''' – Manual control without stabilization, essential for freestyle/racing. |
| = '''FPV Tag:''' Engage in FPV tag with other pilots or moving objects (like RC cars). This is a fun and challenging way to practice rapid changes in speed and direction. =
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| <span id="specialty-drills"></span> | | <span id="crash-nets"></span> |
| ==== Specialty Drills ==== | | == Crash Nets for FPV Strike Training == |
| | Crash nets (or “strike nets”) contain drones during impact-practice drills, safeguarding gear and pilots while marking clear targets. |
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| = '''Angle Mode Flying:''' Useful for indoor flying and when precision is more important than speed, such as when gathering data for 3D interior modeling using systems like SkyeBrowse. Angle mode restricts the drone’s pitch and roll, which can simplify control but reduce maneuverability. = | | === Recommended Products === |
| = '''Acro Mode Practice:''' Acro mode (manual mode) gives you complete control without stabilization, which is perfect for developing true flying skill. This mode is challenging but essential for competitive racing and dynamic freestyle flying. =
| | * '''SKLZ Quickster 7×7 Net''' – 7′×7′ pop-up soccer net; portable. [https://www.big5sportinggoods.com/store/details/sklz-quickster-7-x-7-net/ Big5 Sporting Goods] |
| | * '''Go Time Gear Twister Pop-Up Goal''' – 6′×4′; sets up in seconds. [https://www.big5sportinggoods.com/store/details/go-time-gear-6-ft-twister-pop-up-soccer-goal/ Big5 Sporting Goods] |
| | * '''Go Time Gear Equator Goal''' – 14′×6.5′ batting-cage style for advanced strikes. [https://www.big5sportinggoods.com/store/details/go-time-gear-equator-easy-set-up-soccer-goal/ Big5 Sporting Goods] |
| | * '''Pugg Soccer Weighted Nets''' – Base-weighted, no stakes needed. |
| | * '''Batting Cage Nets''' – Heavy-duty, full-coverage netting. |
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| <span id="additional-tips"></span>
| | === Community Tips & Variations === |
| ==== Additional Tips ====
| | * Aim small, miss small – use smaller nets until trainees consistently hit 7×7′ targets. |
| | * White-sheet targets – drape a sheet with painted bullseyes over a rover for <$10 setup. |
| | * Budget nets – inexpensive nets can be cut to custom shapes and are locally available. |
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| '' '''Camera Angle Adjustments:''' Play with different camera angles to find what works best for your flying style. A higher camera angle generally increases speed perception and helps in faster flights, but can make slowing down more challenging.
| | === DIY Setup === |
| '' '''Use of Simulators:''' Continuously practice these drills in a simulator to refine skills without the risk of crashing your drone. Transition those skills to real-world flying once confidence builds up.
| | # Construct a 2×4 box frame matching your mock vehicle. |
| '' '''Encryption on ELRS''': https://github.com/sensei-hacker/PrivacyLRS ELRS fork for people who want encryption. I’m a crossfire dude but if you’re already running ELRS might be worth looking into
| | # Attach the pop-up net with zip-ties or bungees. |
| | # Mark strike zones using spray-paint or target stickers. |
| | # Adjust distance and angle to simulate different attack profiles. |
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| <span id="community-insights"></span> | | <span id="community-insights"></span> |
| === Community Insights ===
| | == Community Insights == |
| | HD FPV options each have trade-offs: DJI leads in performance but at higher cost and regulatory risk; Walksnail/Caddx respond to feedback and supply 1S ultra-light systems; HDZero is a mid-tier choice. |
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| Choosing HD FPV equipment currently presents challenges with options like DJI, Walksnail/Caddx, and HD Zero. DJI offers the best performance but is expensive, lacks HDMI output, and faces potential U.S. bans affecting future support and aftermarket costs. Walksnail, though not as refined as DJI, listens to community feedback and provides updates, and it’s the sole provider of a 1S HD ultra-light system for tiny whoops, making it the only commercial off-the-shelf solution for ultra-micro setups.
| | <span id="additional-tips"></span> |
| | == Additional Tips == |
| | * '''Budgeting''' – Plan for gear, repairs, and upgrades: “Cry once, fly forever.” |
| | * '''Safety''' – Follow local regulations and best practices; see [[suas|SUAS Certifications]]. |
| | * '''Encryption''' – Consider ELRS forks like PrivacyLRS for link encryption: https://github.com/sensei-hacker/PrivacyLRS |
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| <span id="additional-tips-1"></span> | | <references/> |
| == Additional Tips ==
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| '' '''Budgeting:''' FPV can be expensive; plan your budget for equipment, repairs, and upgrades. “Cry Once”
| | [[Category:FPV]] |
| * '''Safety:''' Always follow local regulations and guidelines to ensure safe flying practices. See [[suas|SUAS Certifications]]
| | [[Category:sUAS]] |
| | [[Category:sUAS Piloting]] |
| | [[Category:sUAS Equipment]] |
| | [[Category:sUAS Simulators]] |
| | [[Category:sUAS Training]] |
| | [[Category:Flight Simulators]] |
| | [[Category:Unmanned Systems]] |