How much does an excellent FPV set up cost?

[PhantomFanatic]

I have been looking at recommender parts here, such as Black Pearl 7 ch monitor, transmitter and antennas. Mi also want to upgrade my control link. But, for now I'm asking for a list of parts, prices and the best place to buy it all.

I guess it would help if I told you what I have! P2, non-vision, Z 3D gimbal and a Hero 3, black. I want long range. I've seen some of this posted, but I don't recall anyone asking for what I'm asking.

I also want to add that I have been looking. I've seen a kit for $350, but if you buy RF amplifiers and antennas, the price soars. Forgive me, but one more question: Has anyone done a range test (FPV) with and without RF Amps? I think higher quality antennas will make more of a difference.

If it has been posted before, my apologies and can you give me a link. Thanks guys and gals!

 

[dptcalvin]

viewtopic.php?f=34&t=26413

 

[dptcalvin]

Posted this in another thread today. This is what I bought:

Based on everything I've read, it's generally recommended to piece together your own kit. Your money will get your further that way. Based on my experience in other hobbies, kits usually consist of low to mid grade components at a premium price.

That kit claims 400m, which isn't all that impressive IMO.

I'd suggest looking at QYV's post and doing some more reading to educate yourself on the various transmitter, receiver, antenna, etc. options and their prices.

The kit I'm putting together involves:

ImmersionRC 600mw transmitter: http://www.dpcav.com/xcart/5.8GHz-Audio ... 600mW.html
Black Pearl 7ch monitor/receiver: http://www.dpcav.com/xcart/Black-Pearl- ... annel.html
DJI iOSD Mini: http://www.dpcav.com/xcart/DJI-iOSD-Min ... okong.html
Plug 'n' Play Cable for IRC transmitter and DJI iOSD Mini (no soldering required): http://www.dpcav.com/xcart/Video-Cable- ... Shark.html
Monitor Mount: http://www.raveaerialvideo.com/product/ ... tor-mount/

Comes out to be about $410 if I did my math correctly. The kit you provided + iOSD Mini comes out to be the exact same. There are, of course, other options than what I listed. That's just what I went with.

You can go with this monitor/receiver if you don't need HDMI:

http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00HM0L5ZU/r ... XQLO&psc=1

And this is another transmitter option:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... itter.html (OOS, so you can wait or buy elsewhere for a little more)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Boscam-FPV-8CH- ... 3ce3f4ef5e

Depending on where you live, you may want to source some things from other retailers to save on tax. For example, I live in CA so I bought the DJI iOSD Mini from B&H. Free expedited shipping and no tax.

 

[PhantomFanatic]

Thank you both. I apologize for not searching more diligently.

Edit: Thank YOU!

 

[QYV]

http://www.phantompilots.com/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=26413

yea read through that post... honestly antennas make just as much or more difference than transmitter power. The ImmersionRC 600mW is a great transmitter sure, but I've recently been out over a mile with my 400mW Boscam TS353. I'm running the FPVLR Pentalobe on the transmitter (slight upgrade from the pinwheel in the bundle) and of course the FPVLR 4 turn helix on the receiver.

basically for the cost of a kit (which usually comes with mediocre antennas) you can piece together your own system including a plug and play cable for easy install, AND get premium antennas and cool peripherals (like a 3d printed display mount) as long as you're willing to do your own leg work. that thread should help you, feel free to ask here if you have any questions

and for everyone: always let me know if you find lower prices on the components so I can update the thread. The only thing I don't do is link Ebay auctions since that's too much administrative hassle updating them all the time.