OSD Range Video Vs Eagletree / head tracker

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Home › ✈️Aircraft › 🚁Helicopter › Aerial Photography and Video › OSD Range Video Vs Eagletree / head tracker

06-20-2009 11:26 AM 11 years ago

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angelillo

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Wales, UK

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OSD Range Video Vs Eagletree / head tracker

Hi guys,

I am fly a T-Rex600 and I am interested in flying it as far as possible without the need of seeing it.

I just bought this transmitter from ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2W-2-4G-Wirel...rkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1683|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

Any coments on it?, does look good to me but I'm not sure if is good enough.

Anyway, I imagine the first problem I'm going to find when flying far is to loose orientation so to avoid this I start finding out about OSD systems.

I found the two main ones, The Range video:
http://www.rangevideo.com/index.php...products_id=135

And the eagletree:
http://www.eagletreesystems.com/OSD/OSD.htm

To me the Range video looks quite cool as it has virtual horizon, and it looks very need and nice although I know the autopilot is not very usefull in helis but the screen display looks awesome and enjoyable to fly.

I have contacted Range video and they tell me that It doesnt work well on helicopters because it uses GPS sensor which requires constant forward motion for accurate readings.....

I also asked them about the head-tracker to use it whiles flying:
http://www.rangevideo.com/index.php...products_id=148
And I was told that they don't recommend to use a Head Tracker on a heli to fly via the camera as with pan and tilt you will loose orientation of the helicopter and probably crash. They said that th best way is to keep the camera looking forward, maybe add a tilt function.

I was wondering if any of you guys is using the Range Video System and if they are happy with it.... Either the OSD or the head tracker on helis, or even both!.

Any tips for flying far away distances?,

Thanks so much!
Angel

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06-20-2009 01:24 PM 11 years ago

0Post 2

eyeinsky

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Fall River, Nova Scotia, Canada

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Hi angelillo

I use the tx/rx video system bought mine on ebay to $19US work geat for my down link. First thing I did was remove the metal case off of the rx and striped the audio off, not required for my video down link. Rapped the PC board in heat srink rap.Here's some pic's.

Hard job competing with gravity.

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06-20-2009 04:48 PM 11 years ago

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Rich H

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Seattle, WA

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If I were to try to fly FPV with a heli that had a pan and tilt I would put the pan/tilt inside a wireframe cockpit so that the structure would always be visible so that you could maintain orientation. I would do this even with a fixed camera.

As far as GPS needing movement - well if you can stay that still - it will be of no consequence if your NSEW reading is off. Once you start moving again it will be correct.

Rich H

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06-20-2009 05:37 PM 11 years ago

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GyroFreak

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Orlando Florida ...28N 81W

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GPS sensor which requires constant forward motion for accurate readings.....

For directional sense only. Position will always be accurate even without movement.I think about the hereafter. I go somewhere to get something, then wonder what I'm here after ?

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06-20-2009 08:02 PM 11 years ago

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nooobs

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...

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06-20-2009 08:38 PM 11 years ago

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GyroFreak

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Orlando Florida ...28N 81W

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nooobs

.......Thanks nooobsI think about the hereafter. I go somewhere to get something, then wonder what I'm here after ?

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06-21-2009 06:04 AM 11 years ago

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DKTek

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Melbourne, FL-USA

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http://www.eagletreesystems.com/OSD/osd-Pro.htm

I just installed this one in my 2.5M XLV. Pics coming after I finish snaking the wires.

For Heli's, I prefer the EagleTree Pro, 1 W 900MHZ telemetry, because the Pitot/Static and GPS but for fixed wing, the RVOSD is very capable. The ETOSD has more way points and is more adjustable than the RVOSD. Both have the ability to add IR sensors for stabilization....not for heli's without some other stab assist. Both autopilots fly home by the numbers if radio link is lost.

The RVOSD is a great deal when compared to the ETOSD Pro and FDR setup. The RVOSD is pretty much an all in one setup and is an easy and clean install. The expandability of the Eagle Tree system by nature is a bit more of an install and price can get up there quickly if you're a gadget junkie like myself. The XLV can haul just about anything....under 25 pounds. That's a lot of tech gear. This can go as simple as the most excellent RVOSD or as deep as you dare with the very expandable Eagle Tree system.

I personally love both of them but if I had it my way, I'd like to see them both add features from the Inspire OSD, http://www.dpcav.com/inspire/inspire.htm , that allows the use of a ETrex Summit hand held GPS. That GPS has a magnometer and doesn't need movement to show a heading. It also has a barometer and the Inspire can tap into those features to display good numbers when in a stationary hover and during pedal turns. The Inspire isn't flashy like the others and has larger components. The Summit flies with the Inspire and isn't suitable for smaller models. The XLV is gonna miss that one.

I really enjoy the RVOSD in foam fixed wings both prop and ducted fan. It works very well with the PZ Trojan T-28, Easy and Twinn Star, and 70 mm EDF's like the one in my gallery. Best thing about foam is in a bad crash, your expensive radio gear is packed in... foam. Quick and cheap to repair. That's a good formula for a beginner FPV pilot.

Sorry for the babbling, it's late...The beatings will continue until morale improves...

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06-21-2009 12:48 PM 11 years ago

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falcon

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The out put of the transmitter is above the permitted output in the UK by 10 times.
The eagle tree on 900mhz is also not permitted in the uk this is a mobile phone frequency.
Sorry to give you the bad news but as a Licensed radio Ham i take frequency allocations very seriously, so many people think they can do what they like and it is a myth the frequency spectrum in the UK is policed by a very keen bunch of guys and i know many of them.
You may think its OK to run on what frequency and power out put you like without realising problems you could be causing other services or even other flyers on 2.4 ghz.

2.4 ghz 200mw is adequate for our applications.

Just for info careful how you go and what you purchase.
If you require 3rd party insurance and you have a mishap the CE mark will come in to play and on this one i speak from experience.

I no i make it sound bad but please just stay with in the regs.

angelillo
A picture of my Harris hawk in my gallery.www.m0kwr.com

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06-21-2009 03:30 PM 11 years ago

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angelillo

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Wales, UK

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Thanks to all your info is very helpful.

Rich H, is interesting your idea but I don’t really know what you mean with a wireframe cockpit… have u got any picts or drawings of that?, sounds simple but I struggle a bit with some technical terms in English as is not my main language.
Thanks for the pict nooobs. My radio is pcm so I will try to set it up as you said. I can see in the pict that u r using the Pandora Pan and Tilt Kit. I guess that works better than the EZ-Pod Kit or the TS2-Pod kit…. Am I right?
DKTek, your comment is really helpful, thanks so much!. Can I set the EagleTree Pro with virtual horizon?. And if so, do I need to buy this to make it work?: http://www.fmadirect.com/Detail.htm...1778§ion=20
Could I change the way to measure the units in all this modules (for example meters instead of feet, etc)?.
Regarding the altimeter, does it read above the sea level or above real ground?, I guess to read above the actual ground must be helpful in case you get hills or small mountains in the terrain…. Does it work like that??.
I like the inspire too although again, but I guess now, after your advice I would go for an Eagle Tree Pro if I mange to get the virtual horizon in it….

Falcon, not to worry, I’m not using that equipment in UK.

Thanks so much to all!!!.

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06-21-2009 05:02 PM 11 years ago

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DKTek

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Melbourne, FL-USA

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Hello Angel,

Yes, the FMA IR sensors are the ones that work with both the OSD's and both can show meters or feet. The altitudes are GPS and pressure measured. To get AGL, you'd need a range sensor...ie, radar altimeter or similar.

The Pandora is nice but it's not the same as the RV Pod kits. The Pod kits are just a convienant method to mount the pan servo and the Pandora is a rather bulky tilt mechanism. They can be used together but the tilt method of the RVpod is very simple and it works great.

Eagle Tree has several frequencies and power ratings available for the Dash Board and choosing one that is legal should be easy. Getting a HAM isn't a bad idea either as it and RC go along well together.

Eagle Tree also has the Duel Axis G-Force Expanders which are linkable. I use one on the heli and a second one on a 3 axis gimbal. This allows me to see the difference between the heli's attitude and the gimbal. Useful as a performance measuring tool.

You should consider what it is that you want to do with the FPV set up. If you are just flying around and want to use the OSD to find home then either will fill the bill as I THINK the ETOSD Pro can be a stand alone item which puts the two very close in price. If you foresee expanding in the future, the Eagle Tree has it.

Good luck and remember, there's always this little gem...

The beatings will continue until morale improves...

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06-21-2009 07:14 PM 11 years ago

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Rich H

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Seattle, WA

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Re: wireframe cockpit,

Instead of building a detailed scale model of a real helicopter cockpit, build a simple model using wires (fiberglass rods, plastic - whatever) that represents the major features of a cockpit.

When you place the camera inside the cockpit you would always have part of that cockpit within view that you can use as a reference so that you don't get disoriented.

If the camera is mounted way out in front it is difficult to control with precision because you can't sense small changes in attitude.

Sorry, I don't have any pictures. I've been wanting to do something like this for over a decade but for some reason I just never get around to it. Maybe soon...

Rich H

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06-21-2009 07:34 PM 11 years ago

0Post 12

bvmbandit

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anywhere, usa

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FPV

It looks as if you have purchased some of the equipment so far. I would suggest spending 90% in antennas, tx, rx, and research and the other 10% on everything else. FPV has many resources available and "good deals" on equipment. I would suggest you buy top of the line equipment, especially on the RF side of your downlink. As far as pan and tilt is concerned with a helicopter. Start easy and work your way up to complicated. Take baby steps with good equipment. Start out fixed position camera then work your way up. You can run into a hands full when flying, calibrating, and maintaining situational awareness while trying to keep the sun out of your eyes and of the screen. I would also suggest starting out with a spotter that is capable. If you want a simple, easy, configurable OSD, then there is always the REMZIBI OSD or Poor Mans OSD. I am using that now with a turbine TBM Shockjet and rf video downlink and it has made for some interesting videos. I do not use it for FPV of course. There is a fella in Canada that goes by the handle of VRFlyer who flies FPV and does it well. His videos are on Vimeo as are mine. Watch his videos carefully and you will be able to tell what he's using for the fixed wing side of things and then be able to apply it to helis. Keep it simple. A point of reference of the model in view of the camera is priceless.

FYI,
Scott

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06-21-2009 11:38 PM 11 years ago

0Post 13

angelillo

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Wales, UK

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Hi guys,

I think following all your advices I will start with the ETOSD Pro system. My aim is to fly far away with the heli as a hobby and to do some aerial video photography close to the ground too (tricky). I do the second one already with a panasonic SD9 but I fly watching the heli myself, I cannot go far as I don’t have osd and I’m afraid of loosing the heli flying out of my range of vision.

It would be nice to get AGL, is it worth/easy/cheap to do it?, DKTek you said that I would need a range sensor...ie, radar altimeter or similar… have you got any example of which one could I use?, would I have to connect it to the ETOSD and how?.... Maybe is better to stick with ASL…. But might be trickier to fly, especially close to the ground….

What about the virtual horizon?, would it be possible to get it on the screen in the ETOSD in the same way as the RDOSD?. Is that difficult to set up?.

DKTek, sorry what is a HAM?, I think the ham I know wont work with electronics… (at least before I ate it 

Sorry for the bad joke….. English is not my main language and some technical abbreviations are difficult for me.

I like that little gem! What is it?

Thanks to all again!

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06-22-2009 12:52 AM 11 years ago

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Oyley

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Manchester (UK)

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Falcon

Correct me if I am wrong on this,but is the legal on radiated RF power for video transmitters that are license free in the 2.4ghz not 10mw...and with no change to the supplied TX antenna allowed? changes to the RX antenna being allowable..
I have yet to see CE approved and supplied for UK use video TX with an output greater than this....I of course would welcome such equipment as legitamate suppliers within the UK that I have spoken to have had visits from the powers that be and told to remove such equipment from their stock.
This does not include products that come under MPT1394 which is (to my knowledge) which is limited to a maximum of 500mw and in the main does not have an audio carrier.
Would welcome any info on this myself from anyone.

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06-22-2009 09:24 AM 11 years ago

0Post 15

angelillo

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Wales, UK

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Falcon you should open a new thread if you want to go into that subject.
Again this equiptment I would like to try is for use in certain places of south and maybe central america, nothing to do with the uk.

Please open a new thread on that if you ae so concern about the UK laws.

Thanks.

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06-22-2009 03:16 PM 11 years ago

0Post 16

KarbonBird

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Australia

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nooobs - what is that FPV setup and plane you are using?

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06-22-2009 06:06 PM 11 years ago

0Post 17

DKTek

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Melbourne, FL-USA

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Angel, I'm not sure what the equivalent is in the UK but here in the US, a HAM license is for amateur radio operators. This allows the use of freq's and power levels that are restricted in use. Just what the FPV guy who seeks long range needs... more power.

I've not had the privilege of utilizing AGL measurements as Florida is pretty much flat. That info can probably be found in the UAV section or a quick Google search.The beatings will continue until morale improves...

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06-22-2009 08:08 PM 11 years ago

0Post 18

nooobs

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web

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...

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06-22-2009 11:06 PM 11 years ago

0Post 19

falcon

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angelillo
Your location is shown as wales UK if you were outside the UK i would not have bothered posting a reply on here.
If you are outside the UK or you fly outside the UK its best to make it clear.
As for a new thread why should i bother i don't have a problem you started the this thread, i just gave you my opinion and experiences from UK perspective.
Sorry if you misunderstood

www.m0kwr.com

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06-22-2009 11:55 PM 11 years ago

0Post 20

angelillo

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Wales, UK

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No problem. Its fine :-D

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