TBS Vendetta FPV Racer
Revision: 2016-09-27
Introduction
The TBS Vendetta is a full carbon fiber monocoque, quick swap arms, solder-free repair, ready-to-fly 240-size FPV racer designed for 5" props. It features the new TBS Triumph antenna, TBS CORE Pro, and TBS Unify Pro, allowing full configuration via R/C stick commands. Each drone is tuned and test-flown by professional experts. Install a receiver, strap on a 4S battery, and the TBS Vendetta is ready for flight.
Key Features
- Ready-to-fly full carbon fiber 240-size FPV racer
- Quick-replace 3.5mm carbon fiber arms with MT30 connectors
- Cobra CM2204 2300kV Motors, HQ 5x4x3 Props
- TBS POWERCUBE with fastest F3 board, 2-6S capable Bulletproof 30/50A ESCs
- Compatible with PPM, SBUS, XBUS, Spektrum R/C systems
- Fully configurable via OSD, no PC required
- GoPro 3/4 and Mobius / Runcam mount included (10° and 30° variations)
- Lost model alarm, adjustable camera angle
- 410g weight excluding battery and HD camera
Specifications
| Type | 240-size quadrotor FPV racer |
|---|---|
| Arms | Quick-replace 3.5mm chamfered carbon fiber arms, MT30 3-pin connectors |
| Propellers | HQ 5x4x3 propellers |
| Motors | Cobra CM2204 2300kV motors |
| Battery | 1000 to 2600 mAh 4S LiPo battery pack - 1300 to 1800 mAh recommended |
| Power drive | TBS POWERCUBE with TBS COLIBRI RACE, fastest F3 CleanFlight board available, 2S-6S capable Bulletproof 30/50A BLHeli 14.1 SimonK compatible ESCs, TBS CORE PRO |
| LED plate | 10 Bright RGB LEDs, diffused |
| R/C systems | Compatible with PPM, SBUS, XBUS, Spektrum R/C systems |
| FPV camera | TBS ZeroZero2 FPV camera |
| Video transmitter | 5.8 GHz 24/40-ch 25mW, default Band A Ch.1 5865 MHz |
| VTX antenna | TBS Triumph 5.8GHz 1.26 dBic RP-SMA circular-polarized FPV antenna |
| HD camera | GoPro 3/4, Mobius and Runcam mount included, both 10° and 30° variations |
| Alarms | Lost model alarm |
| Flight time | 3 to 5 minutes |
| Range | 3 km (required TBS CROSSFIRE or compatible long range system) |
| Max. altitude | 1300 m ASL |
| Working temperature | 0-40°C |
| Frame size | 240 mm, diagonally |
| Weight | 410g weight without Battery or HD camera |
| Kit contents | 1x TBS VENDETTA, 8x HQ 5x4x3 propellers, 3x Battery straps, 1x HD camera strap, 8x Arm screws, 2x Arm cover screws, 4x Propeller lock-nuts, 2x Antenna tubes, 2x Rubber antenna holders, 1x Receiver cable, 1x TBS TRIUMPH antenna, 2x GoPro foam tilts |
Attention and Disclaimer
Attention
Thank you for purchasing a TBS product. The TBS VENDETTA is a new racing multirotor aircraft from Team BlackSheep (TBS), featuring advanced design practices. A general rule for RC aircraft is to maintain visual line of sight and adhere to local RC regulations. Please read this manual carefully before assembling and flying your TBS VENDETTA quadcopter and keep it for future reference regarding tuning and maintenance.
Disclaimer
This aircraft is designed with advanced capabilities. It is your responsibility to use it reasonably, according to your experience level, and with common sense. Fly safely. TBS assumes no liability for the use of this aircraft. Please adhere to the following:
- Locate an appropriate flying location.
- Obtain the assistance of an experienced pilot if needed.
- Practice safe and responsible operation.
- Always be aware of the rotating blades.
- Prevent moisture exposure.
- Keep away from heat or excessive amounts of sunlight.
Overview
The following diagram shows the main features of the TBS VENDETTA and the internal layout.
Diagram Description: The diagram displays the TBS Vendetta's internal components. Key parts labeled include: Battery Power, TBS Power Cube (FC, ESC, BEC), TBS CORE PRO (CONFIG, OSD), Pilot Camera, Adjustable Focus Lens, Video TX Antenna Connector, TBS UNIFY PRO Video TX, Adjustable Camera Tilt, Receiver Input (SBUS, PPM, SPEK), Receiver Antenna Holder, Beeper, Arm and Motor Connectors (front and rear), and LED Lights.
Quick Start Guide - BNF Set
This condensed guide is for experienced pilots to get the TBS Vendetta ready for flight quickly. Each step is detailed further in this manual. You will need to mount the arms, install an R/C receiver, configure the flight control, potentially adjust VTX frequency band, insert the battery, and install propellers.
Required Equipment:
- 5-channel R/C Radio transmitter and receiver with PPM/S-BUS/D-BUS.
- 5.8 GHz FPV receiver system/display/goggles.
- PC for detailed configuration.
- Optional HD camera.
Getting Started:
- Remove the two screws on the front canopy and slide out the entire body assembly.
- Connect the SBUS/PPM receiver to the free POWERCUBE connector and mount it underneath the frame using two pieces of tape.
- Bind the receiver and radio, and set up the radio for a new VENDETTA configuration, ensuring throttle, yaw, roll, pitch, and flight mode are configured (minimum 5 channels).
- Power on the VENDETTA and video receiver (VRX) system. Tune into the correct channel to begin software configuration. Press the "Enter" key on the CORE PRO to cycle to S.BUS/PPM.
- Press and hold throttle down-left for 3 seconds to enter the CORE configuration menu. Navigate to "GENERAL", then "FLIGHT CONTROLLER", "CALIBRATION", "RC CALIBRATION", and finally "RC CALIBRATION WIZARD".
- With the receiver detected over SBUS or PPM, follow the wizard to set control end-points for all five channels. Exit the menu and test the flight mode switch to ensure it toggles between "ANGLE", "HORIZON", and "ACRO".
- To configure the video transmitter, enter the menu, go to "CALLSIGN" and enter your call sign. Return to "GENERAL" and "VIDEO TRANSMITTER" to set your desired band and channel.
- Adjust the camera angle and feed the receiver antenna through the middle section gap (the carbon fiber body blocks radio frequencies). Push the body back into the frame and re-attach the canopy.
- Find the pre-assembled arms and mount them on the front or rear frame sockets. Use four hex-screws per arm to lock them in place, then attach arm covers and tighten with a single middle screw.
- Install propellers on motors: clockwise on rear-right and front-left, counterclockwise on the other two. Use provided lock-screws to secure them.
- Finally, insert the battery strap into the slots underneath the battery and secure it. To spin up, hold throttle down-right; to turn off, hold throttle down-left.
Setup Guide
Getting set up and ready to fly is a quick and simple task, as most components are pre-built from the TBS factory. Using TBS equipment is plug-and-play. Follow these steps to be flying in minutes.
Opening the Frame
The internals are protected by a strong carbon fiber body. Removing the front canopy allows the internals to slide out easily.
Step 1: On the front of the frame, remove the two M2x9 hex screws and plastic caps on both sides to loosen the plastic camera canopy.
Step 2: Remove the canopy and with a slight push from behind, the internals should slide out.
Installing Radio Receiver
Any small radio receiver fitting within 50 x 23 x 6 mm can be used. Examples include TBS CROSSFIRE Micro RX, FrSky X4R, and XSR. A free servo cable connects to the COLIBRI flight controller. Note that carbon fiber blocks radio signals, so antennas must extend outside the body.
Step 1: Prepare the receiver connector cable to connect to the provided servo connector or re-solder it to suit your receiver. A solder port on the COLIBRI allows direct connection. SBUS is recommended for lower latency and best resolution/precision. Pin-out: Red = 5V, Black = Gnd, White = control signal (SBUS, PPM, SPEK).
Step 2: Position the receiver with antenna leads facing the underside of the battery connector and connect the signal cable to the frame.
Step 3: Using a thin screwdriver, move or reposition existing wires passing by the two antenna holes that go to the top side.
Step 4: Feed the antenna coax cables through the holes and use tape to secure the receiver to the frame.
Installing Video Antenna
It is important to temporarily attach the VTX antenna before proceeding with binding the receiver. Alternatively, attach it before connecting the battery and setting up the receiver. The antenna is mounted horizontally on the TBS VENDETTA to minimize shearing off the connector on impacts.
Step 1: Place the TBS TRIUMPH on the RP-SMA connector, twist left slightly until it drops in evenly, then twist right until tight. Do not over-tighten to avoid connector damage.
Binding Radio Receiver and System Configuration
It is easier to bind and configure the system at this stage because the internals are out and accessible for troubleshooting. Pairing the radio and receiver is covered in the manufacturer's instructions. The initial setup of the COLIBRI and CORE requires the FPV video feed to be on channel Band A CH1 5865 MHz. Configuration is done via R/C radio sticks as prompted on the OSD screen. To make the VENDETTA recognize the R/C signal type (SBUS, PPM, SPEK), the COLIBRI must be set up with the correct protocol by pressing the "ENTER" button on the CORE PRO.
Adjusting Camera Tilt Angle
The angle of the FPV pilot camera can be adjusted between 15° to 30° by untightening the set screws behind the camera. A 15° tilt is recommended for beginner flyers, and higher angles for fast forward flight and more advanced pilots.
Step 1: Use a hex screwdriver to loosen the two M2.5x8 set screws on either side of the camera mount.
Step 2: Adjust the angle to the desired position and retighten the screws. Ensure the camera is straightened from the front. It is also possible to adjust the angle through pre-cut slots after the build is done.
Mounting Receiver Antennas
The kit comes with two plastic tubes and two rubber bits to mount normal coax receiver antennas.
Step 1: Re-insert the internal frame into the body and align it over the screw holes on the front. Re-attach the camera canopy and two M2x9 hex screws.
Step 2: Use a small pick to lift out the antenna cables through to the top.
Step 3: Measure the length of the free antenna cable from the foot of the mount to the tip. Cut the plastic tubes to the right length, adding some extra for clearance.
Step 4: Attach the rubber bits to the plastic tubes and feed the antenna cable through.
Step 5: Press the rubber end of the tubes onto the tight gap on the antenna holder.
Attaching Frame Arms
The arms for the TBS VENDETTA easily install on the bottom of the frame, with motors already installed. The arms are identical, and can be installed in the front or back slots; they will only install in one direction, preventing erroneous installs.
Step 1: Position the arms with the curved arms facing away from the center, aligning the arms with the MT30 connectors, making sure they line up perfectly.
Step 2: Place a thumb on each side of the arm under the connector and push firmly until they flush with the body.
Step 3: Use four M3x9 hex screws to secure each arm to the body; they have threadlock pre-applied from the factory.
Step 4: Place the plastic arm plate covers over the connectors and exposed solder joints, with the "I" notch in the plate facing away from the center.
Step 5: Secure the plate with one M2x9 hex screw. Repeat the process for the other arm.
Putting on Propellers
The provided propellers have two rotational profiles: counter-clockwise and clockwise. Getting these right is important for a safe and proper first flight. The kit comes with two sets of three-blade 5x4-inch propellers.
Step 1: Separate the propellers into two batches, with the letters facing up: counter-clockwise and clockwise.
Step 2: Install the propellers on the motor shafts using the provided M5 locking nuts. Remember: the leading-edge/tip of the two front propellers always face each other, and likewise for the tip of the two rear propellers.
Mounting Battery
The battery mounts on the rear of the frame, allowing for a wide range of batteries. The stock flight controller settings/tuning require a 4S battery for best performance. Two rubber pads and straps keep the battery protected and in place. It is important to adjust the battery position to achieve perfect center-of-gravity, which is in the middle of the frame.
Step 1: Feed one of the smaller battery straps through the tight cap on the left side, with the "TBS VENDETTA" text facing up, and loop it through the hook. This can be tricky; wiggle it until the end passes through the gap.
Step 2: If using 1000 to 1400 mAh batteries, one battery strap may be sufficient.
Step 3: Slide in the battery, either lying flat or on its side, and tighten it down with the strap(s).
Step 4: When ready to tune and test fly, plug the XT60 cable into the XT60 socket in the middle of the quad to power up.
Mounting HD Camera
A GoPro, Mobius, or Runcam can be mounted on the front portion of the platform to capture HD footage using the large TBS straps. If mounting a GoPro, use the supplied foam mounts, which offer 10° and 30° angles.
Many other mounts are available for 3D printing from www.thingiverse.com for a range of different cameras.
Flight Controller Calibration
Before the first flight, the FC needs to know the absolute flat and level position relative to the earth's surface. Calibrating the accelerometer and gyro is easily done using a bubble/spirit level and stick inputs from the radio.
Step 1: Power up the VENDETTA and radio, remaining disarmed for the duration of this process.
Step 2: Place the spirit level on one of the arms and put pieces of paper underneath each arm to get an absolute level reference.
Step 3: For the accelerometer, move the throttle stick up-left and pitch down-center; you will hear a confirmation beep.
Step 4: For the gyro, move the throttle stick down-left and the pitch stick down-center.
For reference, see the CleanFlight repository for all CleanFlight stick operations.
Flight Modes
The VENDETTA has 3 flight modes to accommodate most flying styles:
- Angle: Easy mode, similar to DJI Attitude mode, limiting roll and pitch axis to 45°.
- Horizon: Flexible mode with no angle limit; allows rolls and barrels. The VENDETTA stabilizes automatically when sticks are released (hands off the radio).
- Acro: Full manual mode, simple but allows full acrobatics, suited for experienced pilots/racing.
Rear LED Status Lights
At the rear of the VENDETTA is a patch of RGB LED lights controlled by the COLIBRI flight controller. By default, they indicate the following flight status:
- Blue light: Indicates the quad is armed and ready to fly.
- Green light: Indicates it is disarmed.
- Red light (and beeping): Means you should land soon due to low battery.
Repairing Arms
If you need to repair an arm after a crash or mishap, the process is quick and can normally be done in the field with minimum tools.
Step 1: Detach the arm from the body and remove any debris or dust.
Step 2: Remove the two M3x6.5 hex screws holding the plastic cover under each motor, then remove the two M3x6.5 hex screws holding the motor in place. Unwrap the adhesive plastic sheet covering the motor wires.
Step 3: Press lightly on the MT30 connector to pop it out of its socket on the arm. Lift the wires out of the cable canal, slide them through the small gap near the motor mount, and feed the MT30 through the hole in the center.
Step 4: Inspect the motor and wires for damage. If they are in good shape, install them on a new arm. Reverse this process to finish the repair.
Configuration
Changing settings on the TBS VENDETTA (CORE PRO, POWERCUBE, UNIFY PRO) is done through the video transmitter and R/C radio inputs, using the sticks to navigate menus. In-depth changes to the COLIBRI/CleanFlight flight controller can be made using the USB interface.
Manuals:
- POWERCUBE manual: http://www.team-blacksheep.com/tbs-powercube-manual.pdf
- CORE PRO manual: http://www.team-blacksheep.com/tbs-core-pro-manual.pdf
- UNIFY PRO manual: http://www.team-blacksheep.com/tbs-unify-pro-5g8-manual.pdf
Warning: Remove the propellers before setting up the VENDETTA for the first time!
Navigating the Menu System:
- Configuration Menu: Both sticks on center position, also throttle.
- Menu Navigation: Scroll back and forth using the roll- and pitch-stick.
- Select/Enter Change: Left press roll- and pitch-stick.
OSD Boot Up:
When power is applied, the OSD will engage and show a boot-up summary screen. Verify that the following devices have been detected:
- PCUBE C.SENS - TBS POWERCUBE with current sensor
- COLIBRI FC VX.X - TBS COLIBRI Flight Controller on the POWERCUBE stack
- UNIFY PRO XXXX - TBS UNIFY PRO Video Transmitter, and the frequency it's on
Initial R/C Calibration:
If you are an experienced builder and have already set up your model in CleanFlight, you can skip this section and go to "FLIGHT CONTROLLER" and "READ CLEANFLIGHT RC DATA". This maps the settings to the CORE PRO, and you are ready to go. The VENDETTA expects by default a SBUS signal from the R/C receiver, as this is the most commonly used protocol among FPV racers. If you use or change to a different receiver that outputs CPPM, S-Bus, Spektrum, XBus, SumH or SumD, you need to press and hold the "ENTER"-button on the CORE PRO to enter the OSD menu and navigate to "FLIGHT CONTROLLER" and start "RC CALIBRATION".
Entering OSD Configuration Menu:
After the initial calibration is done, the main OSD overlay will show, and the VENDETTA is ready to be configured. To enter the OSD configuration menu, hold the throttle stick down-left for 4 seconds (mode 2).
Changing VTX Channel:
The UNIFY PRO supports 24/40-channels, and changes can be made "live" via the OSD. Go into the OSD menu, navigate down to "VIDEO TRANSMITTER" using the elevator-stick on your radio, and select it by moving the aileron-stick right. Use the same navigation method to change the band and channel. Once preferred settings are set, use the aileron-stick to exit selection by moving to the left and navigating out of the menu. The new settings will then be made active on the UNIFY PRO VTX. This configuration method uses SmartAudio, where the CORE PRO uses the audio channel from the UNIFY PRO for a full duplex connection between the VTX and OSD.
VTX Power Level:
The default VTX power level is 25mW, suitable for close proximity flight where no other FPV pilots are around. Ensure all antenna connections are properly socketed and connected for the most reliable signal.
COLIBRI FC Configuration:
The VENDETTA comes preconfigured with tuned CleanFlight settings and test flown. Essential flight controller settings such as PID, rates, filters, general settings, and accelerometer calibration can be made using the OSD in the field, or via the USB interface.
Changing Settings via OSD:
- Go to the "FLIGHT CONTROLLER" menu in the OSD.
- Select either "PID", "RATES", "GENERAL", "CALIBRATION", or "FILTERS".
Changing Settings via USB:
- Connect a micro-USB cable to the slot on the right-side of the VENDETTA.
- Download the CleanFlight/BetaFlight app from the Google Chrome Web Store.
- Click "Connect" to get access to all the settings.
OSD Configuration
The VENDETTA OSD is built around the full-fledged TBS CORE PRO OSD. For a detailed description of all parameters, refer to the official manual: http://www.team-blacksheep.com/tbs-core-pro-manual.pdf
On-Screen Display (OSD) Settings:
- Units (GPS required): Standard unit usage on the OSD. Speed: Metric (km/h), Imperial (mi/h), Knots (kts/h). Distance: Metric (m), Imperial (ft). Altitude: Metric (m), Imperial (ft).
- RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indicator signal from the receiver. Source options: Off/CrossFire/EzUHF OSD Link/Digital (PWM)/Analog (voltage). Alarm: Enable/Disable display of textual warning and blinking RSSI read-out when signal is critical.
- Battery: Power system monitoring. Alarm: Enable/Disable warning when battery voltage crosses a critical level. Level Input: Auto/Manual for detecting battery cells/voltage. Warning Level: Set threshold (0.0 to 99.9V) for low voltage alarm. Curr. Correction: Calibrate current sensor (50 to 250%). Backup Voltage: Enable/Disable backup battery function for OSD/GPS.
- General: OSD specific settings. Show Position: Display GPS coordinates (update rate 1Hz). Show Heading: Show heading arrow towards "home" base. Show Sats: Hide on fix/Always display GPS satellite count. OSD Color: White/Black text and outline. Power Index: Off or running indicator of power economy. Warn. Show Time: Duration for warnings (0.5 to 60.0 seconds). Summary Style: TBS/PAO/Off for end-of-flight summary. Audio Telemetry: Off/ImmersionRC.
Additional OSD Settings:
- OSD Type: CORE PRO/VENDETTA (changes power-up text).
- Factory Reset: Reset all CORE PRO settings to default.
- Artificial Horizon: Uses gyro and accelerometer to estimate level plane. Show Horizon: Off/Basic display of a line indicating level position.
- Callsign: Personal HAM license number. Show Callsign: Minutely/Always/Off display of callsign and timer. Enter Callsign: 0 to 10 characters.
Flight Controller Settings:
- PID: Detailed Proportional-Integral-Derivative controller values for Roll, Pitch, and Yaw.
- Rate: Stick sensitivity multiplier values.
- Settings: Looptime and Idle Motors settings.
- Calibration: RC/Radio Calibration wizard for receiver setup, or can be done in CleanFlight. Run accelerometer calibration on a leveled surface.
- Filters: Advanced setup of Gyro and PD Cut Frequency settings.
Video Transmitter Settings:
- Band: A/B/Race/E/Airwave/User.
- Channel: 1 to 8 (see UNIFY PRO manual).
- Power Level: 25mW transmitter output power level.
- VTX LED Strip: Disable/Enable changes color depending on frequency used (rainbow color from lowest red to highest violet).
Receiver Setup
If you upgrade the COLIBRI firmware or reset settings, you will lose the connection between the COLIBRI and receiver. To set up the connection via CleanFlight or BetaFlight:
- Open CleanFlight/BetaFlight and click "Connect".
- Go to the "Ports" tab and enable "Serial RX" for UART2, then click "Save and Reboot".
- In the "Configuration" tab, change "Receiver Mode" to "RX_SERIAL" and "Serial Receiver Provider" to "SBUS" (or the protocol used by your particular receiver). Click "Save and Reboot".
- Power up the VENDETTA (to power the receiver) and go to the "Receiver" tab. Stick movements should now show on the screen. If the channel mapping is wrong, fix it on the radio side or change the "Channel Map" field to the correct order. Click "Save and Continue".
Flight Modes Setup
With no flight mode switch, the default is ACRO-mode. For beginners, it is recommended to add a two or three-position switch to toggle between ANGLE (stabilized), HORIZON (stabilized, more flexible), and ACRO (free style) mode.
- Open CleanFlight and go to the "Modes" tab.
- Select an AUX-switch from the dropdown menu, linked to the channel listed in "Receiver".
- For ACRO-mode, move the end-points between 900 and 1300. For HORIZON-mode, move the end-points between 1300 and 1700. Click "Save".
Finally, power up the VENDETTA and radio, and toggle the flight mode switch. The small marker underneath the range should move, and the label on the left will turn green when you change to ACRO or HORIZON.
Lost Alarm Switch:
In the event you lose the quad in a large grassy or obstructed area, a lost alarm beeper can be handy. By default, the beeper is not set up. The easiest way to engage the beeper is to use a free toggle-switch on the radio.
- Configure the radio to send the toggle switch on an empty channel, e.g., ch6.
- Power up VENDETTA and connect to the micro-USB interface.
- Open CleanFlight/BetaFlight, click "Connect", and go to the "Receiver" tab.
- Toggle the switch back and forth to verify that the channel is mapped correctly, and make a note of which AUX number.
- Move over to the "Modes" tab and scroll down to "BEEPER". From the dropdown menu, pick the AUX number to link the beeper, then click "Save".
- Try toggling the switch to engage the beeper, and make adjustments to the active range by moving the slider end-points.
Firmware Upgrade
Updates to the transmitter and receiver are applied using TBS AGENT software, which handles downloading the latest firmware, verification, and the upgrade process.
Installing TBS Agent:
Download the installer from http://www.team-blacksheep.com/corepro/agent (Windows 7/8, 64-bit required). No drivers are needed to use the application, but an internet connection is required to download the latest firmware versions. You can try beta and early releases by hitting F1 on the keyboard and checking the option in the dialog box.
Updating CORE PRO:
The USB connector for the CORE PRO is hidden inside the VENDETTA body, requiring you to open the body.
- Open the frame and slide out the body assembly to get access to the CORE PRO in the rear section.
- Release the two tapes holding the CORE PRO in place to get access to the micro-USB connector.
- Open TBS AGENT and connect the USB cable, select the desired version, and click "Update".
Updating COLIBRI RACE Firmware:
Getting the latest firmware flashed via TBS Agent is a fast and easy process.
- Install the latest STM32 VCP drivers: http://www.st.com/web/en/catalog/tools/PF257938
- Open TBS Agent and click on the "UPDATE COLIBRI RACE" tab.
- Press and hold the "BOOT" button on the COLIBRI board while connecting the micro-USB cable to the side of the main assembly to enter DFU programming mode.
- Select a firmware from the dropdown menu that is made for the VENDETTA and click "UPDATE". The process should finish within 15 seconds. These firmwares include tuned settings.
- Restore VENDETTA factory settings for the particular firmware version in CleanFlight/BetaFlight by hitting "Reset Settings" on the first "Setup" tab. Then, set up flight modes, beeper, and LEDs again.
Good Practices
A list of practices tried and tested in countless environments and situations by the TBS crew and other experienced FPV pilots. Follow these simple rules for success in FPV.
- Start with the bare essentials and add equipment one step at a time, performing proper range and stress tests after each addition.
- Do not fly with a video system that is capable of outperforming your R/C system in terms of range.
- Do not fly with an R/C frequency higher than the video frequency (e.g., 2.4GHz R/C, 900MHz video).
- Monitor the vitals of your plane (R/C link and battery). Flying with a digital R/C link without RSSI is dangerous.
- Do not use 2.4GHz R/C unless you fly well within its range limits, in noise-free environments, and always within LOS. Since this is most likely never the case, it is recommended not to use 2.4GHz R/C systems for longer range FPV.
- If you see noise in your video picture, turn around and buy a higher-gain receiver antenna before going out further.
- Use only shielded wires or twisted cables; anything else can pick up RF noise and cause problems.
- When using powerful R/C transmitters, ensure your groundstation equipment is properly shielded.
- Adding Return-To-Home (RTH) to an unreliable system does not increase the chances of getting your plane back. Work on making your system reliable without RTH first, then add RTH as an additional safety measure if necessary.
- Avoid powering the VTx directly from the battery; step-up or step-down the voltage to provide a constant level of power. Ensure your VTx runs until your battery dies.
- Do not power your camera directly unless it works along the complete voltage range of your battery. Step-up or step-down the voltage and provide a constant level of power to your camera. Ensure your camera runs until your battery dies.
- A single battery system is safer than using two dedicated batteries for R/C and FPV. Two batteries in parallel further mitigate sources of failure.
- For maximum video range and law compatibility, use 2.4GHz video with high-gain antennas.
- When flying with R/C buddies that fly on 2.4GHz, or when flying in cities, it is possible to use 2.4GHz video provided you stick to channels that do not lie in their band (CH5 to CH8 for Lawmate systems, available from TBS).
- Do not use diversity video receivers as a replacement for pointing your antennas; diversity should be used to mitigate polarization issues.
- Try to achieve as much separation of the VTx and R/C receiver as possible to lower the RF noise floor and EMI interference.
- Do not buy cheap equipment unless it is proven to work reliably (e.g., parts falling off, multitudes of bug fix firmware updates, community hacks and mods are indicators of poor quality). Do some research before sending your aircraft skyward to ensure both you and people around you stay safe.
Manual written and designed by ivc.no in cooperation with TBS.
