In the first build, we used the TX5823 and 1g camera. The result was okay, it was really small and light weight, my mini quad was able to carry it and still had good flight time. However the noise caused by the motors really upset this FPV setup.
I tried making a power filter for it which didn’t help. In the end I had to get a separate Lipo battery to power this 5.8Ghz FPV setup. Although the battery is light, only 5grams, but the weight of the FPV setup has increased to a total 12g! I wasn’t particular happy with this.
There are other options, some are more expensive, but saves you trouble from DIY.
What is new in the second FPV combo build?
So I decided to build a second micro FPV setup, using a much better mini video transmiiter with built-in power filter and voltage regulator. I am also using a cheaper mini FPV camera to even out the extra cost by the VTX, so the total cost of this build is about the same as the previous one. And the result is amazing! I can comfortably power this FPV combo using the main battery, and I don’t even get any noise at all at full throttle. Total weight of this setup is 6.5g, almost half of the previous version.
Parts and Assembly
AltitudeRC 5.8GHz 25mW Nano FPV Transmitter – FatShark Compatible
The reason that I love this VTX is because of the built-in power filter. It really helps reducing noise in the power, which I couldn’t do with my custom made LC filter.
I am extremely lucky to catch a good deal here, after my purchase of this video transmitter, HK decided to put the price up, I probably saved $15 on this one :)
Note that this VTX runs on a different frequency band (Fatshark, ImmersionRC band) than the TX5823 which is the Boscam band.
Get yours from Hobbyking.
I remove the heatshrink and cut the antenna as short as possible. On the package, it clearly shows you how long you should cut the antenna to.
600TVL 120degree Wide Angle Super Mini FPV Camera with MIC
This mini FPV camera is as good as the 1g camera with wide angle lens (if not any better). It comes with a 170 degree wide angle lens, and it’s only 1/4 the price of the 1g camera.
Get the camera from Banggood.
Alternatively you can also use this one from Surveilzone.
This camera comes with a Mic which I removed since I don’t need audio. And I also removed the green and white wires (audio output) to save weight.
Assembly
Note that the AltitudeRC video transmitter has a voltage output dedicated for the camera, which is rated at 3.3V, just perfect :D . I also twisted the power and ground wires, that helps reduce noise in the power. The whole thing weights only 6.5g, which is not bad at all!
My maiden flight with this setup.
Now, back to the Micro Quad build log.
55 comments
HI OSCAR,
CAN I DI THIS TO MY TBS UNIFY PRO HV RACE EDITION WITH A FOXEER HS 1177 CAMERA? THANKS =)
Hi Oscar! Your posts are the bible of quads!
One question – Are there any quality options for the vTx at banggood?
depends on what you are looking for! Since you are commenting in this post, I assume you are looking for one that can be used with brushed micro quad? Try the TX01/TX02, I really like the price and performance :)
https://oscarliang.com/eachine-tx01-25mw-vtx-camera/
Yeah Yeah! I’m on te search for components to micro quad build.
I think that this is the vTx at the qx95, Isn’t it?
I had a very bad experience with it in terms of range and solid signal (a lot of noise and skips).
Not sure, I don’t have the QX95.
Hi Oscar,
Should that camera be PAL or NTSC? I see both options here. Thanks!
Max
Hey Oscar !
Your blog is quite Interesting. :D I would love to try.. But How much it will cost to build this V2 FPV ?
Hi Oscar,
just wondering if this receiver will work with the AltitudeRC video transmitter?
banggood.com/Boscam-FR632-Diversity-5_8GHz-32CH-Auto-Scan-LCD-AV-Receiver-p-958097.html
Thanks :)
yes it will :) it covers the immersionrc band (band F) which is used by Altituderc vtx.
Hi Oscar, I was wondering to buy Banggood Micro Camera (600TVL 1/4 1.8mm CMOS FPV 170 Degree Wide Angle Lens Camera PAL/NTSC 3.7-5V). But what mode did you choose PAL or NTSC?
i use PAL on all my cameras :) better resolution!
Hi Oscar, I used a RX5813 as in your first build but 10mw version and the cam from this build but used a 5v step up to supply a clean 5v to cam and TX, adds 1g but you save that on the TX.
Could you use a few tiny ferrite beads and wind the motor power cables thru them to reduce the interference from the motors to the FPV?
Ferrite beads with magnet wire is too heavy
Hi Oscar
I’m looking around in the net for ppl who use that little camera because I was trying to make a little backpack for my hubsan x4 for fpv. Problem is – I have two of those cameras but both drop out if voltage goes under 4v.. cameras were ordered with several months between them too so not sure if i got unlucky or whats going on..
Tested by powering transmitter (10mw boscam) and camera from different sources to see when picture falls off..
Hi Oscar
I noticed that you power the camera from the 3.3V output of the VTx, but the camera specification says that it operates from 3.7-5V.
Did you not encounter any problems with that?
Thanks for the awesome build log, going to build one right now, just want to double and triple check some of the details.
no… when battery is charged, the voltage is up to 4.2V… when it gets down to 3.5V camera still works and the uad won’t take off anyway…
Hi Oscar
Some weeks ago I felt inspired by your blog to mount your “nano-FPV Gear” to my JJRC. Thank you for your encouraging response. I have just managed to get it flying…
youtu.be/cKFntvyzQbA
It is fun to play with. Yet I am a little insecure with the steering…so the footage is a little unsteady… Dont get sick.
Best wishes from Basel…
wow Mager! that’s fantastic! :D
I am building a new micro hopefully i have something new to share soon!
Hi Oscar,
thank you for sharing all this awesome & helpfully stuff @ ur site. So great!
Many thanks from ger, HAns Dampf
Hi Oscar
I just begin to build your Micro Quad copter. It’s amazing but i have some limitations. This one is for camera.
Exists any alternative for camera? I don’t like to buy in banggood due a past problems with them. I prefer to buy in hobbyking.
I see this one but i don’t know if fit in this fpv.
hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__72579__Aomway_Mini_200mW_VTX_and_FPV_Tuned_600TVL_Camera_Combo_PAL_.html
Oscar, Thanks a lot!
HI Victor, that’s too heavy, try the one from Surveilzone as an alternative, i updated the link now there.
Hi Oscar,
really thanks. You are the best.
I’m cliking ads, really thanks :)
Victor
hahaha… thanks :D
Hi Oscar,
Is there any way you could put v2 video online ? Just wondering how the new FPV transmitter and cam are doing in the field :)
Regards,
pakamon
HI Pakamon, the video i uploaded was the V2 :) i never uploaded V1 footage…
Great stuff !
I’m building micro quad. Period!
This project is awesome…
Hi Oscar!
Good job! I found this camera on banggood and it costs a half of price on surveilzone. Also it has 1.8mm lens which gives 170 degree FOV
http://www.banggood.com/600TVL-8_0MP-14-2_8mm-CMOS-FPV-170-Degree-Wide-Anlge-Lens-Camera-PALNTSC-p-984345.html
Thanks!
Hi Oscar.
Are you recording the fpv stream using a goggle recording feature or a standalone vrx?
Thanks
i was using a standalone VRX, and recorded on a DVR unit.
My old Ground Station
Thanks for the info. I think I’ll try and setup something similar.
Hi Oscar
Does anyone know if SkyZone RC832 receiver is compatible with this transmitter?
hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__43723__SkyZone_FPV_5_8_GHz_32CH_RC832_Receiver_With_A_V_and_Power_Cables.html
yes, this RX covers the Fatshark frequency band, so they are compatible.
I’m trying to copy your build with a slightly different TX so I can have the flexibility of FatShark or Boscam RX units going forward. I’m just getting into the hobby so trying to keep it flexible.
My issue is that my quads (toys) are all 3.7v Lipo batteries, all of the TX units state 6-12v or higher; how are you powering a TX that is 6v minimum input with a 3.7v Lipo? Any help is appreciated.
Specifically I’m considering the AOMWAY 5.8g 200mW TX and the 600TVL 120deg Wide Angle you mention in your second build. Just not 100% sure how to connect the power and have not ordered parts yet.
Thanks!
you will need a step up voltage regulator, but you will be adding extra weight… with this VTX+Camera, the weight is already close to the limit… I don’t recommend fPV gear that is heavier than mine…
Hi Oscar
Thank you for your creative Ideas and your strong effort to share them. As a Newcomer to the FPV Scene, I found your build of this tiny FPV Copter very innovative and inspiring. There are many new opportunities for a FPV Setup that runs on 1s, I think. I am planning to Mount your Setup to a JJRC 1000b. This copter is insanity on budged, to my view. And it is so small that it could become a FPV Racer for my Yard (-:… I will let you and the Readers of your blog know how it worked out. Cheers, Mager
Thanks Mager, yes 1S micro quads are very good for indoor flying, or a quick FPV session in a small garden :) we all need one for the winter or raining day!
Hi Oscar
While I admire the craftmanship behind this – have you seen this one? fpvhobby.com/143-sub-nano-combo-set.html
no i haven’t, but it’s on 2.4Ghz! I think most people uses 5.8Ghz for video.
Hi
I love your tutorial. Its very effective. Do u think, is it possible to build the micro kit with the gps osd ?
It will be great for a fast airplane like funjet.
Thanks
isn’t a heavy and bulky GPS module going to kill the purpose of a micro light weight FPV setup?
Hi,
I am really interested on this project, could you please make a tutorial with the links to buy the items and ensure that newbies like me are buying the right items?
Kind regards
Hello Oscar,
What is the range on this setup ?
Thanks,
ShooterSnake
i haven’t tested the range properly, but I got clear image within 50m, 80m with some static… haven’t gone any further than that…
How much does tis cost and can u get a non fpv one
Oscar, I was wondering if you could help me out a bit. I purchased a Tx for a quad copter but the 5.8 antenna is screwed up and the coax wire has been cut and the other end to the board is missing. I don’t know where to begin to fix this. Can I send you a few pics of what I have? maybe you can guide me in what to purchase to get this board working again? That would be greatly appreciated.
Alan
Please join the FB group so we can better help you, link on the top, right hand side panel.
Hi Oscar,
Awesome blog!!! I purchased the same setup recommended by this blog and was wondering what DVR you are using to record the video from the camera? The quality doesn’t look too bad.
Thanks,
Brian
at the time, i was using the Hobbyking DVR
Hi Oscar,
Great write-up!
How did you wire the power for this vTX/camera setup? You mentioned it’s all powered by a single 1S lipo, but did you simply split the wiring directly from the battery (and make a wire harness) or does the vTX/camera connect to the FCB somehow?
yes, simply split the connection from the battery. I made an easy adapter for this, input goes into battery, and two output comes out which can be used by FC / VTX.
Hi Oscar,
Since this is not compatible with the Boscam band, what type of video receiver did you use to work with the AltitudeRC video transmitter?
I used the ImmersionRC UNO with this VTX.
Hi Oscar, thank you for sharing that awesome setup !
I got the nano VTx, and it seems to be compatible only with IRC stuff. I don’t want to buy a UNO VRx only to use with this, as I’ll be using Boscam VTX for FPV… but don’t have any VRX yet, so I’m wondering what VRX should I buy to use with both Boscam and this nano VTX ?
The TBS dominator module supports airwave frequencies but the range and video quality is bad, same with the opensource FS58U module.
Is there any VRx that fully supports alpha ( airwave ) and beta ( boscam ) bands without range or quality loss ? or do I have to buy two VRX ?
there are pretty of choices, search for 32 channel receiver and you should find some good ones. I am not sure I know the quality loss issue with those VRX.. sorry can’t comment on that.