FASST vs. 3 Watt video transmitter

[Toumal]

Inspired by Kiwi's most excellent video tests of the XPS, ASSAN and FASST systems, I ran a test using the R617FS FASST receiver in a plane that is chock-full with other transmitting devices. FASST has to go up against a 3 Watt 2.4GHz video transmitter and a Variometer on 433 MHz.

I had a crash last week, cause unknown, but after this test I am quite certain that I lost power due to sloppy cabling on my part. I had no logger back then, but I do now, and I promise I will make good use of it

Thus I wanted to find out whether sticking tesa-tape over the antennas causes and trouble (sounds stupid, but if you crash you wanna verify every possible cause) - lo and behold it didn't have any effect in the tests. FASST braved the video transmitter AND the variometer at the same time too.

At the end of the video there's a short review of log data, showing the only times the receiver stopped working was in range check mode (10% tx power) while behind a large vehicle with no LOS. Max. distance I can test at home is roughly 100 meters, and in range check mode things do become shaky at around that distance.

I don't know how to embed video here, so here's an old-fashioned link:
EDIT: Now I do

FASST vs. 3 Watt transmitter

[Toumal]

Higher quality vid on vimeo

[Kiwi]

Toumal,

Great video and great information.

Where do you get that data logger from and the variometer for the glider. I have a young guy here in our club using the exact same plane (Easystar) and he has video glasses so its like sitting in the thing and flying it. It's a great sensation flying these things with the glasses on I tell you. Takes RC to a whole new level.

[Mithrandir]

Wow!!!

Thanks...
I was thinking of trying my 1.5 watt 426.25 mhz Amateur TV system with FASST...

[The Dirt Doctor]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Kiwi
	Toumal, Great video and great information. Where do you get that data logger from and the variometer for the glider. I have a young guy here in our club using the exact same plane (Easystar) and he has video glasses so its like sitting in the thing and flying it. It's a great sensation flying these things with the glasses on I tell you. Takes RC to a whole new level.

I gare ron tea that would bring IMAC to a whole new dimension! Man, putting yourself inside the plane flying aerobatics just like you were really there!! That would be way kewl!!!

TDD aka Bobby

[Kiwi]

Bobby,

I'm working on a project that has a full Eagle tree setup in the plane with a 900Mhz data transmission system plus a video camera on board.

The idea is (lots of help here from Bill Parry of Eagle Tree by the way) is to have the video out the front from a pilots eye veiw. The lower portion of the screen will have a live instrumentation panel showing RPM, Airspeed, Engine temp,G's pulled, GPS data for ROC, etc etc. The idea is to have fully rigged so theoretically it can be flown as if your in the real thing.

Its my current project now that I have finished the 2.4Ghz system tests and there will be a thread here on FG showing the progress.

Scary stuff eh!!!! Also you dont want to suffer from motion sickness flying with the glasses. Seriously it throws your balance mechanism all to buggery until you get used to them.

[3-d flyer]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Kiwi
	Bobby, I'm working on a project that has a full Eagle tree setup in the plane with a 900Mhz data transmission system plus a video camera on board. The idea is (lots of help here from Bill Parry of Eagle Tree by the way) is to have the video out the front from a pilots eye veiw. The lower portion of the screen will have a live instrumentation panel showing RPM, Airspeed, Engine temp,G's pulled, GPS data for ROC, etc etc. The idea is to have fully rigged so theoretically it can be flown as if your in the real thing. Its my current project now that I have finished the 2.4Ghz system tests and there will be a thread here on FG showing the progress. Scary stuff eh!!!! Also you dont want to suffer from motion sickness flying with the glasses. Seriously it throws your balance mechanism all to buggery until you get used to them.

Kiwi, That sounds awesome! I can't wait for that thread to start!! Well, then again.... Maybe i can, It sounds like it's going to cost me more $.......

[Toumal]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Kiwi
	Where do you get that data logger from and the variometer for the glider.

The logger is the UniLog from SM ( http://www.sm-modellbau.de/shop/prod...id=46&cPath=11 ) and it comes with a USB cable. It's compatible with LogView. I was considering an EagleTree logger, which can log all servo channels instead of just one. However, the UniLog is smaller and IMHO using too many Y-cables (like you have to use for the EagleTree logger) introduces another error source. But the EagleTree system is still very interesting, since it has video data insertion support, a telemetry transmitter option, etc.

The Vario is the "Classic Voice II" from wstech ( http://www.wstech.de ) - They even have a new version that connects to the UniLog and "talks" live sensor values of the Unilog.

	Quote: Originally Posted by Kiwi
	I have a young guy here in our club using the exact same plane (Easystar) and he has video glasses so its like sitting in the thing and flying it. It's a great sensation flying these things with the glasses on I tell you. Takes RC to a whole new level.

Oh absolutely. I let other people remote-fly the EasyStar during events, because even a goon could fly that plane. I also have a smaller camera/transmitter unit for my shockflyers, but it takes some guts to do aerobatics that way...
Oh and many folks do complete headtracking FPV these days. I imagine that's about as awesome as it gets.

BTW here's a shockflyer onboard video

YouTube - Shockflyer Onboard

[USN_POPS]

I use the Eagletree data logger and have for over a year now. It is really a nice package. I don't use all the features yet, but those I do use are very informative and great for analyzing what a plane will do in the air. With a Laptop at the field and live mode it could really be interesting.
But what you guys are doing is way over the top. Good going, interesting stuff.

[XJet]

FYI, JD said it was impossible for *any* 2.4GHz RC system to co-exist with a powerful video transmitter.

[Jamieman]

Well done man.
Lots of great information.
Fasst is holding up well.

[Toumal]

	Quote: Originally Posted by XJet
	FYI, JD said it was impossible for *any* 2.4GHz RC system to co-exist with a powerful video transmitter.

Well I'm flying with one. But then again that might be an optical illusion...
BTW the transmitter is not really 3W, it's more like 2.5-ish. But hey, that's what you get buying illegal equipment from shady chinese ebay shops

[Kiwi]

	Quote: Originally Posted by XJet
	FYI, JD said it was impossible for *any* 2.4GHz RC system to co-exist with a powerful video transmitter.

He likely still believes in Father Christmas and waits for the tooth fairy to drop a buck under his pillow every time he looses a tooth.

[Mithrandir]

Are you finding the 2.4 video is sensitive to antenna orientation... particularly the Tx - to - Rx relative orientations?

[Toumal]

As silly as it sounds, yes. There are other, more directional antennas one can use for the receiver to get better quality. Also, despite the power, I found that obstructions in the line of sight seriously degrade the video link quality.