Page 1 of 1
FPV and mini quads....how does it work?
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2014 5:31 am
by Derek
When I first began investigating flying FPV and shopping for FPV gear, I remember being told to separate my video tx and antenna from my plane receiver as much as possible for reasons of interference. That's fine! I can do that. On my current FPV project (details soon to come), there will be at least 30" of separation. Here comes my question...
On a mini quad, 250 size, there isnt a whole lot of real estate to work with. How does the lack of separation work properly? Is it more of an issue with different frequencies? I see most FPV mini quads with 5.8ghz video systems. I have a 1.3ghz video system. Would my video system work on a mini quad?
I'd really appreciate any knowledge on this?
Re: FPV and mini quads....how does it work?
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2014 8:21 am
by Lee
You will see on most mini quads Derek, that the VTX antenna is extended out the back a far as possible, and the RX is towards the front.
Not much more you can do on separation there

As for your 1.3 system. It will work, but the issue will be, heavier VTX and huge antenna.
The fact these little buggers are made fun smashing and bashing around, a 1.3 antenna is not going to last very long.
Last fridays Helihangout was mostly mini quad chat, and we spoke about a lot of these things.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLcn3ZzHJJI
Re: FPV and mini quads....how does it work?
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2014 9:16 am
by Derek
Sounds good Lee! Thanks! I can't imagine that my 1.3ghz system would be suitable, either lol. That's probably why the 5.8ghz systems are used on these little buggers.
Re: FPV and mini quads....how does it work?
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2014 11:07 am
by cml001
Yeah I almost sign'd on from remote location.
Re: FPV and mini quads....how does it work?
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 7:37 am
by Tony
What did you decide on with this Derek, any news
Re: FPV and mini quads....how does it work?
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 3:34 pm
by wolfman76
What is a helical antenna and would this be good for any 5.8 setup
http://www.gothelirc.com/shopexd.asp?id=2686
Re: FPV and mini quads....how does it work?
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 7:17 pm
by Derek
I think Helical antennas are used to get more range "directly" in front of you. They will still listen to the sides of you and behind you but not at far as in front of you. 120-140 degrees in front of you, I think. I don't know a lot about the technical side of it.
I think, if you are just going to be flying your quad around you (and not going any real distances), a set of Blue Beams would be better because you'll have a more consistent signal area.
As for the helical antenna that you listed, Kyle....it will surely work. No doubt....just not as far when you are flying behind you.
Re: FPV and mini quads....how does it work?
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 7:28 pm
by Stambo
That's about right, they are also better at receiving a weaker signal when you are going through trees etc but only directly in front. Best partnered with a cp antenna on a diversity system rather than on their own.
Even better on a tracking setup.
Re: FPV and mini quads....how does it work?
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 7:29 pm
by Derek
Thanks for that Stambo! I thought I was pretty close with my description.
Re: FPV and mini quads....how does it work?
Posted: Wed Jun 03, 2015 10:23 pm
by wolfman76
Would you have any recommendations as to what to get I have a set of immersion rc antennas