On this publish, I’ll share the instruments, gear, and FPV drones that I exploit each day. I take a look at and evaluate merchandise repeatedly, and whereas I like to recommend varied merchandise, those talked about listed below are my private favorites. I attempt to replace this publish as typically as I can, however please do examine the edit historical past on the backside to be sure you are getting the newest information. Please let me know if this publish will get somewhat outdated and I’ll replace it asap.
Disclaimer: I’m not sponsored by any firm; all opinions are my very own.
Radio and Receivers
For radio hyperlink, ExpressLRS (ELRS) is my go-to alternative in the meanwhile—providing the perfect worth, efficiency, and {hardware} choices.
On the subject of radios, I actually like those from Radiomaster. Their radios are strong, you possibly can’t go mistaken with them. Listed here are the radios I like to recommend: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/#suggestions.
Nonetheless, my present every day driver is the T20S from Jumper. It’s compact and but nonetheless presents almost all of the options you’d discover in a full measurement radio. I want the unique, non-Gemini model as a result of it’s cheaper, and the vary is greater than sufficient. See my evaluate right here: https://oscarliang.com/jumper-t20-radio/
My T20S has undergone varied DIY modifications to go well with my preferences and desires, discover the main points right here: https://oscarliang.com/setup-jumper-t20s-radio/.
All the brand new ExpressLRS receivers are fairly related by way of functionality, so simply select one that matches your funds and model choice. Radiomaster, BetaFPV and Flywoo all make nice receivers. See receiver picks right here: https://oscarliang.com/setup-expresslrs-2-4ghz/#Receivers
FPV Methods and Goggles
I’ve flown each FPV system on the market, all of them have their professionals and cons.
For freestyle, lengthy vary and cinematic flying, I principally use DJI, picture high quality is top-notch, and the hyperlink is strong. For micro quads I like Walksnail as a result of DJI Air Models are just too heavy and hulking, Walksnail presents extra choices relating to VTX and digicam together with a 1S VTX which is nice for micros. I additionally nonetheless fly analog, primarily for tiny whoops. Analog is the most cost effective FPV possibility and the lightest, which is ideal for micro quads.
There are loads to contemplate relating to FPV methods, I’ve a purchaser’s information which explains in additional particulars: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-system/
When you’ve selected which system to make use of, the selection of FPV goggles turns into straightfoward as there are often only some goggles to select from. For Walksnail and HDZero, I DO NOT advocate utilizing their exterior module, not solely the HDMI connection provides further delay, the wiring can be messy, and the setup is clunky and hulking. For greatest consequence, use their devoted goggles. And if you wish to fly analog, get a set of devoted analog goggles.
Right here is my FPV Goggles purchaser’s information: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-goggles/.
I exploit DJI Goggles 2 and O3 Air Unit for the DJI system—this combo presents the perfect picture high quality, vary, and penetration. For Walksnail, the Goggles X and Walksnail VTX V2 are my favorites.
For analog, the Skyzone SKY04X Professional is my go-to. It presents the perfect picture high quality, a really vast subject of view, and focal size adjustment, which is helpful for individuals who put on glasses.
The very best funds analog goggles can be the Cobra SD Though they’re field goggles with an LCD display screen, picture readability remains to be very first rate! The superior built-in OSD menu considerably improves person expertise and even helps exterior receiver modules.
Antennas
Since our FPV methods run on 5.8GHz, you should utilize the identical antennas with DJI, Walksnail, HDZero and Analog. Simply be sure you have the connector and polarization right (e.g. SMA vs. RP-SMA and RHCP vs. LHCP).
Try my FPV antenna suggestions for some concepts: https://oscarliang.com/best-fpv-antenna/
Analog Video Receiver Module
For analog receiver modules, there are solely two choices value contemplating in my view: ImmersionRC Rapidfire and TBS Fusion. See my comparability for a bit extra element: https://oscarliang.com/rapidfire-fusion/.
Rapidfire
TBS Fusion
LiPo Charger
My every day driver is the ToolkitRC Q6AC. It’s highly effective, has 4 outputs (can cost 4 LiPo concurrently), and might be powered by AC and DC. See my evaluate right here: https://oscarliang.com/toolkitrc-q6ac-lipo-charger/
Though this charger has a number of ports, I nonetheless use parallel charging boards. Even when not parallel charging, it makes plugging in batteries a lot simpler 🙂 My favourite parallel charging board in the meanwhile is the HGLRC Thor as a result of it has fuse safety: https://oscarliang.com/hglrc-thor-pro-6-parallel-charging-board/
For charging within the subject, I want one thing extra moveable. I fairly just like the iSDT Q6 Nano. It’s light-weight, can cost 1S to 6S batteries, and is inexpensive at solely $30. The SkyRC B6Neo can be a terrific different: https://oscarliang.com/skyrc-b6neo-lipo-charger/
In case your charger doesn’t have a built-in energy provide and requires DC enter, you will have an exterior PSU.
You will get a server or laptop energy provide if you understand how, or you should purchase one off the shelf like these:
- 100W PSU:
- 240W PSU:
- 360W PSU:
- 400-460W PSU:
- 600W PSU:
- 1200W PSU:
Most PSUs output both 12V or 24V, so ensure your charger can take the upper voltage. If doable, get the 24V over 12V, some chargers can put out extra energy at larger enter voltage.
If you’d like an inexpensive and easy charger that comes with an influence provide that you would be able to plug straight into the wall, the the ISDT 608AC is an efficient newbie possibility. It’s not very highly effective however will get the job executed.
To cost a number of batteries concurrently, think about using a parallel charging board. Be certain that to learn this text to discover ways to parallel cost LiPo batteries: https://oscarliang.com/parallel-charging-multiple-lipo/.
For charging batteries within the subject, I exploit these giant capability batteries.
Instruments
Listed here are a few of my favourite instruments. There are others you would possibly discover helpful, as defined on this publish: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-tools/.
Provides & Supplies
Spare and constructing supplies that I’ve good expertise with.
My Favorite BNF
These are pre-built FPV drones that I like probably the most.
DJI Avata 2
Assessment: https://oscarliang.com/dji-avata-2/
It is likely to be shocking to some, however the Avata 2 is definitely the drone I’ve flown probably the most in 2024. It’s simply so handy to take with me once I go travelling, and the video high quality type the onboard digicam is sort of nearly as good as a GoPro minus the load. Flight efficiency isn’t nearly as good as a typical 5″ and there are top and pace limitations, however so long as it’s not too windy it will probably get the job executed, e.g. taking cinematic pictures and cruising round. Security options resembling return to residence and emergency brake give the person peace of thoughts too.
Fly Extra Combo (3 batteries):
iFlight Nazgul ECO
Assessment: https://oscarliang.com/iflight-nazgul-eco-fpv-drone/
One of many least expensive 5-inch BNF available on the market presently – even cheaper than constructing your individual (with related specs parts).
Flywoo Explorer LR V2
Extremely-light 4″ quad for lengthy vary (4S).
Air65 Tiny Whoop
Assessment: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-air65/
My favourite tiny whoop to date.
SpeedyBee Bee25
Assessment: https://oscarliang.com/speedybee-bee25-cinewhoop/
2.5″ cinewhoop for carrying a bare GoPro for taking cinematic footage.
HGLRC Draknight 2″ Micro Drone
The Draknight is without doubt one of the greatest micros I reviewed in 2024 – an 1S 2inch analog micro quad. Very sturdy and distinctive design, and it’s tremendous quiet, flies extremely locked in and nimble, only a good park ripper. I reviewed it with the RTF equipment, however you should buy this quad by itself if you have already got your individual goggles and radio:
Different Suggestions
Edit Historical past
- Might 2018 – Article created
- July 2020 – Up to date listing
- Mar 2021 – Up to date listing
- Apr 2022 – Up to date listing
- Sep 2022 – Up to date listing
- Feb 2023 – Up to date product hyperlinks
- Aug 2024 – Up to date merchandise
- Dec 2024 – Up to date merchandise
