FPV Quadcopters, RTF-First Person View Quadcopters Ready-TO-Fly

What Does FPV Mean?

For radio-controlled, unmanned vehicles or aircraft, the view that the remote pilot or driver has can make a big difference in how and what the operator is able to do, where they are able to take their craft, and so on. Arguably, the best view is the first-person view (FPV).  FPV is also often referred to as video piloting or remote-person view. This is where a camera is mounted on the vehicle or craft in such a way as to provide the remote operator with the feeling of being in the proverbial driver’s seat. In short, this view allows the remote operator to see as if they were in the cab or cockpit of the vehicle or craft.

What are the Advantages?

This improves the ability for unmanned craft to be taken into a wide range of different environments, from traditional urban areas, and even dense forests and jungles.

Due to the perspective that the FPV gives the operator, higher flight altitudes and greater distances can be traversed in these vehicles. The view also improves the agility of the operator, as they have a better perspective of their surroundings, allowing them to maneuver through tight spaces. As it allows for more realistic views and perspectives, it also provides for a more realistic experience for the operator as well.

How Does it Work?

There are a wide variety of different options for FPV that go to a varying degree of sophistication, but it all starts with an FPV camera. They’re all mounted onto a FPV quadcopter frame.  From forward mounted cameras that simply allow the operator a FPV in the forward direction, to sophisticated stereoscopic cameras with gyroscopes that give for a incredibly realistic look and feel that lets the operate sense even the subtle dips and rolls of the craft.

Though this view can be utilized in terrestrial vehicles, it is most commonly used in radio-controlled unmanned remote controlled aircraft. There are two main elements that are included in an FPV setup: airborne or ground.

Airborne

This refers to the on-board equipment on the remotely manned craft. Airborne elements of the FPV setup include cameras (whether front-mounted, gyroscopic, etc.) and transmitting devices. More sophisticated setups may include more detailed tracking and locating information such as GPS. Airborne equipment also includes things like basic installation materials and stabilization devices.

Ground

This refers to the devices that receive and display signals on the ground. This can be as simple as an app for a phone or other mobile device. Ground setups can be far more advanced too, utilizing computers and other forms of monitoring that can display far more than just visual data. With more sophisticated setups, receiving devices must also be setup in order to receive other data collected and transmitted from the craft.

With the first-person view, the remote operator can take their unmanned crafts higher and farther than ever before. This perspective provides for a more realistic feel and allows for more agility in operation. Crafts or vehicles that offer the first-person view make for a more versatile craft as they can be successfully navigated through a variety of different environments with precision and ease. It also makes the experience far more realistic for the remote operator, allowing them to better feel for the environment and more optimally navigate their crafts.

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FPV antenna