I'm brand new to the FPV drone experience, need guidance ...

stanr · Dec 21, 2016

I'm brand new to the FPV drone experience. I've done gas-engine RC flying, but the idea of FPV drone flying certainly seems to trump that. To start small and at minimum cost, I've been advised to (i) download the DRL simulator, which I now have done onto my desktop PC, big screen and plenty powerful to handle it; and (ii) purchase a minimum-grade controller (only about $45 or so??) to plug into the PC so I have joysticks to simulate with as opposed to keyboard arrow keys. I don't know Phantom or any other brands, so could use recommendations on an adequate minimal simulator controller and comment as to whether I'm understanding things correctly. I also could use guidance on how the controller would plug into the PC, what kind of cord to use, what end configurations (PC has plenty of USB-2 and -3 ports), and whether the cord would come with the controller or be purchased separately. I also could use guidance as to whether the PC connection would charge the controller battery or alternatively a matching battery charger also have to be purchased. Offhand recommendations and uTube vids to-date suggest maybe the FlySky FS-16 as an adequate minimal controller, apparently comes with a receiver in case needed for the PC hook-up, and could be used with a small quad when I start actual flying. The longer-term plan is to graduate into FPV, at which time I'd probably scrap the minimal controller (if indeed inadequate) and purchase a reasonably high-grade set of controller, quad, receiver, goggles, etc, relying on blog members here hopefully to keep me from straying too far off a logical path. Many thanks in advance for your assist ...

alokbhargava · Dec 25, 2016

Switch over from RC flying to Drone flying is a piece of cake. You already know the behavior of the sticks. You get the same experience on a drone. Additionally you don't have to keep controlling your sticks on a drone, you can leave them and drone will hover at a place.

I don't think you should invest in any kind of simulator at all. Just go for a drone that has GPS. Phantom series or Mavic will not let you down.

Sent from my iPhone using PhantomPilots

stanr · Dec 25, 2016

Really appreciate you taking the time. The DRL simulator was a freebie download, so I'll give it a try as long as I already have it, using my PC keyboard arrows instead of buying even a minimum controller for the moment. If you're curious, I'll let you know how that turns out. I've heard of Phantom (this site, of course) and Mavic, so assume both are reliably proven drone names. My real interest is beyond the drones, though. What really grabbed me was an ESPN drone racing show, not so much for the racing, but for the FPV, wearing the goggles and seeing only what the pilot sees. The idea of visually being in the cockpit really stirs me, not videography, not Hollywood. So for a flyer like me, are Phantom and Mavic still brands I should be focusing on, or do I get away from the eye-appeal (the Phantom Advanced is a total beauty), or do I look at other brands more closely attuned to the goggle experience? Seems most people I'm communicating with use their phones or tablets as viewing screens, not goggles. Is that where you're coming from? Have you in fact done the goggle thing, or know people who have? Or in your opinion is goggle FPV really just for younger flyers more totally into competition and who's stomachs don't turn with the virtual reality jumbling-of-the-senses I expect is a hurdle in using goggle view? Guess that latter thing really is the question here. Maybe that's where the DRL simulator might help, tell me if I should just stick with RC fixed-wing flying or chase the more virtual-reality dream. Again, thanks for taking the time.

DCJ64 · Dec 27, 2016

stanr said:
Really appreciate you taking the time. The DRL simulator was a freebie download, so I'll give it a try as long as I already have it, using my PC keyboard arrows instead of buying even a minimum controller for the moment. If you're curious, I'll let you know how that turns out. I've heard of Phantom (this site, of course) and Mavic, so assume both are reliably proven drone names. My real interest is beyond the drones, though. What really grabbed me was an ESPN drone racing show, not so much for the racing, but for the FPV, wearing the goggles and seeing only what the pilot sees. The idea of visually being in the cockpit really stirs me, not videography, not Hollywood. So for a flyer like me, are Phantom and Mavic still brands I should be focusing on, or do I get away from the eye-appeal (the Phantom Advanced is a total beauty), or do I look at other brands more closely attuned to the goggle experience? Seems most people I'm communicating with use their phones or tablets as viewing screens, not goggles. Is that where you're coming from? Have you in fact done the goggle thing, or know people who have? Or in your opinion is goggle FPV really just for younger flyers more totally into competition and who's stomachs don't turn with the virtual reality jumbling-of-the-senses I expect is a hurdle in using goggle view? Guess that latter thing really is the question here. Maybe that's where the DRL simulator might help, tell me if I should just stick with RC fixed-wing flying or chase the more virtual-reality dream. Again, thanks for taking the time.

I agree with you on this one...My son and I just bought two cheapo little drones to try that style before we go head first into it!! Looks like a blast to fly at those speeds!! Still love flying the Phantom 3s I have also!!

stanr · Dec 27, 2016

DCJ64 said:
I agree with you on this one...My son and I just bought two cheapo little drones to try that style before we go head first into it!! Looks like a blast to fly at those speeds!! Still love flying the Phantom 3s I have also!!

Are you and your son using goggles, or just flying drones like I do my RC fixed-winger? This is what I'm trying decide before investing the dough, the question of whether it's the flying of drones is grabbing my interest or the flying of drones with goggles so as to experience what should be a virtual-reality feel of sitting in the pilot seat. Have you guys tried the goggles, and is the virtual reality feel really there?

DCJ64 · Dec 27, 2016

stanr said:
Are you and your son using goggles, or just flying drones like I do my RC fixed-winger? This is what I'm trying decide before investing the dough, the question of whether it's the flying of drones is grabbing my interest or the flying of drones with goggles so as to experience what should be a virtual-reality feel of sitting in the pilot seat. Have you guys tried the goggles, and is the virtual reality feel really there?

No we haven't tried with the googles yet, but I can only imagine that it would have a pretty good rush to it!!

stanr · Dec 29, 2016

DCJ64 said:
No we haven't tried with the googles yet, but I can only imagine that it would have a pretty good rush to it!!

These are the guys I'm trying to reach. Most here at Phantom either are racers with goggles taking part in organized races, which is way beyond anything I'd ever do, or fly with phone or tablet screens, not goggles. I'll try posting another thread, maybe figure out a title that reaches the flyers I'm reaching out to. At least you see the possibilities of a real rush in goggle use, even for the more casual flyer weaving among trees or buildings, etc., shows I'm not totally making this stuff up ...

DCJ64 · Dec 29, 2016

stanr said:
These are the guys I'm trying to reach. Most here at Phantom either are racers with goggles taking part in organized races, which is way beyond anything I'd ever do, or fly with phone or tablet screens, not goggles. I'll try posting another thread, maybe figure out a title that reaches the flyers I'm reaching out to. At least you see the possibilities of a real rush in goggle use, even for the more casual flyer weaving among trees or buildings, etc., shows I'm not totally making this stuff up ...

Well I just received my Hubsan x4 yesterday and that one is real fun to fly....I can only imagine what a full race one is like to fly....Wife is going to regret she started me in this hobby!!!

stanr · Dec 29, 2016

I've read about the Hubsan, seems highly regarded. Did you get goggles and going to try that, or with phone/tablet screen, or just fly line-of-site? Good luck, and enjoy!

DCJ64 · Dec 29, 2016

Line of site right now....and it is keeping me busy while the weather is crappy and I can't fly the Phantom!!

ResOps · Dec 30, 2016

DCJ64 said:
Line of site right now....and it is keeping me busy while the weather is crappy and I can't fly the Phantom!!

Can't fly the Phantom???- it must be rainin huh-I'm enjoying winter snow flight here
FPV (First Person View)

DCJ64 · Dec 30, 2016

ResOps said:
Can't fly the Phantom???- it must be rainin huh-I'm enjoying winter snow flight here
FPV (First Person View)

Snow with wind!!!! too new to try!

ResOps · Dec 30, 2016

DCJ64 said:
Snow with wind!!!! too new to try!

I'm only a few months your senior lol but live in farm country lots of safe flying

DCJ64 · Dec 30, 2016

ResOps said:
I'm only a few months your senior lol but live in farm country lots of safe flying

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I did a small night video last night, was a little foggy no where as clear as yours! If i could figure how to upload i would.