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BlackBox Date and Time Quick Tip

Don’t you just hate it going through your blackbox logs and not really knowing which log is for which flight cause of the random date stamps… Well worry no more [...]
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UK Drone Registration Fee Lowered 🔻

CAA has published their latest updates to the controversial drone and model aircraft registration scheme. The annual fee has been reduced from £16.50 to £9 following an outcry from the [...]
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Foxeer Revo – HD ❓📷

So if you have been watching social media Foxeer have released this snapshot with the #HDVTX on twitter and no other information. But what can we guess? After all a [...]
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RunCam Split -Whoop edition🎥

Any one want some HD action for there whoops ? RunCam are releasing a RunCam Split 3 Nano – Whoop edition…The Control board instead of having the normal 20×20 or [...]
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The TBS Fusion is here 🐑

A Fusion of the best: The image processing developed by BrainFPV, the OSD and UI by Achilles, and the hardware engineered and manufactured by TBS. When the brightest minds of [...]
Read more

The Tinyhawk FreeStyle.

Emax have released a new shiny quad the Tinyhawk Freestyle edition. With the new product, They are aiming to provide a product path for existing Tinyhawk owners and beginners to [...]
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DJI Digital FPV 👀

Well look at that DJI have released there own HD FPV setup. Complete with control link and radio transmitter and not an FPV Drone like I guessed, well not yet [...]
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What the DJI ❓

Ok for those with a keen eye posts have been popping up on social media with news that DJI could be releasing a DJI FPV style drone. DJI have filled [...]
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Don’t you just hate it going through your blackbox logs and not really knowing which log is for which flight cause of the random date stamps… Well worry no more I have a quick tip that will help.

Get your blackbox logs from this..

To this..

Betaflight doesn’t know the time or date it doesn’t have a clock.
But Betaflight can correctly timestamp your blackbox logs IF it has an external clock source. This can be done in two different ways.

  1. Fit a GPS to your quad.
  2. From your Transmitter.

With the first method of fitting a GPS it works well for the bigger quads or quads with room. You just wait for the GPS to get a lock and start your blackbox log. The rest is automatic.

Most transmitters have a Real Time Clock and battery so that the transmitter can hold an accurate time. That time can be sent to your quad and then used to timestamp your logs.

Now for a couple of requirements.

  • Your going to need a OpenTX transmitter.
  • Running LUA scripts.
  • Betaflight v3.3+

Its the Betaflight LUA script that sends the date and time to the quad. You just need to set it up to run in the background on your TX and your good to go.

The How to

Just copy my screen shot from my RadioMaster TX16s and thats all you need.

For me its only a couple of clicks, your Tx maybe different.

  • Power on my Tx.
  • Hold the “SYS” button.
  • Scroll across the pages until you get to “Global Functions”.
  • Then create a new function as seen above.
    • GF1 ON Lua Script and then select bfbkgd.

If you do it as a Global Function it will work with all your quads.

This has been a feature in Betaflight for a long time its just one of those lesser know features. With this quick tip it could help your sort through your blackbox logs and just maybe make things a little easier.

Hope you found this useful happy blackboxing and fly safe everyone.

One of TheFPV team pilots (SyncFPV) who’s day job is a game developer has been spending some time (when we would of otherwise been flying but cant because of the lockdown) working on some tweaks of his very own FPV simulator. And today is the day that its polished enough to release to the world.

(more…)

CAA has published their latest updates to the controversial drone and model aircraft registration scheme. The annual fee has been reduced from £16.50 to £9 following an outcry from the industry. Here is a quick summary of the key facts you need to know:

  • Registration open from 5th November. Becomes law and is mandatory from 30th November 2019
  • If you are part of an approved association (FPV UK, BMFA etc…) you will not need to register directly with the CAA (more details below)
  • You will need to pass a 20 question online competency test
  • If you already have a CAA permission, or CAA approved association achievement certificate you will not need to complete the online competency test.
  • Two types of registration
    • Flyer ID – Anyone who wants to fly a drone or model aircraft over 250g (under 20Kg) will need to register to get a Flyer ID. This is free
    • Operator ID – Anyone who is responsible for a drone or model aircraft over 250g (under 20Kg) will need to register and use your operator ID on all drones and model aircraft. This is renewable annually and costs £9 per year.
  • This only applies within the UK, if flying outside UK you will need to consult with relevant governing bodies for rules and regulations.

Where do I register?

From 5th of November 2019 you will be able to register at https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/

Members of existing CAA approved organisations

You will not need to register directly with the CAA if you are a current member of ARPAS-UK, BFMA, SAA, LMA and FPV UK. With permission [of individual members], the associations will collect the registration fee from members directly and supply their data to the CAA. This will take place initially by 31 January 2020 and an exemption from the need to register will be put in place by 30 November to cover association members until then.

Read more about this on the CAA website – https://www.caa.co.uk/Consumers/Unmanned-aircraft/Our-role/Drone-and-model-aircraft-registration/

What is next?

At the moment there is no need for some of the more unreasonable requirements such as requiring an ADS-B Transponder, or geofencing on any aircraft over 250g. IT is also great to see that many of the model aircraft associations are fighting hard to get an acreement with the CAA.

We are grateful to the Secretary of State for Transport for his direct intervention in this matter which has allowed us to negotiate a more acceptable outcome for our community whilst enabling us to establish a much stronger relationship with the CAA and DfT in the process.  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our members for their support of our campaign which was backed up by a significant number of MP’s, the wider aviation community, the APPG for General Aviation and our special advisers (Cliff Whittaker and Roger Hopkinson MBE).  It is very much a case of ‘United we Achieve’.

BFMA CEO David Phipps

So going forward we all hope to see some more positive agreements that allow us to enjoy the hobby while still giving authorities appropriate power to protect the public from bad operators.

So a few days after I shared my comments on what I think about Fatshark vs DJI for HD FPV, my main argument against Fatshark is that we did not have much details nor did we know when it will be released. Well that changed when Fatshark announced more details and that they are shipping out beta units this week. Lets take a look.

(more…)

So if you have been watching social media Foxeer have released this snapshot with the #HDVTX on twitter and no other information.

But what can we guess?

After all a picture can say a 1000 words….

Find the clues

What does every split style camera have that this one doesnt?
Theres no cable between the camera and the VTX? Removable maybe look at that large header at the back.

Looking at the VTX I think its backwards… The large header should be at the front to connect to the camera, all the split style cameras we have seen in the past use a camera with a lot more pins compared to are normal FPV style cameras.
The u.fl connector is normal at the back closer to where the antenna would be mounted…

That leaves two headers… I would guess 1 for control and 1 to output to the FC for OSD integration.

What else is missing?

  • Buttons…. I dont see any, so it has to be controlled via smart audio.
  • SD card slot…. I hope its on the underside.

Camera lens?

Anyone notice the writing on the camera lens?

Does that say 3MP as in 3 Mega Pixels ?

I guess we will just have to wait and see what gets released 😊

Any one want some HD action for there whoops ?


RunCam are releasing a RunCam Split 3 Nano – Whoop edition…
The Control board instead of having the normal 20×20 or 30×30 mounting the whoop edition has a mounting pattern made just for the whoop size FCs.

This board can be fitted either directly above or below the whoop FC, compact, clean. Even with an on board mic.

The Spec ( What we know so far )

  • 14x14mm Camera Mounting.
  • 26x26mm Control board.
  • Records at [email protected]
  • Onboard Mic.
  • Control button.
  • UART control ? ( its on the rest of the RunCam Splits 🤞 ).
  • Under 10grams.
RunCam Split 3 Nano – Whoop Edition

The Picture above is a screen grab from the only YouTube video that I’ve been able to find so far. Have a look at the footage from Mr ShutterBug Channel ( link ).

A Fusion of the best: The image processing developed by BrainFPV, the OSD and UI by Achilles, and the hardware engineered and manufactured by TBS. When the brightest minds of the FPV industry work together, being the best at merging two analogue video streams was simply not good enough!

Through active video fusion, the displayed video instantly has less breakup and more range, without colour-deterioration or video desync often experienced at the edge of reception. A state-of-the-art OSD engine drives cutting edge interactivity, while reducing the need for on board OSD. The TBS Fusion both raises the bar at reception quality and paves the way for system-wide integration with TBS Crossfire and other devices. In a nutshell, the TBS Fusion has more range, better signal in indoor or other critical environments, and ultimate compatibility with your Crossfire radio link. The included lap timer and spectator modes for staying freestyle- or race-events are an added bonus!

Where to Buy:

CROSSFIRE INTEGRATION 

Currently in alpha stage, the Crossfire integration promises a seamless user experience for any FPV pilot. The first stage will see synchronised VRx/VTx channel changes and ability to modify any CRSF device setting via your goggles (Crossfire, Unify Pro/Pro32, compatible Flight Controllers, etc). The second phase will add interactivity on levels never seen before. Exciting times are ahead, and in the usual TBS way, the hardware is already built to be compatible with future software updates and future products.

DOWNLOADS

TBS Fusion Manual

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS  

  • Compatibility: Fatshark Dominator V1, V2, V3, HD1, HD2, HD3, HDO.
  • External Power Kit: Included. Required for older goggles that can’t deliver enough power, or for connectivity.
  • RF Sensitivity: -96dBm.
  • Power: 5V @ 340mA, 500mAh with connectivity enabled.
  • Fatshark Attitude compatibility: will require trimming of goggle plastic case to fit.
  • Upgrade with: TBS Agent X V1.21 or higher.
  • Collaboration with: BrainFPV (video fusion), AchillesFPV (UI), TBS (hardware).

Is now the time to upgrade your googles module?

Emax have released a new shiny quad the Tinyhawk Freestyle edition.

With the new product, They are aiming to provide a product path for existing Tinyhawk owners and beginners to have an easy access to fly, an outdoor quad that excels in flight time, control and durability.

Whats included when you buy?

  • 1x Emax Tinyhawk Freestyle Quad.
  • 2x 1S 450mAh Lipo battery’s.
  • 1x USB charger.
  • 2x Sets (8 props) of Avan 2.5 inch props.

Where to Buy:

Features to highlight:

  • Avoiding plastic to make it stronger for the beginner.
  • 2S lipo with larger props to maximise performance.
  • Based on the TinyHawk S hardware making replacement parts easier to come by.
  • AVAN Rush 2.5inch props giving incredible performance and minimal noise.
  • Only 78 grams fully loaded.

Will this be your first quad or an addiction to your ever growing fleet ?
How long will yours stay white for ?

Well look at that DJI have released there own HD FPV setup. Complete with control link and radio transmitter and not an FPV Drone like I guessed, well not yet anyway.

Now after watching nearly every YouTube review on the setup. I’ve got to say I’m impressed don’t get me wrong I won’t be rushing out to get one as my current setup works for me.

But looking at the range, video quality, latency, interaction with betaflight FCs, ease of use.
The list of positives just goes on.
The air unit (Video and Control link transmitter) maybe a little on the bulky side. But this is the first generation hardware and it may shrink it time.

Just head over to DJI and take a look.
DJI Digital FPV System

Where To Buy

YouTube Reviews

Have a watch and see what you make of DJI latest hardware. Will you be upgrading ?

Ok for those with a keen eye posts have been popping up on social media with news that DJI could be releasing a DJI FPV style drone.

DJI have filled three different FCCs ( Federal Communications Commission ).

Looking at these it looks like DJI have plans for a FPV Drone, A remote and Goggles.
So far there’s no other information or pictures out there.

But if I was to take a guess.

Looking at the possible new rules that are expected to hit the UK in July 2020 and knowing that DJI had an input.
I would guess that the DJI drone will fit nicely into Class C1 categorie.

Snippet from CAP 1789 – The EU UAS Regulation Package – Outline

After all why would DJI release a new fancy drone if it can’t be flown in the most categories possible.

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