What is FPV? Learn about First Person View

FPV or First Person View is a method used to remotely operate models from the perspective of the model. Typically the pilot or operator will wear FPV goggles or use a screen to view the live feed while controlling the model.

So what is an FPV Drone?

FPV Drones are completely different to a typical aerial photography platform such as the DJI Mavic series, or any drone used for activities which aren’t primarily recreation and adventurous in flying nature. Like most drones, the camera is usually mounted at the front of the drone for the best viewing experience.

The camera is connected to a video transmitter or VTX, which broadcasts the video signal over analogue or digital transmission to be received at the pilots end.

What do you need for FPV?

To fly FPV, you need very low latency between the video transmitter and the FPV goggles. This is to allow the pilot to make very quick and accurate movements and react to the drone’s flight. A typical FPV setup in your drone includes an FPV analogue camera, a video transmitter, and optionally a flight controller for OSD information such as battery charge. The power output of the video transmitter is measured in mW (milliwatts).

Connecting FPV Goggles to your drone

If you’re running an analogue FPV system, your video link most likely operates on the 5.8GHz spectrum. Within the 5.8GHz spectrum, bands with channels exist to seperate each video feed from eachother to reduce interference. At present, there are 48 recognised video channels made up from 6 bands.

To connect your FPV drone to your FPV goggles, you will need to tune the goggles into the correct frequency (one of the 48 channels). Many FPV goggles feature an autoscanning feature which allows easy connection to the signal.

Not all FPV goggles operate on the 5.8GHz spectrum however, as some digital systems such as the DJI HD FPV system use a completely different technology altogether.

Can you fly FPV without the goggles?

Flying without FPV goggles is known as LOS or line of sight flying and is a very important skill to practice if your FPV feed is disrupted for any reason. Any FPV drone can be flown line of sight simply by taking off your FPV goggles.

Many pilots choose to practice flying their drones without the FPV goggles on at least one or twice during each flight session. This helps to reinforce the muscle memory on the controller and is a crucial skill for any drone pilot to have.

Do FPV drones hover by themselves?

Many drones designed for aerial photography and ease-of-use in mind feature altitude-holding. This is achieved using an internal barometer or GPS module. Most FPV drones do not feature this functionality and are required to be flown entirely manually. This means that your throttle is entirely dependant on the position of the throttle control, and same with the pitch, roll, and yaw.

How do I get started in FPV?

We highly recommend getting started with a micro drone or a simulator to teach you the basics of flight without crashing and ruining a more expensive model.

Check out our range of RTF (Ready To Fly) packages here!