On this publish, I’ll share the instruments, gear, and FPV drones that I take advantage of every day. I check and overview merchandise repeatedly, and whereas I like to recommend numerous merchandise, those talked about listed below are my private favorites. I attempt to replace this publish as typically as I can, however please do test the edit historical past on the backside to ensure you are getting the most recent data. Please let me know if this publish will get slightly outdated and I’ll replace it asap.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 one of the best worth, efficiency, and {hardware} choices.
Relating to radios, I actually like those from Radiomaster. Their radios are strong, you may’t go flawed with them. Listed here are the radios I like to recommend: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/#suggestions.
Nonetheless, my present each day driver is the T20S from Jumper. It’s compact and but nonetheless provides practically all of the options you’d discover in a full dimension radio. I desire the unique, non-Gemini model as a result of it’s cheaper, and the vary is greater than sufficient. See my overview right here: https://oscarliang.com/jumper-t20-radio/
My T20S has undergone numerous DIY modifications to swimsuit my preferences and wishes, discover the small print right here: https://oscarliang.com/setup-jumper-t20s-radio/.
All the brand new ExpressLRS receivers are fairly comparable by way of functionality, so simply select one that matches your price range and model desire. Radiomaster, BetaFPV and Flywoo all make nice receivers. See receiver alternatives right here: https://oscarliang.com/setup-expresslrs-2-4ghz/#Receivers
FPV Techniques 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 largely 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 provides extra choices relating to VTX and digital camera together with a 1S VTX which is nice for micros. I additionally nonetheless fly analog, primarily for tiny whoops. Analog is the most affordable FPV possibility and the lightest, which is ideal for micro quads.
There are loads to think about 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 also be messy, and the setup is clunky and hulking. For greatest outcome, 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 take advantage of DJI Goggles 2 and O3 Air Unit for the DJI system—this combo provides one of the best 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 provides one of the best picture high quality, a really broad discipline of view, and focal size adjustment, which is useful for many who put on glasses.
The very best price range analog goggles could be the Cobra SD Though they’re field goggles with an LCD display, picture readability remains to be very first rate! The superior built-in OSD menu considerably improves consumer expertise and even helps exterior receiver modules.
Antennas
Since our FPV methods run on 5.8GHz, you need to use the identical antennas with DJI, Walksnail, HDZero and Analog. Simply ensure you have the connector and polarization right (e.g. SMA vs. RP-SMA and RHCP vs. LHCP).
Take a look at 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 price contemplating for my part: ImmersionRC Rapidfire and TBS Fusion. See my comparability for a bit extra element: https://oscarliang.com/rapidfire-fusion/.
Rapidfire
TBS Fusion
LiPo Charger
My each day driver is the ToolkitRC Q6AC. It’s highly effective, has 4 outputs (can cost 4 LiPo concurrently), and will be powered by AC and DC. See my overview 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 discipline, I desire one thing extra transportable. 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 also be an amazing various: 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 want an exterior PSU.
You may get a server or pc 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 be certain your charger can take the upper voltage. If potential, get the 24V over 12V, some chargers can put out extra energy at increased enter voltage.
In order for you an inexpensive and easy charger that comes with an influence provide you can plug straight into the wall, the the ISDT 608AC is an effective 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. Ensure to learn this text to learn to parallel cost LiPo batteries: https://oscarliang.com/parallel-charging-multiple-lipo/.
For charging batteries within the discipline, I take advantage of 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 essentially the most.
DJI Avata 2
Evaluate: https://oscarliang.com/dji-avata-2/
It could be shocking to some, however the Avata 2 is definitely the drone I’ve flown essentially 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 digital camera is sort of nearly as good as a GoPro minus the burden. Flight efficiency isn’t nearly as good as a typical 5″ and there are peak and velocity limitations, however so long as it’s not too windy it may possibly get the job executed, e.g. taking cinematic photographs and cruising round. Security options reminiscent of return to house and emergency brake give the consumer peace of thoughts too.
Fly Extra Combo (3 batteries):
iFlight Nazgul ECO
Evaluate: https://oscarliang.com/iflight-nazgul-eco-fpv-drone/
One of many most cost-effective 5-inch BNF available on the market presently – even cheaper than constructing your individual (with comparable specs parts).
Flywoo Explorer LR V2
Extremely-light 4″ quad for lengthy vary (4S).
Air65 Tiny Whoop
Evaluate: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-air65/
My favourite tiny whoop to this point.
SpeedyBee Bee25
Evaluate: 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 among 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 excellent park ripper. I reviewed it with the RTF package, however you should purchase 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
