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Downlink Antennas?

Discussion in 'Video Assist & Video Accessories' started by Josh Lambeth, Jul 22, 2012.

  1. Gary Haynes

    Gary Haynes Administrator
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    Andy Those are pictures of my setup that I sent to Phil the other day. It isn't the Japan DVR. Think it is a clone. It is a BEVRC PV700 from bevrc.com. Only $119. Shipping was quick.

    And yes occasionally I do get a lockup. But not all of the time. Screen goes to static and the only way to turn it off is to pull the battery. So my learned workflow is that after I land I do the motor shutdown, reach over and turn the Record button to off and then go out and unpower the CS. If I am flying again I do my battery swap and am good to go. I power the FPV system with a separate battery so don't turn that off on flight battery swaps. And your question made me remember that it comes with a wireless remote. Valley girl DUH moment, why don't I just use that and keep in attached to my MX-20.

    I'll try the ESC button and let you know if that turns off the icons.

    And I sure do like your optimism and prognostication that the rain will stop in 2013.
     
  2. Gary Haynes

    Gary Haynes Administrator
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    Andy

    Here's a screen shoot from the BEVRC PV700. I don't have any icons that show up when filming. Maybe that is only with the Japan FPV? Screen Shot 2012-12-16 at 9.56.12 AM.png
     
  3. Andy Johnson-Laird

    Andy Johnson-Laird Administrator
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    Thanks, Gary. As you say, you're not getting the additional DVR icons that I get from the FPV Japan DVR.
    Just out of curiosity -- is what you see in the image above exactly what you see on the Smart OSD software? I find that if I set up the PC view of the Smart OSD exactly how I want it, then the icons appear on the video downlink off the edge of the screen. I'm using a SmallHD monitor to view the SOSD downlink -- I don't think it's the monitor doing it. It seems more likely that I'm feeding the SOSD output from a 700 line camera and it's scaling the icons. The camera is a WDR-770.

    By the way, there is some data to suggest that the BEVRC PV700 is the same unit as the FPV Japan -- which might explain why you see those hangs! In the case of my unit, it just stops recording, and freezes the frame.

    Certainly the items in the box, and the packaging are identical: http://fpvlab.com/forums/showthread.php?6749-IN-BOX-BEVRC-PV700-high-quality-DVR-with-mini-review

    Also, checkout post #69 at http://fpvlab.com/forums/showthread...PV700-high-quality-DVR-with-mini-review/page6 (the same thread as the above)

    Sounds like a possible source of the hangups might be proximity to the 2.4Ghz RC Tx?

    By the way, bevrc.com has spare video cables for the recorder. $4.99 (although their support gets panned on that thread...)

    Andy.
     
  4. Gary Haynes

    Gary Haynes Administrator
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    Andy

    You can't use the PC screen for layout. It isn't one to one with what comes through the SmartOSD. I make the changes, write them to the the SmartOSD and then look at the monitor/goggles to see if I moved them enough. Camera on mine is the Ready made RMRC-600VXN.

    Hadn't thought about the MX-20 being the source of the problem but rather doubt that since I don't stand but a few feet away from the recorder when flying. If that were the case i would expect lots more freezes. Mine seems to lock up if I power down the power on the FPV system before turning off the record button.
     
  5. Andy Johnson-Laird

    Andy Johnson-Laird Administrator
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    Hi Gary:

    Yeah. That's been my experience too. Seems odd that the Smart OSD guy(s) haven't got that sorted out.
    I've not had enough DVR lock ups to observe a pattern, yet.

    Andy.
     
  6. Gary Haynes

    Gary Haynes Administrator
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    Andy I tried all manner to startup/shutdowns/MX-20 distances last evening. I could not get my PV700 to lockup no matter what combinations of settings/power/etc that i tried. The only thing I didn't check was what happens when the ship is powered up.

    For being a pretty much one man shop I am always amazed that the SmartOSD has been as good as it is. It has had growing pains but once I got what I liked for displays I haven't been changing them. With basically no two aircraft being exactly the same it's a wonder that the electronics work so well together. And for and OSD throw into the mix the difference between PAL and NTSC, line counts etc it's a modern miracle.....
     
  7. Steve Maller

    Steve Maller UAV Grief Counselor

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    I have the Iftron dual diversity receiver with USB video output, and I'm wondering if that's a good alternative to the DVRs you guys are discussing. Any reason to use a separate DVR if I already have my little Netbook out in the field with me? Seems the FPV downlink is mainly an emergency measure to locate a lost bird or diagnose some other disaster, right?

    However, my first attempt to get the USB video to work was unsuccessful. Could be an XP issue (I'm stuck on XP), but I tried it on two different computers. I have talked to Iftron and they've offered to diagnose it, but I haven't had the chance to do so yet.
     
  8. Philip Ellerbroek

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    Steve,

    The Yellowjacket USB model is great, BUT using the USB to feed to a third party device/software can be very temperamental. You must follow the install instructions perfectly, and uninstall if you are not sure.

    If I had to choose again, I would not buy the Yellowjacket USB version, but rather the Diversity Passport 5.8ghz at a substantial lower cost. I have both the Yellowjacket and the Passport so I can speak well to these units. The built in MIC in the Yellowjacket is cool, but I've never had to use it.

    The main reason is that Iftron does not have or provide a software for you to capture the video via the usb. They direct you to a preferred 3rd party software, but it only has a 30 day trial. Couple that with having to lug around a laptop (even if it is a small 10" notebook) it is cumbersome. More importantly, your laptop/notebook will be dead in under an hour of field use if it isn't plugged in, even if you have a new, extended laptop battery. Laptop batteries are notorious for losing their ability to hold charge after the first year, which is another reason this isn't the best choice. I considered the various tablets in the marketplace, but they are all APP based now. They don't run a operating system that allows for you to download the necessary drivers for the USB input, making them non applicable.

    I resorted to a 10" 12volt monitor that I purchased for $80 on Amazon.com. It is made by PYLE, and I have it mounted to a carbon fiber 52" tripod and powered off of a 4000MAH battery that jointly powers my Yellowjacket. However, after seeing Andy and Gary's setup, I am strongly considering the smaller more portable PV700. While the screen may only be about 4" x 4" compared to my 10" monitor, it serves the general purpose for the pilot to see approximately where the craft is at and headed.

    As I said, my second downlink is a Passport Diversity 5.8ghz that feeds my camera's Vuzix 900 virtual reality googles. This is super slick, very lightweight, and keeps the cameraman mobile if needed. I run that off of a 4000MAH as well as it seems to provide a full days worth of power for longer shoots while still being lightweight.

    Both of these receivers are getting signals for their own respective Mondo Extreme 1.5w 5.8ghz downlink transmitter. The Mondo Extreme that sends the FPV pilot camera gets its power from the main powerboard, while the DSLR signal Mondo Extreme pulls from its own 1500MAH attached to one of the 3 axis gimbal legs ( You can see that set up here: http://quadrocopter.com/Tutorials_ep_72-1.html )


    Phil

     
  9. Andy Johnson-Laird

    Andy Johnson-Laird Administrator
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    @Steve: The advantages are that you interpose the DVR between the Rx and the monitor and the DVR re-generates sync pulses, so if you have a dropout in the downlink that otherwise causes many digital monitors to blue-screen, with the DVR in place you just see static (well, actually, it's cosmic microwave background radiation, but...)

    So that's the real advantage: it's both a DVR and sync regenerator and thereby a blue-screen avoidance mechanism.

    That said, I don't know whether the Iftron will also display static (which is the real test of whether it's doing sync regen). If it does, then they're functionally equivalent.

    @Gary: Yes it's a nice piece of kit. It works by sandbagging on the bus that's shared between the FC and NC boards so it can see the data packets going back and forth and can read out all the values it needs to read out as they fly back and forth. I was looking at the source code for the NC and FC so I saw the data structures with all the values that ultimately end up in the GPX file. Of course, those values are updated in quasi-real time even though they're only written to a GPX file every second (depending on the .INI file parameter at the root level of the microSD card.

    Andy.
     
  10. Philip Ellerbroek

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    WOAH ...... What did he just say??? o_O

    Of course, those values are updated in quasi-real time even though they're only written to a GPX file every second (depending on the .INI file parameter at the root level of the microSD card.


     
  11. Andy Johnson-Laird

    Andy Johnson-Laird Administrator
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    Sorry....I've been a systems programmer for, er... several decades, and occasionally I have a relapse into geek speak especially in the mornings when I am still waiting for the decaf coffee to kick in...and waiting...and waiting.

    Did you need me to clarify that remark, Philip? :)

    Andy.
     
  12. Philip Ellerbroek

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    Andy,

    Nope. Just admiring. I'll let you know should I pursue the PV700 route vs. a 10" monitor.

    Phil
     
  13. Gary Haynes

    Gary Haynes Administrator
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    Phil, the PV700 would be a bit small to try to use a flying monitoro_O Screen is 2x1.5 inches. And what Andy was trying to say is "It's a BLOODY MIRACLE that the darn thing works at all...."
     
  14. Philip Ellerbroek

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    Gary,

    :)

    BTW, here's what I bought. PS, its marked as "USED" but really Amazon just has to label that vs new otherwise retailers throw a fit because these are priced so low. I actually bought two! $85 with not taxes! I chose this as it would likely be easier to "switch" from flying via monitor or line of sight.

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-list...1&keywords=pyle+monitor+12volt&condition=used

    They are GREAT and still lightweight. There is VGA or RCA input. Amp draw off of a 4000mah gives you about 2 hours worth of power (keep in mind this is where the 4000mah is ALSO powering the Yellowjacket USB receiver!).

    I actually build my into pelican case. See attached. I have full build through pics if desired. I had to build a custom frame etc. The stand is also custom and collapses and the pvc's are various sizes that collapse for ease of transport in the field. Well, ease is relative.

    The second monitor I placed on 52" carbon fiber Tripod with the battery and receivers mounted to the back via velcro.

    My dream setup though is still these ..... http://www.vuzixtdg.com/ But at $3k, I'm having Andy build me a pair instead...:D

    Phil
     

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  15. Philip Ellerbroek

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  16. Andy Johnson-Laird

    Andy Johnson-Laird Administrator
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    I noticed the web page a week or so ago, but, as far as I can see, it doesn't have any provision for Edit: composite video input, rather it's designed to display what's on the smart phone's display.
    See http://www.vuzix.com/consumer/products_m100.html#specifications

    Now, if we could get the FPV video to appear on the smart phone display, then this would be something! There are plenty of smart phone composite video cables, but they're intended to display the smart phone display on an external composite monitor -- not to accept composite video input.

    So near and yet so far.....

    Andy.
     
  17. Philip Ellerbroek

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    Andy,

    Like I said... chop a pair of Vuzix 310's and each of us gets one monitor ($125 on ebay)! I'm guessing that the wiring is basically a main line that is split and feed to the two monitors.... so if you could find the point of separation and then leave each monitor with a lead, you could feasibly send a new main source to each individual eye piece. You (someone) would have to know how to move the signal from RCA into a board that dumps into the eye piece. From there, its just attaching to some clear glass frames. The "bluetooth" over the ear design probably wouldn't be too sturdy. Maybe an "over the head" concept that could be used. Something like this....

    http://www.officedepot.com/a/produc...epla-_-Technology+Phones_Accessories-_-780129

    Phil
     
  18. Gary Haynes

    Gary Haynes Administrator
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    I'm holding out for the M200 version. Rumor says that it waxes cars and does the dishes using the head tracking feature and a flying quad robot...
     
  19. Gary Haynes

    Gary Haynes Administrator
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  20. Andy Johnson-Laird

    Andy Johnson-Laird Administrator
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    It's not a bad idea -- but I'm afraid certainly don't have the time to do it -- I was just listing the projects I've got to complete before the time known in Oregon as When It Is Not Raining, and I think I'm overbooked already, I'm afraid. You could probably use theatrical eyeglasses -- or regular glasses with neutral lenses as the "holder."

    Andy.
     

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