First-person view (radio control)

First Person View ( engl. first person view, freely translated: view from the first-person perspective '; abbreviated FPV), is a variant of the RC model building, in which the model using camera technology from the perspective of the model you like from the perspective a driver / pilot is controlled. FPV is used for all kinds of RC models, such as in cars, ships and submarines. Most commonly used in FPV flight models like quadrocopters or normal model aircraft. One speaks in these cases from the camera or flight Immersionflight.

Passive FPV

In this variant, the model, a camera is installed, which receives a film in a data store. So the journey or the flight you can then watch from the first-person perspective. The technical complexity of passive FPV is very manageable because it is needed is a camera that stores the video sequences. Through the development of surveillance technology, a wide range of ever-smaller cameras and signal components is available that require little space in the model and have both light weight and low power consumption.

Active FPV

The first-person view ( FPV) is achieved here by a (mostly in the cockpit of the RC model built-in) camera. The signals of the on-board camera can be transmitted via a transmitter to a receiver to RC pilots. Here, the signal is converted back and the camera images in real time on a screen ( for example, laptop or video goggles ) are shown. The transmission is almost always analog and takes place so quickly that a delay for the pilot is imperceptible. This creates the impression of sitting itself as a pilot in the aircraft; the model is controlled directly. As a refinement swiveling cameras are used, which in part be directly controlled via the head movements of the pilot, so that the immersion is more complete.

During active FPV following components are required:

  • FPV Camera: When choosing the FPV camera, make sure that the image of the camera to the light conditions to easily handle. This is especially important for model aircraft, as a brief loss of vision at great speed and distance can quickly lead to a crash of Modlells. In practice, certain analog cameras have proven from the surveillance camera range. Here, CCD cameras are better because of their more rapid brightness compensation for the FPV hobby than those with CMOS sensors. But are taken small shelf video cameras that have a LiveOut output while recording videos and can enter a live image to the radio transmitter. Suitable for this is, for example, a GoPro.
  • Video transmitter and video receiver in the model at the bottom: When selecting video transmitter and receiver is to consider the range of transmission of the video signal, since it determines the possible distance radius of the model from the pilot. The transmission is the current state of the art analog almost always. The range of analog video transmitters is limited in Germany and Austria by the admitted power of 10 mW for 2.4 GHz systems and 25 mW for 5.8 GHz systems. Just as significant as the radio range is the choice of antennas. Directional antennas can significantly increase the range.
  • Antenna: Due to the power limitation of the transmitter, the range can be extended only by the choice of optimal antenna. For cars, ships and Multicopter linearly polarized antennas can be used. In the model aircraft and the ground station will be better equipped with circularly polarized antennas. This allows the aircraft to fly loops and rolls, without the radio signal is weaker. Linear antennas must always be aligned parallel to each other, otherwise the signal is significantly attenuated. Furthermore omitted for circular antennas, the problem of multipathing ( reflections of the signal and the different propagation times, which leads to much shorter distances ).
  • Screen (eg, laptop or video goggles): Important for screens is a low latency (especially for laptops problematic ) and a high tolerance to noise (no blue screen). However, it is recommended that a video goggles.

Optional components are

  • Pan / tilt technology for the camera
  • Head tracker: You can optionally use a head tracker (German Kopfnachführung ). This registers the movements of the head and behind the camera with the help of servos ( Schwenk-/Neigetechnik ) to the model. Look at the pilot at the bottom left standing, the camera model also swivels to the left. The FPV experience is thus more realistic.
  • On- screen display: With the installation of additional sensors and a GPS receiver altitude, distance to pilot, speed, battery voltage, artificial horizon and the direction to the pilot through OSD ( On Screen Display) can be inserted in the transmitted image. These data are an important support in controlling the model as an orientation is complicated by the limited visibility and lack of spatial perspective, the assessment of height and distance is difficult. Furthermore, the pilot can only rely little on its experience in orientation, since he perceives the spatial environment from an entirely new perspective.
  • Telemetry: In addition to displaying the OSD is possible, and more important data such as battery voltage, altitude in modern high-quality radio remote controls. display via a return channel on the screen of the remote control. By setting minimum values ​​(eg battery voltage) an alarm can be triggered which informs the pilot of the remaining capacity of the battery, so on a model aircraft landing can be made before an imminent crash. The use of telemetry is possible with a variety of systems, some even with the involvement of smartphones and specially developed apps that even record the flight path and can then view on a map.
  • Stabilization systems gyroscope base with airplanes. These are most commonly used for stabilizing the plane for the quieter record aerial photographs.
  • Return-to- Home: It is now installed in some of these systems, a return-to -home function that returns flying an airplane, for example in case of a problem, automatically pre-determined grid.
  • Antenna Tracker: for tracking of directional antennas can an antenna tracking system can be used, which readjusts the model, the directional antenna and thus the FPV pilots offers a wider range of action. For this purpose, the returned position of the plane data will be analyzed and aligned with the antenna via a stepping motor according to the aircraft.

Choosing the right model for FPV flight

The choice of model aircraft one is basically free. If you choose an RC plane, then these are ideally to an aircraft with two engines on the wings or engine rear ( pusher propeller ). This has the advantage that the image does not disturb propeller. Popular flight models are in the form of a flying wing or simple flight models with a simple for beginners control via elevator and rudder ( eg Easy Star by Multiplex RC). The Planes has the advantage that the flight model is easy to control. Criteria that have been found in the choice of the aircraft to be advantageous are:

  • Docile handling
  • High space and
  • Sufficient span and strong drive to carry the additional weight of the FPV equipment can
  • Electric drive

Legal Policies

It is frequently discussed on the legal provisions. So writes the DMFV ( German modellers Association ) according to its own legal review its members in active FPV flying the teacher-pupil operation before. Here, a second pilot sees (spotters called ) the model directly without video glasses and can intervene in an emergency via a second remote control and take control of the model. The same result is also a model airplane working group of the BMVBS and the Federal Commission model airplane has come in DAeC. In addition to the aspects of aviation law are due to the camera shots even in particular the right to privacy, the right to their own image, and in general the privacy observed and respected, violations are punishable by civil law.

Real-time Electronic visual display
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