Flite Test - FPV Frequencies - FAST TIP

Josh and David go over some basic information for choosing the best frequencies and power for your FPV platform.
More details at the website:
flitetest.com/a...
Thanks for watching.

[@aftrunx]

a lot changed recently... most of Europe the banned all Transmitter with more then 25mw.. in Switzerland there are more on the BAN List then on the Sale Catalogue...

[@SunriseKnight]

Glad you answered my question. Possibly one recommendation for you guys: When you do your flight videos, try to fly about 1hr before sunset. The turbulence in the air drastically decreases as the sun sets. The closer you fly to the sun setting, the calmer the air. Source (mechanical engineer who studied wind currents)

[@timhiggins2445]

When I first saw your videos I did not enjoy them much. In my honest opinion you guys are doing amazing now. I watch your videos much more and when i search for a question you pop up! How cool is that :D Thanks for the help FliteTest, hope David is staying he really is part of the show now!

[@figwigian]

Here's a question, could you have A 5.8 and a 900 on the same plane, then a diversity box to find which had the better signal and use that? They would have to be fairly low power to avoid swamping, but you would get nice picture from 5.8 until there was an obstacle where the 900 would take over :) would that work then?

[@webeza4249]

No need to rush thru the video, I prefer a 20min video with lots of great info and detail than having to research a little more to cover the holes.

[@bmschulman]

In the U.S., ALL of these frequencies require a ham license. But it's a multiple-choice test and there are websites that can prepare you in about 10 hours (or less if you are familiar with electronics principles).

[@BostonClipper]

bmschulman - Locating spurious transmissions is called Fox Hunting by hams. It is not the FCC that will find you but hams that take great pride in monitoring/protecting the air waves. DF (direction finding) is a remarkably simple one person activity. The lower you go on the band the more likely you will draw the attention of hams (433 mHz is prime!). I have no idea what the fines are but your biggest concern may be if you cause an accident and you draw the attention of lawyers

[@furonwarrior]

In the USA, we have a ton of bands we can use in the Microwave spectrum in all modes including video once ya get the Ham license that Josh still doesn’t have.

[@bmschulman]

Yes. And 72Mhz gives you very good range for your control, in most circumstances.

[@toddkuhrt4380]

I understand that. I'd would like to see a side by side comparison for each band and what its good for and the kind of reach I can expect.

[@flapsnslats]

Yes, you can use those both wile flying on a 2.4Ghz. However, I would go with the 900mhz for long range FPV, and the 5.8Ghz for nearby aerial photography, because the video quality will be much better.

[@ryanfonseca3270]

Can you go more detail into why 200mw is a good power level? What about 600? And I would love to see a LRS episode where you show how to choose your radio LRS system (i know you did a faceoff but im talking about you choosing one) and what video transmitter system you use, and how to setup the plane or quad for the best picture(spacing between components) and how you set them up to fly efficiently (choosing motors and props and lipo size and cell count) and then maybe how to go about your first LRS flight. Thanks guys!

[@RossBurns1776]

Would love to see this also, I want to move to a 1.2ghz system because I need better penetration but theres a lot less main stream product out there for 1.2ghz it seems, can someone recommend a solid 1.2 tx / rx combo? Thanks!

[@yellowbluerc5047]

well 200mw is just the good point between interference and range cause more power is more interference but range lower is clearer but less range altho its not 100% its kind of the easiest exp

[@ryantoomey611]

In the USA, only 2.4 and 5.8 GHz are legal to use without a license, and the limit is 200mW I believe; However, if you get a HAM license, you can run a lot more power, and use 1.2 GHz.

[@one4stevo]

Awesome guys Loved that clip it help clear a few thing i did not know about them. Love all your tec clips

[@spleefdowny]

This point may have already been made in the comments, but -- for you new FPVers out there -- you may think that more power at the transmitter = more range, but that's not the case. To get more range, you'd do better to have an electrically quiet aircraft, and to optimize the antennas on the receive end. Other than that, this is a good overview.

[@MartinWeinecke]

Hi Michael! My reply was regarding VIDEO transmitting in Germany! The 2.4Ghz RC transmitters use 100mW - so you're also right :-)

[@BostonClipper]

In the US if a device (video transmitter) does not have a FCC ID (they don't) the operator must have at least a FCC Technician Class Amateur Radio License. The good news is the test is a simple multiple choice test without the need to know morse code anymore. None of the three classes (Technician, General & Extra) require morse code.

[@bmschulman]

It's actually pretty complicated and can't really be explained in a short video. Like many others, I spent a lot of time reading internet forums to educate myself before trying any of this. This tip on frequency selection is just one aspect of many.

[@slamazon]

very good info. I would really like to get into Fvp, more info=better choices. Thanks guys for all the great videos!

[@bunkerfest]

Thanks David you are great.

[@KJ4CTZ]

Don't forget, you need an Amateur Radio license to use the ATV TX if you are talking about being legal. Technician class license is all you need $14 take the test and you are done for 10 years (no code required anymore). DO IT!

[@lukeularreactor]

I hope you guys do a whole episode on fpv base stations.

[@tqexplosion]

Nice! I've been waiting for a video on different fpv frequencies! Thanks FliteTest :D

[@BostonClipper]

ZHAUSQ - In the US the FCC stands for Federal Communications Commission. They are responsible for allocating and administrating the air waves. Bottom line. The study materials for the radio exams are cheap, ubiquitous, excellent materials leading to better understanding our sport. The innovative antenna designs we enjoy come from the ham IBCrazy. My town's radio club is an extraordinary wealth of knowledge and they really want help you!

[@NicholasMorganUSA]

When is the video of the green 3D-looking airplane in the background coming? Really looking forward to it!

[@TheRadioControlKid]

Hi I live in Turkey, and according to my research the legal "Amateur" bands are 2.4 and 1.2. Since I fly my plane with 2.4 I'm going with 1.2. I'm a bit confused about the high-pass filter you were talking about. I am'm pretty new to this stuff.

[@bmschulman]

My understanding is that the fines for unauthorized broadcast are very steep, and they can triangulate your position quickly. Not that I've heard of recent enforcement activity. I think they rely on other HAMs to report you.

[@TheDefinitiveAirgunReview]

Very helpful guys thank you

[@GrimSchwede]

this is from Hobbyking: '2.4Ghz or 5.8Ghz, which is best for you? If you fly with a Mhz radio such as 72, 36 or 35mhz then you should choose a 2.4Ghz FPV system as it will give you more range for the same power. Many hard-core FPV pilots fly with Mhz radios because of its superior range to 2.4Ghz radio control systems. If you have a Spektrum, Futaba or other 2.4Ghz radio, then you need to fly with a 5.8Ghz system.'

[@leetrevarthen]

You mention legality of frequency but also power needs to be mentioned. In the UK i think its 25mW max on 5.8GHz.I may be wrong. Where can we find out this info? Cheers

[@jo3natan]

Dear production team, would be better if you use shock absorber mount on H4N recorder to capture clean audio :p

[@stevengrey1948]

Does 72Mhz make a good FPV transmitter? Those radios usually output a 1W and can penetrate really well. is it just because the technology is older and crystal based and have poor sensitivity?

[@sasha-taylor]

Could you do an episode on licenses required for FPV? I have heard you need a HAM license or an Amateur Radio license, but I am not sure at all.

[@TheRattleSnake3145]

Well done Flitetest you have more subscribers than Hobbyking now!

[@redkb]

David is the best!

[@GAMRMNTS2]

Preciated balsa wood 🪵

[@coultam]

Brilliant info as usual, thx. lot of mic noise in this shoot, not your usual high standard ;p

[@Jumper7713]

thanx for the tip guys... just 1 question. Iv got the 2.4mhz one and i know that you shouldnt use it with a 2.4mhz transmitter but besides that was it a good choice? It seems to work really well...

[@toddkuhrt4380]

Thanks guys! Its a start but this area needs a lot more detail. Help me....the newbee. Is there a chart on the web that describes each of these frequencies and the mW needed.

[@Finomnis]

just found out that if you do a amateur radio license in germany, it's legal to use the 1.3 GHz Band with higher powers. (Up to 1000 mW as far as I know). Gonna definitely do that if possible.

[@ebuff57]

Wow flitetest made a video that was less than 20 minutes long!

[@RCManiacPHCB13]

Either, When running 1.2Ghz and 2.4Ghz RC, you might get even shorter range than you could potentially achieve although you can pop a filter into you setup with ease. Then you will be fine. 5.8Ghz will have no issues. Jake

[@bmschulman]

If you go with 2.4 and someone else flying RC on 2.4 crashes at your club field, they may blame you for interference. I prefer to stay away from it because microwaves and various consumer devices use the 2.4 band, so it's just noisy. I've had excellent results with 1.3 using quality antennas.

[@TheMooman999]

Is that a green and white Zivko Edge 540 from the swappable series in the background I spy there? Cleverly disguised as the Funbat I must say. :)

[@BostonClipper]

Legally in the US. You can not broadcast on ANY frequency with a video transmitter that does not have a FCC ID. I have never seen a FPV vTx that is registered with the FCC. It is relatively simple to get a Technician Class Amateur Radio License and the knowledge gained with improve your FPV experience! Don't take my word for it contact your local FCC field office and ask them,

[@bmschulman]

Josh said "In the US we can only use 1.280." Not true; we can also use 1.258. (Either one requires an amateur radio (ham) license.)

[@zeDoSauRus]

is there any chance that your camera mic is hitting something or moving in its cradle? I can hear weird noises in my headphones :)

[@IbnAir23]

I just ordered my bixler2! Kit

[@0917bobb]

I was told that 5.8 also required a HAM technician level license.

[@zachmarion1115]

I want to get a receiver and controller for a H-quad that can go a long distance, can you tell me any that i can buy that go a good distance and tell me how far it can go?

[@1010tesla]

so is 900mhz legal in the US or not? in the video only 1280 was explicitly said as being legal in the US.

[@islandhobbymv9909]

here where i am we can use all frequency. so is it good for me to use 900mhz for my ardupilot 900mhz, 433mhz for my long range remote and 2.4ghz for my video. is that a good combination

[@subhadipghorui2216]

can i use wifi router as fpv reciver

[@stuntpilot63]

Where do u buy the antenna and transmitter or do you buy the transmitter and make the antenna?

[@daditown]

I vote for 1.3 GHz. Should I buy fpv equipment from HK or some strange chinese web sites... Where are you buying fpv equipment? Plz help

[@Tvpc1971]

ImmersionRC and Fat Shark are in a proprietorship so i suppose i cant go to radio shack and buy a microphone and solder it in to the audio channel on my immersionRC 600 mw tx? Im using the fat shark 600 tvl camera so without having to buy a camera with an integrated microphone like the mobius, how would i go about getting some streaming audio on my Qav250? Any help is appreciated.

[@PranavHosangadi]

If I'm using a 2.4GHz radio, can I use a 2.4GHz FPV system on circular polarization?

[@skipauto]

Can you please give a overview of your fpv system

[@VandanPatel]

Hey, I am a high school student, I dont know much about radio etc. I have a questions: Can I use a 900mhz Xbee radio with a 900mhz Video RX/TX? Or should I get a different frequency for one? Please Help.

[@EclipseDsn]

So How do you fly with a 2.4ghz video transmitter with a 2.4ghz Radio Controller?

[@fidy8dub]

Do you have any vids on long range transmitter gear and frequencies as well?

[@AParkin]

great vid

[@funaro13]

bateram no rosto do rapaz antes de fazer o vídeo?

[@abcd-dl1qi]

🤣

[@tolboi3577]

Fatsharks say they use 1.3, do I have to mod it to do 1.2?

[@aaron.t438]

can i use a 900mhz fpv system with a 2.4ghz radio?5.8ghz and 900mhz which one is better?

[@BostonClipper]

Correction: You can not broadcast on ANY frequency with a video transmitter that does not have a FCC ID if you do not have a Amateur Radio License.

[@furonwarrior]

I know this is old, but nothing was said about getting a ham license, transmitting your ham radio call sign over the video, shifting frequency channels away from busy areas like wifi. Not even moving your radio receiver further away from your FPV transmitter. Radio frequencies that FPV uses is for ham operators and on those microwave bands, they are considered secondary frequencies to ham operators, so you can’t just transmit anywhere even as a licensed ham operator. David was the only one with real knowledge and he’s from Sweden, so he’s not going to recognize American laws. Why I stress this is that there are licensed amateur radio operators that can find you and smack a massive fine and possible jail time for non-licensed users causing willful interference with other stations. There are still people out there that use FPV unlicensed and never have I seen you guys talk about the ham license or even the benefit of getting the Part 107 license. A lot of people have misconceptions with the Part 15 rules which they don’t even follow legally.

[@3doog]

what's the best power for a 900 for someone without FPV experience?

[@DebianDog]

By US law you are required to get a ham license for 900 or 1.2. You can use 2.4 or 5.8 without.

[@Au70Pi1337]

Oh man, I wish I had watched this last week before I purchased a 5.8ghz system :P Great video though! Thanks!

[@sickbastard151]

i got a question. i have a dji phantom and a gopro3 black edition. i am thinking to buy a FPV set. but i do not know what is good for the dji phantom and gopro 3 black. to much and i can not choose? somebody have an idea?

[@fullmetaljacket7]

Oh I see. By the way, is there any way "they" can find out what kind of output power youre using?

[@furonwarrior]

Yeah, using a field strength test meter.

[@user-it9yu9pb4g]

Hey guys! I want to isolate my RC plane frequency from other frequency in the neighborhood. Apparently, there is a system which separates the required frequency from cluster. How can I do that? Is there any specific instrument?

[@0917bobb]

They totally skipped over the importance of the receiver. David you of all people should know better... :) You don't need so much power if you have a better antenna on your FPV receiver. Attaching a Helical Antenna to your setup is better than doubling the power of your transmitter, but with a Helical Antenna you are going to narrow the area that you can receive from so you should use a diversity receiver that has more than one antenna/reciever; FT uses this sort of setup.

[@samik83]

If I want to go with a 1.2, what goggles can I use? I haven't found any 1.2 FPV goggles, they are all 5.8. I know you can possibly mod Fatsharks but rather not try it.

[@RexinOridle]

Is there any way or mod to get a video signal out of CONTOUR for FPV?

[@soccentzulu]

Can I use 900 for fpv if I already have 915 for Telemetry?..with 2.4 radio.

[@ZHAUSQ]

how much power can you use in the usa on the 13cm and 6cm ism bands?

[@michal.gawron]

Is it really only 10mW for 2.4? Most WiFi equipment has 100mW transmitters.

[@CalebGrabendike]

Hey guys! I need to know what your opinion on the best fpv system their is for the price? I really need to know thanks!

[@kronosdarkangel5290]

What is the best 900mhz system?

[@TheSonyman101]

could you guys plz make a plane with amp 2.5 and test it out by doing rtl and auto land and all the other features

[@hawkskyflier]

Hi Guys, I was gonna ask this on your web page, but as long as I'm here... I'm running a Spektrum Dx8 2.4... would I have to run 5.8 or could I go to the 1.2?????

[@Resistor84]

Because some frequencies are used for other things like radio or emergency channels. The Power is another Problem. For example in Germany you can fly 5.8GHZ with only 25mW

[@Yaakov444]

it isn't good to use the same frequencies on the vide tx and the aircraft rx It can reduce the range

[@bmschulman]

ReadyMadeRC Best equipment, selection and best support in the business. I have no affiliation with them, I'm just an extremely satisfied customer.

[@0917bobb]

you can make your own, but it is much easier to buy them. Try Readmaderc or HobbyKing

[@leetrevarthen]

I know but i'm talking about the legal side of power output. I couldn't use a 600mW transmitter in the UK its illegal

[@womackke]

It doesn't work like that, it all depends on your situation, where you are flying and how. For instance long, range short range, in the woods, in a field, in a parking lot, high in the sky etc etc no chart could account for all that. what are you trying to do? no matter what I would say your best bet is 1.2 and either 200-500 mw transmiter depending on short or longer range respectively

[@TheTyroner85]

man how to improve my fpv on my upair one 2k version I start too get wavy lines like it's heating up to fast how can u improve that

[@rcsquirrel17]

Do u have a link to the 900 MHz one and were to get all the parts to set that up?

[@jeanrusso749]

Now...can i use the stock 5.8 reciever in fat shark with a 900mhz transmiter?

[@yolkolai]

No. You would need a 900mhz receiver.

[@pilot1271]

Make a similar review for different FPV cameras. Especially Gopro

[@peppi0304]

does anyone know whats the range of a normal fpv system with 900MHz at 200mW?

[@clonkex]

There is no "normal" range. It depends a LOT on your antenna, amongst other things. However I would suggest that you'd easily get 5 or even 10km with decent antennae. Note: My suggestions are based purely of many hours of research; I have no first-hand experience... yet.

[@peppi0304]

i bought a 5,8 ghz system with 600mw stock antennas and I have a longer video signal than a my transmitter for the controls i got about 1,5 km also 900mw are not legal...

[@clonkex]

Sebastian D Awesome! Looks like you achieved what you were after :) I never said 900mW or 900MHz was illegal.

[@peppi0304]

yea it works really well :) i know that 900mhz is illegal in my country, at least the frequency should be legal 600mw is already way over it :D

[@sailorjohn2224]

more than I ever wanted to know ,not in my budget and strange for hot glue and dollar tree guys. Lucky I can fly when I can see the plane.

[@bmschulman]

Yes, but you need a ham license for all of these. 900 is totally banned in other countries because it is reserved for mobile telephone usage.

[@bturby]

Will 900mhz work with a 72mhz radio

[@MarcoTheRipper]

"High Pass Filter" to limit the second harmonic on the 2.4ghz band when using 1.2ghz???? oh gosh... I wish david intended lpf........right???

[@ebp1234]

I think i'll go look into the illegal transmitters.

[@kirikset]

Could you please, please cover a topic of upcoming regulatory restrictions of FPV flying? Bruce from Rcmodelreviews spoke about it recently and proposed to form an international federation of FPV flyers. There are more than 50000 followers on moth you channels and it could be enough to form a decent political force! I enjoy FPV and feel very frustrated thet in can soon be totally outlawed(

[@rcman2010]

Does anyone know if 900 MHz is legal in Australia. Queensland. Cheers