🛩️ Ground station build overview - Long range FPV

I'm frequently asked for details about my DIY long range FPV ground station, so I've made this video to try answer some of those questions.
The monitor on my station isn't really designed for using to fly, but instead is there for spectators to look at. It is a blue screen monitor so doesn't go to static when the signal gets low. That said I have used it once or twice when my goggles battery has died, and it's be fine. At some point i'll upgrade to a bigger proper non blue screen monitor.
Music provided by Argofox:
Nameless Warning - You're Worth It

[@SteffNael]

This video is... So well done as always! Thanks a lot for this job it can inspire us for future projects. Thx man.

[@FlyNRyanfpv]

Wow, i feel like i just went through groundstation class! Awsome video, im feeling very inspired now!

[@megadork9]

Thanks! This was exactly what I was looking for to build my own! I was especially curious about how you were mounting the case onto the tripod and how you mounted the screen/ components to the foam board / hardboard! I really appreciate your videos!

[@gizfpv]

I didn't actually explain exactly how I mounted the hardware to the board. I initially used some uhu por glue to stick everything in place, and then used some hot glue for reinforcement. Half the reason there is a fan on my ground station is to stop the hot glue from melting on sunny days 😂

[@jameswebb8162]

Sweet video!! Taking notes!!

[@planesandbikes7353]

well done! you know I built one almost identical to this one 6 years ago, and used it for 4 years. But with RG45 connectivity for the receivers and comp-video-out, and 10 mW relay. same case, similar 9in monitor but built around the Eagle Eyes diversity. In the end I found it too much to lug around, and now I when I use a GS, I have minimalist ones built onto a piece of flat bar aluminum, on a tripod

[@FlyNRyanfpv]

That sounds dope! Built right into the tripod!🤙🤙

[@Koestel-FPV]

Nice job !

[@Eduardoramundo]

Awesome vid, thanks.

[@aleks3a00]

Just super!Thanks!

[@kerrycorcoran4885]

Dude, you content is so well done. You make it very easy to understand and follow the logic of how to make the Ground Station. Great video! The one question I have could you modify this so there is some type of inline fuse to help avoid potential shorting or electrical issues?

[@TheMandrilman]

thanks for the video mate!!!

[@gizfpv]

No worries 😊

[@youtubejack]

This is awesome

[@Nick-xe2hu]

So if I'm understanding this correct. You have 3 options for viewing the flight. 1) using the screen, 2) using the tethered cable to the goggles, and 3) not using the tether and using your goggles with a 5.8ghz receiver tuned into the same frequemcy as the 5.8 VTx. In other word you could have multiple users near you all with 5.8gHz goggles (typical in FPV) and be able to tune into you 2.4-to-5.8 converted flight footage and monitor your flight through there own goggles. Correct? If so then I can add that to my ground station and really make it awesome.

[@gizfpv]

Yeah! You've got it! The 5.8 repeater vtx rebroadcasts the 2.4 footage, so anyone nearby with a pair of goggles (with 5.8 recievers) can tune in and watch. The repeater I use is only 25mw too, so if any of my friends are flying on 5.8 my repeater doesn't cause them interference

[@Nick-xe2hu]

Perfect. Thats a pretty slick idea you had there. I'm going to implement the same thing. Thanks for the idea and reply.

[@sukoine]

I need to know in the plane what kind of you vtx you choose 2.4 or 5.8ghz.

[@timothydowling1453]

You’re so freakin’ clever!

[@dutchflyingwings5862]

Cool mate

[@solmag8076]

This is an awesome video. I've been looking for a comprehensive video in order to build my ground station. You are a life saver. What is the size of the fan you used? Also the plastic screws you used for the Yagi antenna, can you share the dimension? Thanks

[@rczone9830]

Ohhh thanks God. Your videos always be helpful for me. Can you tell me how's distance range?and please share your products link with details like how many switches, parts etc. Thanks Wait for your next videos

[@SladkaPritomnost]

What settings (lvl and time) do you use for diversity switch (Quanum diversity vrx)? I used 2-2 and rx switched actually to worse antenna once, now testing 2-3 (4-4 was too lethargic for me).

[@nandovelho1]

Valeu 👍

[@RianHidayat-cz7yi]

what direction on the fan? is it sucking air inside to outside or blowing air from outside to inside?

[@ryandconan]

Hi, I was using R9M Frsky TX radio which is emitted in 800 Mhz signal. If I use 1.3 Ghz for video sistem just like you did, is it posibble to interference?

[@swakefpv8290]

Good job. What is the brand and reference of your tripod? it seems heavy and robust 👍🏻

[@selfish1716]

cool, and how to what component TBS antenna is connected? Thanks

[@kerrycorcoran4885]

What are you using (frequency) for control of your aircraft if you're using 2.4GHz for the video frequency?

[@kerrycorcoran4885]

Never mind, I think I figured it out. Reviewing your build video I see you're using the TBS (915MHz) platform for RC control. This allows you to use the Furious 2.4GHz for FPV and then you use a simply 5.8GHz repeater on your Ground Station to wirelessly link to your goggles. If I am incorrect please let me know.

[@ryandconan]

Where do you buy the yagi antenna? Its really hard to find yagi antenna that tuned to 1.3ghz

[@nihilisticone4215]

Is there any perceptible latency using the 2.4 Ghz to 5.8 Ghz repeater, vs. plugging into the Quanum video RX via a cable to your goggles, or loss in video quality? Didn't they discontinue that TBS 2.4 Ghz yagi?

[@gizfpv]

Not that I've noticed. Signal quality over the 5.8 repeater is fine, and if there is any lag I haven't noticed it. As for the yagi, you can still buy them new from TBS direct as far as I know

[@packyfpv3660]

Great video! And obviously great ground station! Can i ask you if you have noticed some latency by using it with the 5.8 ghz vtx?

[@gizfpv]

Nope, never noticed any latency at all 😊

[@sams9716]

Great build. Working on one myself at the moment and kind of stumped. I have 3 different receivers. Two RC832's and an RD40. I also have an Eachine display and a set of goggles. I can't get video from any of the receivers to either the goggles or display. The Eachine display and goggles will pick up the vtx signal just fine. I'm using the cables that came with the receivers and have tried every channel and frequency and nothing. Any idea's what I could be missing?

[@gizfpv]

I had a similar issue when building my ground station. The problem turned out to be the cable from the receiver to the screen. Although the connector physically fit into my screen, it was still the wrong type and therefor the video signal wasn't making it through. Might be worth investigating your cable?

[@sams9716]

@@gizfpv Thanks for the reply! I did get the display working. I ended up opening it up and soldering the wires direct to it and it works fine. I still have yet to get the goggles working. What cable do you use on your goggles? Mine is different than the display and receiver.

[@bigmacsnoobselectronicsrep8032]

New sub here

[@SetitesTechAdventures]

It's so hard to build one of these now. All the cool tech in it seems to be discontinued.

[@gizfpv]

I agree. Best bet these days would be to get a Furiousfpv 2.4 receiver module and a Docking

[@SetitesTechAdventures]

@@gizfpv Wow your response time is amazing, thanks! I had never heard of the dock-king but it looks amazing. I was planning to DIY something just like it but this thing is a far better option.

[@rczone9830]

Hello...the diversity receiver is not available from hobbyking, can you suggest an other diversity module for this project? ?

[@gizfpv]

Yeah unfortunately they stopped selling them. I'm not sure if there is a alternative

[@rczone9830]

@@gizfpv you should at least search for me...

[@jim3318]

Did you have any issues using a 2.4 GHz FPV system and also a 2.4 GHz RC system? I'm hoping to emulate you design! Thanks

[@gizfpv]

I don't have a 2.4ghz RC system, I have a 800mhz RC system. Running 2.4 for FPV and rc at the same time would be a terrible idea and wouldn't work well

[@jim3318]

@@gizfpv Got it. For some reason I thought the crossfire was on 2.4 GHz. Thanks for clearing that up!

[@FLY_WD_RAGHIL]

What range you're getting with this???

[@bigmacsnoobselectronicsrep8032]

Just wandering if you still use this setup and how far are you getting

[@gizfpv]

Hey, no I no longer use this setup. However furthest I flew with it was 30km, at which I still had 90% signal. Could easily have flown waaaay further

[@bigmacsnoobselectronicsrep8032]

Giz FPV thanks for answering so quick I’m seriously thinking about building something like this

[@gizfpv]

@@bigmacsnoobselectronicsrep8032 I actually want to build a new ground station myself. I sold my original a few years ago. Only problem is they don't make those 2.4 receivers any more, and I haven't yet found a good alternative

[@bigmacsnoobselectronicsrep8032]

Giz FPV what about using a 1.2 receiver would it work better

[@Winniethepopo]

Hi Giz , it's me again, the guy who asked you everthing about the crossfire 😂. Where could i get a 2.4 ghz fpv receiver ? All of them are discontinued , i just find tge tbs groundstation which is super expensive ... How far was your longest flight on 2.4 ghz and how much mw had the vtx ?

[@gizfpv]

Your best bet is to get the Furiousfpv 2.4 module for fatshark goggles. A little expensive but very good. My buddy has the best record, he did 35km on 700mw. Still had excellent image

[@Winniethepopo]

@@gizfpv with what type of antenna ?🤯

[@gizfpv]

@@Winniethepopo He was using a Immersionrc 2.4 patch antenna, although I tuned in using a TBS Yagi antenna and also had a excellent image

[@Winniethepopo]

@@gizfpv how much dbi because i just found a giant 19 cm x 19 cm from immersion rc and this surely wont fit on the googles ...

[@Winniethepopo]

Are you happy with your hd 3 ? I have the possibility to get the hd 3 core for 400€ with the module on banggood and the vtx

[@ryandconan]

My apoplogies giz, but I still dont get it. I'm not freakin' clever just like you. I understand that how it works on googles. simply the camera on our plane will record live video and transmitted by Vtx on 5.8 Ghz. Then receiver on our googles wil receive the signal and display it on the googles screen. it goes the same with monitor, the only different is the monitor using 2,4 ghz diversity receiver. but I dont get it, why you still added 5.8 vtx ? 5.8 ghz is already on the googles isnt?

[@wasacz_5000]

What is the maximum range?

[@gizfpv]

Honestly I don't know. So far this station has successfully received crystal clear signals from 28.6km away, so I reckon 40km, maybe more 😋

[@wasacz_5000]

:O Nice !!! Which transmitter do you use ?

[@gizfpv]

@@wasacz_5000 Taranis x9d+ with TBS Crossfire module

[@wasacz_5000]

Thanks ;) What vtx 2.4ghz do you use ?

[@gizfpv]

On my Nano Goblin I use the Furiousfpv 2.4ghz stealth vtx. On my TBS Capirinia I use the Immersionrc 2.4ghz vtx

[@adamuap6623]

Bleary