Long Range FPV Ground Station - Build Tutorial

🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 FULL SETUP AND LINKS IN DESCRIPTION BELOW ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ (Click 'SHOW MORE'👈🏻 )
UPDATE October 2021 I did an update on the latest version of this ground station in which also address the situation with the Diversity Demon being discontinued: • 📡 Ground Station Upda...
I've been asked by many people over the last few months for a video on my ground station. As mentioned, this is designed to be informative for people that are new to the hobby and don't understand what all of the parts are or why we use them. This video could easily be hours long if I was to go into great detail on each section, but I kept it as minimal as I could getting straight to the point.
☕️ 👋🏻 Hey, thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this video or found it useful and would like to show your appreciation/support for my channel, why not buy me a coffee :) ► tiny.cc/BuyAdamGaCoffee
*****Table of Contents*****
0. Introduction
1. What is a ground station? ►0:59
2. Basic Antenna Theory ► 2:25
3. Diversity Controllers ► 4:34
4. Overview and Parts List ► 5:19
5. The Build - Including Wiring ► 8:54
========Parts List========
-K&F Concept Tripod ► 🇺🇸USA Link: tiny.cc/GS-Tripod-USA 🇬🇧UK Link: tiny.cc/GS-Tripod-UK
-1.3 ghz VAS Pepperbox antenna ► tiny.cc/6adv0y
-1.3ghz Mad mushroom ► Discontinued. I've now switched this to a Singularity antenna which works just as well but is less fragile and makes transporting the groundstation easier. See line below:
-1.3ghz Singularity Omni antenna ► tiny.cc/SingularityCP
-2 x RMRC 1.2ghz VRx ► tiny.cc/hbdv0y
-Diversity Demon ► tiny.cc/ubdv0y (Note: This appears to have been discontinued. The only other option I can see available for diversity on 1.3g is the Clearview XLR. This is expensive! But it is 2 x receivers and a diversity controller all in one: clearview-direct.com/shop/gro... )
-DVR ► tiny.cc/9cdv0y or a very good low cost alternative: tiny.cc/Low-Cost-DVR
-Turnigy 5000mAh 3S ► tiny.cc/2ddv0y
-25mw 5.8ghz repeater vtx (to send the video signal wirelessly from my 1.3ghz ground station to my goggles) ► tiny.cc/cedv0y
-Digital Volt Meter ► tiny.cc/gfdv0y
-Eachine Diversity Monitor with DVR ► tiny.cc/ehfv0y
-PDB ► tiny.cc/Groundstation-PDB
🔵 Follow me on my Facebook page for updates, build logs, chat, random pictures & vid clips that don't make it to KZbin: / adamgdoesfpv
📷 Follow me on Instagram @adamgdoesfpv ► tiny.cc/AdamGonInstagram
Sites I get my awesome FPV goodies from:
✅ Banggood ► tiny.cc/BanggoodFPV
✅ RMRC ► tiny.cc/RMRC
✅ HobbyKing ► tiny.cc/HobbyKing
✅ Gearbest ► tiny.cc/GearBestFPV
========3D Printing Equipment========
-3D Printer ► tiny.cc/qql96y
-PLA filament ► tiny.cc/EryonePLA
-TPU filament ► tiny.cc/SainsmartTPU
-PETG filament ► tiny.cc/SainsmartPETG
-Digital Calliper ► tiny.cc/DigitalCalliper
========Build equipment========
-E6000 glue ► tiny.cc/E6000Glue
-Laminating Iron ► tiny.cc/LaminatingIron
-Laminate ► tiny.cc/laminate
-Hot glue gun ► tiny.cc/HotGlueGun
-Foam Cutting Tool ► tiny.cc/vxgv0y
-Heat Gun ► tiny.cc/AdjustableHeatGun2000w
-Watt Meter ► tiny.cc/WattMeter
-3M90 spray adhesive ► tiny.cc/3M90adhesive
========Other Video Equipment========
-Macbook Pro ► 🇺🇸 tiny.cc/MacbookPro-USA 🇬🇧 tiny.cc/MacbookPro-UK
-External Hard to Store Final Cut Pro X projects ► 🇺🇸 tiny.cc/Seagate2TB-USA 🇬🇧 tiny.cc/Seagate2TB-UK
-Computer Mic ► 🇺🇸 tiny.cc/AU-GM30-Mic-USA
-DSLR ► 🇺🇸 tiny.cc/CanonDSLR-USA 🇬🇧 tiny.cc/CanonDSLR-UK
-Camera Lens ► 🇺🇸 tiny.cc/Canon50mmLens-USA 🇬🇧 tiny.cc/Canon50mmLens-UK
-Handheld Gimbal for DJI Osmo or GoPro ► tiny.cc/Handheld-Gimbal

[@davidunderwood1907]

This is the best how to: long range ground station video I've come across. He covers alot of questions I had and the video is super visual actually showing you how to connect components. This video took time and care to make. Tyvm.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks David, I appreciate your great feedback :)

[@davidunderwood1907]

@@AdamGdoesFPV I wish I could find a diversity video mixer under $200USD? Is there a cheaper way to mix my two 1.3ghz RMRC receivers. All I see is backorders. out of stock. Did "Diversity-Demon" go out of business? Please keep on trucking yoh, TY for all your videos.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

@@davidunderwood1907 Hi David, unfortunately I don't know of any diversity controllers for 1.3g 😥I think the only option is to make your own controller if you want to use the RMRC rx's. The clearview is very expensive ($500) but it is 2 receivers and a diversity controller all in one: clearview-direct.com/shop/ground-station-receivers/1-3-receivers/clearview-xlr-1-3/ I don't know what happened with the D-Demon, just appears to be discontinued.

[@billylawson188]

@@AdamGdoesFPV You have really done a great service to others by sharing your expertise!

[@terrymurphy562]

Out of all the videos I have watched in this rc hobby, from many KZbinrs, this has to be the best one. Everything was explained in simple terms and covered comprehensively. You have done an excellent job of it Adam. Well done.👍

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Wow, thanks! great feedback, I really appreciate it :D

[@tonyhussey3610]

Fantastic video mate. Best fpv video I have seen on KZbin. So informative thanks !!!

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thank you for the great feedback. Very pleased hear all of the time making it was worth while :D

[@SILVIOFRANCO1]

Thanks, Adam. I am assembling mine. Lots of learning with your vids.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Glad my videos help :)

[@manalive33]

Excellent video, been looking for such an easy explanation to get started in longer range flying.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Glad you found it useful :) Cheers

[@denizkayra]

Hey there, Adam. This is exactly what I am looking for. Thanks for the splendid tutorial series! Compliments!

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks, glad it was useful👌🏻

[@cptxeros]

Excellent starters to advanced guide Adam ...Nicely done & Well presented ...!!!!!

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Cheers mate. Quite time consuming so it's great to get good feedback. :D

[@JDDupuy]

One of the best up close explanations I have seen. You covered it A-Z and did a great job! Thank You...

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks JD, really appreciate your feedback! :)

[@PWOODHAMS]

Excellent video. Clear, concise and thorough.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Much appreciated! Thank you👍🏻

[@CP-zi3eg]

The best video i've seen about the topic . Great explanation and many thanks for sharing your know-how.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for the feedback :)

[@opposedforces]

Spectacular video Adam, very well done and you cover all of the bases. I was looking for a video exactly like this and yours was the best one ive seen. Thank you so much for taking the time!

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks for the feedback, really glad you found it useful :)

[@aidanmcgee5900]

Simply brilliant! Thanks

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks Aidan :D

[@flightlieutenant6902]

Good day mate, many thanks for this great tutorial video . It's very helpful. Cheers from Australia 👍

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Cheers mate, glad to hear it's being of use! :D

[@Joneszee1969]

I have to say that was one of the best videos I’ve ever seen on building a ground station, well done.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks James, hopefully it was useful to you 😊

[@user-mb6cn8zq4v]

Super helpful, thanks !

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

You're welcome! :)

[@properlytwisted2172]

Excellent!!..You just can't get any simpler on explaining the set up(and why)..Well done..:)

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks :) great to hear! I tried to keep it simple and straight to the point

[@elxero2189]

beautiful

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks for watching 😊👍🏻

[@ameen474]

Great work

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks, hope it was useful! 👍

[@upperechelon3456]

Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!!!

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks Jason :)

[@fronteirafpv8493]

thanks 4 the video man, very clear explanation. keep up your top level work!

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks for the comment :D glad you found it useful!

[@liocaputo]

Thank you for this amazing video. I work with fixed wing planes and I use 5.8 ghz for video and I wanted to change to 1.3 ghz. This video is just what I needed! Thank you, great work.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks, glad it was helpful 😃

[@jameswebb8162]

Sweet, thxs for the video. Looking at getting back into rc right after chemo. Thanks for the information!!

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Glad you found it useful :) good luck with your recovery and ground station build

[@ffrich34]

excellent vid. Was just what I was looking for to describe it all. Outstanding sir.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Glad you liked it!

[@BrainDeadEngineering]

Wow your my hero ! I'm confident now to move forward . Yours sincerely FPV noob from Canada . Ty

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Glad I could help!

[@billylawson188]

Thank you so much for this excellent video!

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks Billy. Glad it was useful 👍🏻

[@jameslong4252]

Great how to video. Thank you

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks James 👍🏻😊

[@bugsy742]

My friend that was a perfect example of how you communicate to people 👍 what a fantastic natural ability you have and a clear whole knowledge of your subject matter 😎 thank you 🙏

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thank you for your very kind feedback 😁 I really appreciate this 👍🏻 glad you found it useful too. Cheers 🍻

[@dronepilot1333]

Thanks for making this very useful video

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

No problem, glad you found it useful :) Cheers

[@argi0505]

Excellent job Adam!!!!

[@argi0505]

How long can you fly your plane with this built,in general....

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thank you :) Do you mean how far can I fly? I don't really do 'Long range' but I'd expect 30km would be easy enough. I use this setup for super low altitude medium range, usually no more than 10km

[@MrStevedfx]

Excellent video, well done.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks Steve :)

[@richardcoggins739]

Excellent presentation. I have ground stations for 1.3, 2.4, and 5,8 systems that I have made over the years and you have given me some new ideas on improving my 1.3 Ghz system with this video. Keep up the good work, You're a natural teacher.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thank you for the great feedback Richard :) good to hear that it's not just the people that are new to the hobby that will benefit from this video :D

[@grim-upnorth]

Great video Adam!

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Cheers Chris :) Time for you to get building your ground station

[@blackbirdboy1]

Very detailed. Thanks for sharing

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks for watching and for commenting :)

[@kurdtube8777]

Beautiful mate 👍👍

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Cheers :)

[@fw8008]

Great Vid!

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks Frank 😎

[@RakishRc]

Brilliant video! Thanks 👍

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks, glad you liked it😎

[@gaddivo]

I watched this video about 5 times already. Your videos not only informative and clear, but very entertaining. At first, I couldn't pull the trigger because of diversity controller. Now I got eagleEyes from my senior flying buddy. Pulled the trigger this day, waiting the items arrived from CA and USA. I hope I can fly like you, low altitude and fast. Cheers Adam

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Nice one 😃 It's a great setup and you'll love it! Glad the video helped and provided some entertainment, I appreciate the great feedback. Cheers👍🏻

[@ardufpv4373]

Thanks for sharing, Adam. I have the same setup as yours. I am just using VAS biquad instead. I remember watching your long range video with the sky hunter over and over, when I was introduced to this whole fpv thing :) not long ago

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks :D Glad you found my videos useful and great to hear that it helped you get into the hobby! I hope you're having a lot of success :)

[@ArmanRC]

This is what im looking for, very usefull ,i need to built this ground station, great👍

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Glad I could help. Thanks for watching

[@robertfenney]

excellent video!

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@HavardStreAndresen]

Great video, Adam😉

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks for watching :) I'm sure you already know everything in this video :P

[@FPVSteve]

Great video, nicely presented.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks Steve, I appreciate the feedback :)

[@North49RC]

Very informative straight to the point video, just subbed

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thank you and welcome to my channel 👍🏻😊

[@ajebanda7937]

Great vídeo!

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks :) Hope it was useful!

[@DANHjAM]

Nice setup and tutorial. :)

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@CanecaProductions]

Thank you!

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

You're welcome :)

[@zerrouksurscene1884]

you are the best one thnk you verry much

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

You’re welcome 😊 thanks for watching

[@theflyinggreek6329]

Perfect timing for this video. As others have said, I would like to see how you set up the system on the aircraft also. Thank you for the detailed video.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Glad you found it useful :D Soon I'm going to be doing a build/setup video for the Talon GT with long range gear. This might be what you're looking for. If not I'll reconsider the Skyhunter setup video. Thanks for the comment

[@theflyinggreek6329]

@@AdamGdoesFPV , excellent. I am setting up two.planes, the mini Drak and a Ranger. Looking forward to.more setup videos.

[@rawandgaming7113]

thanks dear adam

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

You’re welcome 😊

[@rawandgaming7113]

@@AdamGdoesFPV ❤️😍

[@amach_1299]

Súper bien explicado! Gracias por el video. 😀👍

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I hope you find it useful :)

[@TomFYouTube]

Excellent video and explanation!!! Just found your videos. Liked this one and subscribed to your KZbin feed. Thanks!!!

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks Tom, appreciate the sub and comment

[@jamesmichaelcabrera9613]

Thanks 🙏

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

You’re welcome 😃

[@AnasSuhaimi]

Superb video. Well done.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks :)

[@AnasSuhaimi]

@@AdamGdoesFPV Oh i have one question though. On your planes you put 2 type of antenna? One of each polarization pattern?

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

No i only ever use circular polarised antennas.

[@shaunvisser8155]

I just subscribed to your channel because of this video. I just got a MT, and am in the process of installing a 1.3G system. I have 2 receivers, VAS Omnis and a VAS Crosshair. I just have a problem with the diversity controller, finding one is a bit tricky in South Africa... I'm going to try and build one myself, so maybe it'll work. Thanks for all the info

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks for the sub and the comment :) Good luck with the MT build and the diversity build, I'm sure it will turn out great :D

[@Magneticitist]

Cool setup, I appreciate the information. A little rough first getting into it all trying to learn the various standard protocols etc. I really like that box which allows two receivers. I ended up with the single 2W 1.2-1.3 transmitter on a little RC car and it def works way better than the 5.8ghz. I'm not sure how much quality I'm losing going down to 5.8ghz to relay over to my little LCD screen but it still looks really good for using a cheap camera. I couldn't even position my car next to a wall or something on 5.8 before it started crapping out.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

1.3g is way more forgiving that 5.8g. The relay is probably not losing any quality really. Glad it helped. Cheers

[@k1ortia]

Awesome video, just what i was looking for. Looking into doing a bit of long range fpv with some wings using i-nav.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Kyle Fpv glad you find it useful! With this ground station FPV is so realisable and fun 😎

[@k1ortia]

@@AdamGdoesFPV yes mate totally useful. Is it possible to put together a budget groundstation at all? Also do you have any and or wing builds? Cheers😎

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

If you are on a budget and want to fly 1.2g then you could get a pepperbox and a receiver only and just plug goggles straight into the receiver. If you are starting out then you could just go for 5.8g video and goggles have everything you need built into them. I don't have any wing build videos, but something like the AR wing is very simple. Normally all of the wiring is covered by the autopilot's manual. Hope this helps

[@jhonlu4819]

i just want to say thanks

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

You’re welcome 😁 thanks for watching and commenting

[@captlarry-3525]

wonderful adam. A low cost alternative to diveristy... would be an A/B switch to allow you to switch quickly from Omni to Directional antenna, depending on the location of your bird.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks. Yes in theory that could work, not too sure about the logistics with where that switch would be. cheers

[@joslinnick]

I have nearly the same setup as you. I have a 1.3 GHz crosshair with an omni antenna, both connected to an eagle eyes diversity controller/tracker. I never set it up as a tracker because I felt like it was overly complicated and that the omni antenna took care of the tracking function.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Nice setup. It’s not worth having diversity and a tracker at the same time so you did the right thing. Having a tracker becomes annoying if you have many models as you always have to add something on board to transmit the data back.

[@pimimo]

Excellent... I would like to see the configuration on the plane and know which VTX you use,

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Hi, I'm going to do a config video on the Talon GT soo, that may answer any questions you might have. The Vtx I use on most of my planes is this one: tiny.cc/kwcv0y

[@AlexanderPerez-oe1gu]

Thank you for posting this. I'm now in the transition period from 5.8 to 1.3 and have been slowly setting up my ground station. I greatly appreciate you taking the time walk us through your setup. I noticed in the comments below you mentioned the possibility of doing a video of the sky hunter long range setup. Did that ever get published or still in the works? I've been curious about recommended antenna placement for rx and vtx (i.e. opposite side on wing tips, etc.). Thanks again.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Hi, thanks for watching and commenting. I haven't got round to making an overview of the Skyhunter, mostly just though being too busy, but I will consider doing one soon. For now I only have a brief build overview of it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3nKdZynq9eVaac For antenna placement the best solution, like you said, is having Rx antenna out on one wingtip and the VTx antenna out on the other. Separating these 2 antenna's as much as possible and ensuring they're not being obstructed by electronics or carbon fibre is going to give you the best results. Also keep the GPS away from the vtx. I have my GPS rx on the centre of the Skyhunter fuselage. Hope this helps

[@davidunderwood1907]

I love u dude

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Haha thanks :-D

[@robrowbotham1814]

Hi Adam, great informative video, would love to see more of this sort of stuff from you. Quick question if I may....in your experience would an antenna tracker do the same job with just one directional antenna?

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Hi Rob, thanks for the comment. I used to have a Crosshair antenna on a tracker, and this gives you good range in all directions. It really is a great setup. I wanted to go with a very high gain antenna (Pepperbox) to allow very low altitude at medium range. This antenna is too big and heavy for a tracker which is why I went for diversity. So really what you decide to go for is personal preference and depends on the type of flying you enjoy. Hope this helps. Thanks for great feedback :D

[@robrowbotham1814]

Appreciate the insight Adam, I’m currently putting together a tracking system using 5.8ghz video for testing of tracking accuracy, if successful I then plan to try 2.4ghz video.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

@@robrowbotham1814 Cool. a lot of people have success on 2.4g. Good luck with the build

[@MuratErdeveci]

Wow I'm so lucky to come across a video like this thank you very much for investing in to this. I'm new to long range flight and fpv so if you don't mind me asking, do you have tutorials on: onboard setup / how to establish communication between this ground setup and your aircraft and about the long range aircraft controlling, flight data transmission and auto-pilot systems, if not are you planning to upload? Thanks...

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks :) glad you found it useful! I have a couple of videos that you might find useful. Built / setup overview of long range Skyhunter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3yYfH2sfLisj7c and a walkthrough of my current favourite flight controller the Matek F722: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZzQfHZ8i6x1ra8

[@MuratErdeveci]

@@AdamGdoesFPV Thanks for the reply sir, I will check them out.

[@smoothvirus]

This is a great tutorial for building a long range FPV ground station! But - everyone should be aware, that the recommended DVR for this project does put out a spike on 1.2ghz that can interfere with your video. It's kind of insidious in a way, as you probably will never have the issue unless you fly out 8km or more you'll probably never experience it. I had issues with mine for months, and thought that there was something wrong with my vtx/vrx setup, but it was the DVR all along. It's a shame, because that particular unit records in a very high quality. You can remedy the issue by using the DVR with a 5.8ghz video receiver of it's own and moving it far away from the 1.2ghz vrx, encasing the DVR in a metal case, or just use a different DVR for very long range flights.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

I have to say I've never had an issue with mine. Many other people use this DVR and i've not heard anyone mention having a problem with it. These days an external DVR like this isn't that necessary because the goggles and monitors have them built in. Thanks for watching and for the comment :)

[@terrythetek]

Hi Adam, I have been following your videos for quite some time now and enjoy every moment of them, with this latest build video i see you are buying your items to make this possible from over the big pond, is it that these items cannot be purchased here in the u.k ? If this is the case , would there be a tax on the parts to be delivered into the uk,?, ...Keep up the great work Adam, very much appreciated, Thanks

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Hi Terry, thanks for the comment and for supporting my channel :) Most of these parts are not available in the UK so have to be ordered from the US or China. Some items you may get taxed but its mostly luck. I can honestly say I was not taxed on a single item for this ground station. Some of the smaller more basic parts like a 5.8 vtx, PDB, tripod etc. you will be able to buy in the UK. But all of the major parts will need to be shipped over unfortunately. hope this helps. Cheers

[@mattkingaby]

Fantastic video, thank you so much 👍 Do you have any plans to do something similar for the aircraft Lang range tx?

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Hi Matt, thanks for the comment! I'm going to be making a video on how I configured my long range gear in a Talon GT soon so hopefully this will cover what you're looking for :)

[@mig21mf]

Hi Adam. your Video is the first one who help me to understand this kind of antenna (I am a Drone Newbie). I try to build a drone and Radio-system for our Unti Poaching Unit in SA. My Question: is your antenna usable for a distance range for FPV and Control for min 30km? When not, you could help me ? Which parts i have to change? Should I better use a automatic tracking antenna?

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Hi, The groundstation is not used to control the aircraft, only to receive the video feed. An antenna tracker is only useful if you plan to fly far in multiple different directions from where you are standing. For control link I use Dragonlink or TBS Crossfire. Dragonlink has a longer range and will go beyond 100km with the right antennas/setup/conditions. Good luck with the project.

[@flyingrock6381]

good stuff Adam! as a cheaper option you could swap the diversity demon for an Eagle Tree 'EagleEyes FPV Station' - currently 85$ - which also provides diversity. cheers!

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Hi Charles. Yes the eagle eyes was something i looked into, but I found some bad reviews and decided to just spend a bit more on the DD. Thought it would be worth it with all the flying i do. I'm sure others will appreciate this tip though and go ahead and have no problems. Cheers

[@PeterSpringhall]

Did you get caught for much UK duty buying the DD from the US? Combination of the postage rates and duty add quite a bit :(. Excellent video and info 👍🏻

[@corywilliamsmith]

I can't wait to get a tripod so I can finally make a miniature ground station. Hopefully I stop being lazy and finally get my ham radio license so I can mess around with different long range frequencies. Cheers!

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Using the right gear that works well together makes FPV a lot more enjoyable

[@Darksagan]

Excellent video. I am wondering if this setup is still relevant in 2020 for long range..for drones though.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks. Technically the planes are classed as drones too so do you mean multi rotors? This gear is still very relevant for long range flight, the Pepperbox is still big seller. As mentioned in the video, I built this for medium range low altitude more than long range, but it works really well for both.

[@MaxJNGG]

excellent video, it was hard for me to find such a complete tutorial, how much is the maximum distance range with this equipment?

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Glad it helped :) That question has many factors involved. Depends on conditions, terrain, setup onboard the plane etc. In the right conditions 70km maybe. I go out to 10km and still flying low to the ground and picture is still clear. You won't be disappointed. Cheers

[@v.gedace1519]

Thank you so much! For me you clarified around a million questions! Absolute perfect! In your also excellent video "Narrated Long Range FPV Setup Overview & 15km Range Test - Skywalker 1900", from 26. Oct 2015, you are using the "MyFlyDream Antenna Tracker" but no diversity. Why do you switched to diversity? In case that is even possible: Why not using both (tracker and diversity)?

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Hi, thanks for the feedback, glad you found it useful. I used to have a Crosshair antenna on a tracker, and this gives you good range in all directions. It really is a great setup. I wanted to go with a very high gain antenna (Pepperbox) to allow very low altitude at medium/long range. This antenna is too big and heavy for a tracker which is why I went for diversity. You definitely don't need diversity if you have a tracker, so you should never have both. A tracker will ensure your directional antenna is always pointing at your plane, so there's no need for a second antenna, it will never have better signal than the directional one on the tracker, and the diversity controller would never switch. Hope this helps.

[@v.gedace1519]

@@AdamGdoesFPV Thanks again! Your explanations make sense! So I got it :-) But I have another request: I join the many comments from below and ask you for a video of how your plane is built. Thank you in advance

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

@@v.gedace1519 No problem. I'll consider doing a video on the setup of my Skyhunter soon as it does seem many people are interested

[@v.gedace1519]

@@AdamGdoesFPV Cool and thanks in advance!

[@kitelife5555]

Great Video! I've just got two questions: 1. What FPV transmitter do you recommend for the longest possible range with the Pepperbox as receiving antenna? 2. To be able to receive the FPV signal from all directions with the Pepperbox, couldn't someone just turn the antenna following the aircraft?

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks 😎 1: This one tiny.cc/Matek-1G3-Vtx 2: Yeah of course, if you have someone standing by to do that. I sometimes turn it myself mid flight if I go out in a different direction.

[@traxxi2003]

Great video! thanks for sharing. Question; which antenna would be ideal to use on the model to maximize range?

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks for the feedback. The antenna on the model is less important than the ground, but my favourites are these: www.readymaderc.com/products/details/vas-1-3-ghz-bluebeam-ultra-antenna-set-rhcp Just make sure they match in frequency and polarisation to your groundstation :)

[@tonyhussey3610]

Would you be interested in doing the same style video on you latest long range plane set up. I appreciate its lots of work but so informative for a newbie like me.. I’m just getting into fpv long range to explore and make flying videos. It’s a steep learning curve :-)

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Is it the setup and configuration of the Skyhunter you're interested in?

[@tonyhussey3610]

Adam G does FPV .Yes that’s the one, I’m thinking about doing something similar soon. I’m learning on the nano talon at the moment. Cheers

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Cool, well i'm going to do a setup video on my Talon GT soon which has very similar gear to the Skyhunter, so maybe that might answer the questions you have

[@davidunderwood1907]

Tony Hussey what you said.

[@peterlee5087]

Thank you.This is very clear and useful , even to an old hand.( I am very satisfied with Eagle Eyes after 8 or more years). Recently I get a varying gauze- like texture with all the best cameras and vtx's on 1.3ghz , and it is not on a 5.8ghz connection . The aspect ratio also changes between 1.3 and 5.8. Either the goggles (Eachine 300 ) process the AV -in- by -cable connection badly, or the cable affects the signal . I will try using the 5.8 relay with the Eachine vtx , and also try another cable . Do you think a coaxial cable would be better?

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Hi, not too sure if the cable will make much difference. I'd be trying to take parts out of the equation one by one to pin point where your issue is. When I had an odd issue it turned out to be a strange compatibility problem with my goggles. Cheers

[@ElJinete66]

Hi! Congratulations and thanks for the video!! It's very helpful. I am getting into the FPV world, and have some questions: I am developing a fixed wing. I want to have two cameras, one fixed analog runcam to fly, and a second gimbal camera (SIYI A8 or similar) to track objects. In both cases the video would be live. Is this GS able to stream both signals in long range flights? Thanks!

[@justinbarber4567]

Really excellent and informative thank you, I am interested in a project like this and have suitable long range and high endurance models but is it legal to operate such flights in the UK do you know? Cheers.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Glad it was helpful! In the UK your rules do not allow to fly beyond 500m. You'd find it hard to meet anyone that sticks to that though😆

[@whitepony8443]

Wow, 30km is far enough and this year RC technology is better than before. I'm gonna improve my skill, I'll be the best I can be.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

People even go as far as 100km with antennas that aren't as good as this one. Good luck :)

[@AdrianoCasemiro]

Great craftsmanship, quite an investment on the diversity Demon, to be honest. How about interference from other sources close to 1.3gHz such as cell towers?

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Yeah the DD is quite an investment, and I did think about that one. In the end I decided it would make FPV more enjoyable and give more freedom during the flight so it was worth the money. I'd just be regretting it when I was flying if I didn't have it. 1.3g has been great. Like any frequency, if you're in the wrong place you can get interference. Most of the time it's great, on my old 1.3g Crosshair I went 17km with a clear picture. Thanks for the comment

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

UPDATE: In October 2021 I made this ground station update video which covers upgrades and the topic of the diversity demon being discontinued: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWfVgJaYg6iYna8

[@charlesmcguire9711]

Why did you choose the diversity controller you did over the eagle tree eagle eyes? Is there a negative to the eagles eyes that you are aware of that steered you away?

[@raven_fpv]

You know the Eagle Eyes by Eagle Tree can be used also in place of the diversity demon! I just got my Eagle Eyes a week ago and starting to slowly build my ground station.

[@charlesmcguire9711]

@@raven_fpv I thought so, but was just curious what drive the decision. I picked up an eagle eyes myself and am starting to build mine as well. Interested in seeing what you come up with. Good luck mate.

[@raven_fpv]

@@charlesmcguire9711 I will definitely let you know! I just bench tested the eagle eyes and all of the electronics I'll be using for the first time today and it all works like I thought it would. Now I have to install it into my pelican case. Let me know how I can keep in touch with you and I'll show pics.

[@charlesmcguire9711]

@@raven_fpv chuxrc at gmail dot com looking forward to it.

[@mitragynaspeciosa2390]

When amplifying a radio signal, at what point does it become a concern with the FCC’s regulations? I’m sure they post their frequency and amplification limits online somewhere, right? Can anyone recommend a good website for this type of information? Oh yeah, great video! 😁👍🏽

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

I don’t know the rules in the US but there will be limits on which frequencies you can use and power output on transmitters. You’ll be able to find out on a Facebook group or in a forum 👍🏻 Thanks 😊

[@herryswastika3708]

Auto subscribe. Very informative n inspirational. I currently use rush tank vtx 800mw + dumbo rc for my rc car. Would you like sharing transmitter system for long range ? Crossfire enough? Thanks

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks for subscribing 👌🏻 Crossfire is great for long range, and if you need more Dragonlink is pretty unbeatable.

[@mountainbikemike]

That's neat. Does the 5.8 relay add latency?

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Hi, and thanks. No the 5.8 relay doesn't add any latency... well if it does it's not visible to the human eye 😄

[@marioskalogeropoulos7054]

I'M 37 PUSHING 38yo AND FROM JANUARY 2020 UNTIL EARLY SEPTEMBER 2020 I BUILT MY NEW W/BIRD P47 RAZORBACK WITH KOLM 77ccV4! 3 YEARS AGO I BUILT THE BUFFALO FX-79(I LOVE DELTA WINGS) I HAVE MFD AP/OSD V1 AND MFD AAT WITH RMRC VRX 1.3GHZ, 5 TURN HELICAL ANT.800MW VTX 1.3G(RMRC 1258) CLOVERLEAF,DRAGONLINK UHF,4S GRAPHENE 10A 2S 2A FOR AP AND SERVOS,EACHINE 800D WITH AV IN DIRECTLY FROM VRX 1.3G(I'M NOT GONNA MENTION EVERY SINGLE COMPONENT) YOUR GROUND STATION IS CLEAN,RMRC HAS THE BEST 1.3VRX/VTX/ANTENNAS AKA GREAT CHOICE! AND GREAT VID FOR EVERYONE OUT THERE! I STILL HAVE AND FLY MY FPV PLATFORM,AND I WISH YOU THE BEST! ! NICE DAY!

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Sounds like you're enjoying the hobby👍🏻 keep it up

[@k4x4map46]

nice build no(w) to find work arounds for the products not able to acquire cheaply due to the great nap

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks. These days diversity systems for 1.3 are too expensive and limited in choice. If i was starting now I'd just fly with the pepperbox only.

[@trinol-kq3um]

Wonderful. But what is the video signal delay with so many intermediaries?

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Next to zero. Otherwise I wouldn’t have done it and I wouldn’t have been able to pull of flights like this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJrWfmqFba-NnKs

[@BlacksheepMediaNZ]

Hi Adam, this video is awesome. Just had a question. I see you ran the video cable to the vtx repeater but was it 2x cables running to the DVR?

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Yeah, it was a single cable to the DVR but when you cut it open there are 2 cables: 'Video' and 'Video GND'. Not all video cables have a GND to go with them

[@BlacksheepMediaNZ]

@@AdamGdoesFPV thanks Adam. Thought that might be the case. Appreciate the reply. Keep up the good work!

[@biggalrclife]

Do you need the 5.8 transmitter to receive video

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

The video signal comes from the output of the Diversity Demon. From there it's up to you how it gets from there to your goggles or monitor, you could simply use a cable. If you would like to receive the video wirelessly to your goggles via a 5.8g relay then yes you need a 5.8 transmitter

[@macieks.5959]

Wow, that is hell of a video, well done. Im just starting the hobby so please help me out to understand things well. On your standard ground station you use Vtx to transmit video signal (from your plane/quad catched by your ground station) into your goggles? cant you like wire up ground station with your goggles directly and not use the Vtx? What kind of Vtx are you using at your plane to match you ground station receiver ? is it some kind of 1.3 Ghz transmitter? Another question of mine - maybe off the video topic a little bit. Normally when you transmit video signal from the plane it can be received either by the video receiver (like ur station) or directly the goggles ( so you dont need a separete unit of the receiver at the ground, right?) ? sorry for many questions, I hope you will find some time to answer those.

[@macieks.5959]

ive got another quick questions. Station you described is used only for catching video signal? How do you send/catch standard signal to control an airacraft? Is it crossfire attached directly to transmitter?

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Thanks 👍🏻 😊 1. Yes you can simply connect your GS to your goggles using a cable rather than using a Vtx. However, it's nice to be hands free, the Vtx is cheap, and using a cable is a bit annoying but more importantly doesn't allow you to stand a little bit away from your GS, which in some cases can cause issues/reduced range. 2. Yes you have to use a Vtx on your plane that runs on same frequency as receiver and receiver antenna. I use the Matek 1.3g Vtx ► tiny.cc/Matek-1G3-Vtx or the Partom 1.3g vtx ► tiny.cc/kwcv0y on my planes. 3. Yes you can receive the video on a GS like in this video OR it can go straight to your goggles. You only need a GS if the gear is too large to mount to goggles, like trackers or directional 1.3g antennas. 4. For the RC control link this is from the transmitter or a module bolted onto the transmitter. I have Dragonlink, not Crossfire but both are similar.

[@macieks.5959]

​@@AdamGdoesFPV thanks a lot for all of the answers, you covered everything I need to know. That 1.3 g Vtx looks pretty big for my bilxer and for now I cant really afford entire GS at the moment. Would you recommend some other rather shorter range fpv setup of Vtx and Vrx ? I found smth called RC832 but cant tell whether it is still being used by hobbyists. What kind of range would you expect out of such setup? I think you said that your GS allows smth like 30 kms ? Does dragonlink support such lengths without issues?

[@mikesullivan5851]

How are the larger components attached

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

E6000 or hot glue

[@rayanalzahrani8756]

Hey man nice to see the video is it possible to use satellite to get a large range ?

[@rayanalzahrani8756]

And couldn’t you just point a pepper box in every direction and have Omni directional control

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

If you mean satellite link then no, too laggy. You can point PB in multiple directions but that’s such a pain to setup it’d be annoying. Also when you fly you never go far in all directions, normally just 1 so it’s just not needed

[@abdomosua8730]

Well, does the same apply to the controller as well as it needs a signal router and how to connect to it?

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

No, this groundstation is for the video only. The control system is independent from it and doesn't usually need to be isolated from the tx.

[@corywilliamsmith]

Good morning Adam! Anyway the Aux 2 can just go straight to a monitor instead of piggy backing 5.8 to goggles?

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Yeah for sure, the outputs are for you to send the video signals wherever you want them. That could be to DVR's, monitors, goggles, vtx etc 😎

[@MuratErdeveci]

I have some more questions: 1. Can I use a AV cable to connect the video receiver to the diversity device to get both video and audio sent to my screen/goggles because hearing the prop noise will help me. ( by the way I don't know if one transmitter in the aircraft can transmit both audio and video at the same time, so can you enlighten me about that :) ) 2.If I buy a goggle which has diversity built in, should I just connect these antennas to it? also if that works how do I output what I'm seeing in my goggles to another screen for a observer 3.If I use this exact setup except the 5.8 GHz transmitter: How do I split the AV signal coming out of the diversity demon for multiple screens using cables but not a 5.8 GHz transmitter without loosing signal strength I hope I don't bother you asking a lot and thanks from now...

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

1: Yes you can. You'd just need the right cables and would need to ensure that the Vtx on the plane is also capable of transmitting audio and has a built in mic etc 2: You cannot get goggles that have 1.3ghz diversity built into them. Plus the pepperbox is too big to have connected to goggles unless you want to have it on a tripod next to you and stand next to it and not move your head the whole flight. 3: The diversity demon has 2 outputs. If you want to output the signal to more than 2 devices you would want to get a video splitter/amplifier.

[@STRACHU100]

Hi, its a great tutorial! however could you please advise me on what is going on on the market as now (2 yearsw later) i am unable to find no pepperbox antenna or mad mushroom antenna anywere. they are discontiuned. what is the replacement nowadays (I am trying to build a ground station working on 1.3 GHZ as well) thanks

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Hi and thanks. I actually mean to make a follow up video to this very soon! The pepperbox has been redesigned, it is more powerful, smaller and lighter and you can buy it here: tiny.cc/Pepperbox-XTreme Rather than the mad mushroom I use these which are way smaller and in a case so nice and protected: tiny.cc/SingularityCP Cheers

[@AlexanderPerez-oe1gu]

I believe I've seen some of your videos using the MFD crossbow mini antenna tracker. Are you using it with a 1.3 system as well? I haven't had any luck on my end. It appears to work with 2.4 and 5.8 but not 1.3. I'm curious to hear your thoughts.

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

Hi Alexander, I actually used to use the old style MFD AAT like this: www.hobbytech.com.au/files/cache/76d04bab24d1e01648dea96bbdb2cf0e_f132.jpg I've not got any experience with their crossbow gear. The AAT I had worked brilliantly with the 1.3 gear, the only problem I ever had was that there was some sort of incompatibility between the AAT and my FS Dominator V3 goggles causing a terrible picture.

[@datumotion1448]

can i use the pepper box in rc car fpv? is this reliable?

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

It can be used to receive a 1.2g signal from anything. No idea how reliable any antenna would be with ground based FPV but people do it :)

[@Chris-vc1dh]

What antena should be on trans meter ?

[@AdamGdoesFPV]

1.3ghz Singularity Omni antenna tiny.cc/SingularityCP