Volantex Ranger 2000 Long Range FPV Build - Progress

[@Txumeta]

Hi Hayden. First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your videos. I want to get into the FPV world. I have a Ranger 2000. You could connect all the components that are needed outside the plane to see exactly how and where all the connectors are connected. It would be of great help to us.

[@ephraimcash875]

Instablaster.

[@garyl3009]

GOAT drone pilot

[@steaders82]

Building a Rig like this. Cheers for the video

[@januszpolski4228]

Great hobby & interesting video!

[@mehdik348]

Great... I'm waiting for your nxt videos...

[@FatGuyFliesRC]

Very well done. A future in aerospace you should consider.

[@fbi1397]

Super setup

[@user-rx8qq8sk9ydv1ce5ib]

Thanks for sharing. I am going to install a DJI air unit and camera on the same aircraft, I have been flying line of sight, now willing to beginning fpv. I am not sure how to power the air unit, what battery mah is needed to power the air unit for say 20 minutes . Also for 3300mah battery, how many minutes this glider can fly assuming I ll be drawing 6-7 amps? i am using a FRsky radio RS20,,is there a special receiver to use, or a dual 2.4/900Mhz receiver would work fine . I am talking around 2-3 km away. I will using this with dji goggles too. Too many questions!

[@hb9hal]

I am using the mini Pix V1.2 -GPS hidden in the fuselarge 😍

[@stevealexander7310]

I just watched your dart XL video first so I see you've already canned this plane. I'm on the same trajectory as you - I bailed on my ranger 2000 after crashing it repeatedly. Now I fly the dart XL and talon GT exclusively. I do dragonlink telemetry to my laptop like you do. Instead of USB I installed mav2passthru and the dragonlink creates a wifi hotspot that my laptop can join. Other thing I do different is I use matek flight controllers. WAY cheaper than pixhawk and they include OSD. Get the Matek f765 for best telemetry. It can do flow control just like the pixhawk. You should install an airspeed sensor too. Cheers

[@hroszell]

Hey Steve! It's kind of crazy that we both started on the Ranger and migrated to ZOHD products, I think that the Ranger was a good trainer plane but it's also fun to fly faster and farther. I'll have to take a look at mav2passthru, I want to find some way to connect telemetry wirelessly. I have some code written to use a Raspberry Pi to pass Mavlink to my iPad using a UDP server connected through WiFi, but it's not very reliable and adds more complexity. I also sort of regret going the Pixhawk route (as opposed to Matek), I kind of dove into this project head over heels and went for the best things on the market. I wish you luck with your setups, I'd love to hear how the Dart XL compares to the Talon GT!

[@stevealexander7310]

@@hroszell mav2passthru does what your pi does but more reliably. Search for it on rcgroups. Dart XL and Talon are both great. Dart has no rudder through so there's a lot more rolling and in wind it will cruise on an angle to keep its heading. Talon doesnt have quite as much range though but it travels faster. I tend to fly the talon more.

[@bartonfink5051]

@@stevealexander7310 Why was the Ranger crashing? Bad design or bad luck?

[@stevealexander7310]

@@bartonfink5051 the plastic clip that holds the wing in failed. I am not a fan of the design but others seem to have better luck than me!

[@fazrulrusdi3709]

Nice works guys.. I am still sticking to an old skywalker 1680..dont know why but i still like these one so much.. Keep posting more video.. Cheers

[@FuncleMatthew]

Nice build. I'm jealous of the FPV setup. Have you flown it much since posting? I'm finishing up the Kit version 757-8 of the ranger 2000. Hoping to maiden it soon. Any advice or tips on it you can provide?

[@yaroslavsadovy5719]

@heyden What range and fly time did you managed to get with this setup ?

[@NOXFPV]

Liked and subbed. I fly a Ranger 2000 also.

[@tedre191]

Nice setup! I'm building something similar right now (or at least, waiting for the parts to get started on building the damn thing). Curious to know if you had any issues fitting the Pixhawk in there? I've read that the Ranger is a bit of a pain to build into because of the plastic body. Any tips?

[@hroszell]

Hey Andre! I know the waiting feeling all too well, the Pixhawk actually fits in there perfectly, although I will say that I had to get crafty eventually and stick some of the electronics under the battery bay. The only advice that I have is to use the flaps with the ranger 2000, they help immensely on landing. If you need any help configuring Ardupilot feel free to email me and I'll be glad to help you out!

[@dragonmodel9262]

Hi can I ask you a question please? it was about the radio I think. Is there any rules or requirements if I want to use a frSky radio with a volantex ranger? I was looking for a long range radio but if you have a long range radio you will need a camera to see it right? Does the camera equipment have rules too if you wanted a long range fpv setup? Im sorry I don't know anything about even regular fpv cameras or setups but the long range setup looks cool I rather try to get that kind of setup. Im sorry for the question i'm just trying to get a setup like this but doesn't have to be as nice as yours.I wish I knew how all that stuff worked but it was a good setup video thank you. I

[@hroszell]

Hey there! The only rules regarding radios are regarding the FCC regulations, so as long as you stay away from frequencies that they require a license for you should be good there. As for range, there is no rule regarding when you need a camera, they are purely for user enjoyment of the footage or convenience with FPV. If you want to fly FPV, you'll have to get an FPV setup with a video transmitter, receiver, goggles and camera. A setup like this would be very different than flying line of sight, so I would consider what you want to use your ranger for before getting cameras, FPV setups etc. Hope this helps

[@dragonmodel9262]

@@hroszell hi thank you very much it does help..I been wanting to fly fpv for a while but never know how to set that all up and what to use I didn't even know they had long-range systems.I got a volantex model now and will just look for a transmitter and go from there. But I want it to be long range too.thank you again.

[@janek2355]

Hello there. Nice vid btw. Im buildng mfd twin engine or ranger 2400mm lr. fpv setup and i am going to use tbs crossfire lite TX. Im just not sure if you can send telemetry to laptop via mavlink over WiFi. Tbs lite doesnt have Bluetooth module however it has a wifi. Thx for help. And PS. what would be your choice for long range: mfd twin engine mini or volantex ranger 2400mm. Im uncertain what to buy because im afraid that 2400mm glider will fly slowly(max 35kph) and also im worried about it's wings assembly/ disassembly. Again thx and cheers from poland:)

[@notrealy180217]

What is your range though

[@mermaidmen6293]

hello friend !!! can you please tell me if it is possible to put a motor 2814 / 1100kv for 4s on a ranger 2000 ??? if so what propeller do you use ???

[@k1ortia]

Nice.. iv never tried pixhawk. How is compared to Matek boards runnng inav?

[@hroszell]

I’m working on a video about this point, overall I would stick with matek board, and if you want ardupilot just run it the matek board.

[@k1ortia]

@@hroszell Ok. Sounds good. Thanks

[@Daruma_Studio]

You must be from Utah.

[@Nothinglefttosay]

Nice build... fried it yet..? 1mw..? 🔥

[@hroszell]

Thanks man! It flies great!

[@dillonmccormick2511]

You spent quite a bit on a lot of brand new professional FPV equipment. As of June 19th, you'll need both your Part 61, 107 drone pilot license and a HAM radio operator license to use all that equipment or else your looking at $20k+ in fines. Luckily, cost doesn't seem like an issue for you, so you'll be able to afford both as long as you can pass the exams.

[@dillonmccormick2511]

wait wtf you spent a couple grand on the entire plane to put a 5.8ghz 1W transmitter in it?????? Im so confused lmao, how far are you planning on getting? TBS unify is mainly for quads bro, designed with the assumption that it will have constant airflow. Your gonna fry that thing and melt the filament tape holding it in place at 1w.

[@hroszell]

Hey Dillon! Thanks for your kind heads up regarding the FAA rules and the requirement for a HAM radio license. Luckily, due to the nature of my flying (hobby, not getting paid), there is no need for a part 107* UAS certificate, part 61 pertains to actual pilots. This is actually a pretty common misconception about the current FAA regulations, as a lot of people are unsure of what circumstances require the certificate. The reality is that the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is only required for commercial operations. As for the TBS Unify, another misconception is that cranking a ton of power out of a transmitter will get you a ton of range, but what is actually more important is your receiver. If you are solely using an omni directional antenna, your concern is 100% valid, but paired with a directional antenna like the VAS pepperbox, you can extend your range to a little over 10 miles.

[@dillonmccormick2511]

Hayden thanks for the reply. You clearly have control over what your doing which is nice to see. And that’s really neat to know about the TBS unify. I own several and use them regularly, but have never paired with the pepper box. Will def give that a try! I’m looking forward to seeing your long range flights with your rig. I was trying to buy the Ranger EX but have a hard time finding a new PNP or basic kit for it.

[@hroszell]

Dillon McCormick Hey Dillon! I 100% recommend the VAS Pepperbox, I think that you would love if especially for quads. Being able to fly without the anxiety of running out of range is so nice, and I think that it’s a good investment. As for the Ranger 2000, the only thing that I have to say is that it is sort of difficult to work on, there is only one opening for installing equipment, but other than that it flies absolutely flawlessly. It’s so controlled and stable, and is a prime candidate for an autopilot if that’s what you’re into. Best of luck to your build!

[@M-H433]

@@dillonmccormick2511 your obviously out of touch with 5.8 then....

[@yxhankun]

None of the devices was made by you!