FPV Frequencies

by FliteTest | February 6, 2013 | (18) Posted in Tips

David and Josh take a moment to cover the basic information for choosing the best frequency and power for your FPV platform. 

Three different things you want to think about for your transmitter.  Frequency, Legality and the Power Output There are four different frequencies to choose from; 900Ghz, 1.2/1.3Ghz, 2.4Ghz, 5.8Ghz.

Flite Test Author IBCrazy commented with some additional information that we think is worth mentioning in this article.

1. 1.3Ghz has 2 U.S. legal channels: 1280 and 1258MHz
2. There is another frequency available: 2.3GHz which is 2305MHz and 2396MHz which is outside of the WiFi band and is reserved for HAMs only.
3. 5.8Ghz requires circular polarization to work well, none of the other frequencies do.
4. There is also a notch filter for the 1.3GHz band that allows you to use 2.4GHz control. DO NOT attempt to use a 2.4GHz RC link with 1.3GHz video without a filter!

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COMMENTS

feetball on February 6, 2013
Has that green and white "extra" type build been released? Want level high!!!

FWIW, the focus sound in this video was distracting. Otherwise, an excellent video!!! Thank you!
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liveyourdreamsRC on February 6, 2013
No the build video has not been released yet as of today.
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casehatter on February 6, 2013
thanks for the info guys
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liveyourdreamsRC on February 6, 2013
So what is legal? 1.2ghz is legal in the U.S.? What about the HAM license? Don't you need one if your operating at over 200mw? Where would I check the allowed frequencies for my area? I just don't want to pay the penalty for doing something illegal without knowing it! Thanks in advance. Perhaps FT you could do a more in depth vid to cover some of these questions, or in your viewer responses. Another thing I would like you to cover is resolution vs. more throw for servos and also the different types of servos and their uses. Another great episode, but it just gave me more questions!
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liveyourdreamsRC on February 6, 2013
So I did a little research but need guidance. My understanding is that 1280 is the only legal band up for use in the U.S. But I still don't know if you need the HAM license for it. Help please!
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earthsciteach on February 6, 2013
There is a lot of info posted in this thread:
http://forum.flitetest.com/showthread.php?3229-What-are-the-penalties-for-operating-an-fpv-system-above-200mW
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IBCrazy on February 6, 2013
Flitetest - I think your information is out dated (it happens fast, I know)

1. 1.3Ghz has 2 U.S. legal channels: 1280 and 1258MHz
2. There is another frequency available: 2.3GHz which is 2305MHz and 2396MHz which is outside of the WiFi band and is reserved for HAMs only.
3. 5.8Ghz requires circular polarization to work well, none of the other frequencies do.
4. There is also a notch filter for the 1.3GHz band that allows you to use 2.4GHz control. DO NOT attempt to use a 2.4GHz RC link with 1.3GHz video without a filter!

Other than that, great article. Good to mention the power. I agree, 200mW on 900MHz is a great starter system.

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liveyourdreamsRC on February 7, 2013
On those 1.3ghz channels, do you need a ham license to operate?
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flyboymaxwell on February 6, 2013
Yes, it would be great to know about Ham licenses! I know flitetest wants to keep it simple for the new people to the hobby, but we should also teach the legal side of it. Don't want to promote something thats fun, but can be illegal.
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chikoseye on February 7, 2013
I had this one for fpv: (900MHZ 1500mW Tx/Rx & 1/3-inch CCD Camera NTSC) I got it from hobbyking: (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__13443__900MHZ_1500mW_Tx_Rx_1_3_inch_CCD_Camera_NTSC.html) my question is, would i get a better reception with the clover antennae? If yes do i have to do two antennae? (Tx and Rx) do the size of the antennae same for the Tx and Rx? thanks
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Adib Vahedi on February 7, 2013
Great video flitetest I admire you!!!!!!!!!!

Keep up the best work!!!!!!!ยก!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)
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Merv on February 7, 2013
As usual another great episode.
Please give some advice on the range for each frequency, power and antenna combination. Perhaps a chart listing the range of each combination. I know the range will vary with the location but some information on what is reasonable would be helpful.

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soccent on February 8, 2013
Getting started...I have 2.4 link and apm2.5 with 915mHz telemetry. Can i use 900mHz video?
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mattplaneflyer on February 8, 2013
Great video! It makes me feel alot better about 900mhz.
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philip monday on February 14, 2013
could you guys do a show about UHF systems for long rang flights?
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viper_one3 on March 16, 2013
Make a similar review for different FPV cameras. Especially Gopro
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hl0dk0 on April 19, 2013
Can I use 2.4 RC link with 2.4 video link an have cloveleaf antenas on video Rx Tx?
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charlies on May 14, 2013
for FatShark folks using 5.8: what is the benefit of increasing xmitter from 'stock' to greater power?

Assuming IBCrazy coverleaf(s).
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g-rod55x on May 30, 2013
hi guys , does anyone know if flying with 900MHZ 200MW SETUP WILL GET ME INTO TROUBLE?
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FPV Frequencies