My first mile, what did I learn?

by spencer | September 26, 2013 | (5) Posted in Just Fun

So, I recently got to my first goal of 1 mile with my FPV setup as it is.  It was a little more difficult that I originally thought it might be, but it was fun getting there.  I wanted to sit down and share my experience with it as many have before me.  If there is one thing I've learned, research, research, research.

So here we go:

#1 - Start simple.  I started with a Slow Stick with my system strapped to the bottom of it.  It was dead winter and I wanted to fly from my car. I know this is what everyone says, but it's the most sound advice you'll hear.

#2 - Baby steps.  Don't go out and try to push a mile your first flight. Test, test, test your equipment before you push too far.  In this case, I flew out 3 times that day before I pushed out to the ridge.  I wanted to make sure that I wasn't going to have to hike a mountain that day.

#3 - Plan your flight.  Have a good idea of where you are going and what you plan on doing once you get there.  Mine was easy, just an out and back flight.  My flight was simple, the landing ground was clear.  I've had many other flights that have had to have much more planning and a little more care, but it's always good to have a plan.

#4 - Enjoy it!  It might be nerve racking, but that's what your after right?  It's the risk that makes it a little more fun.  So get out there, have fun and BE SAFE.

 

My Gear:

DTFB 48" Specter

JR 9303, FrSky XJT, X8R rx

900mhz 400mw vtx w/ cloverleaf antenna

900mhz rx with homemade patch.

 

COMMENTS

Hasersys on February 24, 2014
This is cool, I have been flying fpv for about a year an a half. Never really felt the need to go out a mile until recently. So a few weeks ago I got a new vtx, went from 900mhz to 1.2mhz, Sunday I flew out to my first mile. Fpv is such a great addition to the hobby! Keep it up can't wait to see your next 2mile trip! Oh an I had the mini GPS from hobby king flashed with the other code.. Added the arrow home. I think that is the one you were referring to. It is great for the price but my board burned out on my unfortunately so I think I am going to just get the ezosd. My flight on Sunday was without osd. http://youtu.be/-rVdzr0vKzM
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spencer on February 25, 2014
Great video. Fpv is extremely addicting. I keep wanting to do more and more with it. There are some cool pace places that are better experienced from the air.
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mattplaneflyer on February 24, 2014
Great job and also good advice.
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frogs84ss on February 24, 2014
very cool. congrates on your achievement. Did you have an osd at all? do you fly with goggles or monitor? just wondering. I'm planning on starting this summer and just gathering all the info I can.
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spencer on February 24, 2014
I did have OSD at the time, but it was just the simple OSD from hobbyking. I just wanted to be able to keep an eye on my rssi voltage. I've since added the gps osd from hobbyking and have flashed it for a little better layout. I use a 7" monitor as a second screen and vuzix 920 goggles for flight.
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My first mile, what did I learn?