FPV goggles and what you need to know!

Summary

In this informative video, Jake Powered discusses the critical role of FPV goggles in drone flying, providing an immersive pilot experience by displaying live video feeds from the drone. The video outlines the two main types of goggles: box goggles, which are cost-effective and suitable for glasses wearers, and binocular goggles, which are compact and often offer better resolution but at a higher price. It covers the importance of field of view and aspect ratio, and the differences between analog and digital video signals, with the latter offering superior quality but at a greater cost. Popular brands like Fatshark, Orca, and DJI are mentioned, with features such as scanning functions, diversity systems, and DVR capabilities highlighted. The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of careful selection and investment in a good pair of goggles for a long-lasting and feature-rich FPV experience.

Takeaways

• 📡 **Video Goggles Importance**: FPV (First Person View) goggles are essential for drone pilots as they provide an immersive experience, allowing pilots to see the live video feed from the drone.
• 💰 **Cost Range**: The price of video goggles can vary significantly, from as low as $50 to over $800, depending on features and quality.
• 👓 **Box vs. Binocular Goggles**: Box goggles are typically cheaper and may be more comfortable for glasses wearers, while binocular goggles are more compact and often offer better resolution but at a higher cost.
• 👀 **Field of View (FOV)**: Goggles come with different FOV ratings, which determine how much of the drone's view you can see; a wider FOV allows for a broader perspective.
• 📊 **Aspect Ratio**: Newer goggles often have a 16:9 aspect ratio, providing a wider display compared to the older 4:3 ratio, which offers more vertical viewing.
• 📺 **Analog vs. HD**: Analog systems are more common and less expensive, but digital systems offer superior HD video quality, albeit at a higher cost and potentially shorter range.
• 🏷️ **Popular Brands**: Fatshark, Orca, and DJI are among the popular brands for FPV goggles, each with their own set of features and price points.
• 🔍 **Features and Antennas**: Many goggles have a scanning function to lock onto the drone's video signal and may include a diversity system with two video receivers for increased range.
• 🎥 **DVR Function**: A digital video recorder (DVR) feature allows pilots to record their flight, which can be useful for reviewing and potentially locating a lost drone.
• 🛍️ **Investment Advice**: It's recommended to invest in a good pair of goggles that will last and provide all necessary features for a comprehensive FPV experience.
• 📚 **Learning Resources**: For those interested in learning more about FPV, there are online courses available with comprehensive lessons to improve piloting skills.
• ❓ **Community Engagement**: The video encourages viewers to ask questions and engage with the community for further learning and support.

Q & A

What are FPV goggles and why are they important for drone flying?

FPV goggles, or first-person view goggles, are a crucial piece of equipment for drone pilots as they provide an immersive experience, simulating the feeling of being onboard the drone. They display a live video feed from the drone, allowing the pilot to navigate and control the drone effectively.

What are the two main types of video goggles mentioned in the script?

The two main types of video goggles mentioned are box goggles and binocular goggles. Box goggles have a single rectangular video screen and are usually less expensive and better suited for people who wear glasses. Binocular goggles are more compact, often have more features, and provide a larger field of view.

Why might someone prefer box goggles over binocular goggles?

Someone might prefer box goggles due to their lower cost, which can be as little as forty-five dollars. They are also more accommodating for people who wear glasses, as they can often keep their glasses on while using the goggles. Additionally, they may find box goggles easier to use due to built-in rechargeable batteries and accessible controls.

What is the main drawback of box goggles?

The main drawback of box goggles is their size. They are often large and bulky, which can make them less comfortable to wear and cumbersome to transport or fit into a bag.

What are the advantages of binocular goggles?

Binocular goggles are smaller and more compact than box goggles, often offering more features. They use two smaller, more specialized screens with separate lenses for each eye, which can provide a larger field of view despite the smaller screens. Some models can also be adapted with corrective lenses, making them suitable for those who need vision correction.

What is the primary downside of binocular goggles?

The primary downside of binocular goggles is their cost, as they are significantly more expensive than box goggles.

What does FOV stand for and what does it indicate in the context of goggles?

FOV stands for Field of View. It refers to the measure of how big the screen appears in the goggles. A wider FOV means you can see more of what your drone sees, while a smaller FOV means you can see less.

What is the difference between analog and HD video signals in FPV goggles?

Analog video signals are similar to old-school TV signals, transmitted at a certain frequency and modulated with the video signal. They offer good video quality but are incapable of handling HD video. Digital signals, on the other hand, transmit information as a series of ones and zeros, providing better video quality and the ability to handle HD video. However, digital systems are typically more expensive and may have a lower range compared to analog systems.

Why might a pilot choose an analog system over a digital one?

A pilot might choose an analog system due to its lower cost and greater availability. Analog systems are also known for having a longer range, which can be an important factor in drone flying.

Which brand is mentioned in the script as a popular choice for analog systems?

Fatshark is mentioned as a popular choice for analog systems. It is well-liked by most pilots but can be expensive.

What is a diversity system in the context of FPV goggles?

A diversity system in FPV goggles refers to having two video receivers that receive the same signal. This allows the pilot to use two different types of antennas, such as a directional and an omnidirectional antenna, which can increase the range and provide better reception depending on the flight conditions.

What is the benefit of having a DVR feature in FPV goggles?

The DVR or digital video recorder feature allows pilots to record what they see through the goggles. This footage can be useful for later playback, helping to review flights, learn from mistakes, and potentially locate a lost drone by retracing its flight path.

What is the final recommendation regarding the purchase of video goggles?

The final recommendation is to invest in a good pair of video goggles that will last a long time and provide all the necessary features. It's important to choose goggles that offer the best performance and fit within the pilot's budget for an optimal flying experience.