The difference between “normal” and FPV drones
On a “normal” drone, you can safely launch the device into the air and go about your business. For example, drinking tea without worrying about what will happen to your drone. The automation will make sure that it stays in place or returns to the take-off point (depending on the model, settings and weather conditions). Even if the drone moves slightly due to the wind or lands on the ground, it is all controlled by automation.
An FPV drone works completely differently. If you release the contacts of the control equipment, the device will quickly fall to the ground. The main reason is that FPV drones are almost completely devoid of automation. They are not able to maintain themselves in a stable position without the constant intervention of the pilot. And while some models have minimal automation (such as auto-return or altitude hold), it cannot be relied upon in the same way as “normal” drones.
Automation in FPV drones
Some models, like the DJI Avata, have a significant level of automation. When the automation is turned on, the control of such drones becomes much easier and they are more like normal drones. However, if you turn off the automation and use special equipment for manual control, these drones turn into true FPV devices with a minimum level of assistance.
On the one hand, such “automated FPVs” allow beginners to easily adapt to the new format. On the other hand, true fans of FPV drones consider manual control the only correct way, because it opens up unique opportunities for maneuvering.
Why FPV drones are popular
Despite the difficulty in control, FPV drones provide unique speed and maneuverability. They allow you to create dynamic shots, for example, fly close to trees, through narrow openings or go around obstacles at high speed. This is something that is not available with “normal” drones with built-in automation.
So, the main advantage of FPV drones is absolute control, which makes it possible to create exciting, dynamic videos and feel full satisfaction from the control process.
Yes, some of these shots are easy to shoot with a “normal” drone, some are difficult. But some of these shots can be shot only on an FPV drone, the flight of which is fully controlled by the operator. Of course, if you wish, you can overcome a lot and if you do not set extreme goals for video shooting, then the difference between a “normal” drone and FPV is not always great.Here is the quadcopter speed record:
As you can easily guess, FPV drones often fall during such flights.
FPV drones differ in that due to the difficulty of flying, they fall quite often, especially during training or performing complex maneuvers. However, this is not a big problem, because such drones are easy to repair yourself even at home. It does not require high technical knowledge – it is enough to replace damaged components such as propellers, frame or engines. Such a repair is called a large-block repair, when only individual elements are replaced. For this, you will need basic tools, for example, screwdrivers or a soldering iron. Even if your soldering skills aren’t great, FPV drone repair is still quite affordable.
In contrast, “normal” drones have a more complex design, so their repair at home is limited to minor damage. In case of more serious breakdowns, you will have to contact the service center. Such repairs are usually expensive, which makes FPV drones more attractive to those who want to save money and be able to quickly restore the equipment.
There are many ready-to-fly FPV drones on the market today. This is a convenient option for beginners, because there is no need to independently assemble the drone from individual components. However, for those who want to build their own drone, there are also all the necessary parts that can be easily purchased.
The main areas of use of FPV drones
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Cinematic. This is in-flight footage similar to what you can get from “normal” drones. However, in the case of FPV drones, the shots are more dynamic and original, because the device can perform more complex maneuvers.
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Freestyle. Here the emphasis is on the demonstration of extreme maneuvers and tricks. This type of shooting fascinates with its energy, but can be quite dizzying for the viewer.
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Racing. Racing on FPV drones involves overcoming difficult tracks with sharp turns and obstacles. Unlike the previous directions, the emphasis here is on speed and maneuverability, and not on the quality of the recorded video. To an outsider, records from such races can look chaotic, because understanding what is happening requires a deeper dive into the topic.
What is needed for FPV drones?
FPV drones involve the use of a number of equipment that can be shared by several devices:
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Management equipment. This is a remote control for drones. The quality of the equipment affects the stability of communication with the drone.
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Helmet or glasses. These devices transmit video from the drone’s camera in real time, providing the pilot with the effect of full immersion in flight.
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Action camera. Cameras with stabilization, such as GoPro, are suitable for recording high-quality video. The built-in cameras of FPV drones are usually of lower quality and are primarily intended for control purposes.
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Lots of batteries. Flight time on one set of batteries is only 5-20 minutes, so spare batteries are a must.
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Spare parts. Propellers, frames and engines are the most common components that need to be replaced.
You will also need basic repair tools, such as screwdrivers or a soldering iron. For beginners who do not yet have experience, the RTF starter kits, which include everything necessary to start flying, are suitable.
Starter RTF kits for beginners
Popular options for those who are just starting to master FPV drones:
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GEPRC TinyGo 4K. This kit has a built-in camera that records video to a memory card. Video quality is comparable to that of an average smartphone. However, there is no stabilization in the camera, and the control range is limited to approximately 100 meters.
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BetaFPV Cetus X. The camera is simpler, but the communication range is longer thanks to the modern ExpressLRS protocol. This drone is not suitable for recording high-quality video, but it can be used for more serious projects thanks to the support of the latest control standards.
Both kit options are affordable and beginner-friendly. In addition, it is recommended to purchase spare batteries, propellers and frames to quickly repair the drone in case of damage.
FPV drones have high speed and maneuverability, which makes it almost impossible to control them at home. Even compact models like the GEPRC TinyGo 4K or the BetaFPV Cetus X are not suitable for apartment flying due to their agility. Therefore, flight training should be started on the street or in a simulator.
Why not fly immediately after purchase?
Most beginners, having bought an FPV drone, immediately try to test it in action. However, first attempts almost always result in damage to the drone. That is why it is recommended to start with training in the simulator. For this, you don’t even need the drone itself – all you need is a control device that connects to a computer via USB or Bluetooth and is recognized as a gamepad.
Simulators for training
Popular FPV simulators that help you learn control:
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Liftoff
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Drone Racing League Simulator;
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FPV Freerider Recharged;
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FPV.SkyDive;
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DCL (Drone Champions League);
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TRYP FPV;
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Velocidrone;
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Uncrashed FPV Drone Simulator.
Most of these simulators are available on the Steam platform for a low price. They do not guarantee full flight realism, but allow you to learn basic skills without the risk of damaging the drone.
The peculiarity of simulators is that after 30 hours of training, you will be able to reduce the probability of accidents to a minimum. Even if you already have a gamepad, it is better to immediately use the control equipment, since it has a completely different tactility and design.
Features of connecting equipment
RTF kits like the BetaFPV Cetus X allow you to connect the control hardware directly to your computer via USB. In the case of the GEPRC TinyGo 4K for the simulator, it is better to connect the drone itself, putting it in joystick emulation mode. This will avoid compatibility difficulties.
Basics of management and security:
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Arm/Disarm. One of the switches of the control equipment (usually the left corner) is responsible for turning on (Arm) and turning off (Disarm) the drone’s motors. Always place the switch in the Disarm position when the drone is not in use. This is important when landing to avoid spinning propellers that can throw up dirt or grass.
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Battery disconnection. Always disconnect the batteries when the drone is not in flight. This prevents the video transmitter from overheating, draining the batteries, and reduces the risk of accidentally turning on the propellers, which could cause injury.
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Mode 2. The most common mode of control of equipment joints is Mode 2. This standard is used by most pilots and is recommended for beginners.
Tips for first flights:
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Do not operate the drone in rooms with low ceilings or limited space.
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Always keep spare propellers and batteries for quick repairs and replacements.
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Start with low altitudes and open spaces to be able to gradually hone your control skills.
FPV-дрони вимагають терпіння та багато тренувань, але освоєння цих навичок відкриває нові можливості для захопливих польотів і динамічної відеозйомки.
In FPV drones, the controls are versatile and often use terminology carried over from the world of radio-controlled aircraft. For airplanes, the terms Throttle/Rudder/Aileron/Elevator apply, while for quadcopters, the corresponding analogs are Throttle/Yaw/Pitch/Roll.
Functionality of the joints on the control equipment
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Throttle (gas): responsible for the speed of rotation of the propellers. This is the only joint that has an inelastic movement, that is, it does not return to the central position automatically. In the initial state, it is always at the bottom (towards itself), which corresponds to the minimum speed of rotation of the propellers. To launch the drone, it is necessary to set the Throttle to this minimum position and the Arm/Disarm switch to the Arm position (turning on the motors). Some modern control devices remind you of this with voice messages or an indication on the screen.
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Yaw: Left joint with springy left-right movement, returns to center position. Responsible for turning the drone around the vertical axis, i.e. changing the direction the drone “looks”.
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Pitch: right joint with springy back and forth movement. Controls the tilt of the drone forward or backward. This movement changes the direction and speed of horizontal flight.
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Roll: Right joint with elastic left-right movement. Used to tilt the drone left or right.
For a smooth turn, it is necessary to simultaneously control the Yaw and Roll joints. It is more difficult than driving a ground vehicle, because it requires synchronicity of both hands.
Recommendations for maintaining joints
There are two main ways to keep in touch:
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“Like a gamepad”: with your fingers on top, as you usually hold joysticks in game controllers.
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“Pinch”: gripping the joint with the thumb and forefinger from the side. This method provides more precise control, especially for complex maneuvers.
Both methods have their supporters, and the choice depends on convenience and the level of training of the pilot. However, to achieve maximum accuracy of movements, the “pinch” method is recommended more often.
Flight modes of FPV drones
Angle mode
This mode is ideal for beginners who are just starting to learn how to control an FPV drone. In Angle mode, the drone automatically tries to go horizontal as soon as you release the right stick. Tilting forward, backward, left or right occurs only when the joint is actively held in the specified direction. After returning the joint to the central position, the drone stops tilting, but continues to move by inertia or by the wind. However, a complete stop does not occur.
In practice, the Angle mode may show small deviations due to the peculiarities of the control equipment: the sticks may not always return exactly to the central position, and their position may not always be read perfectly. To compensate for this, so-called “dead zones” are often set in the settings, in which minor deviations of the joints are not taken into account. After several trainings in this mode, it is worth switching to a more difficult one – Acro.
Acro mode
Acro mode gives you full control over the drone and allows you to perform maneuvers that are not possible in other modes. In this mode, the drone does not attempt to level automatically, even when the stick is returned to the zero position. The horizontal position of the drone is controlled exclusively by the pilot, who must compensate for tilts manually.
Acro provides maximum control freedom, making it ideal for dynamic video shooting and complex maneuvers. However, mastering this mode requires a lot of training. If flying in Acro seems too difficult, you can always switch back to Angle or try Horizon mode, which is similar to Angle but with more freedom of movement.
What other drones and equipment are on the market?
Now let’s take a look at some of what’s on the market. I do not pretend to be a comprehensive review here. My interests in quadcopters are limited to a few but not all classes of devices.
The most common option is with four propellers, i.e. quadcopters. 6-propeller options are rare, but they do occur. In general, there are options with 3 or 8 propellers and others, this is already a rarity.
The TinyWhoop class represents small drones that often do not require registration in many countries. From the outside, these drones may look like toys, but their insides are impressive — some models have features that allow them to cover long distances, even several kilometers.
A typical representative of TinyWhoop is equipped with propeller protection, so-called packs. This protects not only the drone itself from damage, but also safety for people, because even a small drone with fast-rotating propellers can cause injury.
The TinyGo 4K and Cetus X models also belong to this class. There are drones with very compact dimensions, for example, with the distance between the axes of the propellers diagonally 65 mm and the size of the propellers 31 mm. Such devices are characterized by high maneuverability, which makes them ideal for overcoming tracks with numerous obstacles.
However, models like the TinyGo 4K and Cetus X have larger propellers and frames, which makes them less maneuverable, but at the same time they are stronger, more stable in light winds and able to stay in the air longer. These characteristics make them more suitable for initial flight training.
CineWhoop class drones are also equipped with protective ducts for the propellers, but are larger compared to the TinyWhoop. Thanks to this design, they can easily carry an additional camera on board, such as a GoPro or its lightweight version. CineWhoop are optimized for smooth flight, making them ideal for cinematic filming.
The diameter of the propellers in such drones usually varies from 2 to 3.5 inches. The larger the diameter of the propellers, the more stable the flight. This is especially important for video shooting, where minimal vibrations and maximum stability in the air are required.
Video and photo recording methods
CineWhoop drones provide two main video recording capabilities:
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To the memory card installed in the drone. This is the main method that ensures the highest recording quality.
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To the memory card installed in the pilot’s helmet or glasses. This method is used as a backup, but the recording quality is usually much worse due to radio communication limitations.
Drones without protective ducts
Drones without propeller protection are another category that are not designed to fly near people. The high speed of rotation of the propellers in such drones is a significant danger: even small models can cause serious injuries. Large drones without a duct are even more dangerous, because the power of their propellers can cause great damage.
Protected CineWhoops remain the most suitable for shooting in difficult conditions, ensuring safety and high quality footage, while unprotected drones are suitable for experienced pilots operating in controlled conditions.
Freestyle. Stunt drones. And in order to shoot interesting videos with these tricks through the eyes of the drone, an action camera is typically installed on such drones. Videos are very interesting even for people who are far from drone science. Freestyle means videography, otherwise why all this:
Let’s go to the races
Race. racing As a rule, smaller and easier freestyle ones. Because they do not need to carry a separate video camera on board.
Drones of this class are designed for maximum flight time, which is provided by special propellers, motors and settings. They are equipped with long-range radio communication systems, which allows the pilot to control at a considerable distance. In case of signal loss, many models have a function of automatic return to the take-off point.
An example of a universal model is the Flywoo CineRace20 V2, which combines the smoothness of flight characteristic of CineWhoop and the speed of racing drones. It is also suitable for filming in spacious rooms and can stay in the air for up to 15 minutes. However, this model is not equipped with a GPS receiver for automatic return by default.
Flywoo Explorer LR 4 and iFlight Chimera7 Pro V2 stand out from classic long-range aircraft. The Flywoo Explorer LR 4 is compact, affordable and efficient in flight. The iFlight Chimera7 Pro V2 is a larger drone capable of carrying heavy action cameras, but the flight duration of both models remains roughly the same.
The flight range depends not only on the battery, but also on the quality of radio communication. In conditions of direct visibility outside the city, the connection remains stable at a distance of 20–30 km. However, any obstacle, such as a rock, can cause signal loss even at short distances.
Types of video communication
Analog communication
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A cheaper option.
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Minimal signal delay, which is important for performing tricks.
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Low picture quality, similar to old TVs (PAL/NTSC).
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Ease of Setup: Analog goggles or helmets can work with any analog 5.8GHz transmitter.
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Vulnerability: The signal is not encrypted and anyone can intercept it by tuning into the appropriate channel.
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As the connection deteriorates, the video quality gradually decreases, noises appear, but the signal remains stable.
Digital communication
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Provides high image quality with HD resolution.
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The main manufacturer is DJI, as well as Caddx, HDZero, FatShark and Walksnail Avatar (Caddx).
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Depends on the firmware version of the glasses and the transmitter.
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When the connection deteriorates, the image can suddenly disappear, because the digital signal is prone to sudden failures.
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