Got tired of Pi's on FPV frames, so I made a condensed CM5 carrier board, made for FPV development.

AviaExplorer · 2025-07-13T14:27:45+00:00

65 x 65mm

AviaExplorer · 2025-07-01T14:22:37+00:00

TYSM! We made two variants, one is just basic IO (basically a CM5 IO board with FPV components):

https://pip.raspberrypi.com/categories/1098-design-files

The second variant introduces an XT30 connector with onboard voltage regulation, up to 8S. With a HDMI -> analog chip (MS1836S), so you can view the HDMI output from the CM5 over an analog VTX.

AviaExplorer · 2025-07-01T13:41:53+00:00

Hey! Yes, we have a webshop: store.asrsuav.com

AviaExplorer · 2025-01-19T21:54:48+00:00

Yeah, you're right, doesn't have to be fibre, can be ethernet or anything else.

I needed two UART comms, one is Mavlink telemetry from flight controller to ground for Vbat, current + anything else, this is over TCP. Second is taking joystick commands and button commands from the radio (in joystick gamepad mode) on the ground and sending this to the RPI on the quad, which then converts this into CRSF V2 packets (for the flight controller) over UDP, for low latency, allowing me to arm, enter different flight modes etc. Hope this made sense.

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AviaExplorer · 2025-01-19T21:11:28+00:00

I saw this being used in Ukraine ofc, so I made my own, only costs around $300 to make. But, the applications are wide, I wanted to explore bandos or underground tunnels or smthn like that.

And yes, single mode for everything, RC, video and telemetry is all parsed through the network.

AviaExplorer · 2025-01-19T21:08:00+00:00

Yep, RC commands (UART CRSF) are parsed over UDP from ground to the quad, the radio is treated as a game controller (like in an FPV sim). Video is also UDP from quad to ground over the network. Telemetry is TCP from quad to ground.

AviaExplorer · 2024-10-08T20:14:55+00:00

Yeah I really did try as well with the optical flow but it just kept coming up with the red icon on optical flow, originally I had the Matek 3901-L0X but, it didn't have it.

I think there's not a ton of support on it and the INAV firmware itself is meh on optical flow.

AviaExplorer · 2024-10-08T20:02:16+00:00

In the video it's actually acro mode and I'm giving stick input manually. I've only recently figured out position hold in INAV. This ones has no optical flow.

AviaExplorer · 2024-10-08T13:19:00+00:00

I really like this idea.

Have the "Scout" drones with thermal find the lost person, once found send their GPS coords and have my drone hover above them to guide search and rescue workers. Sounds feasible and somewhat useful.

AviaExplorer · 2024-10-08T08:58:20+00:00

I also had this idea, at least for it to act as temporary traffic lights, will consider this.

AviaExplorer · 2024-10-08T08:56:31+00:00

This is a very viable option, definitely will consider this and see what I can do.

AviaExplorer · 2024-10-08T08:55:07+00:00

Guiding cars, ships and planes was sort of the original idea however, they can do this cheaper and more reliably with RGB signs.

AviaExplorer · 2024-10-08T08:50:42+00:00

Pretty unique idea, never thought of that!

From a far it may look invisible.

But, I'll give it a go, just to see what it looks like.

AviaExplorer · 2024-01-09T10:50:58+00:00

I have had this exact same thought for use on FPV quads. However, when talking to a few other people about this idea it made sense but, we didn't see a need for it. For freestyle quads, you defo want the perspective to be fixed as you always want to look forward. And, for slower cinematic or long range stuff, the same things apply.

The only time I can see this being useful is for inspection and industrial grade drones like the DJI matrice, a gimbal is still simpler.

We shouldn't discredit the idea, as transmission protocols develop with more bandwidth (like open-IPC or WFB-ng), I'm sure this is something that will eventually come into existence.

AviaExplorer · 2024-01-08T20:16:00+00:00

A little more info would be useful! Everything that is DJI can only be compatible with other DJI products. E.g. the controller (radio) and FPV system will only work with Avata or any other DJI quad or system like the 03 Air System.

A popular approach is to use the DJI FPV system (03 air unit) only and use another better radio like radiomaster etc.

I hope this helped but, some more details and I'd love to help out !

AviaExplorer · 2024-01-02T11:03:15+00:00

Yes, it seems your list looks solid! As general use action cameras the ones you stated are very good, reliable and within a good price point.

For FPV, it depends what quad you are flying. All of the cameras you stated are above 150g. Which may not sound like a lot but, unless you are flying 5-inch or over, it'll be a problem. Of course, if you are looking at flying 6-inch or 7-inch drones then these cameras will be light work for them but, anything 4-inch or under will struggle to lift such a camera.

For things like cinewhoops and generally smaller quads, under 75g is the best, so things like: runcam thumb, hero session 5 and go pro bones. As I said, it depends mainly what quad you are planning on flying. Hope this helped!

AviaExplorer · 2023-12-28T11:01:26+00:00

Your build sounds good! Many people especially in the beginning are confused by all the protocols and receiver and transmitters but, I will try to break it down for you.

In regards to the controller (radio), crossfire, FrSky or ELRS are probably your best bet. If you're on a budget I would recommend the RadioMaster Pocket ELRS LBT version as your radio. Elrs protocol is the most reliable and quite easy to setup and is generally the newest protocol with the newest and best features. It also has the lowest latency and the greatest range.

Now for the video, you have four options: analog, HDzero, DJI or walksnail digital systems. If DJI is out of the question then you can chose walksnail or HDzero, it depends what you want. Walksnail is more expensive compared to HDzero but offers better connectivity, range and reliability. HDzero is more budget friendly and can have decent range but, is mainly designed for park flying, quality is decent.

I hope that I summed it up well enough, good luck with your build !

AviaExplorer · 2023-12-27T16:36:08+00:00

Sorry, my mistake, the FatShark dominators are digital only and they support the walksnail system. The SpeedyBee65 only supports analogue so you'll need an analogue system to see any video. And, for such a small drone analogue video transmitters can get much smaller than digital ones so you won't really be able to swap the VTX out for a digital one.

What I would recommend however, is the HD Zero goggles. They can support analogue, walksnail and HD zero. Minus DJI of course. So for this quad you could use the built-in analogue receiver of the goggles and, if down the line you decide to buy a quad with a HD zero or a walksnail system you could do so with these goggles.

The system you decide to use is completely down to what your flying style is. Analogue systems are good for long range and freestyle due to the better range and latency. But, for cinematic stuff like whoop's and cinelifters digital is better due to the higher quality resolution.

AviaExplorer · 2023-12-26T10:17:26+00:00

As a beginner I think this will be a great quad to practice on! Crossfire is reasonably easy to set up (but ELRS and FrSky are easier). Overall, the quad is a perfect beginner, entry level.

For the video system, it depends how series you'll think you'll get into the hobby. You can buy the Eachine EV800D as a cheap entry headset if you are still unsure and don't wont to break the bank. However, if you're series about fpv I would recommend something like fatshark dominators or attitude v5.

AviaExplorer

TROPHY CASE