[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the recent release of new and more affordable radio link and FPV technology, long range FPV has been gaining traction within the FPV community more rapidly than ever before. More pilots are pushing their gear (and nerve!) to the limits to experience FPV in its most purest unrestricted form. No longer is the park border the final boundary. Now, long range pilots are free to reach for the next mountain, furthest peak, or even the next township over. There’s never been a better time than now to fly long range FPV![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”3363″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.youtube.com/user/xLive2Fly”]
[ultimate_spacer height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]How does Long Range FPV Differ from FPV Freestyle?
FPV freestyle is essentially flown for the purpose of executing a series of stunts during a flight. There are many strains in freestyle, although they all share this common element. Long range FPV has the purpose of reaching a distant checkpoint and (hopefully!) returning to the takeoff location. This could be to satisfy a goal or perhaps to obtain impressive footage of the location.
There is some debate as to whether ‘long range FPV’ is a suitable tag for this kind of flying. Some propose ‘mid-range’ or ‘free range’ to be more suitable handles. However, the long range moniker seems to have stuck for now.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
The Gear
Unlike race and freestyle drones, the long range multirotor is often far more unique. A special focus is often put on efficient use of power. This can sometimes be an issue with the often larger size of the aircraft, and the amount of equipment needed to be present on-board. This challenge has been somewhat mitigated by the miniaturization of components. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
The Frame
Plenty of long range FPV pilots have produced fantastic results with standard size 5” frames, although 6” – 7” size frames are often more appropriate for long range flight. If using a 5″ frame, the goal is to keep the frame and internal components as light as possible, while focusing on a larger battery and efficient motors and props. Think in terms of a light weight racing style multirotor frame.
However, 6″ – 7″ frames with a wheelbase typically between 220-300mm offer longer flight times due to increased efficiency and the ability to carry chunkier batteries. Larger frames also tend to cruise smoothly and are more capable of holding a line than their smaller counterparts.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”5393″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”]
[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”5381″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Radio Control Link
Most long range FPV pilots use UHF radio equipment to control their craft, the most prominent system being the TBS Crossfire. UHF radio control systems operate on low frequency/long wavelength radio waves. The larger size of these wavelengths allows the wave to penetrate through obstructions and travel greater distances more readily than high frequency radio waves such as those on the 2.4GHz spectrum. Also, your antennas be high up and out away from the carbon for maximum signal! This maximizes the amount of signal reaching your antennas, and greatly lessens the chance of a failsafe.
Note: Before choosing a UHF radio control system, it’s important to check the rules and regulations regarding civilian radio equipment for your area. For example: 915MHz is legal in North America and Australia, while 868MHz is free for civilian use in Europe.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”5386″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”]
[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”5389″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”5388″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Video Link
Although the use of UHF radio control systems is almost unanimous for long range FPV, the majority of pilots choose to use high power 5.8GHz video transmitters such as the TBS Unify Pro. Although lower frequency video systems are available, 5.8GHz equipment is still far more abundant and will suit the needs of the average long range FPV pilot. Unlike race quads where you pop a stubby antenna that is partially hidden in the back of the quad, you want your VTX antenna to be well up high and out away from anything on your quad. This maximizes the transmitted signal and makes it more likely that you will not lose your video link mid flight.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”5420″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”]Need a new Video Transmitter?[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”5419″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”]
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A diversity capable video receiver such as the ImmersionRC rapidFIRE, TBS Fusion, or FuriousFPV True-D X, is also recommended. A good patch antenna (or two!) is a must on your goggle receiver long range FPV. If you plan on flying behind you for parts of your flight, you can pair a standard circular polarized antenna with your patch. Coupled together, these items will greatly boost the maximum possible range of a long range FPV drone.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”3371″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”5401″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”5402″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Power Train
Again, the typical 5” freestyle drone is capable of ‘long range’ flight to an extent, although more efficient 6”-7” quadcopters are far more optimised for the task. 2306/2207 sized motors (or larger) with a kV of 1400-1900kV are most suitable for these larger prop sizes, depending on the cell count of the battery. 4S currently remains the most common battery size, although 5S and 6S continuously gather popularity as the racing community moves toward high-voltage drone rigs and the range of HV electrons diversifies.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”5406″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”]
[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”5407″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Battery
Long range FPV drones typically don’t require the same level of agility as a freestyle quadcopter and can safely be loaded up with high capacity batteries with little worry for loss of performance. In fact, a larger battery than the classic 4S 1300mAh is essential for most setups if long range distances are to be achieved. To truly obtain long flights, some pilots even double up on batteries depending on the lift capacity of the aircraft. This is done by wiring the batteries in parallel to achieve a higher capacity. This is not to be confused with wiring them in series, which would increase the voltage. If you choose to go down this path, be careful!! Power = Good / Flames = Bad.
For more information on connecting two batteries in series or parallel: Check out this video from Painless360[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5410″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”]
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On Screen Display (OSD)
OSD is a very important feature for long range FPV, allowing real time tracking of the various stats of the aircraft. This is especially key with long range, where a battery getting low means the difference between your aircraft making it home, or you going on a hike! Battery monitoring is the just the beginning with OSD. The ability to track control link quality, direction and heading, and location with GPS, as well as altitude when a barometer is present, is all advantageous to the long range operation. With many modern flight controllers offering a built in OSD, there’s almost no reason not to include this useful tool in your long range FPV drone build. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
GPS
GPS is a component integral to a long range FPV drone. These tiny devices can save you a whole world of heartbreak if used correctly. A GPS allows real time display of the coordinates of the drone, making for better chances of recovery in the event of a crash, given DVR is recorded. Additionally, GPS allows tracking of the takeoff position, which can be lifesaving if you happen to lose your way during a long range FPV flight.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5411″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”]
[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”20″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Long Range FPV Tips and Tricks
In long range FPV, the penalty for a mistake is high. In FPV freestyle a crash could mean a single busted motor. However, an unplanned landing while flying long range could mean the loss of a fully equipped drone, or a very long hike! Following these useful tips and tricks will certainly improve your chances of going the distance while still managing to retain your investment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Baby Steps
When testing your long range FPV drone out for the first time, don’t overdo it. Take it slow and increase your mission distances in small increments. This reduces the risk of losing your drone due to something like a loose wire or awkwardly positioned antenna.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Know your Limits
Know how long your quad will fly under specific amp draws, and record and use that information. Remember, battery capacity is one of the key items that you will need to manage when performing your long range flight. Generally, you can effectively use up to 80% of your battery’s capacity, so you will need to plan your flight accordingly to not end up stranded on the side of the mountain. Plan your flight accordingly to maximize not only your epic mountain dives, but to ensure you have enough juice to make it back home. Nothing would be worse than your battery giving up the ghost when you still have a valley between you and your quad.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Record DVR
DVR is a recording of everything displayed by the FPV camera during flight, recorded locally to an SD card in the goggles or external DVR unit. The most valuable use of DVR is in identifying the location of a downed drone by re-watching the flight as well as recording the GPS coordinates at which the drone dropped. DVR recording will immensely improve chances of recovering a lost long range FPV drone.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Always Analyze your Surroundings
Before flying, it’s essential to carefully look over your surroundings, analyzing any potential threats that could cut your flight times short. These threats can take the form of an incoming storm, an inconveniently placed radio tower or other FPV pilots preparing to get their own crafts in the air.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Maintain Line of Sight
Line of sight is an unobstructed space between yourself and your quadcopter. Radio waves have a hard time moving through physical objects such as trees and mountain faces, so it’s essential that clear line of sight is preserved to ensure a stable radio link. One of the best ways to ensure clear line of sight is to gain altitude, higher altitude allows for greater distances to be achieved.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”3232″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
So you know you have it backwards when it comes to what is the legal radio frequency for the U.S. and whats not. 915 MHz is for North America while 868 MHz is for Europe… Just a little F.Y.I so people can have the correct information… 🙂
Thanks Thomas, glad you were able to catch that for us so quickly!
That’s some good info…. Long range is scary, but I guess that’s what makes it thrilling!
Nicely written article. Thanks for the details!
Very good information!
Great tips. Love the content
Long range is what I need, yes!! All those shots don’t need to be taken with me in the frame now!!
Such is guaranteed to bring the FAA down on the entire hobby, and or what? So a few me-me types can get their ya-ya’s? You all will kill the golden goose and you are blind to it. Just because you can do a thing doesnt mean you should. Most adults realize this.
Just an FYI. There is some sample text in the article, towards the bottom after the last bullet… “I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.”
I agree with Josh and believe your actions will have a deleterious effect on the hobby. I suggest you get political and form a union of your like minded fliers and get rules and regulations that permit long distance fpv flying. The FAA is likely aware of persons like yourself that flaunt the rules and will come down on you when someone is hurt or you cause an aircraft to take evasive action or whatever news worthy event occurs. It’s a difficult road to choose but it will be the best in the long run. I teach a class of middle schoolers how to build drones and fly them. I also try to instill in them they have a responsibility to follow the rules and regulations of flying. Articles such as this make my job more difficult when my students come to class with an idea that is contrary to the rules. Take the high road.
Mr. Sharkey. For the benefit of those absorbing information from this article, would you mind providing examples of the rules you are referring to? This will better serve the community by alerting readers, including myself, who might have read the FAA guidelines and part 107 regulations and perhaps missed anything prohibiting long range FPV.
Line of sight, real simple.. you must have sight of the craft at all times.
I guess it depends on what you consider long distance. I know what your going to say line of sight Well on a clear day in the desert you can see for ten miles so i think your beien a bit Teacherie . I haven’t heard of any incidents thus far of a quadcopter killing anyone But i’ve heard about a offal lot of school violence. And i
guarantee you have broken the law on many occasions. Can you say you never went over the speed limit if its 35 you went 40 im sure you did so chill the guy wrote a article on long distance fpv it’s up to you and everyone else who partakes in this wonderful hobby to educate themselves and govern themselves to keep it safe
There are situations that you can get out there further and you can do that under 400 feet
Seriously, birds are more of a threat to aircraft than a drone.
Don’t go around using scare tactics to spread misinformation.
Meant to agree with Glen
Great information. Thank you for writing the article!
For FPV wings Lipos are not the best option for duration of flight times. Need to go LiIon battery for long flight times for wings and planes at least.
Freqs over 300mhz are actually considered UHF, not VHF. Thanks for the article.
There always seems to be those that see the potential for misuse or irresponsible attempts at something that is being regulated by the government. While I think that it is always wise to consider what could go wrong during a long distance flight, sharing the information itself isn’t irresponsible and those that are going to push the limits of long range flights will figure this stuff out regardless of whether someone writes an article on it or not. The knowledge itself isn’t dangerous it is the people that use it without considering the potential hazard associated with it. I live in an area where there could be many legitimate reasons for wanting the longest range set up possible. This technology will become very useful in helping people and possibly even saving lives . Maybe something as basic as getting an Epipen to a hiker on a mountain trail and using this tech ends up being the quickest way to get an Epipen to them. It certainly would be cheaper than dispatching the national guard in a helicopter to a mountainous area which doesn’t provide for safe helicopter landings or even hovering. It would also help in avoiding risking ANG crews by sending out a rescue helicopter. Maybe those that are concerned could write articles on the potential hazards of abusing and recklessly endangering others by not thinking of the potential hazards before long range drone flights.
I for one would love to see more long range videos and accomplishments with LR-FPV . I am very interested in doing something like this in the canyons. great video footage and empty land for miles… The trek is half the fun, and the satisfaction is the view for 30 minutes of battery. Always mind your manners, and make sure your ground station is good to go. Memories of a life time, we all need to make more of them.