{"id":5015,"date":"2019-09-30T08:18:20","date_gmt":"2019-09-30T08:18:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/?p=5015"},"modified":"2020-12-24T02:32:31","modified_gmt":"2020-12-24T02:32:31","slug":"fpv-frequency-reference-chart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/fpv-essentials\/fpv-frequency-reference-chart\/","title":{"rendered":"FPV Frequency Reference Chart"},"content":{"rendered":"

Need to know what band and channel to fly FPV on?\u00a0 How about what set of channels you and your group need for your next race? Figuring out the best frequencies to operate your FPV system on can be a challenging prospect from time to time! Things outside of your control may interfere with your signal, such as WiFi signals, mobile phone towers, and even other FPV Pilots. Frequency contamination is a problem we face in today’s wireless world. The FPV frequency reference chart below might just help you!<\/p>\n

\"FPV<\/a>This version of the chart was original developed by Michael Niggel for a video frequency management article<\/a> at Propwashed.com. It’s now maintained as part of the RotorHazard race timer project<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

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How the Read the FPV Frequency Reference Chart<\/h2>\n

Detailed in the FPV frequency reference chart are the most common bands and channels used by FPV transmitters and receivers in the 5.8GHz range.\u00a0 Each of the solid lines are the actual listed frequencies, while the lighter areas on either side represent the spectrum usage of that channel.\u00a0 One of the problems we face today with flying groups is the spread of each individual channel.\u00a0 As you can see in most of the bands, this is a problem as the channels spectrum overlap, not only within the band, but between other bands.<\/p>\n

Bands A, B, and F overlap one another completely and still share spectrum with Band R.\u00a0 Band E is unique as it has two groups of four channels on either side of the spectrum, however each of the groups still overlap one another.\u00a0 Pilots who fly in a group using channels that overlap can experience bleed over from another pilots FPV system into their goggles.\u00a0 Never a fun moment.<\/p>\n

This led to the development of Raceband, or Band R.\u00a0 Here each channel is spread out across the entire allowable range with no bit of spectrum overlapping another in the same band.\u00a0 This allows for better flight in groups, such as in races.\u00a0 The new DJI Digital FPV System seems to have taken a page out of the Raceband manual in spreading it’s channels out.<\/p>\n

The Problem with WiFi<\/h2>\n

The gray bar down at the bottom details the the channels used by 5.8GHz WiFi routers common throughout populated areas.\u00a0 Both business and residential areas are rife with WiFi signals, and unless you are away from these areas, your video can be affected by it.\u00a0 On the flip side, if you’re on your workbench at home (or work…. we don’t judge), and your WiFi drops out, it could be your VTx causing it!\u00a0 If you’re experiencing issues with signal quality, keep in mind this chart and stay toward the channels on the higher side of the spectrum.<\/p>\n

The Legal Amateur Band Range<\/h2>\n

Notated by the bars across the top and the dashed lines going down through the bands is the area relegated by the FCC to amateur radio for the 5.8GHz range.\u00a0 As you can see there are channels and spectrum of the channels that exist outside this range.\u00a0 These channels are technically off limits in the US as they bleed into other critical radio frequency bands, as shown in the image below. Similar markings are also included for Europe, which as a much narrower allowed band. [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5020″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Intermodulation Distortion (IMD)<\/h2>\n

Intermodulation Distortion occurs when two signals interfere with each other and either create a harmonic resonance or cancel each other out.\u00a0 In our case, the result is the same, it creates interference in the signal which leads to static or loss of signal in the goggles.\u00a0 Certain channels can cause IMD between each other, even if they are far away on the spectrum.\u00a0 To combat this, the bottom list on the FPV Frequency Reference Chart provides channels that you can use when flying with a group that will avoid the IMD issue.\u00a0 The chart gives recommendations for channels depending on the number of people you are flying with.\u00a0 You can read up more on Intermodulation Distortion here: Intermodulation Distortion: Destroyer of Group Video<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here are some other resources, including a printable version of the chart and the US Frequency Allocations Chart.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Resources<\/h2>\n