{"id":6758,"date":"2021-04-15T03:03:02","date_gmt":"2021-04-15T03:03:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/?p=6758"},"modified":"2021-04-15T03:03:02","modified_gmt":"2021-04-15T03:03:02","slug":"run-a-race-event-with-dji-digital-fpv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/fpv-essentials\/run-a-race-event-with-dji-digital-fpv\/","title":{"rendered":"Run a Race Event with DJI Digital FPV"},"content":{"rendered":"

Most agree that digital video is the future of FPV. It offers a clearer picture with better detail along with better system range. However, racers have run into difficulty using the DJI digital FPV<\/a> system; the most prevalent on the market. In my recent article Racing with DJI Digital FPV<\/a>, I covered the basics and the challenges of using this system for racing. This article instead goes into more depth and detail about holding a race event. Erik Borra from Total Drone Xperience<\/a> in the Netherlands and Kelvin Williamson from SELA FPVie<\/a> in New Orleans are back on hand to discuss their strategy and approach for putting together an enjoyable race day for all.<\/p>\n

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GetFPV: What is your race control setup for events with DJI digital FPV?<\/h2>\n

Erik Borra (EB):<\/h3>\n

To run a race you typically need a timer and race management software. Additionally, a race director needs to be in charge of video power and frequency management. Also there need to be spotters for each pilot in a race, that make sure that a pilot takes all obstacles in a track correctly.<\/p>\n

Currently I use Delta-5 hardware with 8-nodes in Ceberus Velvet\u2019s flat case, running RotorHazard<\/a>. For a training session with up to 12 pilots, I typically just use my phone to calibrate the settings and manage the race. The phone is connected to a Bluetooth speaker announcing lap times. Pilots connect to RotorHazard via my hotspot to inspect their times on the leaderboard. For bigger trainings or official races I typically use a Macbook Pro and connect it via Ethernet to RotorHazard. The Macbook is connected to an external screen or HDMI beamer for the display of heats and leaderboards. Audio is then typically connected to a PA.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Kelvin Williamson (KW):<\/h3>\n

Over the past few months I have been working hard to streamline our race control setup and track setup. We have our RotorHazard<\/a> timing system protected in a hard case for the occasional quad strikes. We run Ethernet from the timing system to the race control trailer. Also, we have a 2.4GHz WiFi router in the trailer to broadcast the RotorHazard system so pilots can access their race data. I made a video for my pilots about how to remotely access the timer<\/a> to review their results. Also there is a PA system integrated into the race trailer for announcements. We have gone from a 2 hour race day setup time with 3 people, to a 30\u201345 minute setup time with just 1 person.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"SELA<\/a>
\nSELA FPVie’s trailer is kitted out for a quick setup of race events. A fast and easy deployment of “race HQ” makes a smoother day for everyone.
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GetFPV: What have you changed about your setup since you began including DJI digital FPV?<\/h2>\n

EB<\/h3>\n

Even though I had a lot of experience with (tuning) the Immersion RC LapRF 8-way<\/a>, I just couldn\u2019t get it to reliably pick up lap times for DJI. It would typically miss one in four rounds, and missed lap times aren\u2019t recoverable in LiveTime. Online, others seemed to have the same experience. I had heard that RotorHazard might be able to do it, so I picked up the Delta5 timer I had once built\u2014but which did not work reliably indoors\u2014installed RotorHazard, and was blown away by the Marshal function<\/a>. This function allows you to inspect the RSSI graph for any pilot and adjust the values for which a lap is detected. The RSSI graph for DJI was really clearly pronounced, allowing me to easily set to proper tuning values and pick up each and every lap. After my enthusiasm about RotorHazard, which is also really precise in tracking analog<\/a>, many of the other organizations in the Netherlands also built a RotorHazard timer (or reused their old Delta 5 hardware). It is so intuitive that I can often participate in races, whether there are 2 or 6 heats. (Make your quad ready for the next race before doing anything else though ;))<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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