Morning all. Now that I have my Mini 3 Pro I have done all the standard stuff I have to say it is a total machine. Having my Instagram flooded with FPV stuff I have tinkered with the FPV gimbal mode on it just through flying with the controller and I want more. Doing my research it seems you need the Integra Goggles. My question is do I really need to spend the extra £101 to get the goggles and the Motion Control or can I just plug the goggles straight into my DJI RC and fly it with sticks?
Would you say the Mini 3 Pro is just as capable as the Avata? I would fly FPV with propellor guards, I know its not like for like but I appreciate that DJI is unlocking these capabilities…for a £679 premium.
If this is my first venture into FPV should I be looking at a standalone FPV platform with a GoPro attached that I see a lot of the FPV community use?
this will be a much steeper learning curve as FPV quads generally have no autonomous flight modes and are generally flown in full manual mode.
Completely different to flying a camera ship as these practically fly themselves with little input from the user. you put the controller down and go make a cuppa come back at it will still be hovering where you left it. if you do that with an FPV quad it will be in bits on the floor somewhere when you get back. lol
Thanks @DeanoG60, that is a very good point. I have seen a $115 sub 100g Mini Whoop that I can also use with the goggles, just need to find out how much an additional controller will cost me.
Though I’d love to see the fly aways with the mini that the avata capable of. I’d really recommend the avata with motion controller as an intro to FPV! Great fun, even for an experienced FPV’er. Though no manual with the motion controller
Let’s say the only limit to money is justifying why Im spending a shit load of money to the missus when I’ve just got myself a mini 3 pro instead of spending it on a family holiday for example.
£679 is a steep investment…£1000+ for an a avata and what would be my third drone in my collection would almost be an impossible argument.
I’m comfortable with a steep learning curve if I was to go the true FPV route, I’ve clocked 32 flight hours/250km flown. What kind of money would I be looking at for a decent FPV starter set up (controller, goggles the lot)? I know I need to add the cost of a GoPro on top
first things first I’d download a simulator and give true FPV flying a go first before spending the money. maybe buy a cheapish radio that can work with a sim as your first purchase I’d say you’re looking at a minimum of £50 for a radio that will grow into the hobby with you.
its been a long time since I brought a radio so I’m not sure of whats on the market today Radiomaster have always been a good solid starting point for radios maybe look into their latest offerings
It’s a mine field mate. So many acronyms and terms, and options… Ergh! I’d get a radio capable of ELRS, there are a few options there. and possibly the baby ape. But I recently heard a youtuber (think was bardwell) saying something along the lines of “whatever the quad costs, budget for double, for repairs, etc”, and he’s probably not far off tbh! It’s expensive hobby. OK you can get a Baby Ape for a reasonable sum, but you will likely break it at some point. Props are consumables (think of them like tyres on a racing car), fortunately not expensive. But a frame or motor gone a bit more, and worse an AIO board!
For original question, the mini 3 won’t be what we’d term “real FPV”, though having goggles on and viewing the video live I guess is FPV. Real FPV is a steep learning curve, from tech and terms, to the actual flying… It ain’t easy and can take a long time to master. If you went DJI for “real” FPV it’s expensive. Start analogue and change if like it
I’ve been out of the market for a long time now as I’ve pretty much got all the gear I need now so haven’t really been looking. thats the beauty of FPV a lot of the gear is a once purchased thats it you have it and no need to buy again. unlike the DJI camera drones you buy a mavic mini then the mini 2 comes out so you need buy all the gear again if you want the mini 2.
In FPV once you’ve shelled out for a decent radio then most the gear you buy going forward will work with the same radio so no need to buy another
Thanks @GunjaFPV, I think that’s what I was looking for. Can you safely buy PFV second hand with flight demos etc or am I best off just buying new to ensure none of the electronics are fried
you’d definitely be looking at analogue for that budget but I’d say it would be possible yeah. you’re biggest out lays will be Radio and Goggles. Then I’d look for a reasonably priced analogue BNF (bind n fly) like a Nazgul5 from iFlight or the Emax BabyHawk something along those lines
I think the only part of the hobby I use “daily” when fly is the radio. I got the TS16X for my first tiny whoop, and that was a good investment. I think the boxer the one to go for today, but there are plenty of other options such as Zorro…
I think yes you can do £500. Im not sure the babyhawk as cheap at the darwin baby ape.
My first goggles (analogue) were the E800Ds? (is that right, the big box ones), then quickly bought the cobraX, which Im more than happy with, and a tinyhawk. Learning to fly inside a house isn’t easy at all. Get outside with something larger…
Lets quickly do the math…
Radio (Boxer £139.99)
Goggles (Cobra X £206.95)) - Bet there some decent second hand HDO’s out there for better TBH
Darwin Baby Ape Pro V2 (£105.95)
Total: £452.89
You’ll need batteries, a charger, and spare props. I’d also definitely recommend a battery backed up buzzer. So we are close to the £500, and I bet there some cheap options for the analogue goggles out there! I wouldn’t scrimp on the radio though, and if you get the bug you’ll want a digital system at some point (now there’s a whole other story!)
