On this submit, I’ll share the instruments, gear, and FPV drones that I take advantage of each day. I check and evaluate merchandise often, and whereas I like to recommend numerous merchandise, those talked about listed here are my private favorites. I attempt to replace this submit as typically as I can, however please do test the edit historical past on the backside to ensure you are getting the most recent information. Please let me know if this submit will get slightly outdated and I’ll replace it asap.
Disclaimer: I’m not sponsored by any firm; all opinions are my very own.
Radio and Receivers
For radio hyperlink, ExpressLRS (ELRS) is my go-to selection in the mean time—providing the most effective worth, efficiency, and {hardware} choices.
In terms of radios, I actually like those from Radiomaster. Their radios are strong, you may’t go flawed with them. Listed here are the radios I like to recommend: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/#suggestions.
Nevertheless, my present every day driver is the T20S from Jumper. It’s compact and but nonetheless provides practically all of the options you’d discover in a full measurement radio. I choose the unique, non-Gemini model as a result of it’s cheaper, and the vary is greater than sufficient. See my evaluate right here: https://oscarliang.com/jumper-t20-radio/
My T20S has undergone numerous DIY modifications to go well with my preferences and wishes, discover the small print right here: https://oscarliang.com/setup-jumper-t20s-radio/.
All the brand new ExpressLRS receivers are fairly related when it comes to functionality, so simply select one that matches your price range and model choice. Radiomaster, BetaFPV and Flywoo all make nice receivers. See receiver alternatives right here: https://oscarliang.com/setup-expresslrs-2-4ghz/#Receivers
FPV Techniques and Goggles
I’ve used all of the mainstream FPV methods on the market, all of them have their execs and cons.
For freestyle, lengthy vary and cinematic flying, DJI is the go-to. Picture high quality is analogous unmatched, and the video hyperlink is rock strong. It now provides the O4 Air Unit which is nice for micro quads as nicely. I nonetheless fly analog, primarily for tiny whoops. Analog is the most cost effective FPV possibility and the lightest, which is ideal for micro quads. There are lots to think about with regards to FPV methods, I’ve a purchaser’s information which explains in additional particulars: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-system/
When you’ve selected which system to make use of, the selection of FPV goggles turns into simple as there are often just a few goggles to select from. If you wish to get Walksnail or HDZero, get their flagship goggles, I DO NOT advocate utilizing their exterior modules. Not solely the HDMI connection provides additional delay, the dangling wires are additionally messy, the general setup is clunky and hulking. And if you wish to fly analog, get a set of devoted analog goggles, such because the Skyzone Cobra SD or SKY04X Professional. Right here is my FPV Goggles purchaser’s information: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-goggles/.
Proper now, my every day driver is the DJI Goggles 3 and O4 Air Unit (each Professional and Lite)—this combo provides the most effective picture high quality, vary, and penetration.
For analog, the Skyzone SKY04X Professional is my go-to. It provides the most effective picture high quality, a really vast discipline of view, and focal size adjustment, which is helpful for individuals who put on glasses.
One of the best price range analog goggles could be the Cobra SD Though they’re field goggles with an LCD display, picture readability continues to be very respectable! The superior built-in OSD menu considerably improves consumer expertise and even helps exterior receiver modules.
Antennas
Since our FPV methods run on 5.8GHz, you should use the identical antennas with DJI, Walksnail, HDZero and Analog. Simply ensure you have the right connector (i.e. SMA vs RP-SMA) and have matching polarization (i.e. RHCP vs LHCP).
Try my FPV antenna suggestions for some concepts: https://oscarliang.com/best-fpv-antenna/
Analog Video Receiver Module
For analog receiver modules, there are solely two choices value contemplating for my part: ImmersionRC Rapidfire and TBS Fusion. See my comparability for a bit extra element: https://oscarliang.com/rapidfire-fusion/.
Rapidfire
TBS Fusion
LiPo Charger
My every day driver is the ToolkitRC Q6AC. It’s some of the highly effective and feature-packed chargers you will get proper now. It provides 4 outputs (can cost 4 LiPo concurrently and individually), and could be powered by each AC and DC. See my evaluate right here: https://oscarliang.com/toolkitrc-q6ac-lipo-charger/
Though this charger has a number of ports, I nonetheless use parallel charging boards. Why? Even when not parallel charging, it makes plugging in batteries a lot simpler 🙂 My favourite parallel charging board in the mean time is the HGLRC Thor as a result of it has fuse safety: https://oscarliang.com/hglrc-thor-pro-6-parallel-charging-board/
For charging within the discipline, I choose one thing extra moveable. I fairly just like the iSDT Q6 Nano. It’s light-weight, can cost 1S to 6S batteries, and is inexpensive at solely $30. The SkyRC B6Neo can also be an excellent various: https://oscarliang.com/skyrc-b6neo-lipo-charger/
In case your charger doesn’t have a built-in energy provide and requires DC enter, you will want an exterior PSU.
You may get a server or laptop energy provide if you understand how, or you should purchase one off the shelf like these:
- 100W PSU:
- 240W PSU:
- 360W PSU:
- 400-460W PSU:
- 600W PSU:
- 1200W PSU:
Most PSUs output both 12V or 24V, so ensure that your charger can take the upper voltage. If attainable, get the 24V over 12V, some chargers can put out extra energy at greater enter voltage.
If you’d like an inexpensive and easy charger that comes with an influence provide that you could plug straight into the wall, the the ISDT 608AC is an effective newbie possibility. It’s not very highly effective however will get the job accomplished.
To cost a number of batteries concurrently, think about using a parallel charging board. Ensure that to learn this text to discover ways to parallel cost LiPo batteries: https://oscarliang.com/parallel-charging-multiple-lipo/.
For charging batteries within the discipline, I take advantage of these massive capability batteries.
Instruments
Listed here are a few of my favourite instruments. There are others you may discover helpful, as defined on this submit: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-tools/.
Provides & Supplies
Spare and constructing supplies that I’ve good expertise with.
My Favorite BNF
These are pre-built FPV drones that I like essentially the most.
DJI Avata 2
Assessment: https://oscarliang.com/dji-avata-2/
It is perhaps shocking to some, however the Avata 2 is definitely the drone I’ve flown essentially the most in 2024. It’s simply so handy to take with me after I go travelling, and the video high quality kind the onboard digicam is nearly nearly as good as a GoPro minus the load. Flight efficiency isn’t nearly as good as a typical 5″ and there are peak and velocity limitations, however so long as it’s not too windy it will probably get the job accomplished, e.g. taking cinematic photographs and cruising round. Security options reminiscent of return to house and emergency brake give the consumer peace of thoughts too.
Fly Extra Combo (3 batteries):
GEPRC Vapor D5
Assessment: https://oscarliang.com/geprc-vapor-d5-o4/
When I’m not flying the DJI Avata 2, I’m in all probability flying the Vapor D5. It’s presently my favorite quad with DJI O4 Professional for cinematic flying.
iFlight Nazgul ECO
Assessment: https://oscarliang.com/iflight-nazgul-eco-fpv-drone/
One of many least expensive 5-inch BNF available on the market presently – even cheaper than constructing your individual (with related specs parts).
Meteor75 Professional O4 Whoop
Assessment: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-meteor75-pro-o4-whoop/
My favorite tiny whoop with DJI O4 for flying in the home and yard.
Air65 Tiny Whoop
Assessment: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-air65/
My favourite tiny whoop to date in 2024, can’t beat the efficiency and worth.
SpeedyBee Bee25
Assessment: https://oscarliang.com/speedybee-bee25-cinewhoop/
2.5″ cinewhoop for carrying a bare GoPro for taking cinematic footage.
HGLRC Draknight 2″ Micro Drone
The Draknight is without doubt one of the greatest micros I reviewed in 2024 – an 1S 2inch analog micro quad. Very sturdy and distinctive design, and it’s tremendous quiet, flies extremely locked in and nimble, only a good park ripper. I reviewed it with the RTF package, however you should buy this quad by itself if you have already got your individual goggles and radio:
Different Suggestions
Edit Historical past
- 2018 – Article created
- 2020 – Up to date record
- 2021 – Up to date record
- 2022 – Up to date record
- 2023 – Up to date product hyperlinks
- 2024 – Up to date merchandise
- Mar 2025 – Up to date merchandise
