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[Charlie]

 Lots of Drones have a camera installed, which can stream a live picture back to the users Smartphone via Wi-Fi. I would love to install a similar setup in a boat. Has anyone done this? What kit is available to do this, where can you get the kit, and how much does it cost? Please discuss!

[Arrow5]

The system is known as FPV (first person view) . Go to a forum on model aircraft photography, it isnt limited to multi-copters, fixed wing types use it too. Try wwwRCGroups.com  there is plenty of info on them with some UK contributors .  Drone is a terrible Americanism that has sinister connotations these days and quads etc don't "drone".  Let us know what application is has in model boating.  Serious upgrade of r/c gear required.

[Netleyned]

Some of the guys are talking 20 feet range
The distance kit uses a UHF link not WiFi.

Ned

[essex2visuvesi]

A good starter kit here:-
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__63646__Quanum_Complete_FPV_Bundle_Set_w_Goggles_5_8GHz_32ch_Video_TX_RX_CP_Antennas_and_Camera_PNF_.html


We have a couple of RC cars at the club setup with these and its a huge laugh

[JimG]

Just be aware that that equipment is illegal to use in the UK.
The maximum transmitter power for 5.8GHz video transmitters is 25mW in the EU (including the UK). At 200mW power that transmitter is 8 times the legal output. Unfortunately a large proportion of FPV users ignore the law. Legal FPV sets (25mW )should give at least 200 yards range depending on the aerials used.

Jim

[johno 52-11]

we used a transmitter and receiver from here https://www.firstpersonview.co.uk/ as you will see any of the high power transmitters state "For use by licensed Radio Amateurs only in the UK.". We put a 25mW in a Severn class Lifeboat and the range is fine a good 200 metres. If you are going to do this use the 5.8 stuff because the 2.4 gets a lot of interference from all the 2.4 transmitters that we now use.

[JimG]

we used a transmitter and receiver from here https://www.firstpersonview.co.uk/ as you will see any of the high power transmitters state "For use by licensed Radio Amateurs only in the UK.".

This is only for fixed stations, the licence does not cover mobile transmitters. This is seems to be normal practice in conning purchasers into buying equipment that it is legal to buy but not legal to use .

Jim

[Charlie]

 Thanks for all the replies so far. I have been having a look at the HobbyKing kit, and the RC Groups forum, but I don’t think this FPV is actually quite what I am looking for. FPV seems to involve a transmitter sending back a video signal to a Headset / Goggles which the user wears, and pilots the vehicle/boat/plane as though they are looking through the cockpit. What I am looking for is for a video signal to be sent and picked up on my Smartphone, which I can choose to look at, or not, whilst driving the boat. If the Smartphone can record the footage for uploading to YouTube later, then even better. The Phantom Drones do exactly this, which is what I would like to somehow replicate in a boat.

[Arrow5]

In that case just put the phone ( or a cheap waterproof digital camera or "sport " camera )  in the boat and edit that result to suit . Plenty of examples on youtube. Towing a barge with the camera on is good.  Submerge the towing line and make it from dark or black thin strong line. FPV doesnt need to be sent to googles but can be on a screen instead.

[essex2visuvesi]

In that case you can use one of these.
http://www.banggood.com/Syma-X5SW-X5SC-WiFi-2MP-Camera-p-987145.html

[Captain Flack]

I use an AI Ball camera streamed to my tablet.

[ballastanksian]

I have a small camera from Ripmax that I got for Christmas five years ago and now have a use for it. It just records and then you download it onto your Pooter for editing and using for whatever you choose. It is only about the size of a USB stick so it can be attached or poked somewhere and switched on before sailing.

[JimG]

You can use a GoPro or GoPro clone which has a wireless link. This will record on a memory card in the camera and also link to a smartphone or tablet through WiFi to allow you to watch in real time.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__84351__Turnigy_HD_WiFi_ActionCam_1080P_Full_HD_Video_Camera_w_Waterproof_Case_UK_Warehouse_.html
Note however that WiFi video signals and 2.4GHz radio sets may not mix well. The Dji Phantoms use 5.8GHz for their radio control because of this.

Jim

[Martin (Admin)]

 
Cheap 'Action camera' at Argos: http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3998968.htm

[david48]

Just found this, http://hitecrcd.com/products/action-cameras/s60-action-camera/product , did not check price .WiFi connection 328 ft . I do not understand why the link is not in blue ...
David

( Fixed - no gap between the comer and the link! - Martin )

[malcolmfrary]

Always interesting to see such a precise range in feet until you work out that it is a conversion from 100 metres, so it is probably very much "about", give or take quite a bit.