On this put up, I’ll share the instruments, gear, and FPV drones that I exploit each day. I usually check new merchandise, and whereas I make many suggestions, these are the non-public favorites I exploit most frequently. I attempt to replace this put up as steadily as potential, however please examine the edit historical past on the backside to ensure you’re getting the newest info. For those who discover something that appears outdated, let me know and I’ll replace it as quickly as potential.
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. It gives the perfect worth, efficiency, and {hardware} choices.
Many manufacturers make {hardware} that helps ExpressLRS, however Radiomaster might be one of the stable decisions—you possibly can’t actually go mistaken with them. Listed here are the radios I like to recommend: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/#suggestions.
Nevertheless, my present each day driver is the T20S from Jumper. I simply love how compact it’s, and but nonetheless gives practically all of the options you’d need in a full dimension radio. I want the non-Gemini model as a result of it’s cheaper, and the vary is greater than sufficient for me. See my evaluate right here: https://oscarliang.com/jumper-t20-radio/
I additionally put in the AG01 gimbals in my T20S, and it has undergone numerous DIY modifications, discover the small print right here: https://oscarliang.com/setup-jumper-t20s-radio/.
When selecting ExpressLRS receivers, it’s important to resolve what frequency and options you want. Find out about how to decide on receiver right here: https://oscarliang.com/expresslrs-receivers/
Radio and receivers are cross-compatible so it doesn’t which model you select, so simply select one that matches your funds and model choice. Radiomaster, BetaFPV and Flywoo all make nice receivers.
See receiver choices right here: https://oscarliang.com/setup-expresslrs-2-4ghz/#Receivers
FPV Methods and Goggles
I’ve examined all of the mainstream FPV techniques on the market, all of them have their professionals and cons.
For freestyle, lengthy vary and cinematic flying, DJI is the go-to. Picture high quality is just unmatched, and the video hyperlink is rock stable. It now gives the O4 Lite 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 so much to think about relating to FPV techniques, 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 easy, as a result of there are often solely a handful of goggles to select from. If you wish to get Walksnail or HDZero, get their flagship goggles, I DO NOT advocate utilizing third social gathering goggles with 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 each day driver is the DJI Goggles 3 and O4 Air Unit (Professional and Lite)—this combo gives the perfect picture high quality, vary, and flight expertise.
For analog, the Skyzone SKY04X Professional is my go-to. It gives the perfect picture high quality, a really large subject of view, and focal size adjustment, which is helpful for many who put on glasses.
One of the best funds analog goggles can be the Cobra SD Though they’re field goggles with an LCD display, picture readability remains to be very respectable! The superior built-in OSD menu considerably improves consumer expertise and even helps exterior receiver modules.
Antennas
Since our FPV techniques run on 5.8GHz, you should utilize 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).
Take a look at 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 in my view: ImmersionRC Rapidfire and TBS Fusion. See my comparability for a bit extra element: https://oscarliang.com/rapidfire-fusion/.
Rapidfire
TBS Fusion
LiPo Charger
My each day driver is the ToolkitRC Q6AC. It’s one of the highly effective and feature-packed chargers you may get proper now. It gives 4 outputs (can cost 4 LiPo concurrently and individually), and might be powered by each AC and DC. See my evaluate right here: https://oscarliang.com/toolkitrc-q6ac-lipo-charger/
That is most likely an overkill for most individuals, for cheaper choices, see my suggestions: https://oscarliang.com/choose-lipo-battery-charger-power-supply/#Prime-LiPo-Charger-Suggestions
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 meanwhile 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 subject, I want one thing extra moveable. I fairly just like the iSDT Q6 Nano, though it’s a bit outdated. It’s light-weight, can cost 1S to 6S batteries, and is inexpensive at solely $30. The SkyRC B6Neo can be an awesome 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’ll need 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 potential, get the 24V, some chargers can put out extra energy on the increased enter voltage.
If you would like an affordable and easy charger that comes with an influence provide you could plug straight into the wall, the the ISDT 608AC is an efficient newbie possibility. It’s not very highly effective however will get the job executed.
To cost a number of batteries concurrently, think about using a parallel charging board. Be sure to learn this text to learn to parallel cost LiPo batteries: https://oscarliang.com/parallel-charging-multiple-lipo/.
For charging batteries within the subject, I exploit these massive capability batteries.
Instruments
Listed here are a few of my favourite instruments. There are others you would possibly discover helpful, as defined on this put up: 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 really like probably the most.
DJI Avata 2
Overview: https://oscarliang.com/dji-avata-2/
It is perhaps shocking to some, however the Avata 2 is definitely the drone I’ve flown probably 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 digital camera is nearly pretty much as good as a GoPro minus the load. Flight efficiency isn’t pretty much as good as a typical 5″ and there are top and velocity limitations, however so long as it’s not too windy it could get the job executed, e.g. taking cinematic photographs and cruising round. Security options similar to return to dwelling and emergency brake give the consumer peace of thoughts too.
Fly Extra Combo (3 batteries):
GEPRC Vapor D5
Overview: https://oscarliang.com/geprc-vapor-d5-o4/
When I’m not flying the DJI Avata 2, I’m most likely flying the Vapor D5. It’s at the moment my favorite quad with DJI O4 Professional for cinematic flying.
AxisFlying Manta 5 SE
Overview: https://oscarliang.com/axisflying-manta-5-se-analog-bnf/
One of many least expensive 5-inch BNF available on the market at the moment – even cheaper than constructing your individual (with related specs parts).
Flywoo Firefly18 with DJI O4 Broad Angle Lens
Overview: https://oscarliang.com/flywoo-firefly18-o4/
My favorite 1S quad with DJI O4 for flying in the home and yard. Very sturdy and distinctive design, and it’s tremendous quiet, and flies nicely.
Air65 II Tiny Whoop
Overview: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-air65-ii/
My favorite tiny whoop to this point in 2024, can’t beat the efficiency and worth.
GEPRC Cinelog30 V3
My favorite cinewhoop in the meanwhile. Overview: https://oscarliang.com/geprc-cinelog30-v3/
DeepSpace Seeker3
Nice park ripper, evaluate: https://oscarliang.com/deepspace-seeker3/
Flywoo Explorer O4 Professional
For lengthy vary, that is most likely my favorite. With a smaller battery it may be a sub-250 quad too! Overview: https://oscarliang.com/flywoo-explorer-lr4-o4-pro/
Different Suggestions
Edit Historical past
- 2018 – Article created
- 2020 – Up to date listing
- 2021 – Up to date listing
- 2022 – Up to date listing
- 2023 – Up to date product hyperlinks
- 2024 – Up to date merchandise
- Mar 2025 – Up to date merchandise
- Mar 2026 – Up to date merchandise
