Basics of Radio Frequencies for FPV Quadcopter Drones

The Basics of Radio Frequencies

You will notice the use of terms such as 2.4GHZ and 5.8GHZ when describing fpv quadcopter
and drone aircraft. Here is what you need to know.

2.4 GHZ is the radio frequency that most quadcopters use for the connection between the
ground transmitter and the aerial vehicle. You may remember that this is is also the
frequency that computer wireless networks operate on. This can cause some problems when
an area (dense housing, oce buildings, etc) has many wireless signals. Loss of control and
yways are just some of the reported problems. Another concern is the quadcopter
interfering with its own on-board systems. This is due to two separate systems being on
many modern quadcopters one for control of the craft and one for transmitting the video
(FPV).

5.8GHZ is another radio frequency used in quadcopters, including certain DJI Phantom
models, to avoid two frequencies on the same band (in the same realm which may
entangle each other).

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 Basics of Radio Frequencies for FPV Quadcopter Drones

DJI Phantom FPV

Here is how the DJI Phantom quadcopters, for example, avoid most of these potential
problems.
Phantom 1 operates the aircraft at 2.4 GHZ. If you decide to add FPV (this is DIY), then you
must add it using a 5.8GHZ system, which is readily available.
IF YOU USE A GOPRO OR OTHER CAMERA WITH ITS OWN WIRELESS SYSTEM, BE CERTAIN TO
TURN THE WIRELESS OPTION OFF. Otherwise it will interfere with ight control.

Phantom FC40 uses a 5.8GHZ control system to y because it has a separate 2.4GHZ
system to beam FPV (pictures, video) to the ground.

Phantom 2 uses 2.4GHZ to control the drone because most add-on kits which operators
will use to beam back the video FPV are 5.8GHZ.
Phantom 2 Vision and Vision+ both use 5.8GHZ for the quadcopter control and 2.4GHZ for

Copyright - Droneyers.com - 2016

 Basics of Radio Frequencies for FPV Quadcopter Drones

the FPV, telemetry and smartphone app.

In summary, if you buy a Phantom or other 2.4 GHZ machine without a camera, you must use
a dierent frequency (usually 5.8GHZ) system for the camera to ground communication.

Also note that both of these radio frequencies are considered Line of Sight (LOS) in that they
do not function when any barriers are in-between you and your quadcopter. Current rules and
best practice requires that your drone be own where you are able to see it with the naked
eye.

FPV Details

The most common frequencies used for video transmission are: 900 MHz, 1.2 GHz, 2.4 GHz,
and 5.8 GHz. The use of directional, high-gain antennas increases video range. Sophisticated
setups are capable of achieving a range of many miles.

A technical article on FPV is available at Wikipedia.

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Copyright - Droneyers.com - 2016

 Basics of Radio Frequencies for FPV Quadcopter Drones

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Copyright - Droneyers.com - 2016