On this publish, I’ll share the instruments, gear, and FPV drones that I take advantage of each day. I recurrently check new merchandise, and whereas I make many suggestions, these are the private favorites I take advantage of most frequently. I attempt to replace this publish as regularly as attainable, however please verify the edit historical past on the backside to be sure you’re getting the most recent info. When you discover something that appears outdated, let me know and I’ll replace it as quickly as attainable.
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 alternative. It presents the very best worth, efficiency, and {hardware} choices.
Many manufacturers make {hardware} that helps ExpressLRS, however Radiomaster might be one of the vital stable decisions—you may’t actually go improper with them. Listed here are the radios I like to recommend: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/#suggestions.
Nevertheless, my present day by day driver is the T20S from Jumper. I simply love how compact it’s, and but nonetheless presents almost 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 main points right here: https://oscarliang.com/setup-jumper-t20s-radio/.
When selecting ExpressLRS receivers, it’s important to resolve what frequency and options you want. Study 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 alternatives right here: https://oscarliang.com/setup-expresslrs-2-4ghz/#Receivers
FPV Programs and Goggles
I’ve examined all of the mainstream FPV programs 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 presents the O4 Lite Air Unit which is nice for micro quads as effectively. I nonetheless fly analog, primarily for tiny whoops. Analog is the most affordable FPV choice and the lightest, which is ideal for micro quads. There are loads to contemplate on the subject of FPV programs, 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 normally 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 occasion 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 ponderous. 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 day by day driver is the DJI Goggles 3 and O4 Air Unit (Professional and Lite)—this combo presents the very best picture high quality, vary, and flight expertise.
For analog, the Skyzone SKY04X Professional is my go-to. It presents the very best picture high quality, a really huge subject of view, and focal size adjustment, which is helpful for many who put on glasses.
The very best funds analog goggles can be the Cobra SD Though they’re field goggles with an LCD display screen, 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 programs run on 5.8GHz, you should utilize the identical antennas with DJI, Walksnail, HDZero and Analog. Simply be sure 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 price 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 day by day driver is the ToolkitRC Q6AC. It’s one of the vital highly effective and feature-packed chargers you will get proper now. It presents 4 outputs (can cost 4 LiPo concurrently and individually), and will be powered by each AC and DC. See my evaluate right here: https://oscarliang.com/toolkitrc-q6ac-lipo-charger/
That is in all probability 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 for the time being 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 transportable. 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 also be an amazing 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 have an exterior PSU.
You will 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 make certain your charger can take the upper voltage. If attainable, get the 24V, some chargers can put out extra energy on the larger enter voltage.
If you would like an inexpensive and easy charger that comes with an influence provide that you would be able to plug straight into the wall, the the ISDT 608AC is an efficient newbie choice. It’s not very highly effective however will get the job performed.
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 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 publish: 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
Evaluate: https://oscarliang.com/dji-avata-2/
It is perhaps stunning 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 once 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 top and velocity limitations, however so long as it’s not too windy it may get the job performed, e.g. taking cinematic pictures and cruising round. Security options reminiscent of return to dwelling and emergency brake give the consumer peace of thoughts too.
Fly Extra Combo (3 batteries):
GEPRC Vapor D5
Evaluate: 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 at present my favorite quad with DJI O4 Professional for cinematic flying.
AxisFlying Manta 5 SE
Evaluate: https://oscarliang.com/axisflying-manta-5-se-analog-bnf/
One of many most cost-effective 5-inch BNF in the marketplace at present – even cheaper than constructing your personal (with comparable specs elements).
Flywoo Firefly18 with DJI O4 Vast Angle Lens
Evaluate: 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 effectively.
Air65 II Tiny Whoop
Evaluate: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-air65-ii/
My favorite tiny whoop thus far in 2024, can’t beat the efficiency and worth.
GEPRC Cinelog30 V3
My favorite cinewhoop for the time being. Evaluate: 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 in all probability my favorite. With a smaller battery it may be a sub-250 quad too! Evaluate: https://oscarliang.com/flywoo-explorer-lr4-o4-pro/
Different Suggestions
Edit Historical past
- 2018 – Article created
- 2020 – Up to date checklist
- 2021 – Up to date checklist
- 2022 – Up to date checklist
- 2023 – Up to date product hyperlinks
- 2024 – Up to date merchandise
- Mar 2025 – Up to date merchandise
- Mar 2026 – Up to date merchandise