Now that you have your brand new FPV drone, you are keen to fly it over a long-range.
Drones, otherwise called unmanned aerial systems, have many uses today, even in most homes. From video shooting, surveying or other recreational purposes the uses are limitless. For a new pilot flying the FPV drone long range might be challenging.
But to the experts who have gathered the tricks and know-how in the game, it’s very easy. To the inexperienced pilot flying a drone over long-range might lead to crushing the quadcopter.
It’s best to learn some tips and tricks to manage long-range flying. Once you get control of that, flying an FPV drone will be much more fun and you can choose some top options or even a drone made for racing.
So here are 7 tips to help you fly FPV Drones over a long-range:
Table of Contents
1. When testing your FPV drone for the first time don’t start long-range
When launching your FPV drone for the initial time, it’s better to begin with a shorter range then increase progressively. In case of an unseen failure on the machine, you still stand a better chance to recover your toy.
2. Maintain a clear line of sight
For good control and evasion of obstacles, keeping a clear line of sight between you and the FPV Drone is vital. Drones are controlled through high radio frequencies in the order of 2GHz to about 6GHz. These high-frequency radio signals posses lower abilities to penetrate barriers.
Thus obstacles on the way like mountains, trees or larger concrete walls greatly interfere with the control signals or video data transmitted back. It is therefore wise to choose a spot without such hindrances like mountains, trees or tall walls that are impermeable by the radio frequencies or data.
Map out the clearly where you would be directing the quadcopter.
If necessary you can climb to high altitude but, ensure it is within the FAA altitude requirement
The direct line of view will enable the drone to go further than you couldn’t imagine without a direct line of visibility
3. Proper battery use
The drones rely on rechargeable batteries to propel them into motion. So first consider the extent you want the unmanned aerial vehicle to fly and the available battery juice. When approximating the battery runtime for the craft, consider too, the wind resistance slowing down the flight.
Even though the long-distance FPV drone employs larger battery capacity, they don’t last eternally. So it’s best to put in place a battery level monitor. Such a provision allows you to approximate the batteries runtime.
When computing a batteries runtime, remember that traveling headwind consumes more power than flying along the wind’s direction.
One of the most common causes of drones crushing is insufficient power.
For example, you might fly a greater distance downhill and then realize that you have insufficient power to take you back uphill. In such an instance you won’t be able to have your drone back safely.
4. For DIY drone assembling, emphasize on efficiency and getting longer flight time
The power-efficient drone will cover the longer distance with less energy. To have the right drone that can navigate such a long distance from less power, several factors come into the picture.
That includes the battery, propeller, motor, and even the frame. Simply increasing the battery capacity won’t automatically translate into longer flight hours.
Remember switching to a higher battery capacity pack also brings in additional weight which is likely to drag the drone. Consequently, choose the motor and propeller combination that uses less current. The lighter the quadcopter the less current it draws.
With that said, switch to lower KV motors but bigger propellers say 6 or 7 inches. That should bear much weight without draining the battery quickly too.
5. Consider your surrounding
Before you release your drone into the air, analyze your immediate surroundings. Specifically, check for any visible threats to your long-distance flight. Such could be;
- An impending storm or first approaching darkness
- A nearby radio tower
- Other FPV pilots ready to launch their drones
Think about the looming dangers. Resolve them if you can or otherwise postpone your flight for another day or location.
6. Consider upgrading your radio range
The average 2.4GHz radios can allow you to reach up to about one and a half kilometers with your drone. However, if you want to take you FPV drone to a longer distance range with confidence, improving the radio range is the better choice. Consequently, consider using modules tapping on frequency range 433MHz to 900MHz.
7. Upgrading the transmitter and receiver
To have complete control over your craft even for a longer distance coverage, upgrading the FPV and the radio antenna does the trick. It’s better to use a powerful transmitter and receiver combination.
If you desire, you can even use a high power transmitter of up to 1200mW. On the other hand, switching to the high gain directional antenna will also improve your range.
Conclusion
Before plunging your FPV drone for long-distance flight, ensure you’ve got what it takes to pull through with such flights. Make sure you have sufficient battery charge to take you to and fro. Analyze and ensure your immediate environment and the weather condition supports yurt activities too.
To test your craft for a long-distance flight for the initial time, begin on a shorter distance. Then slowly increase your distance coverage. By so doing you maintain the grip on your plane even in the case of unforeseen failures.