My real-time video downlink for the DJI Phantom 2 is now comprised of the ImmersionRC 5.8 GHz video transmitter, the DJI iOSD mini on-screen display, and the Flysight RC801 Black Pearl LCD monitor and receiver after initially using the 5.8 GHz Video TX RX Set FPV system from RC Logger for live video from the DJI Phantom. There are several online sources for a pre-made cable so the VTX and OSD can be installed without any soldering. Video quality with this setup is good. I don’t fly particularly far away, so I’m not too concerned about range, but I have installed the BlueBeam Ultra Antenna Set for improved reception. As expected with a 5.8 GHz video system, I get occasional video interference as the signal path is blocked, but this is intermittent and doesn’t get in the way of flying.
However, more annoying has been the presence of rolling bars in the downlinked video signal. My video production background tells me this is some kind of a grounding problem – but other than checking connections and rearranging cables, I don’t have enough of an engineering background to troubleshoot a solution to the rolling bars interference.
But I did find a brilliant solution to the problem on YouTube. It’s in Dutch, but includes a visual of taping over certain connections on the ribbon cable that runs from the Zenmuse H3-3D to the GoPro USB connector. Take a look:
Blocking the power connections on the ribbon cable eliminates the rolling bars while allowing the video to pass from the GoPro, to the Zenmuse, and on through the video transmitter. The result is outstanding, interference free, downlinked video! It’s not the best visual – but here is a before and after comparison:
Zenmuse H3-3D Before and After Comparison
The downside of this solution is that the Phantom no longer provides power to the GoPro to recharge the GoPro battery. But the reality is that while flying and recording the GoPro always depletes its battery at a faster rate than the Phantom can recharge, so I don’t think this is much of a compromise. I’m finding that a GoPro battery is lasting as long as a Phantom battery. So with two Phantom batteries I fly, land, swap GoPro and Phantom batteries, and fly again. To speed up the process of changing the GoPro battery I’m using the Shapeways GoPro Zenmuse H3-3D Bracket. Fly safe!
It’s something of a ritual. On the Saturday at the start of the Memorial Day weekend, Paola and I meet to make sure the pool, clubhouse, and lifeguards are ready to go for the upcoming pool season. The pool and pool deck looked great, so I took advantage for a quick flight with the DJI Phantom 2.
Technical details …
Back at home:
After an early morning flight to DC it’s time for look back on the South Africa trip and begin to sort through the photos and video. Here are a few of my favorites from Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, and Cape Town:
A lion at the Rhino and Lion Park Nature Reserve
Photographing Bryce River Canyon at the Three Rhondellas
Elephants crossing the road in Kruger National Park
A zebra in Kruger National Park at sunrise
Safari sunrise in Kruger National Park
Clouds over Cape Town from Table Mountain
Derrick Basson describes daily life as a prisoner on Robben Island
Nelson Mandela’s cell on Robben Island
Another amazing adventure complete! As always a huge thank you to Dr. Craven and the great travelers of Milford, to Shannon and Peter for their wonderful hospitality at the beginning and end of the trip, and to our new South African friends who shared their lives and experiences of this country in transition in Johannesburg, Soweto, Kruger, Cape Town, and Robben Island.
Next year’s trip to Machu Picchu is coming up quick – so it’s time to get to work on the photos, video and book. I’ll update the blog as those projects are completed.
Onboard British Airways flight 213:
We left Cape Town late on Sunday night for an overnight flight to London. Early this morning we were treated a crystal clear sunrise over Northern Africa.
Sunrise over Tripoli
Our flight over the Atlantic offers even more stunning views and some time to get some work done on the blog.
Getting some work done in seat 45A
The Atlantic Ocean from British Airways Flight 213
After a very long travel day our flight to Boston arrives at midday. Tonight we’re heading back to Shannon and Peter’s in Melrose to catch up, share travel stories, and begin planning next year’s adventure to Machu Picchu!
From Cape Town International Airport:
A free day before our flight to London and a perfect day for a tour of South African vineyards. With Charmaine, our vineyard tour guide leading the way, we visited the Ridgeback, Fairview, and Warwick vineyards and sampled a great selection of South African wines, then stopped at the Wilheim Estates vineyard for lunch.
Lunch at Delheim Estates
After an amazing journey through South Africa, tonight we start the trip home.
Table Mountain and Devils Peak from Cape Town International Airport
View from the balcony ...
Michael S. Liberman