The main thing anyone starting needs to realize is that it takes quite a bit of time to get used to how Quads fly in Acro/Rate mode. I started on a simulator (Liftoff) with an XBox pad and that was super punishing as gentle and precise control is needed. Switching to a proper radio was a night and day difference. I'd guess it took 5-10 hours of flying time to get to the point where I could comfortably go where I wanted 99% of the time. I'm up to 50 hours of sim time now and flinging the things around with wild abandon. Looking forward to summer and getting out to try the real thing.
My recommendation for starting out would be to grab a cheap radio that is easy to connect to a PC and a copy of a simulator.
After research I went with the Radiomaster TX16s. There are several specs and I went for the mid-range version that has Hall effect gimbals for the sticks. You can get more console controller style radios as well but I fancied the bigger screen and a bit more space.
I haven't personally used these radios but they seem to be highly recommended budget options from people in the know:
- BetaFPV LiteRadio 2
- Jumper T-Lite
In terms of a pc simulator I have used Velocidrone which everyone says has the most realistic physics but is not necessarily the prettiest.
UAV futures is also a fun youtube channel to get started with and is a little less technical than joshua bardwell at first.
to have your mind blown by experienced fpv pilots, check out Nurk FPV, Johnny FPV, Mr. Steele, and Rotor Riot.
FPV is a disproportionately expensive hobby ... every hard crash can cost you between $20 ( broken motor bell) to $200 (cost of entire drone when dropped in water and electronics go poof).
Still great hobby, highly recommend!
UAVFutures is a Banggood/affiliate marketing shill unfortunately. Can't trust a word that comes out of his mouth when it comes to product reviews (which is the vast majority of what he does).
There are various FPV groups on Facebook, and Joshua Bardwell shares a lot of knowledge on YouTube. Also, prepare to lose a lot of your life soldering things.
The main thing anyone starting needs to realize is that it takes quite a bit of time to get used to how Quads fly in Acro/Rate mode. I started on a simulator (Liftoff) with an XBox pad and that was super punishing as gentle and precise control is needed. Switching to a proper radio was a night and day difference. I'd guess it took 5-10 hours of flying time to get to the point where I could comfortably go where I wanted 99% of the time. I'm up to 50 hours of sim time now and flinging the things around with wild abandon. Looking forward to summer and getting out to try the real thing.
My recommendation for starting out would be to grab a cheap radio that is easy to connect to a PC and a copy of a simulator.