#1 ·
Greetings,
I am looking for some guidance regarding the electronics required to build a device equipped with a camera that transmits live video wirelessly to a smartphone.
The intended use involves distances typical for operating RC models, such as cars, drones, and similar hobbyist equipment.
From my current understanding, there seem to be two primary methods: either connecting the phone directly to the camera via Wi-Fi, or utilizing a 5.8GHz frequency transmission system.
I know that with consumer drones, one can simply purchase an FPV camera paired with an antenna, then wear specialized goggles that pick up the signal to provide a visual feed. However, there are also versions without goggles where a smartphone is linked to the drone's remote controller, displaying the video through a specific mobile application. In those setups, the remote typically features two antennas—one for controlling the drone and another for receiving the video feed.
I am particularly interested in the latter system. If anyone is knowledgeable about how to break this down into individual components, I would appreciate advice on what is needed to assemble such a setup from scratch.
I will outline my current assumptions regarding the necessary parts, and I welcome anyone with more expertise to supplement my information.
REMOTE SYSTEM (the component containing the camera)
(Please note: I am not focusing on component quality at this stage; the links provided are merely illustrative examples of the types of components I am considering.)
-camera
I believe I would minimize error by selecting an FPV module designed for drones that already includes an antenna connection. I assume the camera requires a power input and provides a signal output. (Assuming if there is power, it functions, and if not, it does not?) I imagine the output would connect to a video transmitter.
For instance, a camera like this: http://www.banggood.com/600TVL-8_0MP...l?rmmds=search .
-video transmitter ...and an antenna similar to those used on drones, such as:
http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-VTX0...ytogether-auto
I presume one cable handles the power and another carries the signal from the camera, resulting in a radio signal that a receiver can detect.
If we consider a camera and transmitter already integrated: http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-TX03...ytogether-auto
In this case, we see only one cable, which likely serves as the power supply for both units, while the signal inputs and outputs remain internal to the two components?
Next, we would simply need a battery; once these components are powered, the video signal is broadcast "into the air" to be captured elsewhere.
CONTROL SYSTEM (the component used for operation)
(I have labeled this "control," though in this simplified example, we are merely viewing the image rather than actively maneuvering anything.)
video receiver - this is clearly the first essential piece.
http://www.banggood.com/5_8G-40CH-25...l?rmmds=search
The receiver obviously needs power, and its output would be the processed signal it captures.
However, how does our receiver distinguish our camera's signal from any other nearby signal? I assume the receiver requires additional inputs or settings to tune specifically to our camera's frequency?
Once we have the video signal, how do we get it onto the smartphone screen?
Presumably, we would need a microcontroller to interface both the video receiver and the phone via a USB connection. But what exact role does the microcontroller play in this chain?
I have observed that when a drone remote is connected to a phone, the device suddenly gains various capabilities through an app to send commands to the drone. It seems the communication between the remote and the phone is multi-layered, where the phone communicates with a microcontroller in several ways defined by the app... and then that microcontroller in the remote transmits those commands via radio signal to the REMOTE SYSTEM where the drone is located...
I must admit this particular section feels somewhat grim, though I shall attempt to provide a brief summary:
-The remote control's microcontroller requires an output-input signal path to connect to a smartphone via USB cable, while simultaneously needing an input from a video receiver. Once we have established those hardware requirements, does the challenge then shift entirely to the software side regarding how to facilitate communication between the microcontroller and the phone?
There you have it; I have simply outlined my current understanding of the situation... My intention is to start by purchasing some entry-level, low-cost components just to build a basic beginner project and encounter these technical hurdles firsthand. Any advice you might offer would be most appreciated. Thank you.
I am looking for some guidance regarding the electronics required to build a device equipped with a camera that transmits live video wirelessly to a smartphone.
The intended use involves distances typical for operating RC models, such as cars, drones, and similar hobbyist equipment.
From my current understanding, there seem to be two primary methods: either connecting the phone directly to the camera via Wi-Fi, or utilizing a 5.8GHz frequency transmission system.
I know that with consumer drones, one can simply purchase an FPV camera paired with an antenna, then wear specialized goggles that pick up the signal to provide a visual feed. However, there are also versions without goggles where a smartphone is linked to the drone's remote controller, displaying the video through a specific mobile application. In those setups, the remote typically features two antennas—one for controlling the drone and another for receiving the video feed.
I am particularly interested in the latter system. If anyone is knowledgeable about how to break this down into individual components, I would appreciate advice on what is needed to assemble such a setup from scratch.
I will outline my current assumptions regarding the necessary parts, and I welcome anyone with more expertise to supplement my information.
REMOTE SYSTEM (the component containing the camera)
(Please note: I am not focusing on component quality at this stage; the links provided are merely illustrative examples of the types of components I am considering.)
-camera
I believe I would minimize error by selecting an FPV module designed for drones that already includes an antenna connection. I assume the camera requires a power input and provides a signal output. (Assuming if there is power, it functions, and if not, it does not?) I imagine the output would connect to a video transmitter.
For instance, a camera like this: http://www.banggood.com/600TVL-8_0MP...l?rmmds=search .
-video transmitter ...and an antenna similar to those used on drones, such as:
http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-VTX0...ytogether-auto
I presume one cable handles the power and another carries the signal from the camera, resulting in a radio signal that a receiver can detect.
If we consider a camera and transmitter already integrated: http://www.banggood.com/Eachine-TX03...ytogether-auto
In this case, we see only one cable, which likely serves as the power supply for both units, while the signal inputs and outputs remain internal to the two components?
Next, we would simply need a battery; once these components are powered, the video signal is broadcast "into the air" to be captured elsewhere.
CONTROL SYSTEM (the component used for operation)
(I have labeled this "control," though in this simplified example, we are merely viewing the image rather than actively maneuvering anything.)
video receiver - this is clearly the first essential piece.
http://www.banggood.com/5_8G-40CH-25...l?rmmds=search
The receiver obviously needs power, and its output would be the processed signal it captures.
However, how does our receiver distinguish our camera's signal from any other nearby signal? I assume the receiver requires additional inputs or settings to tune specifically to our camera's frequency?
Once we have the video signal, how do we get it onto the smartphone screen?
Presumably, we would need a microcontroller to interface both the video receiver and the phone via a USB connection. But what exact role does the microcontroller play in this chain?
I have observed that when a drone remote is connected to a phone, the device suddenly gains various capabilities through an app to send commands to the drone. It seems the communication between the remote and the phone is multi-layered, where the phone communicates with a microcontroller in several ways defined by the app... and then that microcontroller in the remote transmits those commands via radio signal to the REMOTE SYSTEM where the drone is located...
I must admit this particular section feels somewhat grim, though I shall attempt to provide a brief summary:
-The remote control's microcontroller requires an output-input signal path to connect to a smartphone via USB cable, while simultaneously needing an input from a video receiver. Once we have established those hardware requirements, does the challenge then shift entirely to the software side regarding how to facilitate communication between the microcontroller and the phone?
There you have it; I have simply outlined my current understanding of the situation... My intention is to start by purchasing some entry-level, low-cost components just to build a basic beginner project and encounter these technical hurdles firsthand. Any advice you might offer would be most appreciated. Thank you.