Introduction to FPV drone for beginner / How to fly Racing drone

Here, we have summarized the basic information to take the first step in this world of Tiny Whoops / FPV drone.
To know other hobby drones, see Introduction to drones. Basic Knowledge of Hobby Drones for Beginners page.
- What is FPV
- It stands for "First Person View". When operating a drone, rely only on image of camera mounted on the drone, not viewpoint seen by operator on the ground.
- What is Micro Whoop / Cine Whoop / Tiny Whoop / FPV Drone?
- Video shot with FPV Whoops
- What you need to enjoy Tiny Whoops
- How to choose a radio / transmitter
- How to use OpenTX Radio
- How to choose a drone
- How to choose a FPV goggle
- Put the camera on / Cine Whoop / Cinelifter
- Checking drone flight rules : Are FPV Goggles Illegal?
- At least how much practice do you need ?
- Repair your drone
- Knowledge of antenna for FPV drones
- Related links
What is Micro Whoop / Cine Whoop / Tiny Whoop / FPV Drone?

However, because it's high-power motors compared to it's lightness, maneuvering is extremely severe, and maneuvering feeling is completely different from that of Self-leveling aerial photo, video drones such as DJI and Parrot. You can't fly freely as soon as you buy it. It takes a lot of practice to get the flight you want.
About the name
There are many variations of how drones in this category are called, depending on the person, region, and situation. Generally, drones operated using FPV goggles are called "FPV drones" (also called "micro drones" in Japan) or "racing drones". In addition, small models with round propeller guards are sometimes called "Tiny Whoop" or "Micro Whoop", and those with video recording function are sometimes called "Cinelifter" or "Cine Whoop".
Video shot with FPV Whoops
Let's start with some of the amazing aerial videos shot with FPV drones.This is a video shot by FPV drone pilot Jay Christensen and set in a bowling alley in Minnesota, USA.
What you need to enjoy Tiny Whoops
To enjoy Tiny Whoops, you need something like the following:- Controller / Radio
- Controller / Radio for radio-controlled model is used to control Tiny Whoop. There are several protocols (communication methods) for control it. You need to get a Radio that supports the protocol that drone you want to fly has.
- Drone
- Prices start at around USD100, and for high-performance, large-scale machines, it costs USD300 to USD400 or more. Weights also range from tens to hundreds of grams, depending on the model. Not only can you buy finished product, but you can also assemble parts yourself. At first you will crash many times, so it is recommended to practice on a small aircraft that is cheap and has replacement parts for repair.
- FPV goggles
- Put it on your head, receive the image from the camera mounted on the drone, and use it for maneuvering. Tiny Whoops are small and fly at high speeds, so it's almost impossible to control them from a ground perspective like drones for aerial photography. FPV goggle is must have item for Tiny Whoop pilot.
- Radio worker license
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Video transmitter (VTX) installed in Tiny Whoop uses amateur radio waves in 5.8GHz band, so license is required to use it in Japan.
Two licenses are required: a radio operator license for pilots and a radio station license for video transmitters (VTX).
In the United States, amateur radio license (HAM license) is required when using a VTX with an output exceeding 25mW, or specific band or channel in 5.8 GHz band. - Crafting skills
- It is better if you have the skill of crafting that can be repaired when it is damaged by a crash or the wiring is broken. In particular, please acquire basic electronic work knowledge and soldering skills. Many Tiny Whoops need to be adjusted and repaired after purchase. Conversely, adjustment and repair are also one of the pleasures of Tiny Whoops.
Put the camera on / Cine Whoop / Cinelifter

Originally, FPV camera installed in microdrones has a low image quality, and when recording with recording function (DVR) of FPV goggles, noise enters because it goes through radio waves. To get clear, high-quality aerial video, you need to have a recording camera on your drone.

Drones with recording function
From around 2018, several models of micro drones with recording function, such as Eachine Cinecam, Happymodel's Mobula 7 HD and Mobula 6 HD, iFlight Cinebee, BetaFPV Beta85X HD and Beta75X HD, Meteo65 HD , e.t.c. have appeared. Since stability is more important than power, many models are equipped with slightly lower output 2S to 3S batteries and have four blades as propellers. Some have a 4K recording function. With these models, you can easily enjoy aerial photography.
Drone with action camera

Make Naked Camera
You can disassemble an action camera such as GoPro to make it smaller and lighter, and put it on a drone to shoot aerial video. Take out only the main board and lens part from the camera and put them in a special case created with a 3D printer etc. to reduce the weight to about 15 to 30 grams in total.

Using small camera for FPV drones

Checking drone flight rules : Are FPV Goggles Illegal?
Many Tiny Whoops weigh less than 100g, which greatly relaxes drone flight rules, but you are not free to fly anywhere. Make sure to check the drone's flight rules in advance so that you do not violate the law. Maneuvering with FPV goggles is not considered "visual range". Under Japanese aviation law, a visual observer is required to fly an FPV drone with an aircraft that weighs more than 100g (200g until June 19, 2022) (Needs constant monitoring within the visual range). Please be careful.(Notice:. "Takeoff weight" in Japanese Flight Rules does not include the weight of removable accessories other than battery)
At least how much practice do you need ?
In my experience, after spending about 10 flights (10 batteries flight time), I finally flew around the room once and then crashed in Angle mode . After that, after about 20 flights, I was able to fly around the room several times and then crash. However, by that time, the drone's frame was cracked and tattered. It took me about four months to be able to fly freely inside house in Acro mode. In the meantime, I repaired camera disconnection once, battery connector disconnection twice, and replaced each of the four propellers once or twice, replaced the frame three times. If you are good at action games, you may improve faster.I recommend you to start practicing indoors, as losing control is less likely to be damaged or lost. And since one flight time is as short as 3 to 5 minutes, I think it is good to prepare a lot of batteries. However, at first, due to the difficulty of maneuvering, you will feel tired and want to take a break after flying only about two batteries. I think it's a good idea to fly little by little at first and gradually increase the practice time. Also, use drone simulator on your computer to prevent damage to your drone.

Repair your drone
Repeated crashes can damage the frame and propellers and break wiring. Get these spare parts on the official website of the drone maker. Also, prepare repair tools such as a precision screwdriver, soldering iron, and magnifying glass. Use a soldering iron for low-temperature electronic circuits of about 15 to 20 W.Battery connector repair

The mail order site also sells spare connectors. With the battery connected to the drone, touch the connector cable here and there to identify where the wire is broken, and use a soldering iron to replace it. Instead of replacing from the base on the board, it is easy to cut the cable in the middle and add it by soldering.
Repairing camera wiring

Or if the screen becomes noisy over time, suspect a possible overheat. The VTX board can become hot and malfunction in a relatively short period of time. In such a case, remove the battery from the drone and let it cool for a while. If you blow on the camera, the unit may cool and the image may come back.
Phenomenon | Cause | Countermeasures |
---|---|---|
Immediately after applying a shock or strong force to drone, video screen disappeared or noise began to appear. | Wiring disconnection or poor contact between the camera and VTX board, VTX board and FC board | Find the broken part and repair it with solder |
One day when you started drone, video screen disappeared, or radio wave range decreased, noise began to appear. |
The transmission band and channel of VTX have changed for some reason.
(Or battery of FPV goggles may be dead, antenna or goggles may break down ...) |
Run scan function with FPV goggles, or check / change drone's firmware settings (Transmission band or channel) |
After starting the drone, if you leave it for a while, video screen disappears | VTX overheat | Remove battery from the drone and let it cool for a while |
Stripes appear on the screen of FPV goggles in proportion to the rotation of motor | Poor contact of VTX antenna, etc. | Check and reconnect the connection between FC board and VTX antenna |
Repairing frame

If you attach "corner guard tape" (double-sided tape on a sponge sheet) to outer circumference of the frame in advance, it will be relatively resistant to crashes. For Tiny Whoops, sticking this on the "forehead" will make it easier to get up in turtle mode even on a slippery floor.
Anyway, frame is a consumable item. Let's prepare a lot of spares.
Adjustment / calibrate of radio

Stick end replacement

There are two size of radio sticks, one with a screw diameter of 3 mm and the other 4 mm. Be careful when purchasing your stick ends. The stick in this photo is 3mm.
Change stick length

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Precision screwdriver
Tarvol USD7.99
6 DIFFERENT SIZES / STYLES - Includes 0-Point and 1-Point Phillips and Flathead 1.4mm, 2.0mm, 2.4mm, 3.0mm. RUST PROOF BLADES - Hard Tempered Black Oxide Shafts Designed for Longevity and Durability .
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Headband Magnifier with LED Light
SOONHUA USD17.99
It is a useful tool to meet various basic needs for hobbies.It helps you with the needle work,such as cross-stitch,sewing, embroidery. You can also use it to look at coins,stamps,etc. It also helps you to do professional delicate project,like repairing the electronic products,inspecting and making jewelry.For ladies,it is great for cutting& doing nail or eye lashing.
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Soldering Iron 15W
Hakko USD32.97
The FX650-02/P Soldering Iron is lightweight and perfect for entry level soldering. This 15W iron uses T34 Series tips.
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Digital multimeter
WeePro USD11.98
Suitable for all kinds of household use and industrial use. Can be use at Household Outlets, Fuses, Batteries (including Vehicles), Automotive Circuit Troubleshooting, Charging System, Testing electronics in Cars etc. It is a AC/DC Voltmeter, Ohm Volt Amp Tester, Electric Ohmmeter, Diode, Resistance and Audible Continuity Detector.