Using a small screen instead of goggles?

[robc450]

I was wondering if anyone has found a small video screen that can be used outdoors on a bright sunny day?

I tried a 4" TFT LCD monitor from IKAN (v3800) with the hopes of using it to see the video feed instead of using goggles.
The setup works great on cloudy days, but today it was a clear blue sky and the small monitor was unusable (even with a hood over the screen). IKAN claim this monitor can be used outdoors, I guess they forgot to mention the part about only at night or on overcast days.

My main reasons for getting away from the goggles are:
- around here, it's against the rules for the pilot to be wearing them. Which means I can't easily do a photoshoot on my own.
- sometimes, things can become difficult if the camera operator is trying to describe a target/location and the pilot doesn't understand what they mean.

The display technology used in the transmitter is visible outdoors... I wonder if a larger stand alone version is available?
hhhmmm... Maybe I should send this idea along to the folks at Draganfly.

or...
(I just thought of this)
Could the video feed be shown on the transmitter screen as another selectable "view"??

ps. Do you know how hard it was to type goggles and not googles??

[craig]

I have been using a TEAC 9" www.teac.co.nz/?id=387 I'm not sure what availability is like in your part of the world but it works ok for me.

On sunny days I turn the screen and base station away from sun so it is in the shade but overall no complaints. I don't need a "visor" over it.

[robc450]

I was so focused on something small and light weight which could be held along with the transmitter that I completely overlooked the larger screens. A larger screen like the Teac could be used with the base station or simply sat on a tripod with a battery pack and the video supplied by the transmitter instead of the base station.

The base station impresses the clients, but traveling lighter is easier.

I'll have to see if something similar is available in this area.
Thanks!

[robc450]

I found the screen Craig was talking about and it works very well even at mid-day on a cloudless day.

WalMart in Canada (& probably USA) sell it as a 'Viore' 7" Portable LCD Monitor (PLC7V96).

I wasn't expecting much, considering it was only $100. But WalMart have a great return policy and I thought I'd give it a try, needless to say it's a "keeper".

Thanks Craig!!

[craig]

Glad to hear your happy with it

Sometimes technology can be cheap..... Sort of seems crazy I'm flying a machine worth this much and using such a cheap screen...

[sRagnar]

I use a little 10 inch net book with DraganView and it is great!!
with the new video broadcast hardware I now rule the sky!

[robc450]

I didn't think NetBooks were powerful enough to run DraganView.

Now for a bunch of questions...
Which NetBook are you using, how's the battery life and is the screen viewable on a sunny day?

Also, "new video broadcast hardware"
Can you tell us more about it?


Have you seen the latest video on DF's site?? Very nicely done!
If you look carefully you'll see a "client monitor" sitting off to one side. I think it's a MobileVU from L-3 Communications (L-3.com) and looks expensive. L-3 make (among other things) display panels for commercial/military aircraft.

[craig]

I had a chat to DF today about the new video broadcast hardware they have.

Usual story gotta send it back for the upgrade, but might be worth it depending on how your current hardware is going. Apparently they are getting between 200ft and 1200ft range from the new equipment (dependent on local interference).

[sRagnar]

i have also found a screen that is 11 inches that provides great video display. this was an online purchase that was cheep and works as a HD over the air tv as well.
just need to figure a way to make something that I can hang around my neck with the screen and the controller together.
awesome purchase and plugs right in!!!

the net book is just a 10 inch aspire bt acer and with a usb video capture card it is awesome as well. I just like to have the screen since there is just one panel that you give to your client to look at as you fly.

[pulsey]

It's a bit Heath Robinson. LCD off ebay, ABS box from Maplin, shoulder strap from an old laptop bag. Tons of velcro and the sun visor is some Art foam from Staples.

All in, about £250 (but freight for the LCD was a bit OTT - could do better)

The LCD came with a 10 (yes, 10) x AA battery holder. It eats them (20-30 mins per pack), so tried hooking up to one of the DF LiPos. Ran for 2 hours and still reading 15V+

I need to add a voltmeter to be safe, but it works a treat and is very bright.

It's great to be able to frame the shot and also see instantly if the pic is blurred.

No, I'm not making any for anyone else. This took a few days to get right - so make your own