First Person View (FPV) drone racing is a competitive motorsport where pilots control drones with the aim of completing the course in the shortest time possible. Each pilot wears FPV goggles that live-stream the camera feed from their drone, enabling the pilot to see only what the drone sees directly while navigating the challenging course.
When did it start?
The exact inception of this sport can be subject to various speculations. However, it is mentioned that it began to emerge with the emergence of amateur competitions in Australia and New Zealand in 2014. In the latter part of 2014, drone enthusiasts started forming their own drone racing equipment and leagues. Our country quickly adapted to this sport by participating in global organizations, making it a center for worldwide competitions. Starting in 2018 with Teknofest, the Turkey Drone Championship, now known as Teknofest Drone Championship, holds country championships with 32 athletes annually in various locations. Additionally, hosting competitions for some of the world's top FPV drone pilots under the name of World Drone Cup (WDC), it elevates the competitions to a much higher level. Turkish athletes who succeed in Teknofest Drone Championship also compete against formidable opponents in the World Drone Cup.
How difficult could it be?
Racing drones and other camera drones are entirely different types of quadcopters. A camera drone like the DJI Mavic 3 has sensors that stabilize the drone. In contrast, a racing drone flies in 'speed mode,' meaning all balancing features are disabled to allow for maneuverability and agility. This implies a sensorless, fully user-programmed, real-time human-controlled experience.
Controlling drones without the stability of built-in sensors can be incredibly challenging. However, professional drone racing pilots have mastered speed mode, enabling them to compete on the most challenging courses.
What are Drone Racing Leagues?
The most prestigious leagues to date are the Drone Racing League and the World Drone Cup. Held in the United States and Turkey, only the best of the best pilots participate, proving to be the world's most competitive tournaments. In addition, the Drone Champions League has gained prominence with its virtual races. Many racing leagues exist in various countries worldwide, particularly in South Korea, Dubai, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France. In our country, there are numerous teams and racing leagues related to FPV drone racing. With the stagnant period during the pandemic, drone racing managed to regain its fast-paced atmosphere as of 2022. In Turkey, the Turkey Drone Championship takes the spotlight.
How can I get started in drone racing?
If you want to experience the world of FPV flight, we offer ready-to-fly and pre-configured FPV drones with FPV setups. Starting with a quadcopter (or another type of multicopter) that is not designed for maximum agility but provides smooth responses is definitely a sensible approach. The moment you hover a few meters above the ground and witness yourself from the pilot's perspective while standing below can be a magical experience for most newcomers.
One of the most practical ways to start with FPV is to try racing simulators. There are numerous FPV drone simulators available on platforms like Steam and others. Starting training with these simulators is advantageous. You can find everything you need for FPV control devices in our FPV Drone Market, including various brands' accessories for racing drones, FPV goggles, and controllers. Follow Technofest Drone Championships, the World Drone Cup, and Turkey racing leagues, race with your friends, or fly in freestyle on your own. Join FPV meetups directly.
The antennas used in FPV (First Person View) systems are crucial for video signal exchange and data transmission. FPV antennas are used on the transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) sides, and there are two main types: linear antennas and circular polarized antennas. Here are the basic varieties of each type:
FPV cameras are specially designed for First Person View (FPV) flights. These cameras provide a real-time view of the drone's perspective, allowing the pilot to experience an immersive flying experience.
FPV drones are a type of drone that allows the pilot to fly as if they were inside the drone, receiving real-time images from the drone's camera. This enables the pilot to capture incredible footage from the drone's perspective and experience an adrenaline-filled flying adventure.
FPV (First Person View) racing simulators are software programs used by FPV drone pilots to enhance their flight skills in real-world conditions and simulate the racing experience. These simulators provide a experience similar to real-world flights and offer pilots an opportunity to practice. Here are some popular FPV racing simulators and their features:
The legally allocated frequencies for FPV flights in Türkiye are as follows: 2.4 GHz ISM Band: 2400 MHz - 2483.5 MHz (5 MHz channel spacing) 2483.5 MHz - 2495 MHz (1 MHz channel spacing)
First Person View (FPV) drone racing is a competitive motorsport where pilots control drones with the goal of completing the course in the shortest time possible. Each pilot wears FPV goggles that transmit a live feed from the camera on their drone, allowing the pilot to directly see only what the drone sees while navigating the challenging course.
