ImmersionRC
ImmersionRC is a developer and manufacturer of innovative equipment, used by hobbyists practicing 'FPV' (First Persion View, or 'Video Pilotage').
FPV is an exciting offshoot of a 60+ year old hobby, which enables a pilot/driver/skipper of a radio-controlled vehicle (plane, car, boat, etc.) to immerse themselves in the vehicle, driving/flying by watching the video from an onboard camera.
Several recent technological advances have enabled this, small (and cheap) video cameras, lightweight wireless video links, and high-resolution head-mounted displays.
Due to the availability of high-quality recording devices, the experience of an 'FPV Pilot' may be shared, and published on one of the internet-based video sharing services, such as YouTube, or Vimeo. Some examples of FPV flight may be found here.
Head Tracking
The
full 'FPV Experience' requires a device which translates a pilot's head
movements into camera movements on the radio-controlled vehicle.
ImmersionRC's TrackR2 builds upon the success of its TrackR1 gyroscopic head tracker. The TrackR2 is more responsive than 'Magnetic Head Trackers', with an impressive 500 degree/sec response rate. Proprietary algorithms practically eliminate the drift normally associated with gyroscopic head trackers.
A unique dual-connector student/trainer link allows FPV to be conducted in complete safety, while complying with the rules & regulations being put in place in several countries.
On Screen Display (OSD)
An
on-screen display is a very important part of an FPV'ers equipment.
Similar to the HUD in a fighter-plane, the OSD overlays various pieces of critical information onto the video image, which will be viewed by the FPV pilot.
Important questions, such as 'Which way is home', 'What is the state of my battery', are answered at a glance.
Equally important information, such as 'how far away am I', 'how high am I', can help comply with local FPV rules & regulations.
ImmersionRC's approach to on-screen displays is a little different than other manufacturers. Instead of a crowded display, with a bunch of rarely-needed information, just the essentials are shown. FPV is about enjoying the scenery, not admiring the handywork of the OSD manufacturer :-)
The EzOSD is now supported by an iPhone application 'iTelemetry',
which allows a plane's position to be tracked in real-time, at the flying
field. The simple cable required to interface your video Rx to the iPhone
may be purchased here.
This is the first, and currently the only FPV product to be supported
on the iPhone!
Antenna Tracking
As
most FPVers learn quickly, a directional antenna is the ideal way to increase
range, especially using low-power video gear, such as the 10mW 2.4GHz systems,
and 25mW 5.8GHz systems common in Europe.
Using technology which appears to the untrained eye as magic, a pan/tilt mounted antenna follows your FPV plane around the sky.
ImmersionRC is proud to be the first to commercialize low-cost antenna tracking technology, which is currently shipping from some of our retail partners.
Video Goggles
The
RCV922 LCD Headset is the only product on the market which was designed
specifically for FPV. It is also the only LCD Headset with an integrated
2.4GHz Video Receiver. A remarkable 46 degree diagonal FOV (Field of View)
ensures an immersive experience.
With the Lithium Polymer battery tucked into the elasticated strap, wire-free operation is possible. Perfect for a quick 'lunchtime FPV session' without lugging a trunk-full of gear to the park. The FPV'ers signature head-covering tee-shirt may be left at home, the RCV922s block all ambient light from distracting the wearer.
The integrated receiver sports a buffered video output, which may be used to record the video to any composite video recording device (Archos MP3 player, Mini-DV Camcorder, etc.).
For longer-range flight, with larger, directional, antennas, flip a switch and the video output is now a video output, allowing any composite video source (PAL or NTSC) to be projected in the headset.
The RCV922s were developed in collaboration with Fat Shark.
Future Products...
The wheels of innovation are always turning, several exciting new products are currently in development, and will be announced shortly...