Technical answersYou ask, we respond:

CCD vs. CMOS

CCD (charge coupled device) and CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) image sensors are two different technologies for capturing images digitally. Each has unique strengths and weaknesses depending on the application.

Both types convert light into electronic signals. In a CCD sensor the image pixel converts light into an electrical charge and outputs an analog signal.  The CCD pixel is entirely devoted to light capture.  In a CMOS sensor, in addition to each pixel converting light to an electrical charge, it also has a circuit that converts the signal to digital.  This reduces the amount of area available for light capture but has more on-chip circuitry – eliminating bulky external components.

Mass produced CMOS cameras are smaller, use less power, produce a great image and are cheaper.  A CCD camera requires extra external components, making the supporting circuit larger but produces even clearer images with fast exposure adjustments - especially in low light conditions.

The advantages of CMOS technology over CCD are numerous and the latest CMOS sensors are delivering close to CCD quality.  Its just a matter of time before CMOS will deliver the same performance.  Unfortunately the market is flooded with older, cheaper CMOS chips and so the perception of lower quality will remain for some time..

What is NTCS and PAL standard?

NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) is the video system or standard used in North America, Japan and most of South America. In NTSC, 30 frames are transmitted each second. Each frame is made up of 525 individual scan lines.

PAL (Phase Alternating Line) is the predominant video system or standard mostly used overseas. In PAL, 25 frames are transmitted each second. Each frame is made up of 625 individual scan lines

The RCV130 video system is NTSC but this is irrelevant for determining where it can be used.  Because the camera and video glasses work together, the system can work anywhere in the world.  (But you will only be able to record NTSC format).

The RCV922 can transmit and display both NTSC and PAL (auto selecting).

Do I Need An Amateur Radio License to Operate This Device?

Our 10mW TX is CE certified for license free use in Europe.  The output power is also less than the maximum license free power allowed by FCC so no license is required.  However, use of this device has legal responsibility.  If you have been informed that your device is causing interference you are legally responsible to remedy the situation (i.e. change your operating frequency, move to another location or cease using).

Please be a considerate, responsible user of our product.

The devices themselves are license free.  They operate under FCC Part 15 rules.  We test each unit to validate operating frequency.

In 1985, the FCC made the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) bands available.  These frequency bands encompass 83 MHz of bandwidth from 2.4 GHz to 2.4835 GHz.  Any vendor can produce devices that transmit in these frequencies as long as it follows rules for limiting transmit power and restricting the types of spread-spectrum technologies used.

If you wish to use higher power transmitters then you are required to obtain an amateur radio license.  This is very easy to do and in the process you'll learn how to get the most out of you radio systems.  Highly recommended.

Can I power the Camera off the RC Receiver Battery?

The main advantage of powering off the RC receiver battery is to minimize weight - important if you plan on getting the system airborne.  The internal TX voltage regulator performs 2 functions: 
(1) changes a 3.3-9V input to a 3.3V output 
(2) acts as a filter to remove noise from the voltage source. 

RC servos and motor commutators create a lot of signal noise and may prevent you from being able to hook directly up to the existing onboard power.  You can try, but you may end up having to use a separate battery.

If weight isn't a large concern (won't be on a car), then we highly recommend that you use a separate battery to power the camera. 

If your RC plane is using a NiMH or NiCd battery, a great way to compensate for the extra weight of the camera and camera battery is to switch to a LiPo battery.

Can I Record the Camera Image?

The video glasses come with RCA cables which connect to an A/V port on the bottom side of the case.  This will allow you to simultaneously wear the video glasses and connect to a portable video recording device to record the signal.  With the number of video recorders on the market we can't guarantee compatibility.

Can I Use the Video Glasses to Watch Other Sources?

The RCV922 and RCV230 headset can receive video and stereo audio either directly through a 3.5mm RCA cable or wirelessly through the AV transmitter.  The displays have PAL/NTSC auto selecting capability..