This is a companion topic for our recent blog post on blog.unmanned.tech
The FpV hobby has undergone a rather dramatic metamorphosis, shifting from a delightful DIY pastime to a world that feels distinctly more corporate. NickFPV takes us on a trip down memory lane, from Larry’s shaky 1986 security camera RC plane antics to the current landscape dominated by DJI. Yes, the very same DJI that turned our beloved hobby into a “convenient” but perilously closed ecosystem, where innovation is traded for ease of use.
In the early days, tinkering was the name of the game, and builders honed their skills through trial and error. Fast forward to today, and it seems many have opted for the shiny allure of plug-and-play systems. While DJI’s digital video stack may deliver crystal-clear footage, it’s also a bit like being locked in a room with no windows—lovely view, but good luck getting out! The result? A split in the community between those flying the closed systems and those who stubbornly resist such captivity.
Fear not, though; other manufacturers like HD Zero and WalkSnail are trying to keep the DIY spirit alive with more modular options. They’re dipping their toes in the digital pool but with a touch more openness than our friend DJI allows. After all, what’s a hobby without a bit of tinkering?
So, what’s a builder to do? Embrace the convenience if you must, but don’t let go of your soldering iron. Keep one foot in the open-source realm—flash some firmware, test the waters with different stacks, and above all, support the vendors who encourage a bit of creative chaos among their users.
For those who fancy a deeper dive—watch the original video here:
Read the full post over at: