[Paparazzi-devel] recommendations and advices for my first paparazzi-project

[Tim Hansen]

Hi,

I want to build my first paparazzi aircraft. It would be nice if you 
could look over the following list and tell me if you have any 
suggestions or recommendations.
I took two frequencies for data and video (868 MHz and 2,4Ghz) to avoid 
problems.

What I already have:
   * R/C Controller with 8 Channels (40 MHz) and a 3 state switch
   * 8 Cell Ni/Cd battery pack
   * R/C receiver with 8 Channels (40 MHz) (I looked into it and found 
the 4017 IC so I think it should be fine)
   * Equipment for measuring, soldering and so on

Although I have the RC Controller I'm a total beginner.
What I'm planning to buy is:

Airframe:     
   Multiplex Twinstar II
   including 4 servos and controller
   for 157 Euro at www.hobbydirekt.de

Autopilot
   Tiny   with LEA-5H GPS
   including IR-Sensors
   fully assembled
   for ~240 Euro at shop.halfbase.com

Gyros / IMU
   -> Are they necessary for a good performance of the autopilot ?

Modem
   Aerocom AC4868-250
   250mW @ 868MHz
   80$ = ~ 50 Euro @ 
http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?qs=sowTOPtLBlim5ghEh48l5Q%3d%3d
   -> I'm interested in the 15 km line of sight communication

Ground Based Modem
   again the Aerocom AC4868-250 as above,
   -> I haven't found any module with a metal case (stand alone module 
for 868 MHz)
   -> If you know where I can get the stand alone module please tell me
  
Video Transmitter and Receiver
   200mW @ 2,4 Ghz  
   150$ = ~ 95 Euro @ 
http://www.microcameras.com/video_transmitters/TM_240200_video_transmitter.htm

Camera
   12mm x 12mm x 12mm
   Color, 370 Lines
   80$ = ~ 50 Euro @ 
http://www.microcameras.com/micro_cameras/mini_color_cmos_camera.htm

Alternatively I have another video solution but with a bigger camera:
       Camera
           Color
           470 Lines with night mode
           32mm x 32mm
           MTV-53X10HP-K @  
http://www.lechner-cctv.de/artikel_einzeln.php?KAT=72&NR=41&LANG=DE&mwdSID=326hdscfsqn93aaqt1kfv6cjb5

       Video-Transmitter
           FM2350TSIMP + external Control Chip
           200mW @ 2,4 GHz
           66 Euro @ 
http://www.lechner-cctv.de/artikel_einzeln.php?KAT=95&NR=194&LANG=DE&mwdSID=eheevg5ue9a6edkto25boeahc2

       Video Receiver
           90 Euro @ 
http://www.lechner-cctv.de/artikel_einzeln.php?KAT=114&NR=6&LANG=DE&mwdSID=eheevg5ue9a6edkto25boeahc2
           alternatively
           50 Euro @ http://www.acwsoft.de/acw_funk3.html

Do you have any experiences with the different systems and dealers?.
I'm open for ANY recommendations.

I live in Germany so I can't use the 900Mhz modems.

Thank you VERY much
Tim