How can I get live footage on my phone from a drone I build?

Getting Started Topics Drone Regulations
1

Hi everyone, I’m new to drones and want to build a basic drone. I don’t need FPV or anything fancy, just something simple that lets me view live footage on my phone. I already have a transmitter, receiver, and some batteries from other projects. I tried looking up guides on YouTube, but most are about FPV drones. Does anyone know an app or setup that will let me see live video from my drone? Also, any tips for what I should get before buying supplies?

2

You could strap a Ring camera to the drone and view it that way, but you can’t go far from your WiFi router. Or just buy a DJI drone and use the DJI Fly app for live footage on your phone.

3

Fintan said:
You could strap a Ring camera to the drone and view it that way, but you can’t go far from your WiFi router. Or just buy a DJI drone and use the DJI Fly app for live footage on your phone.

Yeah, I know, but DJI drones are expensive, and I already have some parts for a drone.

4

Are you saying you want the video stored live on your phone? If so, the latest iOS update includes screen capture.

5

Amar said:
Are you saying you want the video stored live on your phone? If so, the latest iOS update includes screen capture.

Screen capture? Also, I don’t have an iPhone. Is there a good alternative to DJI?

6

@Ash
Sorry, I don’t have any experience with DJI products.

7

@Ash
With DJI drones, you can record the live feed, but you might need to transfer it to your phone after you land.

8

I’ve done this using an analog system. I had a separate receiver that connected to a video capture-to-USB adapter and then to my phone. I streamed it to Facebook, but you could probably use other software for YouTube or just for viewing live.

9

@Skyler
Thanks! Just to clarify, I don’t want to livestream—just to see live footage while flying. Could you explain more about how you set that up and what app you used to see the video from the receiver?

10

@Ash
There’s an app for that, maybe CameraFi? I’d have to double-check. Keep in mind, though, there will be a bit of delay. It’s fine for watching but probably too slow for controlling the drone.

11

You can attach a small FPV GoPro camera to your DIY drone.

12

I’d just get one of the DJI Mini drones. It’s way simpler.

13

Dallas said:
I’d just get one of the DJI Mini drones. It’s way simpler.

That always seems like the easiest solution, but I’m trying to find something cheaper than a $500 drone.

14

Ash said:

Dallas said:
I’d just get one of the DJI Mini drones. It’s way simpler.

That always seems like the easiest solution, but I’m trying to find something cheaper than a $500 drone.

Maybe you can find a used one at a lower price?

15

@Dallas
Even used ones are still pricey.

16

Hi, unfortunately, I think you’ll need goggles for live viewing. There’s no app I know of, besides DigiView, which I haven’t personally tried. If someone suggests another option, maybe try it, but I’d be cautious.

17

@Kingsley
I can watch live video on my phone from my Mini 2. It’s easy.

18

Zen said:
@Kingsley
I can watch live video on my phone from my Mini 2. It’s easy.

Yeah, but that’s with a DJI remote and app. He’s not mounting a Mini 2 setup onto his DIY drone.

19

Zen said:
@Kingsley
I can watch live video on my phone from my Mini 2. It’s easy.

Could you explain more about how you do it?

20

Ash said:

Zen said:
@Kingsley
I can watch live video on my phone from my Mini 2. It’s easy.

Could you explain more about how you do it?

I use a DJI Mini 2, which comes with a remote. My phone connects to the remote with a data cable, and I use the DJI Fly app to see live video and other info on my phone.