Black Pearl RC801 FPV Monitor with DVR 5.8Ghz 40CH 7" HD Screen Diversity Receiver 1024x600 Monitor with Integrated Battery and Sunshade Hood for DJI Phantom (RPSMA ANT)

This is a great monitor/receiver for the Phantom 2. I put a circular antenna on the right side of the monitor which gives better reception. The dual receiver auto-switches to the antenna with the strongest signal or you could put two cameras on the drone. I wish it had an SD Card DVR inside it but there are alternatives if you want to capture video with the iSOD info included using the video out socket. A DVR comes in handy if you happen to lose the drone you will know the approximate location it went down. Some have reported the glare screen is flimsy but I haven't had any trouble with it staying on and one could hot glue it on if it's a concern. From reading all the reviews I could find on the Net this is the best one I've seen or used. Update 11/6/14: I am now using the DJI mushroom type antenna on the left and a "Circular Wireless HELIAXIAL58 Helical Axial Mode 5.8 GHz FPV Antenna" on the right along with the "FlySight 5.8GHz 32-Channel A/V Transmitter, 1.2W (TX5812)" transmitter with a matching DJI mushroom type antenna. All purchased here on Amazon. I replaced the DJI stock transmitter with the FlySight. Definitely the way to go for further range but the high powered transmitter will cut into the flying time a bit. Before, I was starting to get video breakup at 800-850 meters (60 meters altitude) and now the video stays perfect further away but I haven't tested any further than 850 meters because I lose visual contact (Hey, I'm an old guy with poor eyesight). But once I have a "spotter" I will update this review again. I really like this diversity receiver. The ability to use two antennas and the receiver using the strongest allows for more piece of mind when using a directional antenna like the "Circular Wireless HELIAXIAL58" antenna above which must be pointed directly at the transmitter's antenna. I believe the angle with this antenna is 15 deg. on each side or a total of 30 degrees. Update 2/10/14: I was just getting ready to fly and was testing all FPV equipment and noticed the Black Pearl went off when I disconnected the charging cable. Took out the battery and checked it with a volt meter and it was only putting 2.4v so obviously it isn't charging. Checked prices and found a new battery was $59.95 here on Amazon so checked prices on the net and could only find it in a couple of places, Ebay for $45 and TroyBuiltmodels at ( https://www.troybuiltmodels.com/items/SZG-RC801-BATT1.html ) for $29 each plus shippping. I ordered 2 of them and shipping was $14.96 (FL sales tax extra) which came to $36.48 each which was the cheapest price I could find. Until I can further check into why this battery suddenly quit working (maybe charger is defective) I would recommend you watch the charge carefully and disconnect as soon as it is fully charged. LiPo batteries can be cantankerous if not charged and/or discharged carefully and I'm not sure if having to charge it while inside a device is a good idea. Also they say running one down to past 30% shortens their life so be careful.

The monitor works ok. Here are the problems I have had. The frequency of the receiver may be off or not perfectly aligned for the immersion 5.8GHz transmitter. I had to buy immersion receiver for better distance. The battery failed within 60 days of purchase.

This monitor and built in diversity receiver work very well. I bought this item after researching and finding it has very favorable reviews. Like most people, I wanted an alternative for my Fat Shark Predator v2 goggles and this monitor has performed as expected. I have used it on very bright days and with the included detachable sun hood found that I am able to see the screen clearly. No Blue screen on this so when the signal weakens you only get snow till the signal improves. The built in LiPo battery is a huge plus and it comes with all the necessary cables to also be able to use an external LiPo in case the main battery runs out. The most I have used the monitor is for about 40 minutes of flight time and the internal battery has not yet run down. I found that I can also use this monitor as an external monitor for my Canon 70D DSLR camera and works very well for that also.

I don't usually take the time to review items, but the extent to which this monitor fails at every task must be known. Firstly, the UI is simply unbearable. The layout is insane. A simple band change requires going through layers of menus, with buttons that don't make any sense. That would be forgivable however, if the built in receiver actually worked! I have super cheap receivers that put the image quality of this unit to SHAME. I don't believe I have a faulty unit because it does seem to work and lock to the diversity antenna I'm connected to, but the image quality is simply bad. Very very very bad. And for a hundred fifty bucks? Please. Much better options out there, I'll pass thanks, RETURNED.

Well first off, I read a lot of the reviews on this unit and most said battery charger was no good and would not charge onboard battery, so.......... I bought the bigger charger for this unit. Now I have a spare charger. The one that comes with the unit works great. I find NOTHING wrong with this unit and have only good things to say. I paired it up with the spotter 2 all in one camera and couldnt ask for anything more, they are a great combination. I have the black pearl i have on a stand that i can watch while flying or use my range video headsets in combination. This is a great solution. Very well made and does what is advertised and more. Highly recommend.

Great first impression on this monitor for my Phantom 2 FPV setup - once I got a fully functioning unit. My initial order had a defective battery (would not charge or hold power at all). I returned the unit and ordered another from a different seller and 2nd time around worked great. I bought this along with the Immersion RC 600mw and DJI iOSD Mini - but be careful of faulty units. My luck on my first order of all had issues with each of them and had to return and order new ones - only reason I'm deducting a star because of the faulty battery from my first order.

This is a very high quality monitor. I read a lot of positive reviews before purchase and can see why folks are pleased with it. The sun shade is deep and works well, although a bit of a challenge to attach the first time. The adjustment buttons are solid and work well, although the scheme is a little confusing at times, ...well, actually, a lot of the time. Just takes getting used to I guess. The user manual is pretty much a train wreck as it is written in broken English from a Chinese translation. But there's plenty of information online on how to use this monitor. The picture is good, but even on "Bright" setting is difficult to see if you turn with the sun behind you shining directly on the screen. Don't expect too much from the stock antennas, but most FPVers will be upgrading these right away. Enjoy using this high quality build.

Awsome

Good diversity receiver for the price. The instructions aren’t very clear and the DVR feature is particularly confusing, but once everything is working its works very well, even in bright daylight.