Backyard VR Drone — Proposal

Concept Overview

Fly a sub‑250g FPV drone from indoors using VR

Pilot a micro FPV drone outdoors while you remain safely indoors. It uses the Happymodel Moblite7 HDZero for digital video, a FrSky Taranis X9D Plus with R9M for control, and a Bigscreen Beyond 2e headset to display the live FPV feed inside SteamVR/Bigscreen.

Compliance: Sub‑250g drone; recreational rules under FAA 49 U.S.C. 44809. FPV requires a visual observer to maintain line‑of‑sight. Check state/local rules.
See how it works
Happymodel Moblite7 HDZero micro whoop
Happymodel Moblite7 HDZero — compact digital FPV whoop (image © respective owner).

Key Components

  • Drone: Happymodel Moblite7 HDZero (75 mm, 1S, digital FPV)
  • Radio: FrSky Taranis X9D Plus + R9M (bind to R9 receiver)
  • Video RX: HDZero receiver → HDMI/USB capture to PC
  • Headset: Bigscreen Beyond 2e (SteamVR) in Bigscreen/OVR overlay
  • PC: OBS/overlay to pin FPV window in VR

Why this Works

  • Digital HD video for clarity & low latency (HDZero)
  • Proven long‑range/control link (R9M)
  • VR immersion via Bigscreen Beyond 2e
  • Small, safe airframe for backyards

What You Need

  • Moblite7 HDZero (BNF/PNP)
  • FrSky R9 series receiver (R9 Mini/R9MM)
  • HDZero VRX + HDMI/USB capture
  • Windows PC with SteamVR + Bigscreen
  • Spotter for line‑of‑sight (FPV rule)

Operation Workflow

  1. Bind the Taranis X9D Plus + R9M to the R9 receiver on the Moblite7.
  2. Connect the HDZero receiver to the PC via HDMI or USB capture.
  3. Open OBS (or a SteamVR overlay app) and place the FPV window in front of you in Bigscreen.
  4. Wear the Beyond 2e headset indoors, keep a visual observer outside for line‑of‑sight.
  5. Arm and fly the drone in your backyard; adjust the overlay (crop/curve) for a true goggle‑like view.
FrSky Taranis X9D Plus transmitter
FrSky Taranis X9D Plus + R9M module (image © respective owner).
Happymodel Moblite7 HDZero drone close-up
Moblite7 HDZero digital FPV whoop (image © respective owner).
Bigscreen Beyond 2e VR Headset
Bigscreen Beyond 2e (image © respective owner).

Benefits

Future Enhancements