Quick Start

OpenIPC is evolving rapidly, so this documentation will be updated over time:

Part 1 – what to buy, minimal setup, and fly.
Part 2 – for enthusiasts who like soldering, 3D printing, and tweaking via SSH.

---

Part 1: What to buy and fly

VTX (cameras and transmitters)

• Runcam Wifi Link v1 – IMX415 + SigmaStar SSC338Q, EU2 module (can be replaced if needed)
• Runcam Wifi Link v2 – IMX415 + SSC338Q, EU2 module integrated into the board
• EMAX Wyvern Link – Available on AliExpress, suitable for TinyWhoop
• OpenIPC Thinker v1 (no Wi‑Fi) – Bare board, Wi‑Fi card must be purchased separately (e.g., RTL8812EU2)
• OpenIPC Thinker v1 (with Wi‑Fi) – Built-in Wi‑Fi transmitter 100 mW (suitable only for TinyWhoop, range up to ~500 m)

Antennas

• UFL connector:
  Rush Cherry UFL‑LHCP
  Compact antenna for 2–3" drones (2 outputs)
• Polarization: LHCP → LHCP or RHCP → RHCP

VRX (receivers)

• RunCam WiFiLink‑RX Digital HD Receiver
  Turnkey solution: Radxa + 2 EU2 boards
  Connects to goggles or monitor
• Emax Ground Station
  Test samples, not yet available for sale
• PixelPilot (Android)
  Turns a smartphone into a ground station (Wi‑Fi adapter RTL8812AU)
  Pros: affordable
  Cons: ~50–70 ms latency, depends on phone power
• Radxa Zero 3W Hat
• Radxa Zero 3W + USB Hub + microSD + 2 Wi‑Fi cards (RTL8812EU2 or RTL8812AU) + 3D‑printed case

---

Part 2: For DIY enthusiasts

Components for Radxa Zero 3W Ground Station

• Radxa Zero 3W (2 GB, no eMMC, with header)
• Wi‑Fi cards (2 pcs)
• RTL8812AU: compact, cheap, runs on 3.3 V, supports up to 40 MHz
• RTL8812EU2: more powerful, requires USB hub and 5 V power supply
• BECs (voltage regulators): 5 V and 3.3 V adjustable
• USB HAT / hub: for connecting multiple cards
• Micro-USB → USB‑C cable: for the HAT
• microSD card: ≥ 64 GB (image ~1.5 GB + DVR ~1 GB/10 min)
• HDMI to mini HDMI cable or micro‑HDMI to HDMI adapter
• 3D‑printed case (PETG)
• 25×25 mm fans
• Push buttons/limit switches for recording and AP mode
• XT60 (female) connector for power input
• 4 antennas (2 directional + 2 patch, LHCP or RHCP)
• RP‑SMA extensions/adapters

Examples of assembled ground stations

• Option 1: USB‑HAT + 2×RTL8812AU → 227 g without antennas
  
  
  

- Option 2: USB‑hub + 2×RTL8812EU → 105 g without antennas

3D model of the case can be found here