Getting Started
FPVGate is an RSSI-based lap timing solution for FPV drones. It measures lap times by detecting your drone's video transmitter signal strength as you fly through the gate.
What You'll Need
- ESP32-S3 DevKitC-1 or ESP32-S3 Super Mini
- RX5808 Module (SPI modded)
- MicroSD Card (FAT32, 1GB+)
- 5V Power Supply (USB power or any 5V source)
- WS2812 RGB LEDs (optional)
- Active Buzzer (optional)
Hardware Setup
FPVGate supports multiple ESP32 boards. Select your board below to see the wiring diagram:
Important
The RX5808 module must be SPI modded to work with FPVGate. See the SPI mod guide.
Flashing Firmware
Use our web-based flasher for the easiest installation experience. No command line required!
Connect Your Device
Connect your ESP32-S3 to your computer via USB. Use Chrome, Edge, or Opera browser.
Select Board & Version
Choose your board type and the firmware version you want to install.
Flash
Click "Connect & Flash Device" and wait 2-3 minutes for the process to complete.
Configuration
After flashing, connect to the FPVGate WiFi network and access the web interface.
First-Time Setup
- Connect to WiFi network:
FPVGate_XXXX - Password:
fpvgate1 - Open browser to:
http://fpvgate.localorhttp://192.168.4.1 - Go to Configuration → Set your VTx frequency
- Configure LED settings (if using RGB LEDs)
- Set up voice announcements (optional)
Calibration
Proper calibration is essential for accurate lap detection.
Calibration Wizard
FPVGate includes a guided calibration wizard that helps you set optimal RSSI thresholds:
- Place your drone at the gate
- Start the calibration wizard
- Move the drone through the gate several times
- The wizard will automatically calculate optimal thresholds
Manual Calibration
You can also manually set thresholds:
- Enter Threshold: RSSI level when crossing starts
- Exit Threshold: RSSI level when crossing ends
- Peak Detection: RSSI must peak between enter and exit
Using the Lap Timer
Starting a Race
- Ensure calibration is complete
- Power on your drone
- Click "Start Race" on the web interface
- Fly through the gate - laps will be recorded automatically
- Click "Stop Race" when finished
Features During Race
- Real-time lap display
- Fastest lap highlighting
- Gap analysis
- Voice announcements for each lap
- LED feedback (if configured)
After Race
- View race statistics
- Export race data
- Compare with previous sessions
- Edit laps if needed (Marshalling Mode)
Screenshots
Race Screen
Real-time lap display with fastest lap highlighting and gap analysis
Configuration - Pilot Info
Configure your pilot details and preferences
Configuration - LED Setup
Customize LED behavior and colors
Calibration Wizard
Guided calibration process for optimal lap detection
Calibration Screen
Real-time RSSI visualization and threshold adjustment
Race History
Detailed analysis of all your races
Troubleshooting
Can't connect to WiFi
- Wait 30 seconds after boot for AP to start
- Check serial monitor for errors
- Verify firmware flashed correctly
No lap detection
- Verify RX5808 is SPI modded
- Check VTx frequency matches configuration
- Re-run calibration wizard
- Ensure drone is powered on
False lap detections
- Increase enter/exit thresholds
- Move gate farther from flight area
- Reduce transmitter power if too strong
No audio announcements
- Verify SD card is FAT32 formatted
- Check SD card contents match required structure
- Try different SD card
- Check audio files in Configuration menu