Quick Answer
FPV drones normally use 5.8GHz for video and 2.4GHz for radio control. Crossfire and some ExpressLRS equipment use 868MHz in the UK and Europe. A “channel” is one centre frequency inside a band, so matching the band letter and channel number on the VTX and goggles matters.
The Three Links Pilots Mix Up
An FPV quad can have three separate radio links. The control link carries stick commands, the video link sends the camera view to your goggles, and telemetry returns data such as link quality. They are not interchangeable: a 2.4GHz ExpressLRS receiver does not transmit video, while a 5.8GHz VTX does not control the aircraft.
| Link | Common FPV band | Typical equipment | What it carries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radio control | 2.4GHz | ExpressLRS, FrSky | Stick commands and telemetry |
| Long-range control | 868MHz UK/EU | Crossfire, sub-GHz ExpressLRS | Stick commands and telemetry |
| Video | 5.8GHz | Analogue VTX, HDZero, digital FPV systems | Live camera picture |
For a first build, we would choose 2.4GHz ExpressLRS control and 5.8GHz video. It keeps antennas small, parts easy to replace and setup information plentiful. Our ExpressLRS explainer covers the control side in more detail.
5.8GHz Raceband Frequency Chart
Goggles and VTX menus often show “R1” rather than a frequency. Betaflight’s standard Raceband table maps those labels as follows:
| Raceband channel | Centre frequency | Inside the UK 5725–5875MHz licence-exempt band? |
|---|---|---|
| R1 | 5658MHz | No |
| R2 | 5695MHz | No |
| R3 | 5732MHz | Yes, subject to occupied bandwidth |
| R4 | 5769MHz | Yes |
| R5 | 5806MHz | Yes |
| R6 | 5843MHz | Yes, subject to occupied bandwidth |
| R7 | 5880MHz | No |
| R8 | 5917MHz | No |
This is why we do not tell UK pilots to pick any Raceband channel blindly. The VTX signal has width around its centre frequency, so staying away from a band edge is the safer choice. At a group session, agree channels before anyone powers a VTX and use pit mode on the bench.
The UK Power Limit That Product Menus Do Not Enforce
Ofcom IR 2030 permits airborne short-range devices from 5725 to 5875MHz at up to 25mW EIRP. EIRP includes antenna gain; it is not simply the number printed beside a VTX power setting. The old claim that racing events automatically permit 500mW is wrong, and an event does not create a general exemption.
We stock both the TBS Unify Pro 5G8 HV and the higher-output Rush Tank 1600mW VTX, but availability is not permission to use every power level in the UK. Set the legal operating mode for where you fly. Our VTX power guide explains the difference between transmitter output and EIRP.
How to Pick a Clean Channel
- Confirm the exact VTX table for your hardware in Betaflight; a wrong table can make the displayed channel differ from the transmitted frequency.
- Match the band and channel on the goggles and VTX. Auto-scan can lock onto a neighbouring signal and give a weak picture.
- Keep Wi-Fi access points and powered video transmitters away from the setup bench.
- For multiple pilots, separate centre frequencies and have one person coordinate power-up order.
Browse our verified video transmitters and receivers and FPV equipment by the system you already own, not by maximum advertised power.
FAQ
What frequency do FPV drones use?
Most use 2.4GHz for control and 5.8GHz for video. Long-range control equipment may use 868MHz in the UK and Europe.
What are the Raceband frequencies?
R1 to R8 are 5658, 5695, 5732, 5769, 5806, 5843, 5880 and 5917MHz. The label is only a shortcut for the centre frequency.
Can I use 500mW at an FPV race in the UK?
Do not assume so. The licence-exempt airborne limit in Ofcom IR 2030 is 25mW EIRP across 5725–5875MHz; an organiser assigning channels does not automatically change that limit.