Recommended Starter Kit
Exact hardware you need to start streaming. Pick a kit, order the parts, and you'll be flying in under an hour.
5 min read · 30 min setup after hardware arrives
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Lightweight Kit (Pi Zero 2W)
Best for: Weight-sensitive builds, racing drones, small quads
Total: $95-130Weight: ~75g
| Component | Notes |
|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W | Lightweight, handles 720p streaming well |
| MicroSD Card 16GB (Class 10) | SanDisk Ultra or Samsung EVO recommended |
| Qualcomm 150Mbps 4G LTE USB Modem | Compact USB stick, works globally |
| USB Webcam (compact) | Any UVC-compatible USB camera |
| SIM Card with data plan | Any carrier with 4G coverage in your flying area |
| USB OTG adapter (Micro USB to USB-A) | For connecting modem and camera |
| 5V BEC / Voltage Regulator | 5V 2.5A+ output, powers Pi from drone battery |
Performance Kit (Pi 4)
Best for: Multi-camera, 1080p streaming, fleet operations
Total: $140-180Weight: ~180g
| Component | Notes |
|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (2GB) | 2GB RAM is plenty. 4GB if you want headroom. |
| MicroSD Card 32GB (Class 10) | SanDisk Extreme or Samsung EVO Plus |
| Waveshare SIM7600G-H 4G HAT | HAT form factor, global bands, GPS built-in |
| RTSP IP Camera (e.g. SIYI A8 Mini) | Professional gimbal camera. Or use a $15 USB webcam instead. |
| SIM Card with data plan | Unlimited data recommended for 1080p streaming |
| 5V BEC / Voltage Regulator | 5V 3A+ output for Pi 4 |
Shopping Tips
- Start with the Lightweight Kit if you're unsure. You can always upgrade to Pi 4 later.
- Any USB webcam works for testing. Upgrade to RTSP camera later for better quality.
- Check 4G coverage in your flying area before choosing a carrier. Use your phone to test signal strength.
- Buy from official resellers for Raspberry Pi to avoid counterfeits and stock issues.
Got Your Hardware?
Once your parts arrive, you'll be streaming in 30 minutes.
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