3. FPV Glossary
Entering the FPV hobby feels like learning a new language. We have compiled the most common technical terms, acronyms, and slang used in the drone community to help you get started.
Purchasing & Kits (Must Read Before Buying)
This is the most confusing part for beginners. Choosing the wrong version means you won't be able to fly when you unbox it.
RTF
Ready To Fly
Complete Kit. Includes the drone, radio controller, goggles, batteries, and charger. You can fly immediately after charging. (GEPRC Example: TinyGO Kit)
BNF
Bind And Fly
Drone Only (Pre-built). Includes a fully assembled and tuned drone. Does NOT include radio or goggles. You need to provide your own radio and "Bind" it to the drone's receiver before flying.
PNP
Plug And Play
No Receiver Installed. 1. If you use DJI Remote Controller 2 or 3, buy this version to connect directly to the Air Unit. 2. If you use a specific receiver not listed (e.g., a specific Futaba), buy this and solder your own receiver.
ARF
Almost Ready to Fly
DIY Kit. Usually includes all parts but requires you to assemble, solder, and tune the drone yourself.
Hardware & Electronics (Specs Guide)
FC
Flight Controller
The "Brain" of the drone. It contains sensors (gyro) and calculates the drone's attitude and flight stability.
ESC
Electronic Speed Controller
The component that controls motor speed. Modern drones typically use a 4-in-1 ESC (four ESCs integrated into one board).
Stack
Flight Stack
Refers to the FC and ESC mounted together in a stack structure. (GEPRC Example: TAKER F722 Stack)
AIO
All In One
A board where the FC and ESC are integrated into a single PCB. Common on Whoops and toothpicks to save weight. (GEPRC Example: TAKER G4 AIO)
VTX
Video Transmitter
Transmits the video feed from the camera to your goggles. Divided into Analog and Digital (e.g., DJI O3 Air Unit).
BEC
Battery Elimination Circuit
A voltage regulator on the FC/ESC. It converts high battery voltage (e.g., 25V) down to 5V or 10V to power the VTX and Camera. Note: When using DJI O3, ensure the BEC supports 10V output.
Li-Po
Lithium Polymer
The standard battery type for FPV. High power output but sensitive. Never over-discharge (below 3.5V per cell) or it will be permanently damaged.
Flight & Settings (Operations Guide)
Bind
The process of pairing your radio controller with the drone's receiver so they can communicate ("Handshake").
FailSafe
A safety mechanism triggered when the drone loses radio signal. 1. Drop: Motors stop immediately (Default for Freestyle). 2. GPS Rescue: The drone attempts to fly back to the home point (For Long Range).
OSD
On Screen Display. The flight data text overlaid on your video feed inside the goggles (e.g., Battery Voltage, Timer, Artificial Horizon).
Acro Mode
Manual Mode / Air Mode. The standard mode for FPV. The drone does not auto-level when you release the sticks. This allows for flips, rolls, and smooth cinematic lines.
Angle Mode
Self-Leveling Mode. The drone automatically returns to a flat, level position when you release the sticks. Useful for beginners or emergencies.
Turtle Mode
Flip Over After Crash. A feature that reverses two motors to flip the drone back over if it lands upside down. Saves you the walk of shame!
Jello
Jello Effect. High-frequency vibrations in the video feed that look like wobbling jelly. Causes: Damaged props, loose screws, or bad PID tuning.
PID
Proportional-Integral-Derivative. A control loop mechanism. Tuning PIDs changes how the drone feels and responds. (GEPRC drones come pre-tuned, so beginners rarely need to touch this).
If you messed up your settings in Betaflight and the drone flies weirdly (or won't arm), don't panic!
Go to the "Support / Download Center" on our official website (geprc.com), download the Factory CLI (Command Line) file for your specific model, and load it in Betaflight. This will restore the drone to its original factory state.