# ESP32-C5 tapped for 5 GHz analog FM drone video receiver

> **Key takeaway:** A maker has built a low-latency 5 GHz drone video receiver using an ESP32-C5's recently revealed software-defined radio capabilities and a simple resistor-ladder DAC.

**Published:** 2026-10-21T05:00:05+00:00 
**Source:** Hackaday Hardware 
**Category:** open-hardware 
**Canonical URL:** https://fosswire.org/news/esp32-c5-tapped-for-5-ghz-analog-fm-drone-video-receiver.html 

## Summary
The ESP32's hidden SDR facility, revealed earlier, is now appearing in practical projects. [Twotoz] has built a 5 GHz analog FM video receiver for drone use around a Seeed Studio Xiao ESP32-C5 board. The analog format remains popular in FPV drones because it avoids the digital cliff-edge effect in poor radio conditions and offers very low latency. The build uses a resistor-ladder DAC for video output, with a button interface for channel selection and a serial link for configuration.

## How the receiver works
- Uses **ESP32-C5**, the newer variant in Espressif's lineup with the recently disclosed SDR capability
- Receives and **demodulates analog FM video** at **5 GHz**, the standard band for FPV drone transmission
- Video output generated through a **resistor-ladder DAC** — no dedicated video DAC chip required
- Physical interface: **button for channel switching**, **serial link** for advanced configuration
- Built on **Seeed Studio Xiao ESP32-C5** development board
- Open question: whether **SDR processing latency** impacts real-time FPV usability

## Why it matters
This project demonstrates that the ESP32's SDR capabilities extend to 5 GHz, not just lower bands, opening the door for low-cost custom receivers in the FPV drone community. It also shows how minimal external components are needed for functional video output.