The safe transmission power depends entirely on your racing environment and how many pilots are flying at once. In organized racing events, you'll typically encounter strict video transmission (VTX) power limits to prevent signal bleed and interference between pilots.
For casual flying or practice sessions with just one or two other pilots, 200mW is generally safe if you maintain proper channel separation. However, once you're in a race heat with four or more pilots, that power level becomes problematic. The standard sweet spot for competitive racing is 25mW, which provides adequate range for typical race courses while minimizing cross-interference.
Here's why power matters more than most beginners realize. When multiple pilots fly close together with high-power VTX units, stronger signals can overpower weaker ones even on different channels. I've seen races where a pilot running 600mW caused static and breakup for everyone else within 50 feet, regardless of channel spacing. The pilot thought more power meant better video, but it actually ruined the experience for the entire heat.
MultiGP and other major racing organizations typically mandate 25mW or 200mW maximums depending on the venue size and pilot count. Smaller indoor tracks almost always require 25mW because pilots bunch up in tight spaces. Outdoor tracks with spread-out courses might allow 200mW since natural distance provides separation.
Channel selection matters as much as power output. Always use the Raceband or IMD frequency sets, which are specifically designed with proper spacing to minimize interference. Never pick random channels or frequencies that are too close together. If you're racing with five pilots, coordinate so everyone's on channels with maximum separation, like R1, R3, R5, R7, and F2.
I recommend keeping a 25mW VTX setting programmed and ready to go. Modern VTX units like the Rush Tank or TBS Unify let you switch power levels through your OSD, so you can run higher power for solo flying and quickly drop to 25mW when joining a race. Some pilots use pit mode, which reduces power to 0-1mW when not flying, preventing interference while sitting on the start line.
Remember that more power doesn't equal better video quality beyond a certain point. A clean 25mW signal with a good antenna beats a noisy 600mW setup every time. Focus on proper antenna mounting, quality receivers, and correct channel selection rather than cranking up the watts.
