Introduction
Live streaming aviation events, like plane spotting, requires a seamless blend of mobility, high-quality video, and reliable connectivity. For Sean, the host of Sky Squad TV in Christchurch, New Zealand, the YoloBox Ultra has become the ultimate tool for broadcasting stunning aircraft takeoffs and landings in real time. In this customer story, we’ll break down his setup, favorite features, and why the YoloBox Ultra is his go-to for live streaming plane spotting like a pro.
Meet Sky Squad TV
Based in Christchurch, New Zealand, the host of Sky Squad TV, Sean, brings aviation to life through his plane spotting and airport operation streams. He first discovered Yolobox Ultra in 2024 and spent a few months researching it and learning about it from friends and the YoloLiv Facebook user group before purchasing. As a dedicated content creator, he relies on the YoloBox Ultra to deliver high-quality, engaging broadcasts that captivate his audience with every takeoff and landing.
Live Plane Spotting Setup
Sean’s setup is optimized for flexibility and professional-grade streaming. Here’s how he does it:
- Streaming Device: Yolobox Ultra mounted to a Sirui SH15 Tripod via a SmallRig Rosette 7″ Arm
- Camera: Panasonic HC-VX1 Camcorder (connected via HDMI)
- Microphone: Deity D4 Mini Shotgun Mic (Mic-in)
- Audio Interfaces: 2 x Rode AI-1 (USB-A)
- Headsets: 2 x Audio-Technica BPHS1 XLR broadcast headsets for when Sean’s co-host is present or for a specil guest appearance
- Internet: GL.iNet Slate AX travel router (iPhone 15 USB hotspot → Ethernet to YoloBox Ultra)
- Flight Tracking: iPhone 15 also as a main screen for FlightRadar24
- Overlays: Custom StreamElements overlay (logo, sponsors, alerts, super chats) loaded as a URL Web Overlay
Curious how professional aviation streaming looks? Sean’s recent plane spotting live stream showcases the YoloBox Ultra’s capabilities.
Sean’s Favorite Features of YoloBox Ultra for Live Plane Spotting
As Sean enthusiastically shares, here are his top 5 favorite features of the YoloBox Ultra:
- Portability: “I can finally leave the bulky laptop at home and travel to and from my local airport, as well as other national and international airports, with just a backpack or hand luggage-sized suitcase containing all my gear. It has significantly streamlined my workflow and reduced my setup and pack-down time to roughly 10 minutes, compared to 20 minutes when using my bulky laptop and battery packs.”
- Battery Life: “The battery life is insane. I can do a 4+ hour live stream with 2 cameras, 2 USB interfaces, Mic In, a travel router connected, live chat visible, multiple image overlays and URL WEB overlays on and still only use 60% of the battery. Before, I would have gone through 2 battery packs to power my laptop!”
- Local Overlays and Web Overlays: “Being able to use my high-spec images and overlays on the Yolobox Ultra is a huge comfort, as I spent a lot of time designing my channel logo. Additionally, being able to continue using my custom-coded Weather and Location overlay, along with my custom-coded Flight Radar overlay, and loading them from my personal server as URL web overlays is incredible. This means I don’t have to drop any of the engaging overlays and features that the Sky Squad TV community enjoys seeing.”
- Built-in Audio Mixer: “Everyone knows how powerful the OBS audio mixer is, so having a similar layout directly on the Yolobox Ultra is next level. I love how easy and intuitive it is to clearly see which audio devices are on or off, being monitored or not. It’s another comforting factor, knowing that what my viewers hear on the stream is professional and entertaining.”
- ISO Recording (Direct to SD or External Hard Drive): ”Another game-changing feature that just works! Setting up ISO recording is a breeze. I love that I can ISO record my main camera feed in 4K, and the other in 2K or 1080p. I can select all these settings before the show and have high confidence that, once I hit record, I’ll get home with an awesome, high-quality recording to post as a highlight. This helps continue the momentum of that moment, leading to more engagement and growth for the channel – exactly what I paid for. For example I had a section of my live stream featured on National News here in New Zealand and I was able to get the content out and to them super quick as it was ISO-Recorded and saved to my SD Card.”
Besides, as you can see from the picture below, real-time comment display is also a bonus.
- YoloBox enables live comment viewing, enhancing your streams with instant audience interaction. By showcasing viewer comments directly during the stream, you can engage your audience in real time, fostering a vibrant community around your content.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, for aviation live streamers like Sean, the YoloBox Ultra is a game-changer—offering professional streaming quality, reliability, and customization in a compact package. Whether you’re streaming plane spotting, airshows, or airport operations, this setup ensures your audience never misses a moment.
Photo Credit: Craig Crew
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Zoe is a member of the YoloLiv marketing team with a keen interest in the live streaming industry. Recently completing a Master’s in Media Management, she is dedicated to exploring the dynamic world of live streaming. She is actively learning to write insightful articles that share knowledge and trends in the industry.
