Few months ago, I tested the Foxeer ClearTX V1, but the output power was way below spec, I was getting less than 5% of the rated power. Not sure if it was a defective unit, before I could get a replacement they already released a new version – the ClearTX 2, that’s what we are going to check out in this review.

---

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. I receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these affiliate links. This helps support the free content for the community on this website. Please read our Affiliate Link Policy for more information.

Please see our buyer’s guide if you are new to 5.8GHz VTX,

Where to Buy?

• Amazon: https://amzn.to/2T0Dyaj

Unboxing

In the package, you get:

• ClearTX 2 VTX
• Silicone wire harness
• 2x O-ring
• Spare plug
• Manual

Unlike most VTX’s today, the ClearTX 2 doesn’t come with any antenna or pigtail. Especially when it has MMCX antenna connector and many people are still using SMA antennas, makes me think it’s very necessary to include a MMCX to SMA pigtail at least.

It might not be a problem for experienced mini quad builders, who are likely to already own a bunch of those cables. But for newcomers, it’s frustrating to only find out about the missing MMCX to SMA cable when they receive the VTX.

Specs and Features

• 48 Channels, 6 Bands
• Input Voltage: 2S – 6S
• Selectable Output Power: 25mW, 200mW, 500mW, 800mW
• MMCX Antenna Connector
• Onboard 5V BEC for Powering FPV Camera
• Size: 22x32mm
• Weight: 6.3g
• Supports SmartAudio

The ClearTX V2 is possibly the smallest 800mW VTX (however, after some testing, it turned out to be much lower than 800mW). It’s not the lightest as it comes with a heat-sink, and certainly not the cheapest. But the build quality is excellent with a very stylish design.

Beware that the ClearTX 2 comes “Locked”. In order to follow the regulations, some of the channels are disabled out of the box, and only 25mW can be selected.

You can, however, unlock the VTX to access all 48 channels, and higher power up to 800mW if you wish. Simply hold down the push button for 10 seconds to do so.

They provided two tiny o-rings in the package, I guess it’s for inserting between the MMCX and antenna to prevent the antenna from rotating? Please educate me if I am wrong.

Menu Operation and Changing Settings

Menu operation is a bit confusing at first, takes a little while to get used to. It has one single push button for changing settings, holding it down for 3 seconds to cycle through Bands, Channels and Power settings.

I don’t know why they put them in this order, I think it would have been easier to have Channels before Bands since we change channels a lot more often.

It uses some unusual 7-segment digit display and two LED as setting indicators. For the most part, the digit display is quite readable, except number “2” and “5” which are unrecognizable and I often had to cycle back to 1 and start again.

None of this is a problem though if you are using SmartAudio, and change settings/channel in Betaflight OSD or Taranis LUA script.

Instruction Manual

Here are the manual for your reference.

Page 1

Page 2

Output Power Testing

I tested the Foxeer ClearTX 2 with ImmersionRC PowerMeter V2. Like the V1, the numbers still fell short, but improved significantly from the previous one I tested.

The good thing is it’s lower, not higher. You might get weaker signal, but at least you won’t get kicked out in races, or get your quad hammered. :D

My meter have been calibrated properly, and was used in many testing before showing reasonable results, e.g. RMRC Nano Cricket, AKK Nano 2.

Field Testing

I put this VTX in my S800 FPV wing, and here is some of the footage:

It worked as intended for the most part, just a little “noisy”. (Not RF noise, but electrical noise)

I didn’t use any LC filter or additional capacitor, and you can clearly see the lines jumping around in the video when I punch the throttle, and disappear when I lower the throttle. I’ve used cheaper Eachine VTX in the same wing before and no lines there.

Therefore , the advertising statement isn’t quite accurate – “Amazingly clean filtering”. There are only one motor and ESC in this build, imagine how much noisier it would be on a quad.

If you are going to use this VTX, you definitely should use additional LC filter or capacitor. Or power it off a BEC could help too. See this guide to learn more about getting clean FPV video.