Review: Hobbyking 3-Channel Video Switcher

by Oscar

I’d like to re-introduce something really old, not many people know about but can be very useful and fun – the Hobbyking 3-channel video switcher. I have plans using it on an RC airplane so I bought one to see how it works.

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Where to Buy?

How Does It Work?

There are three camera inputs you connect your camera signals to. There is one video output to connect to VTX, or a display. By hooking up your radio receiver to the video switcher, you can toggle through the 3 video feeds using a 3-position switch on your transmitter.

Here I am testing it with 3 cameras.

Spec

  • Input power: 5V
  • Takes up to 3 camera inputs
  • Controlled by PWM signal
  • Dimensions: 30x18x6mm
  • Weight: 4g

Wiring and Notes

Here is the example connection diagram from the manual:

The Hobbyking 3-channel video switcher is powered from the radio receiver’s 5V connection. Note that the power is not shared between the receiver and cameras.

The power for the cameras are all inter-connected, along with video-out power as well. Therefore you can power the cameras through one of the camera power inputs, or video-out power.

You can use any voltage required for the cameras, the switcher won’t care. Make sure the cameras can take the supplied voltage, or you might need a voltage regulator.

The video switcher takes PWM signal, works perfectly on a 3-position switch.

The video feed switching takes about 0.5 to 1 second to happen.

If you don’t connect all 3 cameras, it will still toggle through all 3 inputs with or without signal.

Possible Applications

You can mount multiple FPV cameras on your wing/plane – for example, with one facing forward, one facing the the tail and one facing the wing. With a flip of a switch, you can enjoy different views.

You can mount two FPV cameras on a multirotor, one facing forward and the other facing backward, so you can switch between flying forward and backward whenever you want :)

If you have a GoPro or Runcam recording HD footage, you can connect the AV feed to the video switcher, so you can check what they are recording whenever you want.

I am sure there are many other great uses, let me know in the comment.

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5 comments

Jacob D Felix 14th March 2021 - 11:03 pm

Please save me this frustration. I am running 5 volts across 3 way switch. I have individually checked each camera. A run cam eagle, Foxeer and run cam hybrid split. All on same voltage. They have great clarity. I assigned a 3 position switch. No matter how it’s arranged. I’m not getting one of three cameras. The ones I’m getting. Like said even if switch up. They all work great! Not only have I used the hobbyking. I have used the summit link, kangnice and Lantanrc. All three channel video switches. I have calibrated from reciever prior to plugging in video or cameras. The harder part I’m using this KOHD KO-PILOT. I have played around with the weight and offsets. I’m building a wing for brother who is a lil on old school. And wanting to rid of this frsky QX7S I’m using to execute what I thought would be easy peasy. There was one time. I deleted the settings then went back and highlighted switch. Closed and all three worked. Now for my mistake. I was in a rush one morning and wanted just to see it working. And plugged my out on vtx to vcc on pdb. I’m all new parts now.. what am I doing wrong? Say SD 3 POSITION switch. I will get the plus value nothing on mid then another good view on positive 3 position toggle. If I can contribute 20-50 dollars for a solution. I would gladly! I have my FRSKY horus x10s express and herelink system and 2 builds waiting! My brother sick w covid. He been flying his entire life. And wanted him to enjoy fpv for a change!

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Pedro 29th June 2020 - 2:44 pm

HOBBYKING 3-CHANNEL VIDEO SWITCHER
I would like to use this in my car to switch between the front/rear cameras. Noting that car cameras are NTSC. But I would also like to control this software wise, thru an android app is possible. Thanks

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NakalNc 22nd October 2019 - 11:38 am

Hi, please do you think that Pinio signal can work with this model?
Tanks in advance

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Le petit Francais 15th December 2018 - 7:47 pm

As anybody knows not a video switcher but à video processor for create a PiP (Picture in Picture) for fly with two camera on one video signal

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Stuart Leslie 13th December 2018 - 8:25 pm

Yes, these work great! I have been using with my DJI F550 for some time now. I have a “flying camera” facing forward, another pointing straight down- handy for landing and generally getting a sense of where I am in relation to ground, and then the other feeding from my gimbal mounted GoPro so I can see what I am recording. Has worked flawlessly and video quality looks the same as original feed. Interesting idea to maybe use one of these on my 5″ quads with high camera tilt for landing. They are pretty light!

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