I had to replace the DVR board inside my Fatshark HDO, so I thought I should document my process of opening up the plastic housing to access the electronic hardware. It’s also interesting to see the inside of a Fatshark FPV goggles :)

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Disclaimer: Opening up your goggles might void your warranty, so check with Fatshark first if you decide to go ahead. This might not be the correct way to open up Fatshark goggles, it’s just how I personally do it. Use this information at your own risk.

The steps should be similar on all the Fatshark Dominator line-up because they all have the same housing, including Fatshark Dominator V2, V3, SE, HD2, HD3 and HDO.

See my review of the HD3 and HDO.

I had to replace my DVR board because it “bricked” during firmware update, although I did follow the instructions to the letter. DVR wouldn’t turn on anymore after the update, and no more red LED. Fatshark’s support suggested I should replace the DVR board. I could send it in but the turn-around is usually about two to four weeks from experience, so I decided to repairing it myself.

While you are there, you can also access the optics and clean out any dust that might be gathering there.

Removing Face-Plate

Carefully remove the faceplate. You will hear cracking like cracked plastic, but that’s normal and it shouldn’t break as long as you do it gently and don’t force your way through.

Taking Out 3 Screws On the Bottom

Flip the goggles over, you should find three screws on the bottom that you should take out.

Opening Up Goggles

Here is the part that requires your full attention.

The easiest way to open up the housing I found, is by pressing on the nose rest with your thumb, then carefully, slowly twist the upper housing towards yourself.

Do this extremely carefully, do not force it.

There are PCB on both sides of the housing, and the connection cables are quite short and delicate, so avoid pulling the upper and lower housing apart rapidly.

As you can see, there are four main modules to the Fatshark goggles separated by cables: Power module, DVR module, Display Module, and the Receiver Module.

Disconnecting Ribbon Cable

My goal was to replace the DVR module board, so I first had to disconnect all the ribbon cable that are connected to it.

The ribbon cables are held in place by the locking retainer (black bar), simply push it by the sides will release the cable from the socket.

Do this on the Display Module.

As well as on the DVR module itself.

Replacing DVR Board

All that’s left to do is to replace the DVR board. I got the replacement directly from Fatshark’s repair center. If you are looking for spare parts for your goggles, you can email Fatshark and they will sort you out. Best technical support in all goggles companies.