Are the ORQA FPV.ONE Goggles going to be the Fatshark killer? The FPV.ONE is a premium goggles with OLED screens with the best specs in 2019, even better than the mighty Fatshark HDO. But are they worth it?
Learn more about FPV Goggles.
Table of Contents
Where to Buy?
Who Is ORQA?
ORQA is located in Croatia, a new company in the FPV scene.
Started as an engineering service provider, the guys at ORQA got into FPV as a hobby and later decided to make the world’s best FPV Goggles.
Fun fact: ORQA, sounds like “Orca” which is one of the few animals in the ocean that can kill sharks (hint, Fatshark). Not sure if that’s a coincidence :)
Basic Specifications
Most of the specs have been confirmed by ORQA, but there might be small changes in the production version.
These goggles will have 1280×960 resolution with massive 44° FOV and glass optics. While that of FatShark’s HDO goggles is only 960×720 with 37° FOV. They are using 0.5″ Sony OLED display panels while HDO is only using 0.39″ ones according to ORQA.
How big is that FOV? Check this goggles FOV comparison tool
ORQA is also hoping to use their goggles for DJI drones and take advantages of the higher definition displays in the smallest possible form factor.
Since the native resolution is 1280×960, the FPV.ONE has 4:3 aspect ratio by default. However it can be switched to 16:9 “letterbox”, which basically removes the top and bottom of the screen, resulting in a resolution of 1280×720 in 16:9 mode.
The IPD (Interpupillary Distance) is 56mm to 74mm, the widest range in all FPV goggles, meaning it will fit a much wider range of customer too.
They plan to put a DVR module in these goggles, which they claim to be “HD DVR” capable of recording at 1080p.
They also planned to have adjustable eye-relief feature, but it was later taken out in the design for simplicity sake.
Weight is about 250-270 grams.
Video Receiver Options
The FPV.One will have a module bay for the video receiver. It will be compatible with standard Fatshark receiver modules. The only confirmed module so far is the ImmersionRC Rapidfire.
They will also release their own receiver for the goggles, which can be optionally purchased with the goggles as a bundle along with their own patch antennas.
Diopters
You can’t wear your glasses and wear these goggles at the same time. But it has slots and takes standard Fatshark diopters.
Power Features
There are on/off power button and “anti-fog” fan button.
It also has a light sensor that detects if the user is wearing the goggles and can automatically turn off the OLED screens in order to save power, and reduce the chance of “burn in”.
Integrated Head-Tracker
There is built-in head-tracker (gyro and accelerometer), RC plane guys will love it. Also they are developing a feature which reminds the user if they have turn the head too far down. This is a common problem when we are flying, with our head down, the antennas on the goggles are also pointing down which is not good for the signal reception. So this would be a cool feature to remind us to adjust our head position.
Outputs and Inputs Connectors
- AV in and AV out.
- Micro HDMI for video in.
- Stereo audio output (3.5mm jack)
- Head tracker output
- Battery Input (5.5mm barrel connector)
Battery Life
It comes with a 2S 2000mAh battery, lasts about 2 and a half hours.
Color
Only in black at the moment, but they will consider other colors after the first batch.
A Cheaper Version
ORQA plans to develop a cheaper, lower spec FPV goggles after the FPV.ONE, named “FPV.TWO”. Hopefully with OLED displays too, just smaller and cost less to make.
Is the ORQA FPV.ONE Worth It?
The Orqa FPV.ONE is priced $550, which is more than the Fatshark HDO2 and Skyzone SKY04X. They mentioned the main cost contributor is the large OLED panels. Fatshark talked about it in one of their past interview, if they were to use larger panels like the 0.5″ the cost would go up considerably that’s why they didn’t want to do it.
Having used both goggles, I have to say they are better than the Orqa’s FPV.ONE in terms of specs. I guess you are mostly just paying for the software and potential that it will bring out more powerful features and services like live streaming your flight online etc… But do you really use them?
10 comments
I’m due for a new set of googles currently HD3 , the idea of 1080 dvr and some of the feature are very tempting .
If Fatshark does not produce HD in 2020 . It’s time to move and Orcas fit the bill. In my opinion if Fatshark
That’s the beauty in 2020 Fpv goggle options are out there
I ordered the Orqa FPV.One goggles and should be getting it later this month.
I’ve been debating on purchasing the Clearview 2.0 5.8ghz Racer ground station receiver.
But i’m worried about the Clearview ground station compatibility with the FPV.One goggles.
Anyone have any input?
I’m really reluctant to pull the trigger on the ground station module in fear that it may not be compatible with these new FPV goggles.
I heard Orcha salesman say that they had not tried the fatshark HDOs! So, I agree that it would be a shame if they as a company did not even try them out for the competitive sake! I’m so looking forward for this release my fatshark D3s are getting old quick and don’t know how much longer I can wait!!!!! I’m willing to put my trust in this product! Hopefully I’m not being foolish!
The ORQA thread on RCGroups has very little comment from the makers – surprising, I would have expected them to respond to queries and generate support for the product launch. No hype, but also no other info or indication of what’s happening.
For what it’s worth I received this from Orqa CEO on 03-28-19, “The new target date for FPV.One release is mid this year, and I expect we’ll be coming out with the launch date soon.” So, the wait continues. BP
Please no blurry edges. Put the battery in the back of the strap.
So does it have a head tracker built in?
Yes it does.
One thing I heard in Bardwell’s live stream that bothered me was that they couldn’t really comment on a comparison between the Orqa and HDO because they hadn’t even tried the HDO. How are you supposed to create a superior product if you haven’t even tried your competition?
Yea, I can’t believe they haven’t tried the only OLED FPV goggles on the market, and yet they want to create the best FPV goggles :)
Or maybe they are trying to avoid commenting on competitor’s product which I would respect.