You should calibrate the Rapidfire module after each firmware update. Actually it’s best to do this regularly to ensure the best possible performance. Here I will show you how.

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Here is my review of the Rapidfire. See this post to learn more about FPV goggles.

Module calibration is actually covered in the documentation, but I thought I’d still list the steps here so it’s easier to look up.

Environment

Try to go somewhere with minimum RF interfere, with that said, you should also turn off your smartphone (or put it in airplane mode) during calibration. Try to stay away from WiFi routers as well.

I find it’s best to do this in the flying field so you are also taking into account the surrounding RF condition. Avoid doing calibration in your house as most people have WiFi.

Rapidfire Calibration Steps

Part 1

1. On your Rapidfire, select RaceBand Channel 5 (R5) or Fatshark channel 4 (F4). These channels are the closest to 5800MHz
2. Select Calibration from the Tools menu
3. Remove antennas on the Rapidfire, and make sure there is no VTX powered on around you
4. Press the joystick center button when ready
5. Wait for the progress bar to complete. This gives the Rapidfire the zero reference point (when there is no signal)

Part 2

1. Now turn on your VTX transmitter, set it to 25mW, and the same channel as your Rapidfire (R5 or F4)
2. Keep the VTX about 2 meters (6 feet) away from your Rapidfire, with no antenna attached
3. Press the joystick center button when ready
4. While the progress bar is moving, move the goggles around a bit
5. Once calibration is complete, a summary screen will show the calibration status and tell you whether the calibration was successful or not

And that’s done!

Calibration Fails?

Three possible causes for failed calibration:

• Rapidfire is in low power mode – There are two modules in the Rapidfire, in low power mode, only 1 module is operating; You need both modules powered up to calibrate
• In the first part of the calibration, Rapidfire detected signal at the selected channel, where it shouldn’t. Make sure your VTX is switched off (and there is no other quads around you), if the problem persists, go somewhere else with less RF interference
• Rapidfire couldn’t detect the selected frequency in the second part of the calibration. Make sure your VTX is switched on and you are getting signal on your Rapidfire

Calibration for Different Quads?

Calibration DOES NOT need to be repeated for each quad used with the rapidFIRE. That’s because Rapidfire Calibration only corrects for the RSSI differences between the two receiver modules, and has nothing to do with the VTX, antenna or FPV Camera.