Choosing the Best VTX (Video Transmitter) for FPV Drones – The Ultimate Beginner Guide

by Oscar

The Video Transmitter (VTX) is a crucial component of the FPV system, wirelessly transmitting camera images to FPV goggles. When selecting a 5.8GHz VTX, consider compact size, features, channel support, and accurate transmitting frequency, in addition to long range and high output power, to ensure optimal flight performance and minimal interference for fellow pilots. By understanding these key factors, you’ll be better equipped to choose the optimal 5.8GHz VTX for your FPV drone and enjoy a more immersive and enjoyable flying experience.

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Analog vs Digital FPV Systems

FPV systems can be categorized into two types: analog and digital.

Analog equipment is not compatible with digital FPV gear. Presently, there are three digital FPV systems: DJI, Walksnail, and HDZero. Cameras and VTXs designed for a specific digital FPV system are also incompatible with other digital FPV systems. If you’re unsure about which FPV system to choose, here’s my review explaining the pros and cons of each system: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-system/

VTX Recommendations

In this section, I will recommend the best VTX for each FPV system for different applications.

DJI

Top Notch Image and Range

Versatile and Affordable

DJI O3 RunCam Link / Caddx Vista
The DJI O3 system delivers exceptional image quality and range, making it a standout choice for cinematic and freestyle FPV pilots. It combines the capabilities of an FPV system and an 4K action camera.

Keep in mind it exclusively supports DJI FPV Goggles V2, Goggles 2, and Goggles Integra, but NOT the V1 goggles. At the time of this update, there is only one camera available for the O3 Air Unit – the O3 camera module.

The RunCam Link (also known as the Caddx Vista) is a compact and lightweight VTX option tailored for DJI pilots who are looking for easy mounting and don’t require onboard recording.

With various camera options available, you can select the best fit for your needs. The RunCam Link is a versatile and cost-effective solution for those looking to enjoy the benefits of the DJI FPV system without breaking the bank.

Find the DJI O3 Air Unit from these vendors:

RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-sadl
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-4blv
AE: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdQYArv
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RtWfm1
NBD: https://oscarliang.com/product-ewnq

Get the Runcam Link Air Unit from:

AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-flho
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KB78R5
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-awlg
NBD: https://oscarliang.com/product-sg0a


Walksnail

4K Recording

Walksnail Moonlight
Walksnail Moonlight Vtx Camera Kit Heatsink 25x25mm Mounting

The Walksnail Avatar Moonlight camera/VTX kit is a strong contender in the HD FPV market. It offers 4K recording, impressive low-light performance, and flexible camera settings. It’s Walksnail’s answer to the DJI O3 Air Unit.

Get the Walksnail Moonlight camera/VTX kit from these vendors:

GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-l78p
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-b159
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCqPOtR
Caddx: https://oscarliang.com/product-znl4

Best All-Around VTX

Great for Micro

Walksnail Avatar HD VTX V2 Walksnail Avatar 1S Lite VTX
Walksnail Avatar Hd Pro V2 Kit Vtx Solder Pads Connector Walksnail Avatar Hd Mini 1s Lite Vtx Top

The Walksnail Avatar HD V2 VTX offers enhanced features such as 32GB storage for onboard 1080p recording, Gyroflow support for image stabilization, a grounded heatsink to reduce GPS interference, and additional 20x20mm mounting options for greater frame compatibility. Various compatible cameras are available depending on your preferences for image quality, low light performance, or weight reduction.

As a budget-friendly alternative to DJI systems, Walksnail’s V2 VTX does have some drawbacks, such as the lack of an SD card slot for storage expansion and 4K recording, and a single antenna design that could impact range and penetration performance. 

The Walksnail Avatar HD Mini 1S Lite VTX, ideal for micro drones such as Tiny Whoops, boasts a compact design and weighs just 8.7 grams together with the Lite nano camera. It offers 720p and 1080p HD FPV capabilities, along with 8GB of onboard storage for video recording.

However, the Mini 1S Lite VTX requires an input voltage between 3.1V and 5V, so it can either be powered directly from a 1S LiPo battery or a 5V 2A BEC if you are using 2S batteries. Ensure the 5V BEC can supply adequate current for optimal performance.

Get the Walksnail VTX V2 from:

AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-escn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/40GZkTf
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-rs15
Caddx: https://oscarliang.com/product-sjj8

Product Pages:

Caddx: https://oscarliang.com/product-d75h
AE: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdCMC0z
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-27gi
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-3uda
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3FASTZv


HDZero

Best VTX for Freestyle and Long Range

HDZero Freestyle V2
Hdzero Freestyle V2 Video Transmitter Vtx Connectors

The HDZero Freestyle V2 VTX offers the best range and penetration for the HDZero systems, thanks to its 1W transmit power. Ideal for aggressive freestyle and long-range flights, it features massive heatsinks on both sides for physical protection and cooling.

Out of the box, it supports 25mW/200mW, but with a HAM radio license, it can be unlocked up to 1W using special firmware. The VTX weighs 22.3g and supports 2S-6S batteries direct power, with SmartAudio and MSP Canvas Mode compatibility.

Find the HDZero 1W Freestyle V2 VTX from these vendors

AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkoyILh
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-47i8
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-1lf1

Light Weight Option

Best VTX for Micro Drones

HDZero Race V2 VTX HDZero Whoop Lite
Hdzero Race V2 Vtx Video Transmitter Close Up Pcb Top Walksnail Avatar Hd Mini 1s Lite Vtx Installed In Tiny Whoop Betafpv

The HDZero Race V2 VTX is designed for racing, featuring a compact and lightweight design that fits on 20x20mm M3 mounting. It supports SmartAudio, allowing VTX settings changes from Betaflight OSD and OpenTX/EdgeTX radios. The U.FL connector can be secured with a zip tie to prevent antenna detachment during crashes, and it has a built-in TVS diode for power protection.

However, its 200mW output power is modest and may not be ideal for long-range flights. This limitation is not significant for racing events, as most restrict output power to 25mW.

The HDZero Whoop Lite VTX is the smallest and lightest VTX in the HDZero system, designed specifically for micro FPV drones like tiny whoops. Versatile with 1S to 3S power support, it can be powered directly from most micro drone batteries. It also features SmartAudio for changing VTX settings in Betaflight OSD.

When paired with the HDZero Nano Lite Camera (1.5g) and a 0.4g dipole antenna, this combo creates the world’s lightest digital FPV solution, weighing under 7g in total.

Product Pages:

GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-ee00
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-i6a0
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/

Get the HDZero Whoop Lite from:

RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-x3g9
AE: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DeXQpih
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-nsgx
NBD: https://oscarliang.com/product-wrqp


Analog

Decent Value VTX

Most Versatile Premium VTX

Rush Tank Ultimate Plus TBS Unify Pro32 HV

The 800mW high transmit power VTX is a reliable choice for analog, striking a good balance between performance and cost.

The Rush Ultimate Plus is ideal for builds with limited space for an extra board in the FC stack. However it also includes a 30.5×30.5mm adapter for installation on top of your FC if needed.

The built-in microphone is a bonus, allowing you to hear the motors and beeper through your FPV goggles audio output.

The TBS Unify Pro32 HV is a versatile premium VTX known for its accurate output power levels, clean signal transmission, high quality, and reliability. With up to 1000mW output power in a compact package, it’s perfect for long range, racing, or casual freestyle.

The VTX also supports TBS Crossfire systems, allowing users to change channels and power levels through the Crossfire receiver. This feature is especially useful for pilots without a flight controller or Betaflight OSD, like those flying fixed-wing aircraft.

Find the Rush Tank Ultimate Plus from:

AE: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DE9aA0t
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-211v

Get the TBS Unify Pro32 HV from these vendros:

GetFPV: http://bit.ly/2m9XMmT
NBD: https://oscarliang.com/product-z0ht
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/

Best Long Range

Cheapest Worth Having

Rush Tank MAX SOLO (2.5W) / SOLO (1.6W) Flywoo GOKU HM600
Flywoo Goku Hm600 Vtx 600mw Video Transmitter

For long-range pilots, the RushFPV Tank Solo offers the most powerful VTX options available in the FPV industry.

There are two versions, SOLO with up to 1.6W output power and the MAX SOLO with up to 2.5W. Both VTX’s are enclosed in massive CNC aluminium heatsink, which helps maintain maximum output power and prevents performance loss due to overheating. The SOLO is fan-less which means it’s lighter and more compact compared to the MAX SOLO.

The GOKU HM600 is an excellent budget VTX option for affordable builds. Priced at just $19.99, this compact VTX is packed with features that rival more expensive options.

It offers multiple mounting patterns, including 20x20mm, 25.5×25.5mm, and 30x30mm, accommodates a wide input voltage from 2S to 6S, supports 5 bands, and can output up to 600mW. Its lightweight and compact design makes installation a breeze.

Get the Rush SOLO 1.6W here:

Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-rh88
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-5s6o
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-m23h
AE: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCbhkhL

Get the Rush MAX SOLO 2.5W here:

AE: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DcxFoE9
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-bygk
Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-ahro

Get the GOKU HM600 VTX here:

Flywoo: https://oscarliang.com/product-fv8s
RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-46ki
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-yx04
AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_De3tLn9
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MaiaNw

Budget Smallest

Premium Smallest

Happymodel ELRS Fyujon AIO Board TBS Unify Pro32 Nano
Happymodel Elrs Fyujon Aio Board Vtx Video Transmitter Expresslrs Receiver 5.8ghz 2.4ghz

The Happymodel ELRS Fyujon AIO Board is an affordable, compact 300mW VTX designed for micro drones. With 25.5×25.5mm, 20x20mm, and 16x16mm mounting options available, it offers great compatibility.

Priced at just $21, it includes both a VTX and an ExpressLRS 2.4GHz receiver, with the entire combo weighing a mere 3g. This all-in-one solution is perfect for tiny drones that lack a built-in VTX and RX in the flight controller.

The TBS Unify Pro32 Nano is the ultimate choice for micro quads and Tiny Whoops if you’re seeking the smallest and most powerful VTX. It holds the title for the most compact video transmitter on the market, measuring just 15x13x2mm and weighing a mere 1 gram.

Despite its tiny size, the Pro32 Nano can deliver an impressive output power of up to 500mW. Conveniently, it can be powered directly from a 2S or 3S LiPo battery, making it an ideal option when there’s no 5V source available.

Find the Happymodel ELRS Fyujon AIO Board here:

AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/
GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-z0ds
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MkDP6v

Shops:

AE: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdeBxKh
GetFPV: http://bit.ly/2ma58qv
NBD: https://oscarliang.com/product-ctdh

Image Quality

Although VTX prices can vary significantly, image quality is mostly determined by your FPV camera, not the VTX. Paying a premium for a high-end VTX won’t dramatically improve image quality in most cases. However, selecting a VTX with excellent features and reliable signal quality can enhance your overall flying experience.

Signal Quality

The main factors that contribute to FPV signal quality and range are the quality and placement of the antennas and the VTX’s accuracy in transmitting at the intended frequency.

Higher-end analog VTXs offer more accurate transmit frequencies and cleaner signals that interfere less to the neighbouring channels. Antennas should be designed and tuned for a specific frequency range.

Some digital VTXs offer dual antennas (diversity), allowing you to mount them at a 90-degree angle to improve signal quality regardless of your aircraft’s attitude during flight.

Runcam Falcon Nano Fpv Camera Dji Fpv System Air Unit

You can learn more about the optimal antenna placement in this post: https://oscarliang.com/antenna-positioning/

Antenna Connector

Most VTXs come with antennas you can simply plug in. However, if you want to upgrade or replace them, it’s important to know the connector type your VTX comes with.

VTXs have various connectors, with the most popular types being SMA, RP-SMA, IPEX (aka UFL), and MMCX.

SMA and RP-SMA

Video transmitter connectors

SMA and RP-SMA are the oldest connector used in FPV gear. They are relatively large and threaded connector. There are two kinds, SMA and RP-SMA, make sure you match the connector type with the appropriate antenna.

You can use SMA to RP-SMA converters and adapter cables for incompatible connectors, but be aware that there’s a small performance penalty for each adapter used. Generally a few percent of signal loss, it’s not much.

UFL

IPEX or U.FL connectors are popular for smaller VTXs due to their low profile design compared to SMA connectors. However, they wear out more quickly due to the much lower mating cycles. You can connect a U.FL to SMA pigtail to the VTX or use an antenna with a U.FL connector. This connector is smaller than SMA connectors and is press-fit into place, making it prone to coming loose in crashes, therefore manufactures tend to use glue or retention to secure it in place.

MMCX

MMCX strikes a balance between the fragile U.FL and bulky SMA connectors. As a newer connector type, it’s a press-fit connector but much sturdier than UFL, making it less likely to pop out during a crash. MMCX also has a higher mating cycle count than UFL. This design balances the tradeoffs between SMA’s durability and U.FL’s size and weight. However, finding an MMCX antenna can be challenging as it’s not yet as common as the other two connectors.

Powering VTX

Modern video transmitters (VTX) typically support a wide range of input voltages, allowing you to power them directly from your drone’s battery (e.g., 4S or even 6S LiPo). However, a popular approach is to power the VTX using a voltage regulator on the flight controller, commonly known as a BEC (Battery Elimination Circuit).

Not only does a BEC convert higher voltage to a lower one, but it also acts as a filter for your VTX’s power supply. Drone batteries can be incredibly noisy power sources due to the noise generated by the ESC and motors. These days, most flight controllers come equipped with onboard BEC specifically designed to power VTXs. They provide 8V, 9V, 10V, or 12V voltage output and feature excellent filtering circuitry to minimize voltage spikes and electrical noise from your power system.

Walksnail Avatar Digital Hd Fpv System Air Unit Vtx Flight Controller Fc Wiring Connection Uart Tx Rx Diagram

For example, the Speedybee F405 V3 FC has a dedicated 9V BEC for powering video transmitters.

Another essential factor to consider when powering your VTX from a BEC (or any voltage regulator) is ensuring it can supply the required current for the VTX to function correctly. Manufacturers don’t always include amp draw in their specs, which is why it’s helpful to check out my reviews as I always try to provide info like this. An underpowered VTX might result in reduced range or instability, affecting your overall FPV experience.

If you choose to power your VTX directly from the battery, make sure it has proper power filtering to prevent noise and lines in your videos. A popular filtering method is using an LC filter or simply adding a low ESR capacitor at the power input.

Output Power

The power output of a video transmitter determines the amount of energy radiated through it. VTX output power is measured in milliwatts (mW) or decibels milliwatts (dBm). Most VTXs have adjustable output power, providing flexibility depending on your flying environment and preferences.

Higher Power for Extended Range

Generally, more power means more range; however, this comes with some downsides, such as increased heat in the VTX and potential interference for other pilots. Additionally, each country may have different legal limits on the maximum output power you are allowed to transmit.

Typically, 25mW is excellent for indoor flying and flying with others, offering sufficient range for most racing tracks. On the other hand, pilots tend to use higher output power when flying outdoors for a more reliable link and to fly further. Keep in mind that increasing output power results in diminishing returns in range improvement, as it takes four times the power to double the range. Learn how to calculate range in this tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/calculate-fpv-range/

Downsides of High Output Power

Higher output power also generates more heat, which can cause VTXs to overheat, impacting performance or even shutting down mid-flight in extreme cases. High power isn’t always ideal in environments with significant multipath interference, such as garages and stadiums, where signals can bounce off concrete or metal surfaces. In these situations, it makes sense to use a lower output power.

When flying with a group, it’s best to avoid high-power VTXs, as they can bleed into other pilots’ video feeds, making it difficult to fly together. Most racing events require pilots to run 25mW VTXs.

Antennas: Equally or More Important

In addition to your VTX’s output power, the antennas on your transmitter and FPV goggles or receiver significantly impact your range and signal quality. With an optimal antenna setup, 25mW has been proven to be able to achieve over 5km of range, while 400mW should be able to handle four times of that (over 20km) in ideal conditions. Many factors, such as interference, antenna alignment and placement, can impact your maximum range too. To learn more about FPV antennas, check out this tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/best-fpv-antenna/

Understanding VTX Channels

5.8ghz Fpv Channels Chart Diagram Frequency Analog Digital Dji Avatar Hdzero 12 2022

VTX channels are preset frequencies you can use to broadcast your video back to the video receiver. To establish a connection, select the same channel on both the video transmitter and video receiver. 5.8GHz (5800MHz) is the preferred frequency band for FPV because it’s legal in many countries, and the antennas can be made quite small.

In the analog system, there are five bands: A, B, E, F (Fatshark), and R (Raceband), with eight channels per band. This gives you a total of 40 channels to choose from. While these are the most common bands, there are others, but not all frequencies are legal to use. However, some channels overlap between different bands, so you can’t have 40 people flying simultaneously. In fact, it’s quite a challenge to have just 8 people flying at the same time. To maximize the number of pilots in the air without interference, it’s key to use good quality VTX that has clean signal, and ensure to allocate channels with enough frequency separation.

For digital FPV systems, channel management is simpler, because there is just one band available (only 8 channels), and it’s easier to manage. These channels fall within the same or similar frequencies as the analog Raceband channels.

Walksnail Avatar Digital Hd Fpv System Goggles Screen Channel Select

This is Walksnail Avatar’s channel selection screen inside the FPV Goggles.

If you fly alone, you don’t need to worry about which VTX channel to use—just pick any! However, when flying with others, it’s essential to allocate channels carefully to minimize interference. To learn more about selecting the best FPV channel, check out this post: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-channels/#choosing-a-channel-in-analog

Onboard Microphone

By having a microphone in the drone allows you to listen to the motors, which some pilots argue makes them feel more connected to the drone, especially when flying at distances where the drone’s sound is no longer audible. For more details, visit: https://oscarliang.com/microphone-fpv/

Manufacturers of digital FPV systems generally don’t include onboard microphones in their VTX designs. However, some analog VTXs and FPV cameras have built-in microphones if you wish to incorporate this feature in your FPV setup.

Key Considerations for Analog VTX

While analog video quality pales in comparison to digital systems, with its blurry, low-resolution, and noisy images, it remains popular due to its wide availability, low cost, compact size, and low latency. Another key advantage of analog systems is their compatibility, allowing you to easily swap video transmitters from different brands with one another.

Essentially any analog VTX will suffice for beginners, but when flying with others, it’s crucial to have a high-quality one. Some low-quality, generic VTXs have “dirty” signals that scatter beyond the actually set channel into other frequencies, potentially interfering with other pilots’ signals.

Changing VTX Settings

There are several methods to change channels, bands, and power settings on your VTX.

Almost all VTXs these days come with a push button for changing channels and adjusting other settings. However, due to the single button and limited status indicators (LED lights), this procedure can be confusing and complicated.

The most efficient method for changing analog video transmitter settings is using Betaflight OSD. If your VTX supports SmartAudio or Tramp protocols, you can follow this guide to set up VTX Control: https://oscarliang.com/vtx-control/

Pitmode

Pitmode is a crucial feature for those who race or often fly with other pilots. It enables the output power of your VTX to drop to an extremely low level (practically zero) when your quad is powering on or has crashed. This way, you can change your VTX settings or retrieve your quad without disrupting other pilots who might still be in the air.

Connecting an Analog FPV Camera to a VTX

Wiring an analog video transmitter in your drone may vary depending on the components involved. At its most basic, a VTX requires 3 connections: video input, power, and ground.

To connect the FPV camera directly to a VTX, connect the signal wires and ensure you have a working video receiver on the same channel in your FPV goggles to receive an image. If the FPV camera and VTX are powered from different sources, also connect their ground wires.

A common way to connect a VTX is through the flight controller if it has a built-in OSD chip. You’ll find a video input (Vin) on the flight controller to connect the camera signal and a video output (Vout) on the flight controller to connect to the VTX.

Make sure you provide the correct voltage to your VTX to avoid damaging or under-powering it. You can typically power your VTX directly from your flight controller if it has a BEC (a built-in voltage regulator that supplies either 5V, 9V, or 12V, etc.). Most VTXs nowadays support a wide range of input voltage, so you might be able to power them directly from a LiPo battery.

Best Practices Using VTX

Never Power Up VTX without an Antenna

Always remember to connect an antenna to your VTX before powering it up. If you power up your VTX without an antenna, the energy has nowhere to escape, causing heat to build up in the transmitter. Over time, this excess heat can damage the VTX.

How to Avoid Noisy Video

Motors and ESCs can generate a significant amount of electrical noise in your power system, which can introduce noise into your video feed. If you power your FPV gear (e.g., VTX and camera) directly from the battery, electrical noise can cause interference, resulting in white lines or flickering across the screen.

To troubleshoot and prevent these issues, consider the following:

  1. Add extra low ESR capacitors to reduce noise in the power system if you haven’t already. These capacitors can help filter out the electrical noise created by the ESCs and motors, ensuring a cleaner video feed.
  2. Properly manage your wiring, grounding, and power distribution. Keep video signal and power wires as far apart as possible, and use twisted or shielded cables to minimize interference.
  3. Use a dedicated voltage regulator or an LC filter for your VTX and camera. This can help reduce noise and stabilize the power supply, resulting in a cleaner video feed.

For more detailed information on how to fix FPV noise, please refer to these articles:

Avoid Contact between VTX Antenna Ground and Frame

Some drone frames feature a hole in the carbon fibre that allows you to mount the SMA antenna connector directly to the frame. However, this creates contact between the antenna ground and the carbon fibre frame, which is conductive. If any live wire touches the carbon fibre frame, it could potentially fry your VTX. Additionally, this contact can cause noise to back-feed into the system, leading to a range of issues, including VTX overheating due to increased resistance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the ins and outs of video transmitters is important for an optimal FPV experience. This guide has covered essential aspects of video transmitters, including output power considerations, channels and frequency, how to change VTX settings, and the best practices for proper use.

By following these guidelines and recommendations, you can make informed decisions when choosing and setting up your video transmitter for both casual and professional flying. Ultimately, mastering the use of VTXs will ensure a seamless and enjoyable FPV experience, allowing you to explore the skies with confidence and precision.

Edit History

  • Apr 2016 – Article created
  • Apr 2017 – Article updated, added “digital FPV system”, “smart audio and telemetry feature”, “10 bands, 80 channels”
  • March 2018 – Article updated with info about antenna connectors, VTX Control, power and signal connection
  • Oct 2019 – Updated info about connection
  • Dec 2022 – Updated section about output power
  • Apr 2023 – Article revisited, added product recommendations, shortened URL
  • Mar 2024 – Updated products

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29 comments

Dirty Dave 26th January 2024 - 9:24 am

I have TheFPV Chaos Pro and I cant get it to work. Cables are fine, Camera is fine as it works with my TBSSixty9. The Receiver can find the chanel, but just gives black screen. I am sure I can hear the audio coming through. I have tried a combination of LHCP, RHCP, Straight arial and a combination of all of them. Any ideas of sal I chuck it in the bin?

Reply
Oleh 11th July 2023 - 2:08 pm

Hello :-)

Why the model AKK FX2 Ultimative Mini is not recommended any more for analogue video transmitters?

Reply
Chris 1st February 2023 - 4:21 pm

Great Info
Thanks!

Reply
Marco 22nd October 2022 - 3:29 pm

Hi Oscar,
I live in the Netherlands, for a school project I have to make a kind of car with a camera on it. I was thinking of going for an FPV camera. What VTX and camera can you recommend for a budget of 30 euros. I was also wondering if there is a VTX that can get power from 3.3v or 5v port of an arduino?

Reply
Oscar 22nd October 2022 - 4:53 pm

Not sure what sort of range you need, but for 200-300 meters range, this should be a good option that fits your budget, it’s a camera + VTX combo: https://banggood.com/Eachine-TX03-NTSC-Super-Mini-0-or-25mW-or-50mW-or-200mW-Switchable-AIO-5_8G-72CH-VTX-600TVL-1-or-3-Cmos-FPV-Camera-p-1104884.html?p=OY2106728901201408U4

Perhaps you want to use an external voltage regulator to power the camera / VTX as they can draw up to 500mA of current or higher, and the Arduino probably can’t support that? A 5V 1A regulator should be enough.

Reply
Marco 2nd November 2022 - 9:44 pm

Hi Oscar,
Thanks for your reply.
Since the delivery time of the Eachine TX03 is quite long, I was thinking about the Eachine TX06. I was also looking at the Wolfwhoop WT03? Which of these 2 do you think would be the better choice?

I would like to play the video signal from the FPV camera on a phone or laptop screen. I was therefore looking at the Eachine ROTG01 Pro UVC OTG 5.8G. Do you happen to know whether this receiver is completely universal and that it works with any 5.8 GHz FPV camera?

Reply
Oscar 3rd November 2022 - 12:08 am

The Wolfwhoop WT03 seems to have almost identical specs to the TX03, should be fine. I like those two because they have circular polarized antennas. Sorry i don’t have experience with those receivers.

Reply
Marco 3rd November 2022 - 9:33 pm

Hi Oscar,
I plan to go for the Wolfwhoop WT03. All I’m looking for now is a battery. Is it possible to use a power bank that supplies 5V 1A? or is it absolutely necessary to use a special drone battery?
Are there any batteries you can recommend?

Oscar 3rd November 2022 - 11:29 pm

5V 1A from a power bank should work fine as it states the camera takes 3.3V-5.5V input.

Nataraja 23rd August 2022 - 8:31 pm

Which is the best offline simulator for practicing freestyle. I don’t get internet at home. So it will be helpful.
Thank you.

Reply
Oscar 23rd August 2022 - 11:41 pm

you should be able to with any sim. For example if you play sims on Steam, just make sure you enable offline mode in steam before going offline then you should be able to play it even without internet.

Reply
Cham 12th March 2019 - 11:21 pm

Hi Oscar,
I’m planning to buy an Aomway commander v1.
But when selecting a transmitter and antenna if I buy a transmitter with duck antenna do I have to change the antenna of the Aomway that originally comes which is a circular polarised antenna to a duck antenna?
Or can I use this combination directly without changing anything?

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Oscar 21st March 2019 - 7:04 pm

You can use this setup as it is, with a bit of signal loss.
Pairing linear polarized antenna and circular polarized antenna sees about 3dB of signal loss. It’s not that bad for casual flying.

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Kristjan 13th September 2018 - 2:41 pm

“If you are new and not sure which one to choose, just go for SMA and stick to it as it’s a more popular choice, for no obvious reason. Both connectors provide the same performance.”

Actually SMA is a much much better connector than RP-SMA. The reason is that it has the pin on the antenna side. The pin is the weakest failure point under stress so having the pin on the antenna side which can be replaced cheaply instead of having the pin break on the very expensive VTX, transmitter or googles.

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Oscar 18th September 2018 - 5:57 pm

You have a good point, but I haven’t experienced what you said in my FPV career yet :)

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Roberto 1st August 2018 - 9:08 am

I just would like to thank you for your excellent work. The spreadsheet is very very very usefull in order to choose VTX. It contains all info needed to decide.
Thank you so much for this and for all tour articles. ;-)

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Abutalib 25th May 2018 - 10:19 pm

Hi mr Oscar
always informative and educationtion
My question: if I connected two pagoda antennas to the same vtx via a splitter , so I got two antennas on the quad, would this damage or help increase the transmission ?

Thanks

Abutalib

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Oscar 27th May 2018 - 7:18 pm

I am not technical enough to answer that, but I guess the range might be reduced because you are splitting the output power through 2 antennas.

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Michael Gillen 5th March 2018 - 6:35 pm

Another reason analog is used vs digital. When an analog signal gets weak it gets interference and snow but the picture can still be seen and never freezes. When a digital signal gets too low there are too many packet errors and the screen just freezes or goes blank. I’d much rather have an SD signal that no matter how weak will still be broadcast and received than an HD digital one that just suddenly freezes. When an analog TV signal is weak you could still make out the picture through the snow, but in modern TV signals when it gets weak the picture just distorts and freezes.

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Mike 26th February 2017 - 7:56 pm

Hi Oscar,

today I almost burned my quad. The insulation of the positive battery lead was cut by sharp edges on my carbon frame. The copper wire got in contact with the carbon and because the VTX was NOT insulated from the frame the result was a short circuit.

My VTX comes with a pigtail. The SMA-adapter is mounted to the frame with a screw/washer. Do you have any idea how to insulate the SMA-adapter from the carbon frame?

Thanks for the great article, regards, Michael.

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Oscar 28th February 2017 - 1:51 pm

you could put some coating on the antenna mount (CF part), or drill the hole bigger and insert a 3D printed part in there?
Good question though this is something we all need to think about

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Grumpy Foochow 1st January 2017 - 12:58 pm

Hi Oscar, just started custom quad.. At the last bit you mention 600 mw if fly alone, why is that ?

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Amir 10th November 2016 - 9:59 pm

You mention avoiding contact with the VTX ground and the carbon chassis. Those VTX with an antenna extension often have threaded BNC connectors at the end of the extension. I typically use a nut to mount them on to the frame. Is this not recommended?

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Amir 10th November 2016 - 10:01 pm Reply
Oscar 15th November 2016 - 6:06 pm

I try to avoid it if I can :) but if it makes the build much easier then that’s the risk you need to take :)

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Pit 29th June 2016 - 9:40 am

Why didn’t you mentined the very popular and even cheaper
600mw VTX TS5828??
(new versions: TS5828S, TS5828L)

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Indy 29th June 2016 - 7:24 am

HI Oscar, and John,
Thanks for your blog,
In the FPV for a few months only I learned to get used to the low quality of the picture… I hope this is something that might change in a near future…
I learned as well that spending 50$ on a vtx is not worth it… the quality won’t be better unfortunately…
I’m still looking for the best vtx… Maybe I should try a station with more powerful receiver and dual antennas…

The TS5823 comes in 40CH for 12$, it’s the TS5823S.

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Jon Maloukis 28th June 2016 - 9:33 pm

Can you fly a 40 channel tx with a 32 channel rx?

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Oscar 28th June 2016 - 9:44 pm

Yes you can, as long as you only use one of the 32 channels that matches the VRX on your VTX.

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