Final month, Caddx launched its fifth digital FPV package, the Walksnail Avatar HD Nano V3. Though its identify is recommended to be tremendous small, it’s one in every of their most refined video transmission methods appropriate for small CineWhoop drones and larger racing/freestyling FPV quadcopters. This new launch introduces racing mode, which guarantees to enhance latency stability.
Having the ability to change between high quality mode and latency mode makes the brand new Walksnail Avatar HD Nano V3 a singular product. Virtually, it mixes the capabilities of the DJI FPV digital system identified for excellent video high quality and the low latency of the HDZero and analog methods.
Analog FPV remains to be extensively used and most popular for racing as a consequence of its affordability, low latency, and longer vary, whereas digital FPV is favored for cinematic as a consequence of its superior video high quality and interference resistance. Whereas in analog FPV methods, any dropped body as a consequence of a poor hyperlink high quality or interface is misplaced without end, in digital FPV, dropped frames are attempting to retransmit by superior error correction algorithms, which will increase latency.
Walksnail Avatar Nano Package V3 assessment
Disclosure: I obtained this digital FPV package as a part of a product assessment collaboration with CaddxFPV. Technical specs and high quality could differ based on the producer’s reliability, so I can’t assure that you’ll get an an identical product, as seen in my article.
Though Caddx despatched me the Avatar Nano V3 package with FedEx for quicker supply, it took twenty days to obtain it. Identical to the Mini 1S and Mini 1S Lite, the V3 package can be packed in a cigarette pack-size field. The package consists of an Avatar V3 VTX, a Nano digicam, a V2 antenna, a 4-pin USB cable, a 14 to 19-mm bracket, and mounting equipment.
At a look
At first look, visually, there may be not a lot change between the V2 and V3 -both VTXs seem like a black heatsink. When you put them facet by facet, you’ll be able to see that the V3 is barely smaller as additionally it is meant for small 1S FPV drones. The Avatar Nano VTX measures 31.5*31.5*9.4mm and weighs 13.4g (about 4 grams lighter than V2). It has 25.5*25.5mm (M2) and 20*20mm (M3) and mounting patterns. The antenna has a generally used UFL connector and could be secured by a retention bar.
The Avatar V3 VTX comes with a pre-soldered and cemented information/energy cable (Uart TX, Uart RX, GND, Energy 3.1-13V pin format). As most flight controllers have a 6-pin DJI digital FPV connector, I requested Caddx what sort of FC is appropriate with the 4-pin connector on the finish of the cable, however they didn’t reply. Close to the solder pads is a standing LED and a tiny bind button.
The VTX has 32GB built-in storage, and the recordsdata could be transferred utilizing the included 4-pin to USB A cable. Once more, I’d have favored to see a Sort-C port versus the non-standard information port that may simply get broken -especially since there’s no SD card slot and you’re restricted to onboard recording. The unit can report as much as 1080P@60fps or 720P@120fps movies, however no gyro information is saved for additional picture stabilization.
Supposed for all-size drones, the Avatar Nano digicam measures simply 14*14*16.8mm and weighs 3 grams. For greater racing quads, a 14 to 19-mm mounting bracket is included. The digicam has a 1/3.2-Inch native 4:3 picture sensor and a 2.1mm lens that gives a 160° area of view. Out-of-the-box comes with a 90mm MIPI cable, however a 140mm one can be accessible if wanted.
Value, availability, and options
The most recent Avatar Nano V3 package with built-in 32G reminiscence could be ordered from Caddx for $109.00. It’s best to examine the Walksnail Avatar Professional package for $159 if you happen to want gyros-stabilization.
Walksnail Nano V3: Set up and Wiring
Earlier than putting in it on a drone body, I did a “dry” take a look at to see if it binds with my Avatar VRX module and works correctly. It may be very irritating to seek out out {that a} half just isn’t working after all the things is wired and assembled.
Subsequent, I downloaded and put in the newest Avatar 34.40.15_beta firmware on my VRX. The method is simple; you solely want to repeat the suitable picture file (Avatar_Sky_34.40.15.img for VTX, AvatarSE_Gnd_34.40.15.img for VRX, or Avatar_Gnd_34.40.15.img for goggles) on the system’s reminiscence and press the bind button for 8 seconds. The VTX already had the newest firmware (an Avatar_version.txt file on the interior reminiscence’s root exhibiting the software program model). The Avatar V3 VTX turns into sizzling (80-90°C) on the workbench with out pure airflow, so I like to recommend utilizing a fan throughout configuration and firmware upgrades.
Beforehand, I discussed that the WN Nano HD V3 VTX comes with a preinstalled 4-pin plug, which I supposed just isn’t appropriate with my FC’s Air Unit 6-pin socket (that has a second GND and SBUS pin for the built-in radio receiver). After double-checking the pin order, I inserted it, and it proved to work this fashion.
Walksnaill consists of mounting screws for each VTX and Digital camera. The VTX has two mounting patterns. When you go for 25.5*25.5mm, you should substitute the inventory M2 screws that maintain collectively the VTX with longer ones. For 20x20mm, the VTX has M3 screw holes. Because it has a peak of near 10mm, there was not sufficient room in my Skystars Bolt5 freestyle body to put in it on prime of the ESC + FC stack, so I mounted it in a BetaFPV Pavo25 drone. It suits completely inside the two.5″ CineWhoop body, however I want to chop a much bigger gap to entry the information port of the VTX for file switch.
Energy choices
The Avatar Nano V3 package could be powered from 3.1 to 13 volts based on the technical specs. When it’s put in in 1-3S setups, it may be wired on to the LIPO battery. For 1s builds, I like to recommend utilizing a 5V step-up voltage regulator to keep away from black screens midflight – battery voltage can drop to 2.6-3V throughout acrobatic maneuvers. For 4S and 6S drones, you should energy the VTX from a 10V BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit) discovered on most flight controllers.
Avatar Nano V3: Canvas OSD
All the Walksnail ecosystem, together with the Avatar Nano, totally helps Betaflight OSD and LUA scripts. You’ll be able to function the OSD menu utilizing your sticks, and all of the OSD parts could be displayed.
To show BetaFlight telemetry data in your FPV goggles, you want to carry out the next two instructions:
set osd_displayport_device = MSP
set displayport_msp_serial = Y (The place Y is one lower than the variety of the serial port. e.g.: Y = 2 for serial 3)
Walksnail’s new Racing Mode for constant, clean latency
Along with the Avatar Nano V3 package, Walksnail launched a brand new firmware that permits “Race Mode”. You’ll be able to simply change between “Normal” and “Race” modes in the principle settings (system tab) of your show (FPV goggles or RVX). Word: The system will restart, so it is best to keep away from doing this midflight!
I wish to fly FPV, however primarily simply crossing at low velocity, admiring nature, and perhaps following some birds. Someway, my mind can’t settle for quick velocity and agile maneuvers, and the movement illness kills all of the enjoyable. I often set the very best video high quality video, with out contemplating that this may improve the delay within the stay feed. As an alternative, low and steady latency is vital if you happen to’re into high-speed racing, freestyling, or flying by gates, bushes, deserted buildings (bando), and different obstacles.
When racing mode is chosen, a ninth channel named RP turns into accessible, and video decision is diminished from 720p/1080p to 540p to prioritize transmission stability. Fortunately, the downscale impacts solely the stay hyperlink, not the onboard recording.
WN Avatar HD Nano V3: Efficiency
Throughout my exams, in Race mode, latency was between 19-27ms; in Normal mode, I noticed values near 40ms. Joshua Bardwell had about the identical ends in his take a look at video.
Sadly, through the low-light efficiency take a look at, I hit a tree at midnight, and once I crashed, the propeller minimize the coax cable between the digicam and VTX though it has protecting mesh sleeving. Lesson realized: each cable must be zip-tied to the body.
Walksnail Avatar HD Nano V3: Takeaways
As much as 1080P@60fps with a 4:3 native sensor that gives clean and gorgeous photos. With this package, you’ll be able to seize flying footage with distinctive readability and element.
With huge enter voltage (3.1-13V) and 500mW energy output, you’ll have the ability to fly numerous sorts of drones with wonderful video high quality and vary.
Nano digicam V3 with dimensions of 14*14mm and a weight of solely 3g, geared up with a 2.1mm lens and 160° FOV, offers clearer and extra practical picture high quality.
The Avatar V3 VTX comes with 32g built-in storage; it may possibly report 1080p HD and interference-free flight footage with out including an additional SD card and an motion digicam, decreasing the general weight of the drones and lengthening the flight time, permitting you to expertise a extra snug flight whereas recording 1080 FHD movies.
Canvas Mode helps BetaFlight, Kiss, Inav, and ArduPilot full OSD show and customization. You’ll have the ability to customise numerous OSD fonts, colours, and patterns you want and simply regulate the parameters you need through distant management.
Technical specs
Avatar V3 VTX (FPV HD digital video transmitter)
Communication Frequency
5.725-5.850GHz
Transmitter Energy (EIRP)
FCC:<27dBm;CE:<14dBm;SRRC:<20dBm;MIC:<25dBm
I/O Interface
JST1.0*4 (Energy in) JST0.8*4 (USB)
Mounting Holes
25.5*25.5mm (M2) & 20*20mm (M3)
Dimensions
31.5*31.5*9.4mm
Storage
32G
Recording
1080p/720p
Weight
13.4g
Working Temperature
-20-40℃
Channels
8
Extensive Energy Enter
3.1V-13V (1S-3S / 10V BEC)
Supported FC System
Betaflight, Inav, KISS, Fettec, ArduPilot
OSD
Canvas mode
Latency
Common delay 22ms
Antenna
1(IPEX)
Avatar Nano Digital camera V3
Picture Sensor
1/3.2-Inch 4Mp 4:3 sensor
Decision
1080P/60fps,720P/120fps,720P/60fps
Picture ratio
4:3 native / 16:9
Lens
2.1mm
FOV
160°
Aperture
F2.0
Shutter
Rolling shutter
Min. Illumination
0.001Lux
Dimensions
14*14*16.8mm
Weight
3g
Avatar V2 Antenna
Polarization
LHCP
Bandwidth
5600MHz-6000MHz
Common Achieve
1.9dBi
Interface
IPEX-1
Line Size
105mm
Dimension
R15*45mm (with out cable)
Weight
2g