FPV (First-Particular person View) goggles, comparable to this Avatar HD Goggles X, are specialised eyewear used primarily in drone racing and different remote-controlled actions to supply an immersive visible expertise. They permit the pilots to see exactly what the drone’s digicam is capturing in actual time, giving the feeling of flying from the drone’s perspective. The FPV headset receives the video feed from the drone’s digicam by means of the VTX (video transmitter). At the moment, there are two main digital FPV methods: DJI and Walksnail. HDZero is a 3rd system with solely a small market share.
The second-generation Walksnail Goggles are designed for upgradability and multi-system compatibility. They function a replaceable VRX module, HDMI IN & Out, and AV-in for legacy 5.8GHz analog methods. It must also be famous that the 1080P display of the Goggles X has a subject of view of fifty°, barely greater than that of the Goggles V1 (46°).
Walksnail Avatar HD Goggles X: What did CaddxFPV change?
Disclosure: I obtained this FPV headset in a product assessment collaboration with CaddxFPV. Product specs and high quality could fluctuate in keeping with the producer’s reliability, so I can not assure that you’re going to get a unit that performs the identical as seen in my assessment.
CaddxFPV is a well-established firm that makes a speciality of producing high-quality FPV cameras, primarily utilized in drone racing and freestyle flying. Two years in the past, they stopped growing merchandise for DJI methods and joined the Walksnail system.
Final month, together with the GoFilm 20 CineWhoop drone, CaddxFPV additionally despatched me the Goggles X for assessment. Having beforehand used the Avatar VRX module with Walksnail drones, which provided a budget-friendly answer however not the best strategy to get pleasure from FPV, I used to be keen to check this new FPV headset.
At a look
The assessment unit I obtained got here in a zipper carry case with the next equipment: XT60 energy cable, AV-in cable, Fast-start information, and lens cleansing material. The case has an inner mesh pocket for small equipment, permitting the FPV headset to be safely saved and transported.
The Goggles X has the same kind issue to the Avatar Goggles V1 (FatShark Dominator HD) and the DJI Goggles 3/2/Integra. It weighs an inexpensive 315g—about 155 grams lower than DJI’s newest FPV headset. The burden distinction comes from the dearth of a battery—the Goggles X requires an exterior battery pack. As a substitute of the fundamental pretend leather-based strap, I’d have most well-liked a T-strap, which offers a greater and extra snug match. The headset has plastic housing and a pleasant mixture of charcoal and piano black end.
All of the controls are discovered on the top-right nook. Along with the 5D mini joystick, it has solely the Again and File buttons. On the highest are two sizzling air exhaust holes; keep away from overlaying them throughout use.
Flipping right down to the underside facet of the goggles, we have now an AV-IN port, HDMI Enter, HDMI Output, Micro SD slot, and the 2 IPD adjusters (pupil distance and diopter). The facility port is on the proper facet and may settle for 7-26V, making it suitable with 2S to 6S batteries. I ought to point out that there isn’t any ON/OFF swap on the goggles; when plugged in, the goggles begin and cease when the battery cable is eliminated.
To make sure glorious sign energy, it’s geared up with 4 stubby antennas (one in every nook, in a barely angled place). When you favor a patch-type antenna, this may be simply put in, however bear in mind that it’s going to substitute the 2 LED panels in entrance, which is the mojo of the design. When making the antenna improve, think about that three are receive-only, and one can obtain and transmit concurrently.
CaddxFPV is engaged on a brand new digital VRX module for the Avatar HD Goggles X that guarantees a 5 instances higher vary (as much as 20 km/12.43 miles). This is sensible, contemplating the headset’s modular design.
Pricing and availability
The Goggles X could be bought for $459.00 from CaddxFPV’s on-line retailer. After being out of inventory for a protracted time frame, it’s now obtainable for orders once more. Combo packs, together with Avatar HD PRO or V2 Twin-antenna equipment, are additionally obtainable. Spare face plate foams could be ordered for $9.99. The Walksnail Patch Antenna V2 for Avatar Goggles X is priced at $25.90, respectively, the Walksnail Redbird Antenna V2 (2pcs) for $15.90).
Consumer expertise
The sponge foam padding is snug and follows the contour of the face nicely with out letting in gentle. The face plate foam attaches to the headset utilizing Velcro, so it may be simply changed when worn out.
The goggles really feel gentle and not using a battery, however when you connect the 4S battery with a velcro strap, it turns into a bit uncomfortable. I’ll take care of a 3D print devoted holder case for 2 LI-ION cells, which could give a greater expertise. In fact, the facility cable is lengthy sufficient to maintain the battery in your pocket.
After I’ve acquired my head within the Avatar HD Goggles X and am principally blinded, it’s straightforward to achieve up all of the controls and make the specified settings.
To regulate the lens width distance on your eyes, use the slider knobs beneath the goggles till the whole lot seems sharp. Shifting left or proper can improve/lower interpupillary distance (IPD), or you may modify the diopter from -6 to +2 by rotating. You probably have astigmatism and not one of the changes enhance sharpness, you will need to use prescription contact lenses (can’t match utilizing glasses!).
The Goggles X’s display is vibrant and vibrant sufficient to see the whole lot clearly. The 1080p picture is crispy and wealthy in particulars. Regardless of the built-in fan, I encountered a minor fogging impact. Additionally, the lens will get stained simply as a result of it’s near the attention. The proximity sensor between the 2 lenses activates/off the LCDs to cut back energy consumption and prolong the OLED shows’ lifespan. The configurable multi-color (crimson, inexperienced, or blue) LED bars in entrance make the design distinctive and remind you when you forgot to unplug the battery after use. Utilizing a CNHL 4S 3000mah LI-ION battery, I acquired round 4 hours of working time.
The setup between the Walksnail Goggles X and my GoFilm 20 drone was seamless. I merely pressed the bind button on each gadgets, and so they paired in a second. If the firmware model on the VTX and VRX is totally different, a warning message seems at startup.
Regardless of its promise of a greater than 4km (2.5 miles) vary, I acquired a secure sign in a radius of solely 800-1000 meters with the CaddxFPV GoFilm 20, which has a dual-antenna Walksnail Moonlight equipment onboard.
Canva mode and OSD recording
The Avatar HD digital system totally helps BetaFlight OSD, and you may show all OSD parts. Along with the inventory fonts, you should utilize customized colour fonts (obtain Sneaky FPV fonts from right here), making your view extra fancy. Nevertheless, the Goggles X can’t report the OSD—simply attracts it on the dwell view.
When recording, the Goggles X saves three recordsdata, one with the precise video and two with OSD knowledge (*.srt and *.osd). To overlay the footage with the OSD, you will want to mix the three recordsdata utilizing the Walksnail OSD instrument.
Is there any cellular APP for the Walksnail Goggles X?
The Avatar HD Goggles X is marketed with a cellular app that options wi-fi firmware upgrading, a map mode for finding the drone, dwell viewing of the goggles display, and even direct sharing to social media. After looking for the app with no luck, I contacted CaddxFPV to see if they might ship me a Goggles X app beta launch. Sadly, it’s nonetheless within the early improvement stage, and so they couldn’t present a precise date for when it is going to be obtainable to the customers.
HDMI INOUT and AV-IN ports
By lengthy urgent (for five seconds) the “Again” button, you may toggle between the built-in VRX, HDMI, and CVBS analog sign inputs.
Despite the fact that digital FPV offers a way more spectacular person expertise, I nonetheless personal a few analog FPV drones. The Goggles X’s AV-in port permits exterior 5.8GHz VRXs, such because the Hawkeye Little Pilot Grasp or the BDI Digital Adapter, making it flawlessly suitable with these outdated analog drones. The display format is restricted to a 4:3 side ratio in AV mode.
Due to the HDMI enter, it may be used as an exterior show in your laptop computer, PlayStation NVR, or different gadgets with HDMI out. This lets you use it with laptop drone simulators.
The HDMI output is helpful for connecting your Avatar HD Goggles X to a giant TV display or streaming dwell utilizing an exterior machine such because the YoloBox.
What’s new on the Avatar Goggles X in comparison with the older Goggles v1?
In addition to a extra trendy design, the brand new Goggles X considerably upgrades the unique Avatar headset. I marked the areas the place every mannequin shines within the desk under in crimson.
Avatar HD Goggles v1
Avatar HD Goggles X
Launch date
November 2022
October 2023
Display screen decision
16:9 1920x1080p
16:9 1920x1080p@100fps
Discipline of view (FOV)
46°
50°
Focus (diopter) adjustment
Sure
Sure
IPD vary
57-70mm
54-74mm
Replaceable lenses
No
Sure
Presence sensor
No
Sure
HDMI Out
No
Sure
HDMI In
No
Sure
USB Kind-C out
Sure
No
AV In (Analog FPV)
No
Sure
Modular VTX
No
Sure
Constructed-in Gyro
No
Sure
Bluetooth/WiFi
No
Sure
Cell APP
NO
Underneath growing
Canvas Mode
Sure
Sure
Enter voltage
7V-21V (5S)
7V-26V (6S)
Worth
$559.00 (Offered out)
$459.00
Walksnail Avatar HD Vary Hack: Unlocking FCC Mode and Enabling Excessive Energy TX modes
The Walknsail Avatar HD system’s vary is prolonged by unlocking FCC mode, which could be performed by means of the Goggles X. To be in line with the RF regulation in all areas, the headset is available in CE mode out of the field with solely 4 obtainable channels and 25mW transmission energy. Switching to FCC mode unlocks all eight channels (8 channels) and permits excessive RF energy ranges.
CH01
CH02
CH03
CH04
CH05
CH06
CH07
CH08
CE
5735
5770
5805
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5839
FCC
5660
5695
5735
5770
5805
5878
5914
5839
Enabling FCC mode is easy and could be performed utilizing this official information. After downloading the 2 configuration textual content recordsdata, avatar_std.txt (unlocks all eight channels) and avatar_pwr.txt (unlocks 1000mw and 1200mw TX energy), you will need to copy them on the Goggles X’s micro SD card. If the whole lot is completed nicely, after rebooting the headset, you will notice 8 channels and as much as 1200 mW energy settings.
Compatibility
The Avatar HD is suitable with all Walksnail VTXs obtainable proper now, no matter energy and variety of antennas -check the total checklist under:
Walksnail Moonlight
Walksnail Avatar HD Professional (single and twin antenna)
Walksnail Avatar HD Equipment V2 (single and twin antenna)
Walksnail Avatar HD Micro/Nano
Walksnail Avatar HD Nano Equipment V3
Walksnail Avatar HD Mini 1s
Walksnail Avatar HD Mini 1s Lite