BetaFPV Naked GoPro Tutorial (make your Hero6 weigh 26 grams)

[@SkyZombieAerials]

i took a risk searching BARDWELL NAKED but this was exactly what i wanted to see

[@GinTonicFPV]

You didn't learn anything you didn't want to today.

[@AvgeekRider]

My Hero 7 Black watching from my desk: *nervous sweating*

[@cheetahfpv6476]

Dont do this on a 7

[@AvgeekRider]

@@cheetahfpv6476 Nah, I use it as an action camera anyways, so I need it to stay waterproof. I'd rather build a 7" drone and use it as-is.

[@LL_cinema]

@@cheetahfpv6476 Why? I just disassembled it (I have damaged back LCD, so it was good oportunity to get rid off not usable HW). I did not yet assembled it in betafpv v1.1 case and bec yet, so why not?

[@cheetahfpv6476]

@@LL_cinema Cant use reelsteady with it. No other reason really.

[@fffmpeg]

@@cheetahfpv6476 you can. just reeeeeally soft mount it

[@vasilissirianos7756]

Thank you Joshua for the great video. A piece of small advice for anyone who wants to power the device from a 4s 5s or 6S lipo. Power from the balance cable and use the middle cells of the lipo. The outer cells will absorb possible voltage spikes coming back from the ESCs. If you intend to use a 4S lipo and you connect your XT60 last, there will be a voltage spike that will find its way to the GoPro board and burn it. I destroyed mine. There is not enough time for it to get regulated. 6s Lipo 25V --x-> iFlight Mirco BEC 12V 2A ---> Betafpv mod bec 5v ---> Gopro board. ............. Burned after 5 days of use when I plugged the XT60. In my next try, to overcome it, I will use an extra bec to bring down the voltage to 6V and plug it LAST on the betafpv bec. Use a small 6V capacitor Or maybe use a potentiometer as a switch to gradually power the betafpv bec from the 8.4V of the middle cells of my lipo 6s Lipo balance cable 8.4V---> BEC 6V --x-> Betafpv mod bec 5v ---> Gopro board. You will find very useful information about voltage spikes and regulators, at pololu site. www.pololu.com/docs/0J16/all I hope the above may save anyone from unnecessary trouble.

[@upnorthFPVandEUC]

So I have the flywoo gp7 naked and I want to make sure I understand your comment.. I want to also use it with my Diatone taycan 25. To be clear I can power the gp7 by first connecting the lipo's xt30 and THEN connecting to the balance lead power and the ground to one of the middle cells (4s)?

[@raypilot9958]

what if i want to use my 5V bus on my flight controller to power a Fully clothed Hero 7 in place of the battery. the battery will still be an optionally

[@willstones]

Another tip I saw was to set the camera recording for an hour at 4k before trying to take it apart. The heat from the camera will help with softening the adhesive.

[@TheMadmacs]

genius!

[@fdylanyall]

I don't normally post comments on older vids however I can't believe nobody noticed that at 6:15 the ghost of a dead Gopro floats in through the open door.

[@pippifpv]

I don't know why. But for nearly 4 years now, Joshua, I'm watching every video you are making. Even though some of it isn't for me. This one is super cool. Will try it when my two session 5 dies for good

[@thor_fpvfpvnorth5272]

Been waiting for this! Imma sit back and enjoy 🤣

[@pawanv86]

Joshua, you removed the ufl switch... The ufl switch is used for factory test probing and it usually switches between the onboard antenna and the probe. When you removed it you basically cut the trace between the RF chip and the antenna pad; you might want to bridge it lol

[@MrPorroto]

How to do that?

[@pawanv86]

@@MrPorroto Just don't remove it you'll be fine...

[@eyeflytinkerings]

Please be aware that there can be voltage spikes when powering on with the BetaFPV board (v1.1) and it’s onboard BEC. There have been quite a few reports on dead GoPros in the Facebook group due to this. Best add an extra capacitor, or use a different bec. Another great video though, keep it up! Happy flying!

[@kunzhuang799]

BE AWARE OF THIS!!! My gopro just killed by the betafpv BEC board.

[@TronkyWonk]

I have an iFlight Micro BEC 5V 3A. If I wanted to use this alongside the BetaFPV BEC board, you think there might be issues connecting the iFlight BEC's output to the BetaFPV BAT + and GND? Wondering if stepping down the voltage before it gets to the BetaFPV board would provide enough voltage and if it would maybe avoid burning out my GoPro.

[@eyeflytinkerings]

@@TronkyWonk What i did after reading about it in the Facebook group that Joshua mentioned as well, is cutting off the BEC from the BetaFPV board and connecting another BEC (iFlight BEC is perfect) directly to the GoPro. Check the group to find where to solder it to. This way you can still use the buttons and all. Perfect solution in my view. If you connect the iFlight BEC to the BetaFPV-Bec, i‘m pretty sure it can‘t handle it, as the input voltage needs to be higher than 5v.

[@zachigley9526]

Does it matter what type of wire you use for the Wifi antenna?

[@360vroomers]

Thanks - dumb question but can you show how to connect the cable to the flight controller?

[@mike_fpv]

Always clear and precise! Thanks Joshua, i've learned something today!

[@FpvDroneLife215]

Great video Mr. Bardwell. I really really wish they would make a case for the 7 with the two little idk I’m going to call them feet coming off the bottom for mounting it like well the 8 case! But all in all awesome either way.

[@Valeriy7D0]

12:23 This is not a MicroSD card slot, this is presumably a video processing module. The MicroSD slot is on the opposite side.

[@DANKFPV]

17:05 what kind of wire did you use for the wifi antenna?

[@checkeredflagfilms]

Nice Job! Only thing I would suggest is, during the tear down/build, put something over the lens to prevent potential scratches.

[@dylantoone6459]

I just barely was wondering about this, and bardwell answered my prayers uploading a vid 4 hours before

[@changeagent228]

I wish GoPro would step up and make another Session. That said I like the image quality of the Hero9 so will be interesting to see the naked mod of that. At 16:50 why didn't you use the u.fl connector?

[@lucasceleste4743]

Hero 9 Session???? 👀

[@peterzingler6221]

@@lucasceleste4743 so it's as big as a brick then and a over 1pound lol?

[@lucasceleste4743]

@@peterzingler6221 yeah I mean for normal large quads

[@AlexSmith-lv4jl]

I'm glad you said that it doesn't look like the gopro ge has came with the connector but mine did

[@laytonblance]

After watching your comparison video between the 360 and the naked GoPro I thought for sure I wanted to just get the 360 and never look back. But after seeing how easy it is to make a naked GoPro now I kinda want to do that. I guess I’ll just be a sucker and do both 😅😂

[@jacobballew2532]

Did you use an antenna wire for the WiFi or a standard wire?

[@wrstew1272]

Of course we watch till the end, you sometimes put really cool stuff there just so we do!

[@Panasonic-paul]

I always watch every video to the end, just to get called a super fan🤣 now being a patreon makes sense. Keep it up jb! Thanks

[@whiffles]

Thanks for the shoutout! It really is a cool little camera. I've been using it exclusively for all my content lately.

[@timhowitz9405]

Fun fact: Whiffles is the guy that created rotorbuilds

[@sleepyheadfpv1507]

Yup yup! Awesome dude

[@timmytfpv7316]

could you stop at 7:16 and power it from the usbc to balance lead

[@yolofpv2936]

Does this void the warranty? 😅

[@elmattbo2540]

I'm not sure switching to 2.4 for wifi is a good idea. You're going to be having that thing transmitting right next to your 2.4 receiver, where leaving it on 5G means its transmitting alongside your video transmitter and probably at a weaker power. I'd say there's less chance of failsafe and any video interference leaving it on 5G.

[@outboxfpv4360]

Good one. All went good for me and was working well suddenly one day naked gopro is not powering any idea?

[@DroneMesh]

That driver came with the Foxeer Box camera I kept mine too.

[@zoroe]

I was following along and noticed Betafpv sent me 2 backs instead of a back and a front plate. FML 😭

[@connormullan]

thanks for the vid joshua! ive done 4 now and i havent yet soldered on an antenna. I might start doing it, but i havent had any issues so far. Ive had issues with it connecting because sometimes it takes a while but so far so good (first one a few months ago)

[@Stevieboyfpv]

This is the only tear down I've seen with someone doing it and then the only one where the wifi then didnt work 🤔 are yours all still working well before I tear my hero down and make the decision to attach an antenna or not?thanks!

[@connormullan]

@@Stevieboyfpv from my experience makes no difference but can't hurt unless you keep the iron on too long, then you might kill the module from too much heat but just do it quick and you'll be fine

[@Stevieboyfpv]

@@connormullan thanks for replying leaning towards not at this point 😬👍

[@TheOuterDrive]

Really need this for the Go pro 9.

[@willowehrich6207]

I am going to have to try this!!! I used to do phone repair, so this should be nice and easy!

[@desertdronepilot]

19:10 Yes I watch the whole thing, That is the point:)

[@ElRouge_FPV]

Bellissimo video e molto utile. Ma 32mm è la misura corretta per il wifi? Ho visto un altro tuo video dove dici di aver "bruciato" il wifi...

[@LumpyFPV]

Thanks for deciding to show your disassembly. I can watch you do things all day. 😍

[@jamesmallard3386]

I have one I did that to but how do I wire it to a drone?

[@MustangPilot1]

Great video! Now where can I find one of those jet pilot/quad t-shirts you were wearing at the end of the video?? 😁

[@droneq8]

When I connect the camera to the drone l get red solid light Buttons don't make any change !? You know what's the problem ??

[@petera95f]

What type of cable do you use for the antenna? And do you know how to power it via balance on lipo?

[@PropDusting]

I am wondering the same thing about the antenna.

[@bennedictbyy]

Beta85x vs Beta95x V2? thoughts?

[@MEZENchannel]

Where need to solder BEC wires to the drone ?

[@ThomasShue]

So the hero 6 with that older firmware is preferable to a hero 7?

[@prayashshakya9770]

I did step by step following your guide 😊

[@drkastenbrot]

The little bronze "antenna connector" looks a lot more like a contact for shielding. If it does touch the case shield, it can just be ignored. Edit: Looking at the trace it seems to be an antenna connector, as well as a pad for a ufl connector.

[@pawanv86]

The part that he removed is an RF probe... It is used to evaluate the performance of the device during production. When a probe is inserted the antenna connection is disconnected and the output is transferred to the probe for measuring. You might not want to do what Joshua did as it's basically a contact switch between the rf chip and the antenna connector. Even if he did remove it, he forgot to bridge it so the antenna is basically useless

[@drkastenbrot]

@@pawanv86 Its definitely not an rf test point, those arent populated in a production device like that and it also doesnt have a hole.

[@LimbeGultom88]

okay... it's been a year after your video.. is your naked gopro survive until now? i want to strip down my hero 6, but good to know how long it will be survive thanks...

[@Kettenhund75]

I have hypertension after watching this video. Thanks, JB.

[@fb-er4cv]

this video is still actuall or there is something new to know for make a gopro hero 6 naked?

[@johnnydepp4114]

already done my naked gopro hero 6, but i still like to watch this...hahaha

[@pete24p]

hey josh quick question I want to gut this and use my hero 7 silver and do the same thing is this possible or only on the full feature GoPro?? please I need some professional advice

[@rcpete7055]

Is that HALO as in Masterchief or I'm a Saint?? 😊

[@JoshuaBardwell]

As in HaloRC the FPV company.

[@RussSweet]

I followed this video with my hero 8 and when I powered it up after i finished the process, it shows "SD ERROR" and will not let me record. Any idea where I may have went wrong? The gopro still connects and shows picture on my phone & works with the gopro remote. Also I should mention I tried formatting the card in camera and on my computer as well as trying multiple different SD cards. Thanks Joshua!

[@JohnnySnipes]

Of course I watch the videos all the way to the end 🤙🏻#notifactionsquad

[@mrbumkin1951]

Hey I know this has nothing to do with this video but my drone keeps unbinding mid flight after about 20 seconds do you think you could make a video on how to fix this or Direct me to a video dose?

[@prescottmajette5290]

Try to replicate the issue on the ground and go from there. My first guess would be a BEC otw out, unless your receiver is wired direct from the battery.

[@pitchitfpv]

Where did the Torx bit set from when you did the TS100 Soldering Iron Custom Colored Case Shell video go?

[@medvus750]

Is there any particular reason why you modify as Gopro hero 6?

[@bengrace1122]

Could you do this with a go pro hero 4 or hero 3?

[@kri5too]

Is there a "hack" around to get voice recording with betafpv naked gopro ?

[@FPFPV]

The disassembly document I had said you needed a T4 screwdriver, but the screws are T3, and now I'm missing the right screwdriver because my iFixit kit only has T4 and T5. F.....

[@Valeriy7D0]

For me, T4 worked perfectly. Did it just yesterday.

[@CallmeSam00]

Screws are bending the case. Tightens screws some more to straighten it.

[@hillbillyfpv1]

Hey Josh, haven't heard anyone mention conformal coating on the gopro board.. would it hurt to use it?

[@bullitanaconda]

Hi jushua qick question i havent found a clear answer to what older gopro model records in 4k is it the 4,5,6???

[@lordango]

What do you call the wire you used for the wifi antenna?

[@loifpv8661]

i just downgrade but my gopro hero 6 black has no wifi band to 2.5 what can i do? how would i know if my gopro hero 6 black is 2.5ghz? im from japan

[@rubenvaneupen7327]

On the top right corner, what is the 'mode' pad for on the betafpv pcb? It has the power symbol. But it's no 5V input, I guess?

[@marinmao]

Hello Joshua for your videos, quick question, is your wifi on this naked camera consistently working correctly?, thank you in advance

[@timmytfpv7316]

Hey jb i did watch till the end lol ? For i want to do this with my hero 7 but could i stop after just getting out of the case ? I have a cable to power it from the usbc to my balance plug?

[@MicaMaker]

Will this work with the GoPro hero5 black?

[@QippysChannel]

Will a hero 4 black series work well too?

[@sf2372]

JB you've done it again....

[@manuelsolano7525]

Hy Joshua are the setting for hero 7 the same

[@TheIncocognito]

Hi ti work with gopro 5??

[@theringo982]

Hello! Why are u using a single-core cable to make the wifi antenna? Is there a specific reason? Or i can use a "normal" silicon electrical cable? Thank you

[@JoshuaBardwell]

The exposed part of the wire is the radiating element. Since the wire is soldered directly to the circuit board, you make the wire the length of an antenna (31mm) and then you don't need to use coax. You only need to use coax if your antenna is not going to be located directly at the transmitter.

[@theringo982]

@@JoshuaBardwell yes understood thanks but it seems that you are using a single-core cable instead of a normal electrical cable.. is there a particular reason of that?

[@adrivisuals]

Can I run the GoPro 6 naked with an 6s Lipo?

[@MCsCreations]

Oh... Maybe that's why I can't seem to open those damn pill bottles! 😬 (Sorry, Joshua, I couldn't resist! 😂)

[@h2o-fpv623]

Ok ok I guess i have to do that to them I was hoping to get away from this lol 😆 is this can be done with the hero 5 ?

[@edwright8279]

Any idea if this works on a 7 silver?

[@marinehm]

How did I miss this?! I have a broken Hero 3+, I'm going to try it with that.

[@nigelponsonbysmythe8453]

I can't find the test?

[@smoke4131]

*"I'm Joshua Bardwell, and you're gonna learn something today."* Me who already knows it :

[@the_darkside_fpv]

🤣🤣🤣 right!! Been down this road a while ago

[@menne-fpv5128]

Fantastic, works very well two times. Thanks for your help! Again...

[@KenjiFPV]

I read on oscar Liang s post that the antenna wire needs the insulation off. What are your thoughts on this ?

[@edyfpv]

does betafpv work on Gopro hero 5?

[@sergejscibulskis9498]

More gopre stuff =) also like the naked cams

[@trainersaitta7214]

Thanks for all the videos that you make I have Bill two quads now and I'll fly 6 packs a day my first build was. Xilo freak Style with your video in your help I could have done it

[@gprov590]

Hi Joshua, how do I power this using the balance lead of a 6s battery?

[@JoshuaBardwell]

Buy this. Solder on the correct plug for your camera. pyrodrone.com/products/iflight-bec-power-supply-adapter-cable-for-gocam-pm-g3

[@jakepiascik7277]

Anyone know if I can get this to work with the GoPro Hero 2018

[@jvdejesus05]

@joshuabardwell, did the WiFi antenna work?

[@gus8378]

This might justify getting a vista instead of an air unit, given that it's about 20g lighter. The gopro footage is better than the onboard recording of the air unit, I just worry about the extra drag the gopro causes, having the worst possible aerodynamics.

[@williambarlow4804]

Great video as always!!!!

[@townc2824]

Do we really need to solder on an antenna for the wifi? It seems like it's low enough power to not be a problem running without a load...

[@JoshuaBardwell]

All I can say is lots of people report burning out their radio by running without an antenna. But some people also burn it out running with an antenna so IDK.

[@townc2824]

@@JoshuaBardwell Radio as in Taranis, etc.? Or wifi?

[@liamhaddon7526]

@@townc2824 GoPro Wifi

[@hankbizzo5]

Know it's taboo to some but any plans to test osmio action?? Seems to be a solid cam and stacks up well aside GoPro.

[@theHotpointHoodlum]

I believe It doesn’t have any stabilization software, or it doesn’t work well with fpv I what I was told

[@hankbizzo5]

There are a few videos that compare them but are really biased. It does have stabilization. I really like mine just for the fact exposure isn't as high and 240fps.

[@PapaBonas]

@joshuabradwell, is the 1.6 still needed today? I am running 2.1 on my hero 6..

[@BlaiseFPV]

Yes, 1.6 is more stable for using stabilization software in post. 2.1 makes the gyro more susceptible to noise and makes worse smooth footage

[@jonassee964]

Hey Joshua i build the get fpv beginner build like you but i cant turn down the pwm frequence to 24khz, mine is on 48khz. does this make a differance? my quad is flipping out a bit when i turn too fast.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

You should be fine on 48k. Flipping out a bit you should email me to discuss.

[@jonassee964]

@@JoshuaBardwell can i send it to your business mail or do you have another?

[@hongk0ngfu3y]

is there a gopro 7 or 8 option?

[@LL_cinema]

@Joshua Bardwell, thank you for great and informative video, but one question, which I cannot find answer for elsewhere and also do not clearly see in your video - what you used for antenna? Is there an ordinary cable or is it real antenna like from FrSky rx? Because those usually has core and shell (or ground in other words). I have some knocked off FrSky antennas, so was thinking to use it. So in my understanding, I should basically remove shell completely, cut 3.2mm of core with insulating cover, and solder it? right? Also another question, can I use front LCD with this setup using Betafpv V1.1 bec (I guess I can, as it uses only connection to motherboard and should not eat much power)? Would be good to see if you are still on video mode and did not accidently went to photo or timelapse :)

[@JoshuaBardwell]

It's ordinary wire. Just cut to the correct 31mm for 2.4g.

[@LL_cinema]

@@JoshuaBardwell Just done it, everything works with my GP7b, ahhh it was so scary to plug 4s battery for the first time :). By the way, my phone did not saw my camera also, until I turned it on (short press mode button) and did refresh on gopro app (in Cameras view, top right corner 3 dots -> refresh). Then it appeared as "camera found". Maybe your wifi still not gone. Good luck and thanks again.

[@dos4gwexe]

@@JoshuaBardwell some folks on here saying you need to bridge a connection from the u.fl to the point you soldered for the antenna to work. Any chance you could update on whether that's actually necessary?

[@connorcunningham7449]

Gotta shout out Paul Park! He's the naked gopro pioneer!

[@MANTA_FPV]

is this also possible with the session 5?

[@feelmyola]

What size are those Torx screws?

[@jhughes2286]

Hey Josh a person's phone choice says a lot about them, what kind of phone do you have! I know this is off topic