Build an FPV drone in 2023 - Part 6 - Walksnail Video Transmitter

[@JoshuaBardwell]

Buy the DIY build kit at: * Analog video version - bit.ly/3QtWKOd * Digital HD video version - bit.ly/45AUklt

[@AttentionDeficitHobbyDisorder]

Finally upgraded from analog, and just got my Goggles X and a Moonlight kit today! This video was a HUGE help in getting them all set up! Thank you!

[@JoshuaBardwell]

If you need a tutorial for how to install and set up BF Configurator - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpyliIWfeqx-iqs

[@caliboltons6782]

Great video. I did run into an issue with the Avatar HD Pro with dual antenna's that others seem to have experienced. The issue is that there seems to be no method to get the USB-C to connected to a computer for the upgrade. I purchased 2 of the VTX kits, so tried the USB-C cable from both on the one I installed (so far). No joy. I just submitted a request to Caddx for support. The shipped version of the VTX's are 34.40.15. The shipped version of the Goggles X is 37.42.5 (latest stable). Video is fine from the VTX to the Goggles. Maybe something to discuss on a live-stream if a recurring issue. Thank you for all your great content.

[@caliboltons6782]

I figured it out. I noticed a video with a USB-C to USB-A in the path. I grabbed an apple device (has USB-C to computer, then USB-A, USB-C, and HDMI as inputs). This worked to connect the VTX drive to my computer. I guess something is missing in the USB-C dongle. I did try to re-connect the USB-C post update to see if it was a fixed software bug and not hardware, nope. Maybe Caddx will reply to my support request and send fixed dongles.

[@Charlie_Waffles]

i‘m out of the drone game a few years.. dont even know what walksnail is 🤣 but i guess i just search for an older JB video explaining everything of it ❤😂

[@JoshuaBardwell]

All videos in this series are in this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLwoDb7WF6c8l24IM83wIS94XzhuMVC2gx

[@MCsCreations]

Interesting wire convention, Joshua... I like it! Perhaps I adopt it as well! 😊 I loved variable name conventions... intNumber, strText and so on. (Yeah, I'm weird, I know. 😬) Anyway, thanks for the tutorial!!! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@BrainHurts5446]

This has been the most add triggering build follow I’ve ever done. Colors don’t match on wires. Kit doesn’t come with double sided to do as you do. Only comes with one strap. However I’m thankful it’s here. And I’m almost done I think

[@ghostrot]

These days a sub 250 build would be nice to follow

[@randysem7848]

What happened to the Livestreams?? My life is boring now. Did something happen between you and Blunty?

[@JoshuaBardwell]

I have been traveling for work. We did a Q&A stream last night though and will do the news tonight.

[@randysem7848]

@@JoshuaBardwell awesome glad to know. Thanks

[@stillededge]

JB...where is the FAA approved tracker dealy-bob?

[@Publius_Valerius]

Just found out that after updating the goggle and vtx, you now have to update the vtx firmware for every drone you have before they work with your goggles. No flying today 😢. Thanks for the heads up.

[@Mupshot]

This series is great and entertaining and I did actually learn something. whether I use the gReen and whiTe convention. I usually use Blue and green for UARTS, but will start putting the blue on the RX on the peripheral

[@JoshuaBardwell]

Nooooo. If you use blue and green, then gReen would go on RX on the FC, which would put it on TX on the peripheral.

[@Mupshot]

@@JoshuaBardwell I said it right, if not eloquently. Blue on the receiver RX would put gReen on the receiver TX. but thank you for making me double check.

[@gregstewart4692]

"Occasionally getting to enjoy flying." (37:35) I laughed pretty hard at the comments around this one. It seems that way sometimes for sure. After 5 &1/4 yrs. at this, lately, when building, I seem to run into issues that just stop me in my tracks. Some of the issues are because of my own lack of awareness; some are due to faulty electronics where I have to remove something and replace it; other issues are a lack of preparation on my part; and still others are due to over confidence and laziness where I might not double check something. Overall, though, as I look back, I realize that I have learned so much. I love this hobby in spite of all the problems. I wish I could have had a series of videos that are this detailed when I started. You have hit on so many issues where I had to look for answers, or maybe email you to finally get something cleared up. I hope you earn a bundle from this project. I think you certainly deserve it. Thank you.

[@carrboro_chapelhillfpv2442]

Yeah my new walksnail is not binding. The camera/vtx is brand new and flashes a slow green and will not go into bind mode

[@AlejoMX5]

people looking for iTX and uRX 🤣

[@unabel987]

I got the moonlight kit with mine. Where can I get a dual antenna mount that will work with this drone that I'm currently building from your videos

[@Michelsen3K]

Yiggi and thingyverse. Type walksnail

[@CRUZROYHelicopters]

Just off topic to this video, you seem to know alot about gps's , i have a helicopter with gps, and i would like to install a newer m10 ublox gps, do you think they are programmed to the heli, if so can i plug the old one into beta flight to find settings to copy over to new gps....thanks for any info

[@jonathanr4242]

Great video. Is there a way to communicate with the vtx through the UART without the FC? E.g. would it be possible to use an esp32 or Arduino? It might be fun to use goggles with a robot.

[@hotkatgotama]

Hi, I love this series of videos - I have also watched your previous offering on this topic. I bought a torque wrench intending to use it in my first build (AOS UL7 EVO, RCinPower 2020Kv, HolyBro H7 stack, BetaFPV ELRS, GNB 3aH Lipo, Hota D6 - will get HDZero FPV rig later when my bank card cools down). However, I cannot find any information on what the correct torque is for the various combinations of hex screws with nyloc nuts and aluminium standoffs. I fear that the minimum setting on my torque wrench is too high (it is a Roebuck 1.2Nm to 6.0Nm). As always, love your content.

[@dagazenterprise]

Question, i have the Goggles X, while the channel expansion worked, the power output did not. Is this a function of the new X platform? Thanks

[@dagazenterprise]

interesting, i plugged the kwad in and now i have access to 1200mw but only 4 channels....

[@JoshuaBardwell]

4 channels means you are in 50 Mbps mode. You get increased image quality but the channels are wider so you have fewer of them.

[@bengordon7635]

I fly mostly regular analog with the rush tank 1.6 watt vtx and microphone to hear motors a must ( DJI has to much latency for a mic ) the newer analog cameras are pretty good when racing .. .. better then DJI as far as penetration .. no loss frames and very little static through trees .. I love DJI but coming up on objects full speed you miss your cut and lose time when in full speed mode

[@pitito72]

Hello JB, I was wondering if there is a solution to the Caddx Vista installation screw problem or any advice.

[@anzor_fpv]

Hi, my betaflight 10.9. osd preview is to large, how can i resize it like you have it in this video?

[@RawFreestyleFPV]

Have you had an issue with the vtx being mounted to the frame, grounding the entire frame? has that caused short or any other issues?

[@JoshuaBardwell]

No, not at all. The frame gets continuity to ground through multiple devices. It's not an issue.

[@RawFreestyleFPV]

@@JoshuaBardwell ty!

[@jaredcg1]

Love the video will everything you did with the goggles work with the the fat shark dominator digital HD? I'm pretty sure they're the same.

[@mikolajpe]

Josh, can you build.your own drone using Dji Fpv 2 controller?

[@christopherconkright1317]

Why don't you glue two thin pieces of carbon fiber to the bottom plate the size of the wire so it leaves space to run it under everything. By glueing it you are not hurting the integrity of the bottom plate by cutting into it.

[@afcl1984]

The 34.40.15 firmware is working a lot better for me. Much better range and penetration.

[@johncarold]

Hi Josh, Great video installation of the walksnail video transmitter. Even though I'm a analog pilot this is still educational. Some day I hope to find a walksnail googles that I can afford. Thanks again for the video and information about installing Walksnail system.

[@stillededge]

Thanks!

[@QBA_FPV]

commands set osd_canvas_width = 53 set osd_canvas_height = 20 not working in BF 4.3?

[@JoshuaBardwell]

Yes because Betaflight 4.3 doesn't support HD canvas. The FC is supposed to come with 4.4 on it.

[@QBA_FPV]

So the only way to deal with this is to update to BF 4.4?

[@JoshuaBardwell]

If you want the HD canvas yes. If you are ok with SD canvas then you can stay on 4.3. But if you're building the QAV-S kit, your FC should come with 4.4 on it. Are you building the QAV-S kit?

[@QBA_FPV]

No. I'm finally switching from analog to digital. I'm rebuilding my Apex 5 HD

[@totyrain]

I found the little usb/plug cable super usefull cose i fly mostly cinewhoops. Just doble tape it to an accesible place in the frame and thats it.

[@BASSstarlet]

Where's the 7 part? I'm kinda lost..

[@JoshuaBardwell]

Full playlsit is linked in the video description: kzbin.info/aero/PLwoDb7WF6c8l24IM83wIS94XzhuMVC2gx

[@Notarocketscientist]

Shout out to editor! It was very helpfull.

[@namansharma2937]

great explanation for each step, also with the easiest examples. Very Helpful. Thanks.

[@TheHelicapt]

Is the cli command to set the osd size still relevant for the new goggles x ?

[@JoshuaBardwell]

I don't see any reason why it would have changed.

[@TheHelicapt]

@@JoshuaBardwellGreat. Thanks !

[@madladdan]

Which is your favourite video link system?

[@richcoughran2619]

I’m interested in the kit, how come no HDZero version?

[@alberto2974]

Great video and useful tips. Thanks for your time

[@ARMY_RUGS]

IM loving the humour hahahaha . Camera is blind hahah

[@spunktr]

Great video series, thank you Joshua. I have one question: Can the VTX be installed directly to the frame only with the screws or are there also spacers/dampers needed? I couldnt see that in the video.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

I install it exactly as shown in the video.

[@tito9107]

Unlocking procedure is the same for the standalone vrx, correct?

[@JoshuaBardwell]

Yes

[@cameronmacdonald2026]

Where did you get your goggle foam from JB? I’ve looked all over and can’t find it.

[@samuelpmoran]

It looks like foam for DJI goggles. Other people recommend it, and it's what I'm running. It's better than stock, but it's still not very comfortable on my face.

[@craigellard4991]

Is there a HD zero vtx video?

[@JoshuaBardwell]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHrHpH1rjJiCkLcsi=ivh82DgEdjql6-2-

[@craigellard4991]

@@JoshuaBardwell amazing thanks very much

[@quadsmack]

Was super psyched about this frame - immediately wanted to build one up, that arm mounting looks awesome. However, just as I was about to hit the buy button this video demonstrates that its just unsuitable for Walksnail. The lack of ability to soft mount is annoying but not the end of the world. Sticking too far out, and if you push back in that slot one screw leaving the camera flopping around.. dealbreaker.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

What does "wflopping" mean?

[@quadsmack]

@@JoshuaBardwelllooks like youtube truncated my comment. I ediited it and restored the missing words. Appreciate that you actually read it and tried to respond. looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

[@QuadMcFlyFlies]

@@quadsmack we used to fly all our cameras back in the day with only one screw. I still use it that way on a number of builds. You have to smack it pretty hard to lose the camera angle and you can just re-adjust it. I haven't found it to be a major issue in practice. If you want to secure it better you can put a rubber washer on the inside between the camera and the side plate and use a wide head screw instead of the cap heads. If you do that it won't move at all. If you don't have a rubber washer you can print one with like two layers of TPU. Super fast print and it provides a ton of added friction. Basically it won't move without tearing up the TPU first.

[@quadsmack]

@@QuadMcFlyFlies sure it can work -- and the TPU washer is a good idea. Still would have liked to see better accommodation of current popular systems. Perhaps next build I'll give it a try. As for the smack necessary to move a camera..there is a reason camera protection is important to me, Hold My Beer... :-) Thanks for the reply - the involvement with the community absolutely makes the products more interesting!

[@QuadMcFlyFlies]

@@quadsmack yeah I agree it would definitely be more ideal to come up with perfect mounting solutions for each camera, but we also didn't want to make a frame with a different mount part for each system, and there was a target weight to hit which complicates how much depth and aluminum we could put in the front end. Unfortunately the drawback of a more "swiss army knife" approach is it's less than perfect for some systems, so we had to prioritize a bit. Understandably not everyone is going to be happy with the compromises that entails. Hopefully it is at least workable for most folks. As you say though listening to the community and engaging is super important, so if we get a lot of feedback on this it's something we'll definitely look at more closely in the future. We definitely appreciate the feedback. We have other frames almost ready with different design goals though, so I think there's eventually going to be something that covers most typical use cases.