FatShark Scout FPV - Teardown, Review & DVR

[@whiffles]

I just received my replacement display from FatShark and it works like a charm! No more blue line. I also found that my fan wasn't working, so FatShark sent a replacement fan as well. Works great now! The display cost $35 because it was my fault, but they sent the fan for free.

[@wpwithers]

THANK YOU so much for doing the side by side size comparisons on these! Nobody else has bothered to do that. I use the Eachine VR011 and have used the EV800D in the past. I want something more compact but my IPD is just slightly beyond the widest IPD of most low profile goggles. It's hard to tell from just pictures hope much smaller they are.

[@BobDiaz123]

Just so you know, NTSC Video is 60 Fields per second. Two fields = 1 frame, but each field is 1/60 of a second apart in time. Now the resolution is 1/2 the vertical resolution of a frame, but today's conversion chips can fill in the gaps making it seem like each frame is a full field.

[@brandonhubbard1154]

Got mine Tuesday as my first fpv goggles. Thanks for the tear down as I was wondering what the patch looked like and where the fan was.

[@robertp7209]

For the EV800D I see a clear image w/o corrective lenses, with the Scout the image is not clear. I’m near sighted to about 10 inches, and need corrective lenses for distance like driving. The two mirror setup with screen on top seems to mimic the Fatshark Transformer arrangement.

[@Felix3301]

Ntsc is 60 fps interlaced. They probably just interpolate the missing lines like many screens do. Each interlace is a seperate image capture so you get 60fps temporal resolution.

[@lfmradfpv]

This review was everything that I wanted and more. I'm planning to upgrade from an EV800 mostly because of the much higher quality screen and resolution of the Scout and this is definitely the most detailed look I've seen so far. You went above and beyond with the teardown. One query though, I've seen other reviewers mentioning that they had problems seeing the bottom part of screen because the size of the lenses and other problems with blurriness (I'm guessing likely related to their specific fit), have you found this to be a problem? I'm not super picky when it comes to a bit of ghosting on the OSD but I would be worried if the goggles were to strain my eyes too much, I'm ok with having to focus up close with the EV800's screen and it does not bother me too much but I'm expecting the Scout to be an improvement in this respect. Could you elaborate a bit? Thank you very much!

[@thxkid]

I had one of these and returned it as it will going through the mirroe cut off about 15% on the top and 15% off the bottom of your live FPV screen, I have my OSD on my camera's on the very bottom and through the goggles they were completely cut off, so if your trying to be precise in going through items that cut off of the top and bottom will make it harder to judge, screen look greats, I just could not put up with loosing 20-30% of my screen, this does not effect the DVR recording.

[@YaboiBlkRob]

@@thxkid it's because ur osd settings in betaflight.. or ur cameras osd setting are set to 4:3 not 16:9. Alternatively you can put ur osd more towards the center in betaflight

[@Winterfal11]

@@thxkid You gave them a bad review for this reason on Amazon, if Roberts comment is the solution you need to go back to Amazon and delete it as it was your mistake not their goggles.

[@BlenderRender1]

Thanks for the teardown of the Fatshark scouts. The Fatshark scouts patch antenna sucks so imma take my googles apart and put on a different patch.

[@christhorney]

the teardown was perfect thanks, i did some testing between these i just got and my transporter 2 goggs, and i found the patch antenna is aimed about 10 degrees to the right and 10 degrees to the floor, with the quad sitting on a bar stool about waist height from the ground inside the steel shed on 25mw, i walked til the omni cut out then started aiming the patch antenna around, and i found i had to hold the goggles off axis from where the quad was, i need to do more testing but it made me want to pull them apart and put an sma adaptor on the second antenna so i can put a patch on that im able to aim around, or as i had on my old goggles 2 lollypops at a 45 to eachother and i would get no cut out in my test i did if i was still in range with the omni i could make it cut out pointed in the wrong direction (if i was flying directly above myself direction) and the transporter 2's with the dual omni i could point in any direction and unless my head was physically in the path at that edge of reception is was flyable for longer, but again point the patch in the right direction and its far better than the omni, just hard to aim it, super narrow beam and really off from the direction it should be aimed. Unfortunatly i crashed my little mobula7 into long grass before the goggles arrived and now i have no quad to fly and im worried the new one wont arrive until after xmas as the postage here sucks, i was able to do the testing with my old tinyhawk 3 that has a blown motor driver from a crash into a puddle, but the vtx still works fine, it just pulls 5 amps when just sitting there not even armed and if i try to arm it, the FC just resets and goes into some fail mode thing, but atleast it still sends video so i was able to do my tests with the new goggles

[@nyclassic4ever130]

Got the scout HDs and the SD card is jammed into the slot tray. Wondering if removing that panel will give me easier access to maneuver that. But I doubt it. 🤦🏽‍♂️. In that position can't read or write to it. It's stuck really bad.

[@GoldenFpv]

Thank you I`m definitely going from ev800 to Scout !

[@J.D.Vision]

Nice teardown. Can you teardown the new skyzone cobra X if you get the chance?.

[@whiffles]

That might be a fun video to make. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@hondapimpin420]

Hey could you drill a hole and upgrade that internal panel antenna?

[@whiffles]

Sure, it's just a U.FL connector. You could probably attach an SMA pigtail and drill a hole for that.

[@graywoulf]

Great review! I like the FS Scout goggles a lot. I own an old pair of FS Predator V2 goggles and I think it is time for an upgrade. I was wondering if you considered the feasibility of upgrading the internal patch antenna or maybe a mod to attach an external patch antenna on these?

[@whiffles]

I've seen somebody who replace the internal patch by running an SMA adapter to a hole they drilled into the side. It's doable, but you need to take it apart.

[@mangmukidintea]

My FATSHARK SCOUT DVR RECORD has some noice sound. Is that normally???

[@RizkiAmalia]

do you know the size of the IPX connector used by the patch antenna on this fathark scout? I hope you will answer it

[@mougnette]

Really nice review and good job at tearing it down... didn't look like an easy task. Also impressive Fatshark proposed to send you a replacement screen as it's clear that is outside of what a standard warranty covers. Regarding the FPS : NTSC is a 30fps interlaced standard. that means there is 60 different images per second displayed at half the vertical resolution. The Scout DVR records every fields (60/s) and interpolate the missing lines, generating a real 60 fps footage. Traditional FPV dvrs only record one field and just drop the other one, meaning you are missing half of the received information, generating a 30 fps footage. Keep the nice work.

[@whiffles]

I'm paying for the replacement display. It cost me $35. I wouldn't expect them to cover it considering it was my fault. Great info about the DVR! It seems to work really well.

[@mougnette]

@@whiffles Oh that does make sense... the way you mentioned it in the video was giving me that feeling it was free... anyway I would explain the FS repair center that it happened because you were doing a review... maybe they would consider sending it for free.

[@whiffles]

@@mougnette I said it pretty quick but I said "They're willing to sell me a replacement display." They've been really good to me so I don't mind paying for my mistake. It's already done and on the way.

[@MarkusBBT]

Great video I have to say! Many thanks! Have a good one!

[@rcaddict9558]

Hi mate, my joystick is messing about, could i just solder a caddx fpv joystick on instead, they both have 6 connectors, 3 each side? Ive tried pulling up and pressing down and it works sometimes but , dont want to risk it going into menu mode whilst flying, extremely gratefull my friend

[@mr.j9232]

Please answer, The patch inside google,is lhcp or rhcp

[@batman_uwu]

If you have focus problem, you can actually pop off the lens by pulling it from under the nose area. I am -4.00 myopia and and i cannot focus with the lens on. The only caveat is the fov will become significantly lower. I hope fatshark release a different focal length lens..

[@whiffles]

The enclosure was designed to accommodate glasses. Did you try that?

[@batman_uwu]

@@whiffles yep...tried that...does not work because my pair of glasses is wider than the goggle...🤣🤣🤣

[@JeffriRanger]

As always, nice teardown and review

[@jdd1777]

Thinking of getting these for flying my planes, best DVR I have seen. If you can find any info on the DVR please let us know. Thanks for the comparisons.

[@whiffles]

I pretty much covered the extent of the DVR. The only other thing worth mentioning is the files don't play on Quicktime. I have to use VLC to play them.

[@jdd1777]

@@whiffles I was hoping to find the DVR separate.

[@whiffles]

@@jdd1777 I'm not sure what you mean?

[@spitfeueranna]

Would this goggle be the best option available for someone who can only see out of one eye (blind in the other)? I'm thinking box goggles would not waste screen real estate on a second screen that could not be seen, vs box goggles. Also, you could fit glasses in this? How would you connect Crossfire into this, through the AV input? Can you connect an external battery pack to this that you keep in your pocket, and leave the top battery off (heavy)?

[@whiffles]

This should be fine for one eye. It's somewhat of a premium single-screen headset and yes you can fit glasses. The Eachine EV800DM is a little cheaper and also accommodates glasses. You can power these via USB-C without the battery. And Crossfire is a radio transmitter. That goes on your radio, not the goggles.

[@johncgibson4720]

Is the video feed digitally processed? Or straight analog feed into your eyes? I do diving in urban settings, and I find that most recent box goggles have digital processing that blacks out the feed when the radio is too noisy. I can not afford to be blacked out of my drone. I threw away my 270 dollar viper periscopic goggle similar to the mirror system of the Scout after I figured out that the digital processing gave me blackouts.

[@whiffles]

These don't black out the screen. You'll just see static. I can't recall any recent headsets that didn't just show static though. That was a problem 5 years ago but not so much today.

[@stevejhkhfda]

Thanks for the review - very thorough...I use the ev800d and like that size of field of view, Im wondering if perhaps I can magnify this one a bit because otherwise it seems to be what Ive been hoping for in a box goggle...

[@whiffles]

No need, the FOV is plenty big enough.

[@stevejhkhfda]

@@whiffles for you perhaps but I like the ev800 size hence my comment...

[@edudiy9438]

Is there a Fatshark Scout sound in headphones when we fly on a camera with a microphone? Only for AV-HDMI?

[@whiffles]

It does have a headphone plug for listening to a quad with a mic.

[@glytch5]

With the fat shark scout now being 170 bucks compared to over 200 a while back I wonder how reviewers would compare it. I am stuck between the scout and the skyzone cobra s model. They are the same price.

[@lupohki]

where do you see it for 170?

[@glytch5]

@@lupohki Price went back up! Both getFPV and racedayquads had it for 170 for a while. They didn't say sale price either.

[@YaboiBlkRob]

Is the patch antenna upgradeable? I've upgraded from the immersonrc to foxeer pagoda and get significantly better reception. Nice Review!

[@whiffles]

I'm not sure how well a different patch would fit, but it just may be possible.

[@robertp7209]

Add the cost of the rapidfire on HDO. For better reception on the Scouts, can use a ground station with rapidfire on a video in cable. Double the cost though 😕.

[@gavinpowell8538]

Fantastic review, good job. I noticed the faint line down the middle of the scout screen. In your opinion do you think someone with sight in only one eye would notice the line while using them. Cheers

[@whiffles]

I think your referring to the lens. It is angled to your eyes so you don't see the bend.

[@gavinpowell8538]

@@whiffles appriciate your response

[@sligit]

Nice review and tear-down thanks!

[@BlakeT87]

Did you have any issue with your SMA connector? Mine doesn't mount flush. In fact it seems off-center and mounts at an angle to the plastic.

[@whiffles]

No, it mounts flush with the top. Is it centered on the hole?

[@BlakeT87]

Whiffles mine is not centered correctly. I can mount it without the plastic piece no problem. But with the plastic and the SMA being off center it doesn’t mount correctly. I’m trying to contact fatshark but no response yet.

[@whiffles]

@@BlakeT87 Fatshark will take care of it for you, but you'll have to ship it in. I'm not sure I recommend taking it apart yourself as it's easy to damage.

[@BlakeT87]

Whiffles I noticed in your video 😬 I’ve already contacted fat shark and raceday

[@DroneSkinz]

Great review. The comparisons seemed spot on. With me wearing glasses the Vipers seemed to be a great fit and I've been wondering if I should consider the fatshark Scout.

[@whiffles]

The Viper is just so big. This is a huge improvement in that regard not to mention the nice display.

[@FlyturboKwad]

Is the AUX port functional?

[@edudiy9438]

If I turn on the goggles without the antenna, will it damage them?

[@whiffles]

Nope. That's only if you turn on a video transmitter without an antenna.

[@sleepingbearffg5008]

Love your reviews! Great job again! Thanks! You deserve 1k close brother!! Have my support! God bless

[@erlandfpv]

Hi, want to ask, i see the patch antenn is using ipex/ufl connector, its mean, we can change it with ufl to SMA connector, so we can modify by put hole , so we can change patch antenna from outside later? Maybe it will work?

[@whiffles]

Yep, I've seen it done.

[@Handcraftedcc]

Great video! How do you think the reception is on the scout?

[@whiffles]

Pretty normal for a diversity setup, but for the patch to work you need to face where you're flying.

[@MasterChef-ux3gk]

@whiffles is it the Scout v1, v2, or v3?

[@HidenTutorial]

Excuse me sir can you tell me what's the serial number inside the display, please I cant see it very well..

[@simtcr]

Tear down of attitude v5 please

[@whiffles]

I think I'm going to skip the Atti V5 and jump right over to the Skyzone Sky03 OLED instead. It seems like a more appealing product with the higher resolution displays.

[@djs134]

As a current owner of the recon 2, do u think it’s worth upgrading to the scouts? I really was hoping to get a normal fatshark style google but from all reviews I’ve seen it’s really hit or miss if there blurry or not and no stores near me sell them, so no chance to try some on

[@whiffles]

Depends on what improvements you want. This display is night and day better and the reception is a little better with diversity. Otherwise it functions very much the same.

[@justalex7416]

Thanks for theardown, very interesting the optical project. What box give you less eye strain? EV800D, recon v3 or scout?

[@whiffles]

I haven't tried the V3, but so far the Scout.

[@justalex7416]

@@whiffles Thanks, will be fine if the manufacturers put the distance of virtual image. On eachine vr011 I measure 13cm from the eye. 8cm screen to lens, 300mm lens =11cm, plus 2cm lens to eye. Normal short distance eyesight is 25cm. Thats explain why a lot of people can't see a sharp image.

[@Chris_Paul1]

How's the picture quality look on the scout to compare to the HDO's or HD3's in person ?

[@whiffles]

Looks great. Hard to compare because it's a much bigger screen. Richer colors than the HD3, closer to the HDO.

[@J.D.Vision]

Is it possible to place the Display where the mirror is, facing your eyes?

[@whiffles]

The optics are designed to work only in this way, so I don't think there is any way to mod these in any meaningful way.

[@MachuPichuu]

Good video, btw what fpv camera is that? It looks like a really good picture.

[@whiffles]

It's the Sailfly X

[@muhammadzaydabas6470]

hey im looking at buying my first pair of goggles im looking at getting a good pair while staying in the budget range what do you recommend ?

[@whiffles]

Well it depends on what your budget is. These are pretty good but they're $200. If you want something cheaper look at the Fatshark Recon V3.

[@muhammadzaydabas6470]

@@whiffles thanks will do What do you think about the ev800d?

[@whiffles]

@@muhammadzaydabas6470 Personally it makes me queasy because the display feels too close to my eyes.

[@muhammadzaydabas6470]

@@whiffles thanks I'll take that into consideration

[@muhammadzaydabas6470]

@@whifflesIn your review of the fatshark recon v3 the picture quality seemed to be quite poor is it worth buying as a first pair of goggles?

[@lockingpaul]

What kinda distance you get before complete break up?

[@whiffles]

It really depends on what sort of obstacles you've got in front of you. This will get just as much range as typical Fatshark goggles.

[@fellstar]

Fantastic work, as usual, bro.

[@Cambalamba]

Have you had any battery percentage problem with the recon v2 I have 4.2 full charged lg 18650 but it says 15%

[@whiffles]

I haven't noticed anything like that. The battery life has always been very good.

[@MasterChef-ux3gk]

Which scout model is it? I'm planning to buy the one from the video

[@whiffles]

There's only one model as far as I know. You may be thinking of the Recon V2 and V3. The Scout is much better than either.

[@MasterChef-ux3gk]

@@whiffles oh ok

[@MasterChef-ux3gk]

@@whiffles that's kind of what I thought, and yeah that's what all the reviews say for the Scout

[@MarcoPolux]

I've been looking for a good review like this one. Thanks!!! Is the Scout, do you think, easier to the eye (tired eyes... long sight) than the HDO?

[@whiffles]

I think any dual screen goggle puts less stress on the eyes. These are a lot better than most single screen headsets, but can still cause a little eye strain if you're susceptible to it.

[@zeblade64]

Better than eachine EV800D ? I hesitate between this two...

[@whiffles]

They're two very different headsets. Personally I cannot fly the EV800D due to the eye strain and the large display. These are much easier on my eyes.

[@JuanCintron]

Which cable needed rot Aux Port?

[@whiffles]

It's a 3.5mm jack

[@jmattfpv3282]

JST-GH 3 pin

[@cashtroc7284]

Thanks for the amazing review

[@slowentropy4531]

Definitely think the newer eachine 800DM take the win. I can hand the form factor for the price and what it gives you.

[@whiffles]

I think it depends on how well your eyes handle them. The EV800DM is nice, but it strains my eyes and makes me queasy.

[@heyjackfpv5469]

do you think its possible to replace the 10 dbi patch to a 14dbi patch ?

[@whiffles]

As long as it fits and has a U.fl connector.

[@IgorAntarov]

What those mirrors are for? To make box smaller?

[@whiffles]

They're part of the optical system. Yes, they do make the enclosure smaller, but they also help with the viewable distance.

[@IgorAntarov]

@@whiffles thanks for the details 👍

[@Stashmanfpv]

If it only had HDMI... ☹️ Great review!

[@daich]

Awesome job 👍🏼

[@gabrielramos7081]

I have eachine vr d2, I'm thinking of buying the fatshark scout 4, do you recommend them to me? Do you see a single screen or are two screens divided?

[@whiffles]

I do recommend the Scout. There is a single display as you can see in the teardown.

[@omgwtflmaololrotfl2368]

Vr d2 has true diversity. Fatshark does not have diversity. I'm tempted to get the fatshark but the diversity is a big issue. And the vr d2 is a pretty impressive goggles. Yes they are big but I love big screens and looking around while I'm flying. Only goggles I really wanted other than my vr d2 was the fatshark transformers but they don't make them anymore sadly and weird why not. So I will just enjoy my vr d2 for longer until I find something that will work for me. Cause these small goggles are just bad that small screen, blurry edges and tunnel vision is not for me. Tried then all and hated them all.

[@birdman316]

great video! i have the recon v2 goggles and love them.... you helped me to decide between the scouts and the vipers....going with the scouts... the recons look great but if the scouts are even better it looks like im in 4 a pleasant surprise lol!!

[@whiffles]

If you like the Recon then I think you'll like these. They're very similar. The screen looks fantastic and the DVR is top notch.

[@birdman316]

@@whiffles sounds great! kinda wish theyd have a sale and drop down a lil from the 200dollar pricetag lol! but still compared to the 500dollar goggles these are a steal anyway

[@whiffles]

@@birdman316 If you hold out for a coupon you can get a discount, but I don't think Fatshark is going to reduce the MSRP.

[@GiffysChannel]

very cool comparison!

[@J.D.Vision]

Is the patch antenna upgradable?

[@whiffles]

If you can fit an alternative in there, sure. I'm not sure it's really necessary though.

[@mistercohaagen]

I'm just glad they're finally selling products that don't require dissembly for some mandatory mod.

[@whiffles]

I'm not sure I've ever needed to disassemble a FatShark product. Do you mean the HD3 mod to run the RapidFire module?

[@mistercohaagen]

@@whiffles that or the Laforge diversity.

[@doubletapgaming1189]

Thanks for this video! I just uploaded a video where I did a mod to these goggles, and I put a link to your video in the description. I just wanted to let you know, and thanks for your help.

[@whiffles]

Awesome! Thanks for the support!

[@MrCrankSer]

So.... FatShark Scout or Eachine EV800DM ?

[@whiffles]

I haven't tried the ev800dm yet, but these are two completely different headsets. The Scout is a high end product.

[@Neocro]

Whiffles Great, very helpful, informative, goood rewiev. Thank you.

[@Neocro]

Whiffles, i forget to ask, how is situation with eye strain on FatShark Scout?

[@Hellmuthsilva]

Any coupon for them?

[@whiffles]

You'll probably need to hunt one down. A number of stores carry this.

[@Hellmuthsilva]

@@whiffles I had the domv3 and wanted a bigger screen, are this better then the ev800d? Is it worth it? I had the rapidfire but wanted a better screen with better reception. Thanks

[@whiffles]

@@Hellmuthsilva This definitely has a bigger screen. It's also a much higher quality display than either the Dom V3 or the EV800D. To use Rapidfire you'll need something like the dock king to power it and send the av ouput to the headset.

[@Hellmuthsilva]

@@whiffles no I meant to say that the signal is it closer to the rapid fire signal the reception is it worth $200

[@whiffles]

@@Hellmuthsilva It doesn't do video feed blending like the Rapidfire, so it's closer to a more traditional diversity arrangement like the EV800D.

[@Brunmed]

Thank you so much for this review and teardown :) Every time I see another review of this googles I am more inclined to purchase them. O prefer the box type, having myself a Quanum DIY V2 Pro and tried the Fatshark HD2 that as one of the biggest slim style FOV's. I think this is the way to go and then I'll have a backup/spectator googles that can even source the screen for a future ground station to be built :) What do you say?

[@whiffles]

Go for it! This is a very nice headset.

[@Brunmed]

@@whiffles quick question... That patch antenna should be RHCP, right?

[@whiffles]

@@Brunmed I would imagine so

[@Brunmed]

@@whiffles confirmed by Fatshark Support it indeed is RHCP! Got email as proof :)

[@8anos8anos]

Thank u for this! I think that is waste of money to spend more for googles that is not reaching the expectations of quality yet. But i think this is the top of box googles and when the "perfect" googles will come out the scout will still be the pal's or back up! google! I preorder them but i am from the unlucky ones that there are out of stock before 2 days!

[@Nikita-zd1gc]

no dvr upgrade in hdo2((( ggwp

[@xgg_fpv]

video: fatshark scout review video end: crash :)

[@dimyata]

LoL .. this is the video I whant!10x

[@veek2767]

Now I see why their batteries are like that.. because they are cheap af and shuved it on the main board like that...

[@whiffles]

Not sure I'm following. I like this design over the Recon because it's much more compact. That battery bay makes it a lot more bulky.

[@veek2767]

@@whiffles I just mean it would be a lot better for the customer if they added a battery bay vs slapping metal onto the main board for it.

[@whiffles]

@@veek2767 Adding a battery bay would make the headset much bigger.