MOD RapidFire module on FatShark Scout Goggles

I installed a RapidFire module on my FatShark Scout goggles to increase range and signal quality. Really easy to do using the Aux connector and a 3d printed adapter.

[@idrone5218]

i have the same goggles. i would like to see a range test with the rapid fire mod on these goggles.

[@Tru3Soule]

Just did this mod and it made vision for my drone perfect and a longer range

[@rohitkudre3792]

I absolutely love this! I tried the same thing with the skyzone adapter on the scout but the amount of cables that go in and out are annoying. This mod is perfect! Great work!

[@stevennh1392]

Thanks! It's still working great. I actually bought a sky zone adapter first but then saw some posts on the Aux port and decided to tweak an existing thingiverse design to better match the goggles. I was happy to see the 5v on the aux could power the rapidfire without issue. The hardest part was finding that silly connector!

[@andrewut7ya511]

Most excellent. I love my scouts but would like an upgrade without spending 600+$

[@flyhigh1491]

Hi, based on this tutorial, I made a similar modification for the URUAV RX5808 EVO receiver. So far, it works fine with the Fatshark SCOUT goggles. However, I had to modify yours receiver housing with a file ;-)

[@gabyjoe899]

Don't forget do the L1/10 mod cause the 5v drop to 4.74v by the lenght of wire and the inductor in the circuit, just eliminate or jump with a wire the T10 inductor near the conector.

[@stevennh1392]

Does that apply to the Scout?

[@daviddaubois]

Great mod ! Thanks ! Would have been interresting to see what is displayed on the FatShark screen

[@stevennh1392]

It's the same as the standard video, just fewer drop-outs. The RapidFire does put a signal strength meter in the upper left by default, that can be turned on or off, but I like having it there. It's interesting to see what antenna is currently strongest. The only real pain is having to set the input to "AUX" every time since the FatShark Scout does not remember that setting when turned on/off.

[@stevennh1392]

DVR Footage of FatShark using RapidFire: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2XcgX2qoZqEgqM

[@daviddaubois]

@@stevennh1392 Thank you ! It is really giving new perspectives for the Fatshark scout.

[@zemeco]

hi !!! will you have the link to buy the cable? i have a lot of months try to buy

[@chknoodle2324]

Thanks for the Thingverse link, I think I'm gonna try this mod! Will be a welcome upgrade after over a year and a half with my trusty Fatshark Scouts. I'm curious whether there's a way to get around having to switch to aux input every time; instead of the aux input connector might there be a place you could connect the Rapidfire module internally so that it bypasses the stock receiver module? Just a thought I may pursue at some point, has the potential to look a bit hacky but maybe not.

[@stevennh1392]

Seems like it would probably be a pretty simple firmware change for the device to remember the last connection (if it has some local non volatile ram). Might be worth making a request to the Fat Shark guys. I've gotten used to just selecting the Aux input every time I turn it on, but it is a pain. I've not opened up the goggles, but it might not be bad to find the current video feed point for the internal Rx.

[@chknoodle2324]

@@stevennh1392 Yeah, that's what I was thinking, though on a cursory look through a Fatshark Scout teardown video kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJjcmmuNfJ6Cb68, I doubt that the video output node from the built-in diversity receiver will be easy to find lol. Nevertheless, I went ahead and followed your instructions for this mod, and it appears to work great! Tested the wiring without issue, and I just got your mount 3D-printed: i.imgur.com/Ljp0pbC.jpg . Looking forward to velcroing it to my goggles and flying with it this weekend!

[@DronePsyche]

And it gets all its power from the +5v pin1 right? No auxiliary power board required?

[@stevennh1392]

Yes it does. I have quite a few hours running this way with no issues.

[@DronePsyche]

@@stevennh1392 great thanks again. I will Do my own comparison video as well. People need to know more about this mod.

[@DronePsyche]

@@stevennh1392 holy moly! Just put everything together and gave it its first flight! Flawless video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2S7hqJqm5yDe5Y

[@stevennh1392]

Tried to check out your flight video but it looks like it's down.

[@DronePsyche]

@@stevennh1392 sorry. Here it is. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHibZn2vfq-JbrM

[@davidlee50]

Um do you have to have an Antenna on those ports when you turn it on?

[@stevennh1392]

Just on the Rapid Fire Module's connectors. You can put one on the Fat Shark for backup (you can switch inputs to use the internal RX in a pinch). See the initial shot (both patch and dipole).

[@luckylucc848]

Do you know how much current the Scout's AV port can provide? This mod looks amazing and I'm wondering if it wuld be possible with the TBS fusion...

[@stevennh1392]

I'm not sure, but I never had a problem powering the Rapid Fire, I assume the TBS Fusion would be OK as well. I've since moved to HDO2's, but still use this setup for friends to watch while I fly with the HDO2's. I used a larger battery (3200MAh) than the stock one to help with life, but it would still run for well over an hour straight with the module + goggles.

[@hubba002123]

Hi - Can you give links to the thingy verse and amazon for the connectors?

[@stevennh1392]

www.thingiverse.com/thing:4889597 See my response to Caleb below for the links to the connectors on ebay and amazon (I suggest the ebay ones).

[@stephanemiguez5178]

yes please for connectors

[@stevennh1392]

kzbin.info?event=comments&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbF94TzN2aE5WeTJNTzlsUW0wNjl4dXdEMmtZZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsM2VWbENPN0trOWRfZnhWeGhJTk9HZTBWNGtOWDlrWEltVkJmMGdZdkxsZmNDNHZGbFJSb1EzTXF4dzBOYnhtUWRDcjBqNzd4VUZMNVh1YWxKRnFSQlBzNlNseXBqN0EyWGNYOEFjNGNmTHVwcEhsSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2F154418051990%3F_trkparms%3Dispr%253D1%26haash%3Ditem23f4087b96%3Ag%3A8IAAAOSw2QtdV7GP%26amdata%3Denc%253AAQAGAAACkPYe5NmHp%25252B2JMhMi7yxGiTJkPrKr5t53CooMSQt2orsStEKTPzZMfQmny3knR97t0HyD9C4cCQjfwcyR1LrQu6GMxDnsoqIbpn%25252FGayiCFNbPVrtplNi2RNQTnJg1gSSztBqUc50UIzDTj3Zt5Kiav0V6iW29Q5l9CtwQPvPgtr2%25252FPMbGOH2VXYLwl8%25252BNhoqnskkqv66hLtX6SOceaArzKOTUeQH4gcbvxeAdArCj3AEV%25252FrcymL3HFea9tJhuvVL0Q0N2F0JCnuwSEnkof5S8hgqf65F1O3tVnYa7cn4nVJL8kD6gAC7pVcNeK9%25252BgrT901vxSveVEqVGGfvnLdkEM%25252FFVfLBnb38taLv73haRnMAQ0aiL3Pr338E%25252Bj8MCz55Kp35VJ3B1qmgL0IKORqBJy9UApmOYK96uPPI6Pw%25252Bj%25252BzzyXN9o4aYxmxUxYCA5kWN4QTAqabBE90l4vDJKTtaiXtf6gIXFvbCs%25252FCu4MKlVJLdWADgXQKHR173DAa8ew8PKLHrNR6ZoJfb4e3xiJ2%25252FtbAbZhkkNqBKIPkPe9o4t8Qolq1W%25252BLBHM1Zo5yKKf3rrlHZzF6E8sQ9Aa6omzwO0ZWOgRj82EXGM8lOYdcDBzubr92JNGCAi4YZrkrpI5ggVFJ2G3Ps0tSU3cHQ1wTitlfZAmpf%25252Bxw2zVRd6cxowYDicMCJ54TY1MD4jCStqDXnyBFqZM1zihS0vMhqIQEJzDIi5mTx9l1naC%25252F73IZxV5D%25252F6fuTYGvPofDegHLJKz0T0AM4TYpkHi92dgD95TZ64esT%25252FvxeINPLQNOMKpavkQ%25252BTaE1BXe4z3ki50mclRVI3yi0MnArbnxvl%25252FnP3r7WwGwpYK55FWgpVursuvPtQPDCt3O8%257Campid%253APL_CLK%257Cclp%253A2334524&stzid=Ugy5colkkYjW3iUjhpp4AaABAg.9Px--eNJiOY9PxgvG6zk_a 3 Pin version

[@hubba002123]

​@@stevennh1392 The Mod, as you describe it and how to do it is perfect and super clean. No issues at all. However, I have to say I'm a little disappointed with RapidFire and wondering how it works for you. I see virtually no improvement for my use case. Nothing to do with your solution. But, I am wondering under what circumstances RapidFire improves reception? My use case is I want to fly all the way around my house, while sitting on my back deck. I have limited ability to fly elsewhere. My Fatshark Scout goggles work, out of the box, but I have one spot that gets pretty fuzzy. My hope was Rapidfire would resolve this. Not only does it not, it actually is worse using RapidFire... I get total loss of signal with Rapidfire. I understand that analog is not that great going through objects (like houses) but I hoped for more. I have the DJI system and get crystal clarity with that and my Caddx Vista drone. Was going to mod my DJI goggles with RapidFire, but now I am not sure what I'd gain. Has RapidFire improved your use case?

[@stevennh1392]

I do see quite a bit better reception, in my case through trees. My house is towards the back of my property and I love to fly down the driveway and around the street area at the end of it. It's about 400' and there are a lot of trees in the way. It helps a lot there. It does also help doing the same thing you are describing, flying around my house while sitting on my deck, it's not perfect, but it's better than stock. I found switching to linear antennas helped me quite a bit with my Whoops since they all have whip antennas. Here are two flights, first with Rapid Fire, and the second Stock (same external linear whip I used with the Rapid Fire test). I am surprised (as I am sure you are) that the Rapid Fire performs worse than stock for you though, that I've never seen. what are you using for antennas on the Rapid Fire? I wonder if there is any chance you got a lemon? RapidFire: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKbRnqusncqDj7M Stock: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmG6c3-Ee9aFeK8

[@SamaraMedia]

Appreciate the video and the connection info but I'm having a hell of a time getting my module to actually fit into the 3D print. Seems like my Rapidfire cover is either to wide or the printed part is too narrow, I've printed both the low profile and standard .stl files. Is the last comment on the page linked to the correct file on Thingiverse? Thanks.

[@stevennh1392]

I wonder if there may be a scaling problem on your slicer or printer? I've printed several of both on my Prusa MK3 without issue. I assume you printed with supports, it can be hard to clean out the support material in the little cutouts for the cover clips, you might want to check that. My low profile version measures 36.84mm wide and 61.42mm long. Also, are you using the "low profile" cover from the Rapid Fire?

[@michaelwhinnery164]

I'm new to fpv and purchased these goggles, what purpose does this module serve ?

[@stevennh1392]

For me it was to upgrade the receiver. The built in patch and antenna are OK, but the Rapid Fire module works better. Using the external module also let's you pick your own patch antenna, I found that a linear patch worked better than the built in one for my flying (whoop with a linear tx antenna). The Rapid Fire provides much better switching between antennas keeping a better lock and providing better overall range.

[@casp_sports]

hello can you please send me the 3d print module and the like for the cabels

[@stevennh1392]

It's all in the comments below...

[@DronePsyche]

Rather than swap the pins on the connector side, couldn't you just swap when plugging them on the Rapid fire module?

[@stevennh1392]

You sure could.

[@DronePsyche]

@@stevennh1392 Thanks. Just bought the setup and printed your STL. Thanks for that. Can't wait to try and hopefully it will fix the issue I am having , as well as others, with the native RX where it freeze frames the picture when signal is low.... not fun and Fat Shark should have fixed after 3 years with a firmware upgrade.

[@jessethornhill8934]

does this add any latency ?

[@stevennh1392]

I did not measure it, but I doubt it. It's analog video and we are just changing the input from one RX to another. I could not notice any difference (but I'm pretty old and slow).

[@zacuge]

Hi, thanks for sharing. Have you done a Long Range test with this new mod? I was wondering whats the range difference between stock and mod. Cheers

[@stevennh1392]

Not really long range, but similar flights with stock and Rapid fire. 500ft through woods. Stock: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmG6c3-Ee9aFeK8 RapidFire: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKbRnqusncqDj7M

[@zacuge]

​@@stevennh1392 Thanks. But yeah, I saw them. Just wondering how many KM is added with this mod, in an open air Long Range test. Cheers

[@gabyjoe899]

the wiring order is the same for tbs fusion and other module???

[@stevennh1392]

Yep. They use the same pinouts on the modules.

[@AHeadC]

Will the antennas on the scout still be used when you use the rapidfire?

[@stevennh1392]

No, you'll need another pair of antennas connected to the module, but you won't need the external one on the Fat Shark Scout, so you'll just be "wasting" the internal patch.

[@AHeadC]

@@stevennh1392 cheers. Interesting how changing to the module increases that signal/clarity without the existing antennas.

[@andrewut7ya511]

Got any links for the aux cable used and 3d files?

[@stevennh1392]

Links are higher in the comments (first two!). I loved the mod, but did eventually buy some HDO2's (mainly for digital compatibility going forward).

[@rage288]

Hey! Nice mod! Can u share what antennas u are using on the module?

[@stevennh1392]

Sure, I've gone through a few. Since I am using a dipole on the Whoop, I am using a Bandicoot Menace 5.8GHz Linear Patch along with a 5.8GHz dipole (rubber ducky). www.racedayquads.com/products/menacerc-bandicoot-patch-receiver-antenna?_pos=1&_sid=94340c8c2&_ss=r and www.racedayquads.com/products/omni-directional-5-8ghz-articulated-sma-rubber-ducky-antenna-linear?_pos=3&_sid=94340c8c2&_ss=r .

[@pilototodidak]

Hy bro … where i can get this cable connector

[@stevennh1392]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PBHN7TM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 is one option. Search the comments for others. GH1.25 3 pin connector. The option with the wires terminated with connectors from e-bay: www.ebay.com/itm/154998912063?hash=item2416a7b43f:g:8IAAAOSw2QtdV7GP&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA4Myu62orqfr1YT3ipV1NUD0MV10K3gT9sHIQoY8WjV8rc4j5ipLhEWgI%2FAXxLlnSyxm58K%2FykKQbdZfRiK6TJBdlbuUr7IHvXshLSwTmYdp5mRmCptdtXjhkJm2ds84mXqUXt1AzhPxFHR4cbnR6mpRo9NFVNVxrJBoVVGgfGENZ9ISy7F9g3Tu32IJHZ2ocoeztrSufYzFvs%2ByyXzVuXybXIhJNiuEZeFNxEs6%2B9vwLbAlf8dEbO4d47yvAcGuvoFYW4CPEYg66%2ByZXT5ZBQrhqz3Kqvp02PZOXPGuXjoOq%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5LgpI-gYQ pick the 3 pin.

[@MJ-bj1gn]

Does anyone have a link to the AUX cable that isn't from Ebay? It takes 3 Months for a package to arrive...

[@stevennh1392]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PBHN7TM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 expensive but you get a bunch of different connectors and the 3 pin one you need. And it's 1 day.

[@MJ-bj1gn]

@@stevennh1392 Are you sure the right one is in the kit? Somehow the 3 Pin*20 seems a bit big for the AUX port

[@MJ-bj1gn]

Whatever, I just bought it. If it doesn't work out, i can use the silicon wire, heatshrink and tweezers.

[@stevennh1392]

@@MJ-bj1gn It's the right one. I just double checked. I bought both the ebay ones and the amazon, but ended up using the ebay since they already had the connectors on the other side that worked. I've used the 5 pin connectors from the amazon kit for my video tx.... Same connector style.

[@MJ-bj1gn]

@@stevennh1392 Nice to hear that! Thank you very much 😃

[@calebgonzalez5212]

Where did u get those six connecters from ???

[@calebgonzalez5212]

Aux*

[@stevennh1392]

@@calebgonzalez5212 GH1.5 PixHawk 2 connectors (3 pin). I got some very expensive ones from Amazon, and very in-expensive ones from eBay (the eBay ones even are terminated with connectors that will fit directly on the Rapidfire, that's the one I show in the video): www.ebay.com/itm/154418051990?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&haash=item23f4087b96:g:8IAAAOSw2QtdV7GP&amdata=enc%3AAQAGAAACkPYe5NmHp%252B2JMhMi7yxGiTJkPrKr5t53CooMSQt2orsStEKTPzZMfQmny3knR97t0HyD9C4cCQjfwcyR1LrQu6GMxDnsoqIbpn%252FGayiCFNbPVrtplNi2RNQTnJg1gSSztBqUc50UIzDTj3Zt5Kiav0V6iW29Q5l9CtwQPvPgtr2%252FPMbGOH2VXYLwl8%252BNhoqnskkqv66hLtX6SOceaArzKOTUeQH4gcbvxeAdArCj3AEV%252FrcymL3HFea9tJhuvVL0Q0N2F0JCnuwSEnkof5S8hgqf65F1O3tVnYa7cn4nVJL8kD6gAC7pVcNeK9%252BgrT901vxSveVEqVGGfvnLdkEM%252FFVfLBnb38taLv73haRnMAQ0aiL3Pr338E%252Bj8MCz55Kp35VJ3B1qmgL0IKORqBJy9UApmOYK96uPPI6Pw%252Bj%252BzzyXN9o4aYxmxUxYCA5kWN4QTAqabBE90l4vDJKTtaiXtf6gIXFvbCs%252FCu4MKlVJLdWADgXQKHR173DAa8ew8PKLHrNR6ZoJfb4e3xiJ2%252FtbAbZhkkNqBKIPkPe9o4t8Qolq1W%252BLBHM1Zo5yKKf3rrlHZzF6E8sQ9Aa6omzwO0ZWOgRj82EXGM8lOYdcDBzubr92JNGCAi4YZrkrpI5ggVFJ2G3Ps0tSU3cHQ1wTitlfZAmpf%252Bxw2zVRd6cxowYDicMCJ54TY1MD4jCStqDXnyBFqZM1zihS0vMhqIQEJzDIi5mTx9l1naC%252F73IZxV5D%252F6fuTYGvPofDegHLJKz0T0AM4TYpkHi92dgD95TZ64esT%252FvxeINPLQNOMKpavkQ%252BTaE1BXe4z3ki50mclRVI3yi0MnArbnxvl%252FnP3r7WwGwpYK55FWgpVursuvPtQPDCt3O8%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2334524 3 pin version. Thingiverse model for holder: www.thingiverse.com/thing:4889597

[@calebgonzalez5212]

@@stevennh1392 thanks man I wouldn’t of known where to get the connectors or the holder.

[@hubba002123]

Got the connectors on eBay just like the ones in the video. Awesome mod, went exactly as shown, and the wiring was just like show.

[@BoostieBadAss]

Steven do you have a email I can reach you at?

[@stevennh1392]

5PCS GH1.25 Cable for Pixhawk2 The Cube Pixhawk4 Pixracer Wire 15cm www.ebay.com/itm/154418051990?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=454487762114&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 EBay link to connector

[@stevennh1392]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PBHN7TM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 expensive, but 1 day and you get a bunch of other connectors. This kit includes compatible 3 pin connectors.

[@d6m6nk6ng6]

I dont have a 3dprinter, anyone know who prints?

[@calebgonzalez5212]

I got someone to print it on Facebook market place just lookup 3D printing services

[@d6m6nk6ng6]

@@calebgonzalez5212 that worked! Thanks for the help

[@stevennh1392]

www.thingiverse.com/thing:4889597 (Thingiverse link to holder)