TBS Fusion upgrade | IS RAPIDFIRE STILL THE BEST FAT SHARK RECEIVER?

[@testaccount4191]

Hopefully they will get some sort of price war going, then we all win

[@wodsofworth868]

This vid is 9 months old atm. Rapid fire is still $150 usd.

[@RLeeVisuals]

From the future here…… modules are scarce. Prices are through the roof.

[@testaccount4191]

@@RLeeVisuals yeah :(

[@CarelessPapo]

@@wodsofworth868this video is about 4 years old now. Looking into rapid fire for these FatShark I got strictly for tiny whoops. Rapid fire is on getfpv for $170. Good to know it went up 😆

[@AGILISFPV]

Very respectable that TBS decided to sell a replacement upgraded chip instead of making us buy a completely new module. Dope! Ill for sure pick one up. Glad i went with the fusion

[@billybbob18]

That's the kind of thing you see in small companies that give a damn. TBS is high price but good.

[@jorgeromero4680]

I would consider using this module just because talks wirelessly to crossfire and because it's cheaper than rapidfire. definitely a win

[@peterzingler6221]

Definitely

[@fpvnme4845]

the best no biased review ever // well done TBS well done rapid fire . I fly rapid fire but very very impressed with the TBS .. good one JB

[@licensetodrive9930]

I find it really difficult trying to distinguish between the picture of two similar quality VRX's simply for the fact that you're looking for interference on a detailed picture from the camera. What if you don't plug the VTX into the camera (or put a lens cap on the camera) so it's broadcasting a blank picture, then stick a GoPro on the quad and don't fly it, but walk/cycle/drive a distance away from the VRX's. The blank picture will be a canvas for the interference to show up on, and the GoPro is so you've got footage to put next to the interference recordings.

[@smooth_ops2942]

Good idea 👍🏻

[@Gienbfu]

That or some kind of test pattern to make it easy to see how much detail youre really losing

[@gautamkrishna7421]

The downside would be that’s not the way we actually fly :(

[@Dav2112]

I came from True D 3.8 to the first TBS Fusion and was really happy with the swap, I got the upgraded module board a couple weeks ago and I see a nice improvement over the old modules, really happy with my purchase.

[@Sylo2Nice]

Thanks. I was looking for this type of comment since i own a True D.

[@Dav2112]

@@Sylo2Nice no worries man, my True D was fine for the type of flying I do as well, but after switching to the Fusion it gave me much better performance, and after fitting the upgraded board it's now even better than it was.

[@Sylo2Nice]

@@Dav2112 yea i believe it. Cant order nothing right now. Its all out everywhere. But once its back in stock ill pick it up for sure.

[@MathieuTerzian]

Literally released the day after I finally ordered the rapidfire 😂 still sure I’ll be happy with it. Thanks for all your precious informative videos Sir!

[@MadDragon75]

SWR meters are a way to analyze the power output vs. Standing waves that do not get transmitted & that bottleneck and heat your transmitter. This applies to many types of transmission devices. That is why the length of the ant. is for the most part, critical.

[@KrotowX]

Heard about TBS Fusion V2 becoming better than Rapidfire or on par with it from other sources. Bought it for my DJI V2 googles later. Was not disappointed. Upgraded Fusion indeed is best between all analog FPV receivers (built in googles or separate) I had so far. Sorry that I didn't used affiliate link on purchase - US shops are not the best option from place where I live.

[@norgtube]

TBS is consistently the only crew with even a modicum of good will in the FPV industry I swear. That pricing strategy is so fair.

[@Plur307]

I have bought tons of TBS products and the only one I ever had an issue with was the first version of their Race Tracker. Mine could not detect the quad unless I flew within like 1 foot of my tracker. Literally the only TBS product that has given me any issues.

[@Mikechin517]

@Errs Matt do you have any ticket numbers to associate to those inquiries? we clear our support daily and every ticket gets a response. id love to help you Submit a Ticket team-blacksheep.freshdesk.com/support/tickets/new

[@kool-k-kel]

@@Mikechin517 reliable support always.. I do have an interesting question for Mike and all users of TBS tango...can we activate find mode on tango 2 like the external module...to find a lost model..cheers to anyone who can help.. I will direct this also to TBS support...thx JB...Mike..the community

[@MCsCreations]

Pretty close. I wouldn't know how to tell the difference. 😳 Fantastic testing, Joshua! Thanks a lot! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@alex8527-w1q]

GREAT review ! I love the effort put into being unbiased, & giving both sets of hardware identical set-ups, especially with the SWR checks of the antenna's. Really helped me out. As a true fan of TBS, I will be buying the TBS Fusion, and as a side benefit, saving some money. You also got me to finally subscribe, because this was so helpful for me. Well done Josh.

[@ivanlin2603]

If Fusion get rid of the Sync lost issue that Rapidfire has, than I will make the switch at some point. I almost crashed several times because the sync lost, which made me kinda nervous right now. I will keep an eye on Fusion.

[@swissfreek]

Fusion has it, too. It just goes sideways instead of top to bottom. I generally find it less obnoxious than RapidFire's desync, but I also haven't really flown my RapidFire in a while, because even before the upgrade, the performance was similar enough that the extra features pushed Fusion over the edge.

[@juggalizzle75]

I haven't had this issue on the fusion. I don't push it to its limits but fly normally. On v1 hardware until Singapore gets it's crap together and releases my v2 hardware from their virus infested facilities

[@madladdan]

Which cam were you running do you remember?

[@pauliman1098]

Damn near identical. Both concrete and your yard. I’ll support tbs!

[@SuprDlux]

I have both, fusion has dope interface and the whole TBS cloud is killer future tech and at a lower price point! That said, when I'm flying over water or I absolutely need the best video possible, I use my rapidfire. Just my opinion but hopefully this helps someone ♥️ FPV is Love! #SuprDluxArmy

[@Freebird_67]

I'm having horrible reception when using fusion in fusion mode. It seems ok when I run my fusion in regular diversity or old fashioned mode as TBS calls is but still my old Aomway Commanders V1 seems to get way better reception. Not real happy with this Fusion at all. I'll contact TBS this week since its only a week or so old. I was going to get the Rapidfire but went with the fusion basically because of price. I fly LR on our 200+ acre farm so need a solid 5.8ghz

[@slavikarg]

Good job. As a crossfire user i would pickup fusion if i dodnt already have rapidifire.

[@gloomiehoodie]

I have both, and for the price I'm very pleased with the Fusion.

[@WrongWayFPV]

Can't wait to get my HW upgrade. Been on the fusion since it's release. It's already my favorite, and this makes it even better. Thanks JB.

[@Allibow]

Looks way better than before, on par with the rapidfire!

[@ijustrollrc3170]

I like to hear that its a tie cause i just bought a tbs fusion

[@magicalpencil]

That looked pretty close to me, they seemed to take it in turns getting interference

[@unacceptableminority7101]

I think rapid fire was slightly better. And this is coming from someone who has never heard of either module. So I have no bias on them.

[@du4-fpv777]

I'm definitely switching to the Fusion! Because I am switching from r9 to crossfire too. Now tbs just needs to fuse everything and make a goggle! I have faith!

[@r00kiet80]

I hope they're looking into a digital model TBS coul be our only savior

[@peterzingler6221]

@@r00kiet80 they can't.. Dji has patents on the systems they use. So if tbs makes digital they have to go new ways

[@BuZZarDFPV]

This test really shows how ahead of its time the rapidfire was. But well done to Fusion, its now almost 99% the same as the rapidfire.

[@bwabbel]

Still waiting for my first fpv drone and gear to arrive. But if i feel like i need a module somewhere in the future, i would definitely go for tbs atm

[@binaryprotectors3856]

Joshua, this was a GREAT video! Thanks! I believe the TBS "Eco System" has a pretty serious value. If they are the "Same" then TBS of course wins. Please come out with a video about this Eco System and how we can set it up.

[@WEEBER13]

I think he meant to say, "a tie is a win for TBS" - but accidentally said "RapidFire."

[@kang159]

14:10

[@ThatFlyinRyan]

Well my rapid fire burned out last week so they told me to send it in so I'm going to do that but now I'm considering this tho !

[@ProppedNutFPV]

Until the recent module adapter from Skyzone. I always used the built in diversity receivers on my Sky02 V+ goggles. I have my 02's to my daughter and got the Sky03O for me. When I ordered the Fusion everyone was out of the Rapidfire. So I've been flying the Fusion for a couple of months now. I did order the hardware upgrade and have had it for about three weeks or so. One of the reasons I also didn't want to go with Rapid fire is because of that frozen rolling screen I kept hearing about.. I have to say I am experiencing that with the hardware upgrade on the Fusion but not before. Not sure why. But I am.

[@PeterKiczula]

My new hardware module comes today. This got me even more excited!

[@CF_Joel]

That will increase competition to improve!

[@binaryprotectors3856]

Also, I did have a problem at first installing this mod into my HD3's. I ended up doing the full mod, thanks to your video of course. Thanks!

[@ThomasShue]

That SWR meter is sweet! Thanks for this video

[@SnapShotHotshot]

OK>>> The Refrigerator follow-up was just a COOL idea... no PUN intended.

[@mantassernius8976]

Photo finish with the chest win Rapidfire.

[@scooterfpv8864]

Yep. I agree with the results. Plus the TBS is within reach of most involved with more then a passing curiosity for sure.

[@calumrichings7967]

There's £4 difference once you buy the upgrade

[@winus453]

Nice, you changed the outro, instead of that sad music :)

[@Cc-nj2zm]

I had a horrible experience with Clearview so I will check out these

[@rapolo01]

Too late for me, I just bought a RapidFire module yesterday, it was tie for me.

[@madladdan]

Tbs fusion looks bloody amazing

[@markelmamchur7884]

Thank you for the test. Maybe you have same for dji analog module, it will be more interesting

[@mc-dev]

Quarantined the wife in the camper... I learned something today. Lol

[@cozzy206]

In my opinion your spot on dude

[@TomicaCZ]

Thanks for great review and test Joshua! You did awesome job as usual! I'm so hyped about Fusion now... I jumped on Crossfire month ago and I've been flying unify for more than 2 years, so for me it's clear :-D

[@leazyfpv5521]

Im switching everything to tbs.

[@BonemysterFPV]

there might go any future free stuff from immersion but im glad you gave a good unbiased opinion on the tests.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

That's not how IRC operates.

[@alextkd2003]

very happy with this, the only issue is "almost every tbs products are out of stock" so.....

[@mathieusan]

thank you for this review. I am getting started with FPV

[@BikeGuyFPV]

Now if anyone had the Fusion in stock that would be great...

[@peterzingler6221]

Some have them but for around 200euro

[@bouldermultirotor]

I have them available in stock right now! bouldermultirotor.com/product/tbs-fusion/

[@juggalizzle75]

I still say that if you have to pause, rewind and advance frame by frame to see a difference between modules then the difference is negligible. I personally thought these 2 modules were equal RF wise before the upgrade. The crossfire integration, menu system and features being the determining factors for me. Tbs ftw

[@brendanzaebst9011]

Wow super comparable!! Very impressed. Think i may just have to gwt both now

[@SparkyInCali]

I've had the rapidfire since release and its been pretty good.I ran the Clearview groundstation before which was a little better but of course it didn't fit in the goggles and cost quite a bit more. I held off on the fusion more because all the extra features weren't ready yet. Now that the tbs cloud features are up and working and the new module is here I might pick one up. My analog fleet is dying fast though. All my new builds that would have been 5.8 are getting the DJI system now. It's just that much better. Most of my 5.8 use lately is as a repeater for my long range 1.2 flights.

[@TheSocialProfile]

Great flying!!! I was having heart palpitation when you went down stairs.

[@poulmartinmller4094]

....please let your wife into the house - don't keep her in her camper - she didn't mean to criticize your fresstyle, she was just being honest.... :-) thx josh, solid as usual.

[@TweetFPV]

My fusion hasn't had the sync lost issues like my rapidfire has.

[@DeeboDeeJay]

i agree there 100%

[@angelfpv4825]

does the fusion also does the magic type of mixing signals?

[@TweetFPV]

@@angelfpv4825 yes it does.

[@madladdan]

@@TweetFPV Which cam are you using?

[@TweetFPV]

@@madladdan it's been a few years but it was the popular Runcam and foxeer cams.

[@dougmckay2387]

If I didn’t have rapidfire already this would be a strong consideration. I agree I’d like to see the average.

[@MachineManGabb]

I'm still keeping my fusion on stock more than good enough for my use

[@51im]

For $10 with free shipping it's got to be a must have.

[@gabrielbruni3924]

But rapid fire is still a little bit better you can see it in the parking lot

[@51im]

@@gabrielbruni3924 Rapid fire doesn't have TBS cloud though. To have your vtx change channel when you change channel in your goggles is golden

[@juggalizzle75]

I thought the v1 hardware was a tie personally. With the cloud and feature set pushing it over RF. I ordered the v2 hardware over a month ago but it's held up in Singapore like thousands of other items

[@vonster22]

This is not a proper view for an RC Guy....We can rebuild it.. We can make it better than before.. We have the technology... "" Damn thats the 6 million dollar man intro""" Sorry

[@yngndrw.]

To me, I think the Rapid Fire had better general RF performance (But as you mentioned, the RF performance is expected to be variable - I have also noticed the same in Livyu Preda's review though) but the Fusion had better sync reconstruction. I think the Rapid Fire handled the multi-pathing a better as well. Interestingly the Rapid Fire seems to mess up the colours a lot when there's interference and the Fusion seemed to switch to black and white instead. I don't think there's enough of a difference to switch if you already have either of them, but if I were coming from something else I'd probably be tempted by the Fusion. Then again, I'd probably wait for the Shark Byte system instead given that the next version is imminent - Sadly for TBS I think they might have just missed the waggon on this.

[@_Brando_69]

Hope you do a video on how to connect all this WiFi stuff up and get it going. That would be awesome.

[@barbsfpv3066]

It’s pretty sad when quality control is a “trade secret,” lol. Great review Joshua.

[@rydfree]

The equipment we use to check parts and the processes utilized are definitely within that realm at the auto factory I work at .

[@juggalizzle75]

It's not sad it's typical business. If other companies had the same quality control techniques then they would equal or beat that of tbs. What aren't you understanding?

[@derekainscough828]

You do amazing comparison videos and remove a lot of variables. Keep them coming!!

[@ryanbunnell7488]

I think they were about equal in performance. They never really went bad at the same time and when each did go bad they were both still fly able. I've owned the rapidfire for a while now but I do not see a reason to switch. However if I was to say which one I would now say either is really good.

[@adambostwick1377]

So from my eyes, I paused the video just randomly during all the testing. And what I seen was rapidfire seemed to be doing better with multi path, but it did lose sync once in the garage. And that was definitely rapidfire that lost sync at your house. I personally own rapidfire and was hoping for a clear winner. Just goes to show how badass TBS really is!

[@JoshuaBardwell]

Rapidfire losing sync is because it's set to fast sync lock to prevent screen roll. The question shouldn't be who lost sync, but whose image was more clear. If RF loses sync but maintains clear image then who cares if it lost sync?

[@adambostwick1377]

I completely agree. But with these 2 modules being so close I was trying to think, what's a second factor that contributes to a clear video? And I just thought of how well it can stay synced is all.

[@ronbo422]

It's crazy how the 5.8GHz signal still penetrates the concrete floor/ceiling when you were down a level. I would think that, Adobe, would knock all signals "off the air".

[@lewisshipway7187]

TBS furson is the winner here but thats because on what it can do over rapidfire but DJI for me

[@ecookman]

Wow. its SUUUUPER close now

[@staticfpv881]

them watermelon props rock !! at least that's what that's what it looks like yr flying with

[@IanF-FPV]

Really was considering the Wildfire but after your video I might as well spend the extra quid on the Fusion...

[@RCDevotee]

Thanks for another great and informative video! I would go with TBS if I didn't already have Rapidfire. I already have Crossfire and Unify in most of my analog setups. I also mostly fly DJI FPV these days. I just can't go back to analog unless it is a whoop or toothpick 3.

[@kanenstuff]

Nice video how about a video on the set up of cloud and vtx to rx and crsf setting that would be good to see.

[@natemanafter]

@14:09 did you intend to say "Rapidfire" there? Or did you mean to say, "... that a tie is actually a win for the *Fusion*"?

[@PaulieShortcuts]

I would imagine JP did a video of the fat shark with HD modules head to head. Walksnail vs hdzero modules. Which one is best for long range, micros, etc…

[@bisarowood]

thanks as usual for a good review, I recently fried my Rapid fire and my HDo by plugging in the wrong pack (6S) ... costly mistake , got the HDo repaired , may try the TBS just because it's cheaper , I fly mostly long range so IDK

[@51im]

Joshua. You say there can be a big variance between modules of the same supplier. Could you get a few of the TBS upgrade modules and test them against each other. For $10 each and free shipping, I'm sure it would make for interesting content.

[@brianyomama6838]

I got the fusion on my hdo2’s with a truerc antenna and a vas crosshair patch but I had not luck with the performance and I hate to say I get better reception with my old v2 recon with a emax nano antenna I was a little bummed out and did a firmware update and the rolling image stopped happening all the time but the range is lousy I’ve tried a variety of cheaper antennas and no luck but I preordered the upgrade module and hope that will fix the rest of the issues

[@thirtythreeeyes8624]

Somebody parked a minivan in the way on the second test. That is going to skew the results I would assume rapid fire was on the left side judging by the result in comparison to how similar they were in the parking garage.

[@licensetodrive9930]

Now this is curious. I was looking at this video through an editor to see if altering its brightness & gamma levels would highlight the interference better, and I noticed that in the parking garage footage, the Rapidfire DVR recording is at one point 2-3 frames ahead of the others, indicating the DVR dropped frames, and later on Joshua compensated for that because it's back in sync.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

That is why I use the GoPro and not the DVR. The GoPro you should see stays perfectly in sync. The DVR always slightly speeds up and slows down as frames are dropped. What I do is, I sync perfectly at the arming time, and then I stretch the clip to sync perfectly at the disarm time, and then in between it will go back and forth depending on where you look.

[@licensetodrive9930]

@Joshua Bardwell Ah I got you on why the sync is variable. Yes using the GoPros is the best way capture the FPV footage since the DVRs are 'ok'. Comparing the time difference between the end of the DVR recordings and the end of the GoPro recordings could also be an indication of which VRX is better. Something else occurred to me, a Time Base Corrector helps with recording FPV feeds. My Canopus ADVC-100 analogue to/from DV converter has a TBC, look how it copes with bad video signal at 7 seconds compared to my Fat Shark DVR. Both are receiving the same video signal from a VRX with dual outputs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWGXo5apoL2Uec0 (42 second clip)

[@finleystannard]

When I first saw this vid I was like I hope rapid fire is still the best I literally bought the rapid fire

[@r00kiet80]

Digital is best

[@finleystannard]

@@r00kiet80 cant afford it to much $$ I've bought most of my gear second hand except the rapid fire module

[@gotobannfpv]

Great video very good comparison 🙌

[@youngfamilyfarms]

Ending gave me a chuckle

[@Gosuminer]

Fusion was equal in garage, slightly worse on the property. Still a good product, especially for the price.

[@fpvspin1605]

Great review Josh, really, really good mate. :)

[@HellaCopter]

Chillin in your fridge was a blast 🥶

[@DoRC]

They look almost the same to me.

[@dittobimaputra]

No. Please dont say you are not a good freestyle pilot. But yes you do a good freestyle teacher pilot. I follow your tutorial of basic fpv by JB. That's the best fpv basic flying series in the world.

[@BruceFPV]

i was waiting this~!!!! so Long time, Thank you so much, Joshua~!!!!😍

[@Itsdarts]

You mention the de-sync scrolling screen of death on Rapidfire that seemingly, is rarely mentioned because before I bought my RF module, I never knew the problem existed. I constantly hear how good they are but the de-sync scrolling black screen is A REAL ISSUE in my opinion because it results in uncontrolled and random crashes. So, now that you brought it up, how about a test of that between Fusion and RF? Pick a known camera/VTX combination, known to fail in mode #1 and see if Fusion fails... I’m currently having issues with RF Mode 1 and the RunCam split 3 nano on the Geprc Skip 2.5” with the RF module attached to DJI goggles (Warranty Safe install). Have you had any de-syncs with the fusion?

[@madladdan]

They don't like releasing this info. I've asked youtubers and manufacturers. No one can tell me which camera - vrx combination sucks. My ratel 2 with tbs fusion constantly has sync problems. I bought a foxeer razer micro which had even worse problems. I'm scared to buy a new cam and it doesn't work.

[@branmanfpv1593]

I want to try some fat sharks sometime before I buy. I like my box EV800DS and I’m scared I have heard some people don’t like view.

[@sleepyheadfpv6301]

They are the same in performance, but features and the better interface pushes it over in my opinion. Ps. Where can I get that shirt?

[@ianofawai2797]

thanks for the update compare. I updated my Fusion firmware to 1.04 and I see there is a couple of vtx options in the settings menu that aren't mentioned anywhere as to function (that I understand). Can you enlighten me please? cheers, ian

[@dodgywan8033]

Hi Josh.... Been watching a lot of your vids as I am new to the hobby and been getting my first bits of kit together. I went for the Orqa goggles.... and a TBS Fusion Module, I am wondering... how do i tell the difference between the new and the older Module? Still waiting for bits to arrive so need to be able to tell visually... any help would be appreciated! and if not... I still learned something today;) many thanks Mr Joshy!!!!

[@JoshuaBardwell]

m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=832925123908501&id=185658905301796

[@kkkkkkkkkk421]

Waiting for the carona situation to be done to get the new hardware ;) you had promised you would make a video on how to use the race timmer :D

[@DawnHub666]

done a lot better than last time ,

[@ZylonFPV]

Fast forwarding 2 years into the future to 2022, which of these is best now? Or is there something else new that competes? :)

[@KaizerTest]

HDzero

[@ZylonFPV]

@@KaizerTest I mean for analog. Guess I should have specified that!

[@krayzenvy]

Hey Joshua, I will be running the DJI goggles with BDI and thinking of getting the TBS Fusion module. My question is does the Fusion have a power off switch? I can prob just kill the power. The reason for the question is I'm going to purchase a couple of LHCP antennas and don't know of they will interfere with the LHCP antenna for video on my HD quad when if my son is using his Analog quad next to me. Just don't know what would happen if both are on using the same left polarity. Hope that all make sense. Thanks in advance.

[@adammoor4014]

would you consider doing freestyle to just like that by Pegboard Nerds? i think it’s a great freestyle song!

[@phi-fpv]

thanks JB

[@DavidReynolds-kr6yh]

They were so close that it wasn’t even worth the extra money that rapid fire costs. If I had a set of goggles that I could put an external unit on I would go the tbs fusion. I’ve got the skyzone 02c+ goggles, so unless I get that external module I can’t use either one.

[@51im]

If the fusion was made by FrSky they would have called it the Fusion 2020 and made you buy it again. Good work TBS

[@zacbarnes9075]

Watching this a month or so after posting while considering selling rapidfire to get the fusion since everything else I have is tbs. I don’t understand why you say they look equal though. While I think it’s a MAJOR improvement, rapidfire clearly showed less breakup in all situations in your video and I was surprised to hear you say you thought they were on par with each other. I’m still on the fence after this video..

[@MCgranat999]

I know your answer is a year old but I fully agree with you. For some reason I think Fusion looks like it's in lower framerate or just skipping frames but in difficult conditions it's the one having the best visibility and good enough contrast to distinguish between obstacles.

[@JOZUMI]

why is everything sold out and not restocking? when restock? its so inconvenient