This wire makes your FPV drone 35 grams lighter (iFlight GoPro USB cable)

[@jeffdavies3936]

The 4S to 6S requirement likely has to do with the regulator they used having a higher input range requirement, say 12-24vdc to supply a stable 5vdc (or possibly even 9vdc since it is USB-C) output at the amperage the GoPro needs to run. Also, they make a replacement door that has a hole for passing thru the charger. I've been doing this on my GP9 for a while now. Works great.

[@Varun_underyourspell16]

Might be…

[@andrewut7ya511]

Whoa! You still got a door on your gopro!? Remarkable! I lost my door in a crash, then lost the replacement, now i use a lil sticky pad jammed in where the door was.

[@jeffdavies3936]

@@andrewut7ya511 little heavy on the sarcasm their my friend. I was referring to a 3rd party replacement door that has a pass thru hole for use with external USB power cables like this one so the battery compartment and SD card slot are still protected. Its not waterproof, but at least large debris won't get in and I don't lose my SD card.

[@andrewut7ya511]

@@jeffdavies3936 i wasnt even joking, i got sick of losing 14$ doors and now use sticky tape. Im genuinely suprised someone could keep a battery door for a sustained time. Wasnt trying to be a jerk 😁

[@ed_halley]

I think the 4S-6S requirement is also to simplify the power selection circuit. There are three input line diodes at the 4S, 5S and 6S high ends 7:15 and selection circuits to make sure it's using all of the *present* cells in that range. If it allowed 3S it would need another such diode and more complex selection.

[@robgroove]

Perfect for my cinewhoops

[@PIDtoolbox]

been doing this for a couple of years now with usb-c connectors to 5v on FC. nice to have other options though

[@kwikam]

I’ve destroyed 4 usb cables in a crash. Also soldered to 5V pin on the FC. Those pins in the usb plug like to bend and after the last crash my 5V regulator on the FC died..

[@PIDtoolbox]

@@kwikam ziptie wire to top plate hole just under GP or to tpu GP holder. never had an issue. there are ways around it

[@hozrhayt]

JB! My hombre! You just gave me some serious validation! That is EXACTLY how I've always treated my own balance plugs!

[@bobg1443]

You can buy a battery door that has an opening for the power lead. It's still not waterproof but it keeps the SD card in place and keeps most of the crap out of the battery bay. It does add some weight, but not much.

[@breakflight]

Can you share a link or product name?

[@davidrgilson]

There's a simpler DIY version of this. Get a usb cable, cut the PC end off and run it off the 5V on your FC, PDB, or VTX. Edit: On my long range quad, I power the go pro from the 5V supply on my TBS HV VTX.

[@nathan1sixteen]

Yeah, I feel like this is a solution for a non-existent problem

[@marc_frank]

the power requirements of the gopro might overload the bec on the fc they are usually only capable of 1-3A, which might already be used by rx, vtx and camera

[@nathan1sixteen]

@@marc_frank Wait, you run your VTX off of 5v from your FC??? That sounds like a great way to overload that circuit. You should probably be using another source of power for it. Also, your receiver really doesn't use a whole lot of power.

[@divingfalconfpv4602]

Then I have to do that to all my quads. And I have some that don't think give enough amp on 5v. This is so simple

[@divingfalconfpv4602]

@@marc_frank yea mine a lot r only 1a. Joshua tested 2a 5v

[@BubbyFPV]

Also gotta say one thing, this battery delete does make the screen less durable, basically more likely to crack

[@keylitho]

Gotta 3d Print a dummy battery..

[@BubbyFPV]

@@keylitho yes... but then ur adding back weight.......... 😂

[@BubbyFPV]

Also how does the 3d printed battery stay in without a door..? Lol

[@raffyturc]

I wouldnt bend or press hard on that converter board. could end up knocking off some surface-mount parts, damage it (and damage your gopro too). nice tip on the rubberband JB 👍

[@MrBeatboxD]

I printed a tpu door for this adapter so its not completly open, works awesome!

[@rawk-steadyfpv1571]

I've been using this cable with my hero 8. I put a piece of carpenter tape over the sd card to keep it secure. I also cut a piece of high density foam in the shape of the GoPro battery, used a small wire to make a tab so I could pull it out of the battery slot. This has worked for me so far. If only someone could design a 3D printed battery slot cover that leaves the USB-C input exposed... that would be awesome 🤙

[@FunBitesTV]

Thanks for the video Joshua. Another positive point ... No door = air flow inside the camera = NO OVERHEATING 😍

[@lunaticfpv17]

Eh idk my hero 10 has never overheated

[@willpowerfpv3246]

Been using this with the power mount on my insta360 go2. It's awesome to be able to record all 12packs..I used to have to pull it off to charge after 4 packs, then charge it for 4 more packs and then record the last 4.

[@skyflow_kreative_imaging]

Been looking for one of them power mounts for over a year now. Discontinuing them was a dumb move on behalf of Insta360

[@willpowerfpv3246]

@skyflow_kreative_imaging oh no! Bummer, I didn't know that. In that case, I should find mine. I've been using the session5 since shortly after this comment, 2 years ago.

[@skyflow_kreative_imaging]

@@willpowerfpv3246 - if you find your power mount and you don't use it anymore I'd be glad to buy it off of you.

[@masoninnovation]

JB, you're freaking awesome.

[@pacificnorthwestpilots6050]

I'm glad you finally released a video on this

[@baggszilla]

I wonder how many things JB has lost or forgotten after throwing them over his shoulder in videos lol 😆

[@PowderMill]

😉. Yup…. Where do you think JB’s HOT young servants all end up? 🤣 Everyone KNOWS that Joshua is THE FPV Master !! Kinda like we all KNOW that Hunter P. Biden is the STD Master !! (and Crack-Head Master & Pederast Master & 2A Safe Storage Master) btw: the “P” middle initial stands for the Biden Family Business…. PEDERASTY!!

[@colinmetzger6755]

Seems like it would be very easy to 3d print a door with a slot for the USB to plug through. Still won't be fully water proof, but will help protect your SD card.

[@LoneStarUAV]

That cable works really well with the Caddx Peanut or the Go2 with the power adapter too

[@JekleFPV]

I’ve had this for a while, works fine. The only beef I have with it came when I crashed my quad in the water……. Fortunately, I found it, and after packing it in a bag of rice for a few days, it still works! I do have GoPro insurance but haven’t needed it so far!

[@gsgiantridered396]

Also using that iFlight power wire ... never had any problems with it.

[@MindRiderFPV]

Yep! Been using it for a year. They’re actually pretty durable. You can use a bit of tape to keep the sd card in place…and yes, stop recording and shut the camera off before unplugging.

[@copypastor]

Thanks Josh! But, two points: - you should test it on 4S battery too. How it will manage to use 5th pin of the balance connector. - Another benefit of this gadget is this letting you shoot for very long times or in freezing cold. Like, for example a flying wing. OR a Flying wing, at 5 km above the ground. In winter. In Russia ;-)

[@fooojin]

Im just running a lightweight plastic usb C connector from tbs straight to the fc 5v, and have for the last year. Just make sure your FC BEC can handle 2-3a. Saves a few more grams. Probably run around 100 packs on the hero 10 without issues this way. I am using the mamba 405 dji fc.

[@qcumbercoolfpv1988]

I use this method all the time. It works great especially if you have gopro insurance. One suggestion though. You can run the gopro off the FC and not have to worry about plugging in the battery lead every time.

[@smgabardo]

You can still buy battery doors from Amazon (or GoPro) and make your camera somewhat protected. It will not make the camera waterproof, but it might make the GoPro water-resistant and resistant to possible dust from entering the battery port.

[@mouseFPV]

FYI the little metal flap mount on the bottom can be removed with 2 screws and shaves like 8g

[@MotorJan289]

There is an aftermarket 10$ battery door I use. It covers everything but the USB port is open. I always have a spare cable with me. I like it and always use it.

[@jakeh3144]

I bought one of these a few years ago but the one time I used it with my session, a bunch of dirt got in the SD card slot after a crash. I had to buy a special battery plate for my GPH8 so it doesn't get the battery compartment dirty in the event that I crash that while using this cable.

[@alwayshathbeen3340]

I’ve never owned a GoPro, but that voice… like a pad of butter on a stack of warm flapjacks…🥞

[@Reecefpv]

Time to buy like 10 of them lol. This would come in handy with cinewhoops for sure.

[@UnlimitedVertical]

There are 3rd party battery doors available that have the USB port cut out (useful for long night lapses). It won't help if you're under water but it might keep some dirt out of the battery compartment and keep you from completely loosing the sd card (even if it pops out slightly). That is of course assuming that this USB connector will still work with that door (i.e. the BetaFPV USB cord module problem).

[@CDRaff]

Just tried it out and it works perfectly with the door that I have with a USB opening. It was a little harder to pull out because there is a bit less of it to grip on to, but it wasn't a big issue.

[@lukasmohr97]

ooh i love this. seems like a nice solution for some cinematic longrange

[@PitsFlyingEye]

Joshua there is a door availible with an USB plug hole, that keeps it still waterproof

[@MaxRovensky]

My gopro 9 decided to not see the batteries anymore for some reason a few weeks ago, this cable has been a godsend since then

[@Erkle64]

If I can save 35 grams, off my 50 gram quad, I'd be able to remove the motors, saving another 15 gram, for a total weight of 0 grams without the battery. Would that make it neutrally buoyant in air? Would I even need the motors at that point?

[@izzlate]

I'm not saying that the adaptor is bad, but I did destroy my GP7 using one of these. I 3d printed a little TPU housing for the adaptor, it was a bit of a squeeze getting it in and I likely damaged some of the SM parts on the board. So just be careful when using one.

[@dangerous8333]

There is no *but*, and you didn't do it "using" one of these. You did REGARDLESS of this part. The adapter has nothing to do with it. You did it.

[@022fpv]

Thank you Joshua! Appreciate your job from Brazil.

[@ufolek11]

Sir Joshua, you are Bob Ross of the kwad community. Thanks for your hard work.

[@JavisHD]

I’ve been using a solder on usb C power cord from TBS for the past year or so. I rip them up if I crash badly enough to eject GoPro but they are like $5. I much prefer a solder on solution and it’s really crazy light weight.

[@ed_halley]

Mazda's "gram strategy". I remember trying to power cameras from flight packs on big RC helicopters, and there was always a ton of noise issues to handle. Things are so much smaller and easier these days.

[@jwc4520]

OK, gave you a like for the rubber band trick, simple yet clever ... take care.

[@MadDragon75]

I have been thinking about making one of these for my hero one but just never got around to it. I'm glad someone did.

[@jeramboo8511]

Im rocking ulanzi door, it has usc c port open but the inside and sd card is peotected, and yes the door is lighter then stock door. I can confirm its taking current from alls cells together.

[@CDRaff]

I use one of these to charge my Caddx Peanut while flying long range. Just use the regular charger base, and rubber band it together tight so you don't lose it in case of a crash.

[@erlandfpv]

Nah . This is info that i need ^_^ so works great for caddx peanut right? We need constant recording with peanut with 7inch quad.

[@divingfalconfpv4602]

Yea insta just made usb case for go2. I ordered it and I'm test it

[@willpowerfpv3246]

@@divingfalconfpv4602 I'm using the power mount with this and it's the cat's ass. 🤟

[@divingfalconfpv4602]

@@willpowerfpv3246 yeah currently in pro mode I only get 24mins of battery. My drone flies longer than that

[@Ashley-Norman]

I'd like to see a version with the USB connector built into a fake side door. A 3D print could be an interim solution but molded would be perfect, bonus points if they can figure out how to add an effective seal. Multiple and new GoPro models is a slight complication to this.

[@panosfpv]

Hello . Some people have mentioned the GoPro not working normal after the use of this adapter,with the stock GoPro battery ! The screen is flickering,lines and colors not showing correct and they we're fully functional before the power mod adapter from the quad! I have the cable but I am not using it don't want to take the risk.

[@Shooter_FPV]

Can you wire this somehow to the battery leads on the ESC? What's going to happen is the battery will be ejected in a crash, yank on that cord, and rip out of the GoPro, most likely wrecking it...

[@maxun1]

My gopro 8 has a door with exposes the usb only. I like this attachment, I will get it for my fpv aircrafts.

[@chriscflint]

GoPro make a door with an entry for the USB not fully waterproof but would certainly stand rain and depending on how well the USB adaptor fits it would last a short time in water. A bit of Pressstick/Bluetackwould seal it.

[@thejeffhendrix]

Joshua, there are 3 diodes on the back, one each on the 4S, 5S and 6S lines. This will force it to pull current from the highest voltage source, so it will only pull from the entire battery. It could easily be modified to also work with 3S.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

Yeah I don't really understand why it doesn't work with down to 2S but what do I know :-)

[@ABcinematic]

@@JoshuaBardwell if i use it for the gopro naked? It's possible?

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

Just put the door back on... Add-on power supply there would make a good power supply for people wanting to do timelapse stills sequences that might take a week to shoot.

[@nextlevel_fpv]

I bought this a year ago and have been scared to use it because I thought it might ruin my GoPro or drain only one cell on my lipo! Thanks for the breakdown on this! I will use this without worrying now!

[@roberttruesdell6151]

Get a balance lead extension and a spare door. Notch a hole to fit the with and then silicone it. Stuff the regulator inside and then you just have the wire dangling out and running to the balance connector

[@divingfalconfpv4602]

Always use this for my long range drones

[@ReggieRailSystems]

Very unique especially on baby kwads where that amount of Wt. is well worth it

[@maxun1]

look to me that with the battery in the gopro the lipo is charging the camera love it.

[@ruter_fpv]

to make sure you won't lose your sd card with your precious footage, you could 3d print replacement battery door

[@STEELCITYDRONEPILOT]

Go pro sell doors with a charging hole in

[@michaeld1925]

3:30 - 'this is not(!),............go survive that kind of treatment'......🤣

[@RGMGFitness]

Joshua thanks for the heads up! Though doubt I would use (for reasons you mentioned). Just got back from Pacific Northwest Coastline and 1 of my quads went into ocean 🌊. Recovered the GoPro but quad was a bust after that. Felt satisfied I was at least able to recover he GoPro. Only let dry out for a day before tossing a lipo on it. Needless to say shorted out immediately. Was a great trip otherwise….thanks again for all you do. Like 👍 the rubber band idea 💡. 👍👍

[@RemcosFPV]

Session 5 for the win. If u crash with the gopro 6 and up with no batt for freestyle your likely to crush the camera because the bat is there for overall support.

[@glen7463]

You answered my first concern, loosing footage in a crash from GoPro loosing power. If the file is still recoverable it’s not to much of a issue as it would not be often but if you loose any footage it’s always your best flight lol

[@kaifpv9343]

i’ve learned today a good way to hold balance lead : D

[@lcarus42]

given Im a bit behind the times but Hero7 has the power port in its own separate compartment, so no need to expose the battery bay.

[@colbiecallister2307]

I’ve been using one for awhile, sometimes I just couldn’t be bothered to deal with it lol definitely a noticeable difference I’m right at 700g all up

[@MasterBlud]

I use this to power the new Runcam Thumb with a USB-c the Micro USB 90 degree cable.

[@BubbyFPV]

My 4s freestyle kwad is 840g all up. Heavy kwads FTW

[@clazy9222]

For this, the gorpo 6 is a good one, it has 2 side doors one of them for usb and hdmi the other for sd card and battery👍

[@AltieryRUTILGhostographic]

hi, after watching the video i ordered one cable and tried it on my hero 10, but the gopro said that the battery is to low it has be an 5V batt and it will turn off, my lipo is a 6S 1000mah 100C, do you have any idea? thank you

[@skyweaver3199]

We been knowing about that man.... Bardwell, you been working out , look at those biceps! Those metal gimbals must be giving you a workout.

[@MrEddieNunez]

Please send Amazon link to the rubber bands

[@OkiemDrona]

WOW Where have you been? Everyone has been using it for a long time.

[@ixography]

I would actually use this in the winter because 2 weeks ago we went flying with friends and it was almost freezing and funny enough all our go pros stopped working at the same time because the batteries could not handle the cold weather so now we have the go pro in our pocket to keep it warm when we are not flying :D do you think this would also solve that issue and we wont have go pros shutting off in cold weather? It sometimes happens randomly during a flight. Nice video as always

[@gabrielgreuter]

I waited for this video a long time now 😅

[@7invi]

Ya, this cable is so helpful, but the cable broke very quickly last only a few time flights. It is better to put some silicon or hotglue

[@Barks_Bridge_Dog_Training]

There are replacement doors with the usb slot :)

[@jessegalego3893]

you can print out a door to protect the internals. Screens do not turn on with the gopro 10

[@JoshuaBardwell]

My GoPro 10 screen worked fine while using this device.

[@noisy_boi_fpv_3920]

Vortex 250pro was doing this looooong time back when I first tried Fpv.

[@freshcoastfpv]

This works great but tie it down tight , when flipping In air props will snip it .

[@andrewut7ya511]

This is actually pretty cool, i believe my gopro is somehow indestructable... but i have ejected batteries before. I dont think i care enough about weight to introduce new wires into my current quads, but i can see how it would be great for some builds. I use a little sticky square to hold my battery in instead of a battery door

[@knoepfle8814]

Now my Gopro 10 is working on 5V2A so the Bec cable puts to low ampere in there and its not working. Any tips to help me out? New software update, older Sowtwareupdate? Or new Bec cable? Thanks for help ;)

[@droneshotsfuerteventura3217]

I love using them, especially with my Insta360 One R, but mine all stop working after a couple of months. I cannot find any breaks or burns on the PBC. I just replace them regularly. I just wish they would last longer.

[@PAYNEFPV]

I bought one of these a few weeks back but haven’t used it yet. Somebody had mentioned that it wasn’t drawing the same current from all connected cells and it killed a battery.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

That is not this exact product. That is probably another similar product that only pulls from a single cell. I tested this product to confirm whether it would kill a cell and it draws from the entire battery not just one cell.

[@PAYNEFPV]

@@JoshuaBardwell Yea I believe I got the same one as you. Gonna have to check now. I guess another easy way to check the draw would be to use a perfectly balanced pack and run the GoPro for a while and check the cells afterward.

[@raydurbin5795]

The battery on my runcam 5 is pretty worthless at this point. Looks like this could power the runcam, or is there a better option? Thanks.

[@jofagoma]

If you're doing an effort to save 35g (which I don't know if it's exactly that after you add the cable weight) why would you add thick rubber bands and not just use the strap to make it stuck in place?

[@HK_Martin]

I use Electrical Tape. Way lighter and the wire aint going anywhere.

[@Krash_fpv]

Can you cut the cable and wire it to a 5v pad?

[@notbyfear]

So is there any way to get this solution to work while using 2s batteries?

[@MarkFisch]

Wonder if this will with insta go 2 using that new usb c mount they have

[@enricob]

in my hero 8 I saved some more grams swapping the battery door with a 3D printed one and i did the same for the folding fingers. Btw, I'm waiting this 5v adapter with a magnet, for the Action 2, even if, after your video, I'm kinda doubtful to buy it, anyway fixing battery drain lipo-charging it could be a huge improvement for the Action 2.

[@Vmaxfodder]

Awesome video man!

[@RodcaFPV]

I've been using them for about a year and I've used 6 because they wear down so fast just with normal use (NOT by getting chopped with props), so for me this cable costs $45 a year, but the flight improvement that you get is really worth it 👍

[@RodcaFPV]

@@abertheham It's the wires that wear down since they are so thin, so you can actually solder new wires and problem solved.

[@5eli515]

@@RodcaFPV Why dont you simply add a bec onto the esc pads?

[@Gabriel-qh5yv]

yes but everything it is with a sacrifice... using the drone battery will be shorter flight time?

[@keylitho]

Just snip the regulator off and solder the wires to a 5v pad on the FC..

[@FATSNAIL-FPV]

sooooooo wich quad is that? contemplating buying a Nazgul 5 v2 / Evoque or build one my self.

[@volkergoe]

That's great news! Please tell me that this mod works on the naked gopro6 so I can bring down the weight to -1g ;-)

[@brianconnolly5649]

could this be wired directly to the leads

[@MCsCreations]

Pretty interesting device indeed, Joshua! 😊 Great review! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@stevedelp4067]

Wonder if u could 3D print a door with the plug in it?

[@BlindedByEvil]

It's not my favorite idea as my balance lead could only be placed on top of the battery and had the battery strap holding down it causing it to break connection nearly every time I setup the quad. Does this circuit cause any arks onto the pins as soon as you plug in the battery and have the gopro connected? I just had a BEC board and filtercap in line with the battery with my balance lead that caused carbon buildup on the pins.

[@PROJ3KTJ30]

Could you possibly 3D print a tpu battery door with a cutout for the USB-C for it? Or is it magnetically secured?

[@boonchaan]

can you charge a cellphone with the usbC?

[@TheMadmacs]

been looking at doing this for a while on the 6 and 7, i think i remember a special little door to cover sd/usb/hdmi door, bit worried how crash proof it all is. seems like it would be easy enough to design something without the usb stick out so bad..... wheres my dremel tool?