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Walksnail and Fats Shark introduced a brand new goggles – the Avatar / Dominator HD in Might 2022 that use Walksnail’s Avatar digital FPV system. Picture high quality appears to be like similar to the favored DJI FPV system, with time it would get even higher with full Betaflight OSD assist and 1080p decision given the extra succesful {hardware}.
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Fatshark Dominator HD FPV goggles and Walksnail Avatar FPV goggles are the identical factor simply totally different color, they each use Walksnail Avatar know-how and share the identical firmware.
Here’s a full setup information of the Avatar System.
The place to Purchase?
FPV Goggles
For many who want an entire bundle, Walksnail presents full-fledged goggles, the Avatar Goggles V1 from 2021, and the Avatar Goggles X from 2023. Fatshark additionally launched the Dominator HD, which is mainly the identical goggles because the Avatar V1, however in numerous color.
A center possibility is Fats Shark’s Recon HD with built-in Walksnail video receiver, based mostly on their funds Recon goggles. It is a good possibility for these with a decent funds.
Video Transmitters
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Avatar FPV System {Hardware}
New to FPV goggles? You possibly can study extra on this purchaser’s information.
Avatar Goggles X
These are the most recent FPV flagship goggles from Walksnail, launched in 2023. They aren’t solely cheaper than the Avatar Goggles V1 / Fatshark Dominator HD, but additionally has extra options and extra versatile. Try my full evaluation right here: https://oscarliang.com/walksnail-avatar-goggles-x/
Fatshark Dominator HD / Avatar FPV Goggles
The brand new Fatshark Dominator HD FPV Goggles is analogous measurement to the earlier Fatshark goggles, very slim and compact. Right here’s a comparability to my Orqa FPV.One Pilot.
There’s one other model by Walksnail, is there any distinction between the Fatshark Dominator HD and Walksnail Avatar Goggles? The reply isn’t any, other than the colour (the Fatshark is white, the Walksnail is Black), there is no such thing as a distinction in {hardware}, software program and efficiency. They’re mainly the identical goggles.
And it’s considerably smaller than the DJI goggles V1/V2. They weigh simply over 300g with out cables and antennas, which is about 150g lighter than the DJI Goggles V1/V2. Should you usually fly a very long time you’d most likely really feel extra snug with the Avatar.
There are 4 RP-SMA connectors identical to the DJI Goggles, nevertheless the supplied antennas carry out poorly (low high quality, unhealthy sign and simple to interrupt), it’s advisable to get some aftermarket antenna as quickly as you get them. Any 5.8GHz antenna ought to work simply tremendous with this method.
They simplified the menu buttons loads in comparison with earlier Fats Shark goggles, now it’s simply the identical because the DJI goggles (even the precise buttons used right here look an identical!). There are DVR file button, cancel/again button, and a 5-way joystick button. However as a result of the joystick is tilted at an angle it doesn’t really feel very intuitive to make use of.
There’s nothing on the left aspect of the goggles, only a “shark” brand. On the highest between the 2 RP-SMA connectors, there’s a slider swap which simply closes or open the vent for anti-fog (there is no such thing as a fan pace management). Some customers complain in regards to the anti fog efficiency being fairly poor, as a result of the aspect fan directs airflow over the RF module and out to the anti fog nevertheless most of that air goes over the module for cooling, because of this there’s little or no airflow over the lenses for anti-fog. With that mentioned, I personally haven’t any display screen fogging subject even on a sizzling summer time day (round 25 levels), or chilly winter day (round 0 to five levels), perhaps it will depend on humidity too.
On the underside of the goggles, you will have two dials for IPD adjustment and focal adjustment. You possibly can change IPD by pushing the dials out and in, and you’ll alter the main focus by twisting the dials.
Discover there’s an on/off energy button subsequent to the USB port!
The optics look an identical to the Fatshark HDO2. The SD card slot is in the identical location as different Fatshark goggles, proper in the course of the lenses. The DVR lets you file 720p 60fps video identical to DJI.
The face plate foam pad is hooked up by velcro and detachable. The feel is pretend leather-based, the standard is much like the HDO2’s. It’s not very thick, however suits my face fairly nicely and doesn’t give me a lot gentle leaks (solely a bit across the nostril). I’ll most likely improve to one thing much like this which I had on my HDO2, it’s a lot thicker, places much less stress on face and stops gentle leaks higher. The goggles additionally include 4 inserts to place between the faceplate and foam padding to extend thickness to accommodate totally different face shapes.
The faceplate is detachable identical to the earlier Fatshark goggles. The headstrap buckles appears to be like much like the DJI’s however the screw holes are totally different distances. There’s no break up within the center, so the strap received’t come out for those who pull it too exhausting just like the earlier Fatshark goggles, which is nice.
Nonetheless the Avatar Goggles don’t assist analogue FPV system – it has no receiver module bay nor AV enter. You possibly can’t use HDZero both as there’s no HDMI enter. They’re purely designed for the Avatar digital FPV system.
Avatar FPV Goggles Specs:
- Display screen Decision: 1080p 90FPS (the system can transmit as much as 120FPS)
- Facet Ratio: 16:9
- FOV: 46°
- Adjustable IPD: 56-70mm
- Adjustable Focus Vary: +2 to -6 diopter
- Has an influence button
- Constructed-in anti fog fan
- USB-C port for firmware replace and HDMI video output
- 4 RP-SMA antenna connectors
- Enter Voltage: 7-21V (2S-5S)
- Energy Consumption: 8W
It comes with an XT60 to barrel connector energy cable. You possibly can energy the goggles with a 2S-5S LiPo.
Avatar VRX
Should you already personal a pair of FPV goggles with HDMI enter, you could take into account getting the Avatar VRX. That is an inexpensive option to get into digital FPV system and with out spending an extra $600 on a recent set of Avatar Goggles or Fatshark Dominator HD goggles.
The Avatar VRX is a standalone video receiver that binds to the Avatar video transmitter and outputs an HDMI feed. You need to use it on any FPV Goggles with HDMI enter such because the Skyzone Sky04X, Orqa FPV.One and Fatshark HDO2!
The Avatar module is priced at beneath $200 within the pre-order sale! The bundles are bought at excellent costs, not simply the video receiver, it additionally contains two patch antennas and two onmi directional antennas, and an Avatar Mini 1S VTX/Digital camera equipment! You can even improve to a greater and larger VTX/Digital camera equipment with an extra $40.
Needless to say all current analogue FPV Goggles with HDMI enter have 60fps screens (besides the HDZero FPV goggles that assist 90fps). Meaning they received’t get the 100fps refresh price from the Walksnail Avatar system, and provides you a bit extra latency in comparison with utilizing the Walksnail Avatar Goggles, however at this value level it’s not a deal breaker IMO. In reality I feel the HDZero goggles could be an ideal match for the Walksnail Avatar VRX module. Not solely they assist as much as 90fps (so decrease latency than 60fps), they’re additionally optimized for Analogue video system, so you need to use 3 FPV programs on the HDZero goggles.
Specs:
- Helps Betaflight Canvas Mode (full Betaflight OSD assist, in addition to INav and KISS)
- 4 antennas included – 2 directional antennas and a pair of onmi antennas included, with a most transmission distance of 4km
- HDMI Output – Suitable with Analog Goggles with HDMI Enter
- Helps 1080p 60fps,720p 100fps and 720p 60fps
- H.265 encoding
- MicroSD card slot for DVR (helps as much as 256GB micro SD playing cards)
- Enter voltage: 7-21V (2S-5S)
- Energy connector: DC 5.5*2.1mm
- Dimension: 114*55*22mm
- Weight: 83g
Fatshark Recon HD FPV Goggles
Fatshark beforehand launched the Recon for analog and HDZero programs, now they recycled the identical design and put an Walksnail Avatar receiver inside. The Fatshark Recon HD goggles are an affordable option to get into the Avatar digital FPV system if you don’t earlier personal any FPV goggles. One of many predominant downsides is that it solely helps as much as 1080p 60fps, so it received’t make the most of the 100fps low latency mode within the Avatar system, which ends up in roughly 10ms larger latency than utilizing the 100fps mode.
There are 4 directional antennas contained in the goggles, and the Fatshark Recon HD will not be designed to have them changed simply. Nonetheless these antennas are related by way of UFL connectors so in principle you’ll be able to swap them out by performing some DIY modifications. However these included antennas really carry out fairly nicely within the many exams I’ve seen and positively higher than those that include the costlier Avatar Goggles.
The Recon HD will not be designed for diopters, nor are you able to simply put on your glasses whereas placing them on. So if in case you have a particular prescription you could be out of luck.
The Recon HD might not present as good expertise as different larger finish goggles, for instance the readability of the display screen, IPD / focus adjustment, portability and weight and many others. However these are absolutely compelling in case you are new to FPV and don’t personal a pair of FPV goggles but. Nonetheless they don’t have AV enter nor HDMI enter, so you’ll be able to’t used analog or HDZero with them, you’re locked into Walksnail’s ecosystem with the Recon HD.
Specs:
- 5 Inch TFT show
- Decision 1920×1080 60fps
- Subject of View (FOV): 44° Diagonal
- Mounted Inter-Pupillary Distance (IPD) appropriate for folks with 55 – 76mm (Not adjustable)
- USB-C Video Out
- 4 Inside Directional Antennas
- Firmware improve by way of SD Card
- Micro SD card slot for DVR
- 5-Approach button for OSD menu navigation
- Energy connector: 5.1mm Barrel Connector
- Enter Voltage: 7-21V (2s to 5s)
- Dimensions: 170 x 120 x 90mm
- Weight: 336.5 g
Instead, check out the Skyzone Cobra X with the Avatar VRX module. Personally I want the Skyzone Cobra X goggles, and this combo will can help you use analog FPV system too. This is able to price extra, however it’s a extra versatile setup.
Avatar VTX
There’s a brand new model! See evaluation right here: https://oscarliang.com/walksnail-avatar-hd-pro-v2-kit/
The general measurement of the Avatar VTX is smaller than the DJI Vista – somewhat wider and longer however a lot decrease profile as you’ll be able to see on this comparability.
The scale is just about like a 30×30 flight controller, however for no matter motive they determined to go together with 25x25mm mounting (like a whoop FC). The VTX weights solely 16g, makes use of H.265 encoding and helps 720p or 1080p video with related latency to the DJI system.
The antenna connectors are U.FL, there’s a steel retention bar to maintain them from popping off.
Related steel bar is used for the digicam MIPI cable. The digicam cable makes use of the identical MIPI connector as DJI, nevertheless their digicam and VTX will not be appropriate. HDZero makes use of a distinct measurement MIPI connector so you’ll be able to’t even plug it in.
Binding is identical as DJI, there’s a bind button on the Goggles, and there’s a bind button on the VTX.
There are 4 wire connections to the flight controller, voltage, floor and UART (TX and RX) for the MSP connection (Betaflight OSD). The VTX doesn’t have a USB port, as an alternative it has a 4-pin connector, which you’ll be able to join the USB kind A cable to. (cable is supplied with the VTX)
You can even file 1080p footage contained in the video transmitter, just about just like the DJI Air Unit. Nonetheless it doesn’t have an SD card slot, as an alternative it has 8GB inner reminiscence. The benefit is that you simply don’t have an SD card which you could probably lose, the draw back is that it will possibly solely maintain round 20mins of 1080p footage. By recording within the VTX, the decision and video high quality is larger than the goggles DVR, and video will not be affected by breakup and blurriness as a consequence of sign power.
It’s NOT designed to be waterproof or water resistant.
- Max Output Energy: 1200mW
- Enter Voltage: 2S to 6S (6V to 25.2V)
- Energy consumption: 4.5W
- Dimension: 33.5×33.5×9.5mm
- Weight (along with digicam and the 2 antennas): 28.6g
- Mounting holes spacing: 25x25mm
Equipment that include the VTX/Digital camera equipment:
Handbook:
Avatar FPV Digital camera
The Avatar digicam housing is totally steel, development appears to be prime quality. The lens appears to be like an identical to the unique DJI FPV digicam. There are two digicam measurement choices, micro (19x19mm) and nano (14x14mm).
It has a a lot wider FOV than the DJI OG cam and Nebula Professional. Nonetheless as a consequence of its smaller sensor, low gentle efficiency is inferior to the Caddx Polar, even barely worse than the DJI OG cam and Nebula Professional.
Specs:
- Picture Sensor: 1/2.7″
- Decision: 1080p 60FPS / 720P 120FPS / 720P 60FPS
- Facet Ratio: 16:9 and 4:3 Switchable
- Lens: 2.1mm
- Subject Of View: 170°
- Aperture: F2.0
- Shutter Type: Rolling Shutter
- Minimal Illumination: 0.001Lux
- Cable Size: Micro 140mm, Nano 90mm
- Dimensions: Micro 19x19x22mm, Nano 14x14x17mm
- Weight: Micro 6g, Nano 3.5g
Video High quality and Efficiency
Some DVR footage from the most recent firmware (Filmed in Feb 2023):
Right here’s a comparability to the DJI system.
The choice labels within the setting menu look similar to those within the DJI FPV Goggles. They’ve the identical “low energy mode” immediate, the latency and bitrate displayed on the backside of the display screen. The same settings Excessive/Customary body price (60fps vs 120fps), Customary/Excessive bitrate (25mbps vs 50mbps).
Picture high quality jogs my memory of DJI system too. The OSD additionally appears to be like acquainted. Latency will not be mounted like HDZero, however extra like DJI with the identical variable latency while you fly too far-off or the sign will get weak. Additionally, identical to DJI, most body price is 120fps.
As a substitute of getting “prime quality” and “low latency” modes in DJI, you will have 1080p and 720p modes within the Avatar. Though the latency studying contained in the goggles suggests the Avatar might need decrease latency than DJI, exams by different reviewers have proven the latency studying within the Avatar will not be fairly correct, in truth is larger in actuality and much like DJI’s.
The Avatar system is meant to have a spectator mode (once more… much like DJI’s) so you’ll be able to watch your folks fly (if additionally they fly Avatar), however at the moment (in Nov 2022) it’s nonetheless not out there but, hopefully it will likely be with future firmware updates.
The voltage show on the very backside solely exhibits the enter voltage of the VTX, it doesn’t get voltage studying from the UART like DJI. This may very well be helpful in case you are utilizing this VTX on an plane that doesn’t use a flight controller resembling a set wing or RC card.
It’s somewhat unfair to check the DVR aspect by aspect as a result of DJI is 4:3 and Avatar is 16:9, and the Avatar has an even bigger picture. However when trying by way of the goggles, DJI seems to have an even bigger picture because of the larger subject of view.
The picture high quality appears to be like related in DVR between Avatar and DJI, however when trying by way of the goggles, the Avatar appears to be like barely sharper and extra crisp because of the higher OLED shows. The vertical subject of views are related, however the horizontal FOV is wider on the Avatar as a result of it’s 16:9, which makes up for the marginally smaller display screen measurement.
The Avatar has barely dimmer picture, most likely simply the default digicam settings, some simply flip up EV in digicam settings.
They each deal with excessive gentle and shadow in related method.
In terms of low gentle efficiency, I might not fly any of those cameras at evening. The Avatar cameras have a dynamic publicity that adjustments with the lighting situation, whereas the DJI seems to have a set publicity. Nonetheless the publicity threshold within the Avatar appears a bit too excessive, in the event that they get the brink mounted I feel it’ll carry out total higher than the DJI OG cam in low gentle.
Is Avatar DJI?
As you’ll be able to see, there are a whole lot of similarities between Walksnail Avatar and DJI FPV programs on each software program and {hardware}. That makes lots of people surprise if the Avatar is utilizing DJI know-how.
WTF.FPV workforce proved it won’t the case. They teared down the goggles and VTX and confirmed they’re NOT utilizing the identical chip and code.
With all of the similarities, it’s clear that Avatar is at the very least closely impressed by DJI. They took what are identified to work nicely and run with it, perhaps it’s not a foul factor in spite of everything because it makes the transition from DJI to Avatar simpler.
Betaflight OSD
The Avatar system totally helps Betaflight OSD. You possibly can function the OSD menu utilizing your sticks, and all of the OSD components might be dispalyed.
Nonetheless DVR doesn’t file the OSD (like DJI). The OSD is definitely drawn by the goggles, not by the VTX like its analog counterpart. Should you flip off the VTX you’ll be able to nonetheless see the OSD within the goggles. For that motive I imagine it must be doable to file OSD within the goggle’s DVR and hopefully it could occur in future firmware replace to have this as an possibility within the settings. For the time being if you wish to file OSD, it’s essential to output video by way of the USB-C port to an exterior gadget that has recording functionality (resembling a smartphone).
Ought to You Get DJI or Avatar?
This conclusion was final up to date on twenty eighth Nov 2022.
Avatar’s picture high quality wasn’t pretty much as good as DJI when it first got here out, particularly when the drone is transferring shortly, it loses a whole lot of element and the bottom turns into blurry and blocky. However that’s now not the case, the Walksnail Avatar system with the most recent firmware is performing a lot nearer to the DJI system in time period of picture high quality, in some state of affairs the Avatar is definitely higher.
In 1080p mode it does supply a barely higher picture and it appears to be like completely gorgeous for cinematic flying, whereas DJI can solely do 720p. Nonetheless, you get much less latency in 720p and that’s essential for quicker response time. 720p and 1080p within the Avatar system make some distinction however not that a lot. Personally I don’t really feel any latency distinction between the 2 programs when flying in 720p low latency mode. Additionally excessive bitrate (50Mbps) and low bitrate (25Mbps) within the Avatar system don’t make as a lot of a distinction as within the DJI system, I hope Walksnail can enhance on the excessive bitrate mode sooner or later.
Total I feel DJI nonetheless carry out a bit extra strong relating to video hyperlink, the bitrate/sign is simply extra constant and secure particularly when there’re obstacles between the drone and the pilot. However they carry out equally nicely in line of sight. One of many greatest benefits of the Avatar over DJI is most vary. For no matter motive the DJI system can’t transcend 14Km (you lose video at this restrict), however the Avatar doesn’t have such restrict. After all this doesn’t matter for those who don’t fly this far.
One other benefit of the Avatar is the OLED screens within the FPV Goggles, they give the impression of being extra constrasty and clearer than the LCD display screen within the DJI’s regardless of having barely smaller FOV (46° vs 54° examine FOV right here). And the Avatar goggles are lighter and extra compact, which makes them extra compelling.
Each programs totally assist Betaflight OSD now, nevertheless you do have to root your DJI goggles and Vista first, for Avatar it simply works out of the field. DJI is a extra mature system, it’s been confirmed to work, and the {hardware} is simply so strong I hardly hear about damaged Vista. Then again, Avatar continues to be catching up. The firmware replace is extra frequent, however in each replace the advance is noticeable and it’s making the choice tougher for certain.
In case you are already closely invested in DJI, it’s most likely not price it to modify to Avatar (but), however in case you are coming from analogue or new to the pastime, this may very well be tough to resolve. Should you fly a whole lot of micros that may make the most of the 1S VTX, then the Avatar is a superb possibility. In any other case at this second, I nonetheless want DJI as a result of the {hardware} and video hyperlink are simply strong, and the picture high quality are actually shut.
If the factors I’ve raised up to now aren’t sufficient to assist you decide, it’s not such a foul thought to maybe wait a couple of extra months and see which system comes out forward.
How in regards to the newest O3 Air Unit and Goggles 2? Effectively, they’re far more costly and likewise don’t have small 1S VTX choices. But when funds isn’t a difficulty for you and also you merely need the very best picture high quality for freestyle/cinematic builds, it’s an ideal possibility for certain! Personally I wouldn’t get them (simply but) as a result of I already personal 10+ drones with Vista, changing them with O3 Air Models goes to break the bank. Nonetheless, there’re rumours that the Goggles 2 shall be backward appropriate with the older Air Unit ultimately, however no confirmed date but. Oh, and the O3 Air Unit is appropriate with the Goggles V2 (with diminished efficiency), that makes them much more compelling.
Edit Historical past
- Might 2022 – Printed information in regards to the Fatshark Dominator HD / Walksnail Avatar FPV system
- Aug 2022 – up to date put up with my preliminary evaluation
- Nov 2022 – up to date evaluation based mostly on the most recent firmware, added information in regards to the new Avatar VRX module and Fats Shark Recon HD goggles
