Walksnail HD FPV: Is it worth it? I ask the honest opinion of an analogue pilot..
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- čas přidán 19. 05. 2023
- • Walksnail HD FPV System
Testing the VRX on different goggles: • Walksnail VRX Testing ...
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Very useful! What really won me over was Adam's remarks about his short final over the hedge at 12:10. My thinking has been that HD is no rush, as my main passion is not the FPV flights themselves, but rather watching onboard footage after a good flight. But those remarks made me realize that my major source of FPV problems has to do with my rather challenging landing approach into a curved, overgrown country lane, and that the limiting factor is definitely visibility rather than clumsy thumbs. Thanks for waking me up.
I guess I'm just weird (plenty of concensus on that statement 🙂) but I still *love* analog. To my mind, analog is a more visceral experience -- less like watching someone else's CZcams video of a flight. I really like the way that analog degrades so progressively and linearly, this gives me far more confidence when flying to the limits of video range or when ducking in and out of trees/buildings/etc where there are transient losses of video signal.
Yes, I do really enjoy the beautiful image that digital systems produce in the goggles but I consider it to be a different (rather than better) experience.
Another benefit of analog is that you can enjoy the flight in SD while flying then, usually when you get home, you can review the HD recorded footage from your Gopro/Runcam/whatever and enjoy the flight all over again, from a different perspective. Two flights for the price of one!
I still fly 50/50 analog digital and enjoy *all* of it.
Having just moved from analogue to WS, using my Skyzone O4L goggles and the VRX, I absolutely agree, it's worked really well for me and has renewed my love of flying FPV wings as well as VPN quads.
I'm analogue, and had my first Walksnail flight yesterday with my new FS Dom' HD goggles and V1 Vtx/cam. I cannot believe the difference. Seen every YT Walksnail video going, but it doesn't prepare you. Firmware 32.37.10 seems to be the best at time of writing, going by social media chatter, so that's what I'm on. Can't wait to convert more quads. (Sorry HDZero, I wanted to be one of you, but Rotor Riot has the FS Walksnail goggles for £380 right now.)
Agreed when i first tried the walksnail goggles I was blown away with the image quality
so nice to hear a review from some one who needs corrective vision, its so overlooked when reviewing googles and such.
Excellent video, Lee
I was fortunate enough to be lent a pair of WS goggles and a WS Beta FPV quad (85mm IIRC) at an indoor fly in. Like Adam, I was blown away and didn't fly my Mobula 7 again that evening!! I will have to buy WS I think. I have a lot of occasionally flown analogue models that will have to stay that way (or things like the Mobula 7 that can't even carry WS) so am thinking of either second hand HDO/HDO2 plus the VRX module for a one-goggle solution or simply retaining my HD3s as well. Many thanks to Adam for his time and enthusiastic input.
Great video as always. I'm an analogue FPV pilot with much the same interests as your buddy Adam, just cruising around and enjoying the scenery. My camera pieces of equipment are Firefly Split 4K and an ordinary Foxeer analogue camera. Then I have the Eachine EV200D goggles which I'm very happy with. My image through the goggles seems to be much better than they are exposed in the recorded videos. So I had no plans to convert to an HD system, - until I watched this video. Adam's reaction to the Walksnail system was rather convincing.
What's holding me back is the economy. I'm a retiree and live on a limited budget, and the Norwegian kroner (NOK) is very weak at the moment. So is there any possibility to buy a converter for my Echine goggles to take in the Walksnail's or other HD system's signals? I know that the Echine EV200D has been discontinued and replaced with the Echine EV300D, but that doesn't help me much.
Thanks for the video, sir!
Great video, covering a topic I'm sure many people are interested in. I've been flying FPV for a decade, since the days board cameras were state of the art, lol. I have a vast Infrastructure based on analog FPV - small armada of quads and planes fitted with cameras and TX's, a ground station, and between my significant copilot and I, 5 sets of goggles. I know there's no Easy Pill to cross over into HD, but why is there only one real solution on the market, the Avatar receiver, to even attempt to integrate with existing people's hardware (as far as I know)? I'd love to have an option for other stand-alone HD receivers, but also pretty happy that the only solution I'm aware of seems to be the best choice in the field, at least for me. The WalkSnail VRX testing on older analog goggles video you posted previously was also right up my alley, surely to be viewed by everyone in my boat.
Being the patient type, it's interesting sitting out the first volley of HD systems hitting the market, watching how the Ardu-X and Cleanflight forks have dealt with them. It kind of reminds me of HD integration into TV's, anyone remember HD-DVD Vs BluRay? 720p panels, interlaced 1080i garbage, AVCD, SPDIF? And like then, the HD FPV cost of entry is high enough that picking the losing protocol will cost you, literally. Yeah, I know this music, lol. At least now there's much more transparency, and you can bet on a detailed review posted on CZcams the nanosecond it's released, not to mention wise reviewers delving deeper into the topic. My thanks, Sir!
I just got the fatshark hd and tested them out today and so far I love them. and my hdzeros aside for some analog bugs which im sure will be worked out, i love. Its worth the money coming from the all analog world. The analog looks good with hdzero when its working correctly
I have the Sharkbyte system on a 3 inch quad and HDO2 goggles. Have the HD Zero 1 Watt VTX also. Just ordered the Walksnail VRX and the HD pro camera and vtx set.
Will try my Sharkbyte rx on my Fatshark Dom V3 goggles next.
I use Box goggles most of the time. i have tried both Analogue and i also have the connex HD stuff. so I am probably looking at getting the avatar unit and running it through my hdmi port on the box goggles. i was looking at new Hd systems out there. so doing a bit of research at the moment. Thanks for the video and information. very much appreciated.
Was looking at walksnail.i just got a set of dji to give the group a new experience. Need to to get air units now.
Good real-world views and well worth a watch
Yes it worth. For me as FPV hobbyist, walksnail HD FPV is a good system which pleased my eye and simplify the way how I can share the video footage to my friends on social media platform since I don't have to carry action cam anymore. I still use Analog tho ... and also use HDZero because walksnail yet able to beat the weight (especially for tinywhoop or micro).
Unfortunately more and more peoples in FPV hobby seems obessed with cinematography and this will lead to the wrong purposes of FPV camera system.
Weight, penetration, range, latency are important thing to improve by walksnail. I hope walksnail improve their system in term of FPV instead of Cinematography, good DVR or video record is just a bonus.
For cinematography please use decent action cam or cine cam for FPV sake.
I just wish the lenses could be swapped easily on HD systems. We have pan/tilt on planes so the wide angle really isn't needed. Downsides of wide angle are distortions (bent straight lines) and objects appearing further away than they really are.
I was thinking about getting the VRX for my Skyzone cobra X goggles but heard it was better with the walksnail goggles
It's in the name of the hobby. FPView! The better the view, the better the experience! I rarely fly my analog systems since I bought the Walksnail goggles. It's such a better experience!
03:14 Your mate Adam mightn’t be an expert, but he was definitely in the field lol 🤣🤣🤣
just got DJI fpv V2 goggles after debating walksnail hdzero... Very happy with my decision!
There is no one perfect system but there is one that will be a closer fit for the way you fly and the things that are important to you. Glad you figured out which one suited you... Happy flying
Would be great if Walksnail made box goggles.
Would the Fat Shark Recon's give similar performance for they already have a Walksnail vrx?
I have a set of the regular walksnail goggles and recently picked up a set of recon HDs for use as ride-alongs. Image quality is identical between the two, with the only difference being that the image on the recons seems visually smaller than it does on the avatar goggles - primarily due to the magnifying lens in the recons.
I did some range testing yesterday with the avatar goggles sharing the image with the recons. I purposely flew my quad into a location where it was shielded by the terrain (below a hill). The person wearing the recons reported that the signal dropped out before the signal went critical on the walksnail goggles. Other than that there were no issues with normal line-of-sight flying.
(i recorded the test flight… i need to post some video!)
I think that right now is a really good opportunity to get into this system. Caddx has dropped the price on the V1 vtx / camera combo to $109… pair that with a set of recon hds and a person can have a premium setup for just under $400.
Several years of analog flying as many I imagine. I found to solve the problem of signal loss in systems based on 5.8 since where I fly to my country Costa Rica we have many mountains trees and natural conditions everywhere or you fly very high or ride 1.2 for example, also my flight range is LR 10km sometimes further. How is the range without signal loss of these new systems based on 5.8 ?
Hi Lee,
Have you have the chance to have a look at Siyi? They claim a 30km range. Arxangel RC did some testing and confirmed they're good for that range too. I doubt I'd ever need that sort of range, but it's nice to know the signal should be rock solid much closer in.
I'm really having trouble deciding on a system.
I have. It's not good for FPV video though. Happy flying
I love mine. I need to invest in more HD Pro systems. 1 isn't enough.
Hi Lee and Adam. I have been looking at the HDZERO and walksnail system. But I have no idea what way to go. I have a pair of Skyzone 03O and I thought about purchasing the module, this is when I wish I had a reviewer that I could use their googles. I need a system that is 20X20 and whoop board, since I have mostly micros.
Both HDZero and Walksnail have 1s modules designed for things like Whoops. Where in the world are you? Maybe we should be starting a 'kit try-out meetups' :D
I’m a new convert myself. I have +2. These goggles can do that at the extreme of their focus range. I still think the price is too high, but I agree that the analog was always a bit if a handicap.
I have the Avatar goggles, DJI v2 goggles, HDZero goggles, previous v3 04x goggles and my biggest complaints are that there is a slight disconnect even vs DJI v2 goggles/vtx and the fringing on edges of lenses that are smaller then say 04x goggles at 17.3mm vs 20mm circles. I run both at 720/100fps, 720/120fps and I only use the 1s VTX on Walksnail. I have been wondering if there is a difference in the full size Walksnail VTX like the processor speed is reduced to help with heat on the 1s that has no heatsink.
I also want to say I tried turning off recording on both the goggle and VTX thinking maybe it was a write latency causing the processr loop to wait on a write every image or consuming processor resources. Changed little to nothing. It's a weird disconnect feeling because as I rotate it's not like a low frames per second thing but rather a latency between my fingers moving and the image responding. This doesn't happen on my analog and recently I've noticed it seems even lower latency on HDZero then my analog on HDZeero goggles with TBS Fusion. I'm not a huge fan of the HDZero goggles simply because they are heavier then my Avatar goggles and the image is meh vs Walksnail and DJI, barely better then my good analog cameras but the better I get the more I appreciate that fast link on my quads.
Hi guys. I fly analog with the Skyzone Cobra S box goggles and I'm a big fan of them. I like the user interface, the build quality and the enormous FOV. But I've been wanting to buy a digital system and am leaning towards a Walksnail VRX unit. But my goggles are only 800x480 and I need to still be able to fly analog, so would you recommend I upgrade to the Cobra X v2, or spend a lot more and get something like the Sky04L or Sky04X? There isn't really a second hand market where I live. Thanks
I'd see if you can find some people local to you, and put their goggles on. Cobra X doesn't have a huge FOV, DJI v2 goggles do imo. I'd probably look at a other goggle set rather than retrofitting what you have or purchasing a conbra X unit.
New to FPV here, and interested to know your thoughts on this. I've bought a second hand pair of SKY04L and Avatar VRX for a total of £350. But I now have the opportunity to buy the Walksnail Avatar goggles secondhand (basically new) at £350. I'm not sure if I should buy the Avatar? I know the image quality and latency will be better but thinking if it's worth selling what I already have and forgoing the option for analog.
I also don't have a drone yet, so haven't got to use my current set in real life, just sims. I don't plan to go into racing too much - crusing, cinematography and a bit of free styling is what is appealing to me at the moment.
The AVATAR goggles are a decent upgrade from those. OLED panels, true HD and much wider FOV...
It would be interesting to try a HDMI to analog converter with non HDMI goggles. Might add some lag though. I won't have that issue with my Transformer headset.
I used a converter when flying simulator on my EV800D and didn't notice any lag, so should be the same...
So far, I'm cruising on Walksnail, and all the slightly risky stuff gets analog. My freestyling still involves running into trees and dirt, so being able to fix stuff for cheap is important. Even the most expensive analog stuff is half the price.
That sounds like a really sensible way to do it. Happy flying!
Fantastic interview, Lee! Thanks a bunch! 😃
My only issue with the Avatar goggles is the lack of inputs... And I still have analog stuff, that's why I'm considering getting the HDZero goggles and the Walksnail VRX... But the issue then is the latency, which isn't the same as the Avatar goggles... And it's the same with any other analog goggles, but the HDZero has the higher frame rate, so...
But, well... I've got some time to decide. Let's see what happens until then. 😊
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
RHO have slip on diopters to fit the Avatar lenses right now that help with those users that are in the really high positive side requirements sight wise.
VR Lense Lab are working on a Magnetic set that is super simple to install..
I have seen cad drawings of those .. They are very similar to the HDZERO magnetic set they are supplying.
Impressed with the quality enhancements .
They also have a Dji Integra set which is very different to others on the market. 😊
If Painless contacts Pit he may send a set of lenses to review.. I have already mentioned you too him so he knows your channel now..
Since you can apparently get a walksnail standalone receiver and vtx+cam for around $300, I'd say it's obviously worth it.
I have a good reason for wanting analog.. I can switch between various cameras easily on an RC car and I have audio. Pilots who don't care about audio have no excuse. They say they run analog cause they don't want to spend the money on digital, but then they turn around and literally spend the same money.
I can't buy any analog system right now including good enough goggles for less than what I paid for a refurbished goggles v2 and air unit, and that's way more than a walksnail standalone setup.
I stopped using multiple cameras when I switched to a RapidFIRE module. It blew it's mind! Happy flying!
I'm wondering if I did something wrong with my Walksnail unit and my Skyzone 04l googles. My googles only show a black screen now. Powers up but I can't see anything. I ordered a new receiver hoping that may help. Don't really know. What do you think?
I'd test the hdmi port on the goggles by plugging in something else (dvd, PC etc) Best of luck
i can tell you that the dipoter correction from the hdo2 dont work for -10 dioptor ^^
Rember we do this for the experience. If the over all experience is improved its natural to wont to make the change to hd. I think the HD image is close to what is natural for us all to view on our day to day, so to fly in hd is natural.
I'm still using anolog fatshark attitude V5 with my Iflight Evoque drone, if I changed to walksnail goggles do I have to change anything in the drone also or is it all in the goggles? I would switch if it's just the goggles not the camera. Thanks
See the Walksnail series. You need to change the camera and VTX in the model too. This can get expensive if you have lots of models you want to change over... Happy flying
@@Painless360 Thanks for replying back, yes that's the only thing stopping me switching to digital. I think I will have to buy some Digital drones separately and buy a good pair of digital goggles then fly digital as well as analog.
Hello, thanks for your video.
I want to buy HD system but I will not go with DJI because I need also 1S VTX for Whoops. But HDZero or Walknails? I don't know. I listen that there is problems with HDZero like lens. I love open system like Hdzero with Hdmi input for exemple but today I don't know what to buy, Hdzero or Walknails....
If you want HD and can sacrifice a few ms latency for much better image quality then Walksnail. If you want an incremental increase in image quality from analog and need low fixed latency then hdzero. I tried both and hdzero had poor range and penetration and mediocre image quality so went with walksnail. I figure if I’m paying that much for HD then I want real HD …. Hdzero has a very analog feel to it.
@@Quad_Father Hello, thanks for your answer. It's sad for Hdzero because I love Open System like EdgeTX or ELRS. And FPV Digital HD Open System like HDZero was a dream but you're right, may be it's better for me to buy Walknails.
Unfortunately I own a set of fat shark hd3’s and several tbs vtx, therefore to change is going to cost nearly £1,000 which I cannot afford so for me analog for a long time yet.
Same!
Thanks, really informative video, to me I have a great analogue setup, skyzone cobra x goggles, akk 3w vtx, foxeer t rex camera, to me it's as good as analogue can be, is there still such a big difference? Also I do mainly long range so how does walksnail compare to good analogue for long range, great video guys.
Even the best analogue setup can't compete with HD in terms of image quality. It's similar to the difference watching a movie on VHS tape versus a DVD.. Happy flying
@@Painless360 cheers mate, have you pushed the distance with walksnail yet
Tests on CZcams by pilots getting over 30km from the system using max power and sensitive antennas. For most pilots the range using regular setups and antennas will easily be enough..
Being in season two of my flying starting out with the intent of fpv flights I will admit a year since buying my fpv goggles they have just sat there gathering dust , I will get round to it but for me concentrating on good flying has been key and just felt it’s a awful lot to add to your plate when your starting out , but I’ll get there eventually 😊
Having solid skills LOS is really useful for those times when FPV has issues and you want the model back... Happy flying
The price on these has dropped on these to 480 USD or I can buy them here in Canada 675$ CDN. Is the British pound that low now or are you paying too much? Keep in mind now they don’t come with antennas just like HDZero but 120$ cheaper.
Exchange rate is horrible. When the UK left the EU the pound value dropped a lot... Best
Issue is many of us still use older goggles like the Skyzone 02X's and they have a HDMI and many say they will work, many more not so sure, so spending a couple hundred bucks for a VRX hoping they will work is sort of a hard decision, especially when funds are so hard to come by to start with
so analog much cheaper is still the King .
When they make a system that will work with ANY Goggle perhaps many more will jump in sooner. But many do not care about price and they get every system and stay with the best that suits their need . There I believe is the difference in all the systems, PRICE .
So flying around my own property is about all I do so changing from analog to HD is not really a need.
Lots of older goggles were not designed with HD FPV in mind. It didn't exist when a lot of them came out. It would be great to have a module that would fit universally but sadly that isn't going to happen... Happy flying
@@Painless360 maybe we can hope? LOL
“The miserable have no other medicine but only hope.” - William Shakespeare
@@Painless360 I don’t think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains. Anne Frank
Everything that is done in this world is done by hope Martin Luther
It seems to me that most of these replies are from folk flying multirotors or proximity fixed wing. How do these 'really' performe at greater distances , 20kms+ ? .
Other content creators have range tested HDzero and walksnail... check them out... Happy flying
I have so much less planes now to fly since switching to WS. Analog builds collecting dust.
I slowly converted my favourites (Dart, Dolphin and Swordfish) to Walksnail one I was happy with it... Happy flying
Walksnail’s a game changer for me. At last, affordable HD, and with greater range than DJI and even my previous 1.3GHz stuff.
32.x.x isn’t the latest version, the latest is 33.x.x.