For long-range FPV flying, a video transmitter (VTX) with excessive output energy is important for reaching better vary and a secure sign. Nevertheless, high-power VTX models may be costly. That’s why I used to be intrigued when I discovered the Extremely 1.6W VTX—probably the most cost effective choice available on the market boasting a formidable 1.6W output for under $22. I made a decision to provide it a try to see the way it performs.
New to FPV? Study video transmitters in our purchaser’s information: https://oscarliang.com/video-transmitter/
The place to Purchase
You should buy the Ultra1600 VTX on AliExpress: https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_DmxIABp
Be aware that this VTX is unbranded, so it’s troublesome to gauge the standard management, and buyer help could also be missing if points come up. That’s one cause for its low worth, so hold this in thoughts when contemplating it.
The Ultra1600 VTX arrives in minimalist packaging, which incorporates the VTX itself, an MMCX to SMA adapter cable, and the mandatory harness for connecting to the flight controller. Whereas the packaging is easy, the shortage of a protecting field could possibly be regarding for these apprehensive about potential harm throughout transport.
Specs
The Ultra1600 VTX is full of options that make it a gorgeous selection for FPV lovers:
- Frequency: 5.8GHz 7 Bands 56 Channels
- Video Format: PAL / NTSC
- Enter Voltage: DC 7-36V (2-8S Battery)
- BEC: 5V@600mA (Powers for FPV digicam)
- Protocol: IRC Tramp
- Antenna Connector: MMCX connector
- Cable Connector: GH1.25-6P connector
- Output Energy: 25mW/400mW/800mW/1600mW
- Microphone: Constructed-in microphone
- Mounting Holes: 30.5mm x 30.5mm (M3)
- Dimension: 36.5mm x 36.5mm x 12mm
- Weight: 15g (with out cable), 18.5 together with cables and antenna adapter
Nearer Look
On nearer inspection, it’s clear that the Ultra1600 VTX is designed with long-range flights in thoughts. The VTX includes a huge heatsink to assist handle warmth throughout operation, particularly at greater energy ranges. The unit additionally helps the IRC Tramp protocol, making it straightforward to regulate settings through the OSD menu, together with channel and energy ranges.
Notably, the VTX accepts a large voltage enter from 2S to 8S, making it versatile for varied drone setups. It additionally features a built-in microphone for real-time audio suggestions, though I haven’t examined the audio high quality but because it’s not a crucial characteristic for my flying wants.
Energy Output Testing
Utilizing the ImmersionRC Energy Meter V2, I examined the Extremely 1W6 VTX’s energy output. The outcomes have been okay for a $20 VTX, although the 25mW degree was significantly greater than anticipated, which is likely to be a difficulty for many who want exact energy ranges. Nevertheless, for long-range flying, the place greater energy settings are sometimes most well-liked, this isn’t a big disadvantage.
The VTX didn’t fairly attain the marketed 1.6W output; the utmost output was round 1.05W. Whereas that is lower than the claimed energy, it nonetheless gives substantial vary. Utilizing our FPV vary calculator, with a 9dBi patch antenna in your goggles and a 2dBi omni-directional antenna in your quad, the estimated vary is round 4.5km. In comparison with a real 1.6W VTX like the iFlight Blitz which gives 5.5km on this instance—the distinction is barely 18%.
| R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | R7 | R8 | |
| 25mW | 35 | 36 | 32 | 34 | 37 | 44 | 48 | 48 |
| 400mW | 360 | / | / | / | / | / | / | 378 |
| 800mW | 685 | / | / | / | / | / | / | 676 |
| 1600mW | 1050 | / | / | / | / | / | / | 1010 |
Energy Consumption
Right here’s a breakdown of the facility consumption when powering the VTX at 9V:
- 25mW: 0.18A (1.6W)
- 400mW: 0.45A (4.1W)
- 800mW: 0.68A (6.1W)
- 1600mW: 0.88A (7.9W)
You may energy this VTX straight from the battery, because of its huge voltage help from 2S to 8S. Nevertheless, if you happen to select to energy it from a 9V BEC in your flight controller, make sure the BEC can deal with no less than 1A or greater when utilizing most output energy settings.
VTX Desk
Altering the VTX channel, band, and energy settings may be carried out utilizing the bodily push button on the VTX. Nevertheless, deciphering the settings by counting LED blinks may be cumbersome. The perfect method is to arrange VTX Management and use the OSD menu for changes. Be taught extra about VTX Management: https://oscarliang.com/vtx-control/
To do that, you’ll must add a VTX desk to your Betaflight flight controller. Sadly, the vendor doesn’t present a VTX desk, and I couldn’t discover one on-line. Nevertheless, I managed to determine it out. Be taught extra about VTX desk: https://oscarliang.com/smartaudio-tramp-vtx-control-vtxtables/
Merely copy the next code snippet within the CLI, join the IRC wire to a spare UART (serial port) and configure that port for IRC Tramp and VTX Management must be good to go.
# vtxtablevtxtable bands 5vtxtable channels 8vtxtable band 1 BOSCAM_A A CUSTOM 5865 5845 5825 5805 5785 5765 5745 5725vtxtable band 2 BOSCAM_B B CUSTOM 5733 5752 5771 5790 5809 5828 5847 5866vtxtable band 3 BOSCAM_E E CUSTOM 5705 5685 5665 5645 5885 5905 5925 5945vtxtable band 4 FATSHARK F CUSTOM 5740 5760 5780 5800 5820 5840 5860 5880vtxtable band 5 RACEBAND R CUSTOM 5658 5695 5732 5769 5806 5843 5880 5917vtxtable powerlevels 4vtxtable powervalues 25 400 800 1600vtxtable powerlabels 25 400 800 1W6save
It’s price noting that whereas there’s point out of 5 energy ranges, together with 200mW, this doesn’t appear to work. There are solely 4 energy ranges: 25mW, 400mW, 800mW, and 1600mW.
Last Ideas
Lengthy-range VTX models with comparable specs can value upwards of $45, corresponding to the iFlight Blitz 1.6W VTX) or the Speedybee TX1600. The unbranded Extremely 1.6W VTX, at half that worth, gives a budget-friendly different. Though it doesn’t fairly ship the total 1.6W output, the vary distinction is barely about 18% on paper.
You should buy the Ultra1600 VTX on AliExpress: https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_DmxIABp
General, the Extremely VTX is price contemplating for lengthy vary FPV pilots on a good price range. It’s greatest fitted to bigger builds like 5″ and seven″ quads as a result of its weight and cooling wants.