Evaluation: Speedybee TX1600 Extremely VTX (1.6W Analog Video Transmitter)

The Speedybee TX1600 Extremely video transmitter is a compact powerhouse on the planet of VTXs, boasting a 20x20mm mounting and a powerful output energy of as much as 1600mW. Designed for long-range flights and powerful sign penetration, it’s a super selection for the intense FPV pilots.

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For a deeper dive into VTX, I like to recommend trying out our purchaser’s information: https://oscarliang.com/video-transmitter/

The place to Purchase?

Obtainable for buy at these retailers:

Regardless of the producer labeling it as “TX Extremely” on their product web page, it’s the identical because the TX1600. Contains the next equipment:

• 1x MMCX Antenna
• 1x MMCX to SMA Cable
• 1x 1.0mm 4pin JST Cable

Specs

• Frequency & Channels: 5.8GHz, 48 Channels throughout 6 Bands
• Output Energy: PIT / 25mW to 800mW / 1600mW (MAX)
• Working Present: 12V @ 90~560mA
• Enter Voltage: 7-28V (helps as much as 6S)
• Output Voltage: 5V @ Most 300mA
• Video Enter Impedance: 75 Ohm
• Antenna Connector Sort: MMCX
• Weight: 3.2g with out heatsink/antenna, 5.7g with heatsink, 7.0g with heatsink/antenna
• Dimensions: 29x28x6mm
• Mounting Holes: 20x20mm M2

Design and Type Issue

The TX1600, geared up with a detachable heatsink, is remarkably light-weight at simply over 3 grams. Nonetheless, I like to recommend utilizing it with the heatsink, particularly at increased output ranges, to reduce the danger of overheating.

Its 20x20mm mounting suits completely into fashionable freestyle frames, such because the Supply One V5, and the PCB’s broad screw holes accommodate M3 screws simply. For M2 bolts, washers could also be wanted for a comfortable match.

Antenna

That includes a sturdy MMCX antenna connector, it’s much more sturdy than the smaller U.FL connectors. The package deal contains an MMCX to SMA cable for versatile antenna mounting.

Whereas the included primary dipole antenna is ample for short-range flights, I recommend upgrading to a higher-quality antenna for improved efficiency: https://oscarliang.com/best-fpv-antenna/#The-Finest-FPV-Antennas-for-FPV-Drones

Necessary: By no means energy the VTX with out an antenna hooked up, because it dangers overheating and injury.

Utilization and Connection

The TX1600 is supplied with three LED indicators (blue, pink, orange) to show the present channel, band, and energy stage. There’s additionally a push button for adjusting settings, but it surely’s cumbersome to make use of. As a substitute, I like to recommend organising VTX Management in Betaflight and utilizing the OSD menu for adjustments. Be aware that this VTX makes use of the IRC Tramp protocol, not SmartAudio.

For connecting to the flight controller, you’ll be able to both use the included JST connector cable or solder wires on to the VTX pads.

It has a 5V output however solely has sufficient present for powering issues like your FPV digicam. Most FC has devoted 5V for cameras anyway so you’ll be able to usually go away the 5V on the VTX unconnected.

Supported Channels and Bands

It helps the next 5.8GHz channels:

Unlocking the TX1600

Out of the field, the TX1600 video transmitter got here locked, limiting some channels (in orange), and limiting energy to solely 25mW. You may entry all of the channels and as much as 1600mW by unlocking the VTX.

To unlock the TX1600, merely lengthy press the button for 10 seconds.

You may lock the VTX once more by holding down the button for 10 seconds.

Find out how to Change Channels/Energy?

To regulate VTX settings, you will have two choices:

1. Use the push button on the VTX.
2. Make the most of the Betaflight OSD menu or a LUA script.

For button operation:

• Brief press the button to change CH1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8.
• Lengthy press the button for two seconds to enter the BAND mode; then quick press to
  change band1/2/3/4/5/6.
• Lengthy press the button for 4 seconds to enter the POWER mode; then quick press to
  change to 25/200/800/Max mW.
• Lengthy press the button for 10 seconds to unlock/lock.

LED indicators which means:

To have the ability to change VTX settings through Betaflight OSD menu, it’s a must to setup VTX management as defined under.

VTX Management Setup (VTX Desk)

To allow VTX management through Betaflight, join the IRC pad from the VTX to a TX pad on a spare UART in your flight controller.

In Betaflight’s Configurator, below the Ports Tab, choose “IRC Tramp” for the corresponding UART.

For VTX management to work correctly in Betaflight, you should copy this snippet within the CLI:

# vtxtable
vtxtable bands 5
vtxtable channels 8
vtxtable band 1 BOSCAM_A A CUSTOM 5865 5845 5825 5805 5785 5765 5745 5725
vtxtable band 2 BOSCAM_B B CUSTOM 5733 5752 5771 5790 5809 5828 5847 5866
vtxtable band 3 BOSCAM_E E CUSTOM 5705 5685 5665 0 5885 5905 0 0
vtxtable band 4 FATSHARK F CUSTOM 5740 5760 5780 5800 5820 5840 5860 5880
vtxtable band 5 RACEBAND R CUSTOM 5658 5695 5732 5769 5806 5843 5880 5917
vtxtable powerlevels 4
vtxtable powervalues 25 200 800 1600
vtxtable powerlabels 25 200 800 MAX

Be taught extra about VTX desk right here: https://oscarliang.com/smartaudio-tramp-vtx-control-vtxtables/

VTX Pit Mode

The TX1600 helps Pit Mode activation through a change, it principally reduces the output energy of your VTX to a particularly low stage (solely sufficient for a number of meters of vary) so it gained’t interrupt different pilots whereas they’re nonetheless within the air, it additionally retains your VTX cooler. It’s helpful for troubleshooting when you find yourself in a race/meetup or when your quad is down.

Within the Modes tab within the Configurator, assign an Aux channel to VTX Pit Mode.

Output Energy Testing

I examined the TX1600 utilizing the ImmersionRC Energy Meter V2. Whereas the outcomes should not essentially the most correct because of the check gear being hobbyist stage. the numbers look fairly respectable in comparison with different VTX I’ve examined prior to now. Questioning which channel is greatest for FPV? Take a look at this publish.

Throughout testing, I discovered the VTX skipped 200mW and MAX ranges. When deciding on 200mW, it output the 800mW stage, whereas deciding on 800mW stage, it output the MAX (1600mW) stage. Undecided what was occurring however at the least we all know it’s doing that.

Conclusion: Is the TX Extremely for you?

Do you want the TX1600 or TX800?

Even with some primary onmi directional antenna on each the transmitter and receiver, you’ll be able to anticipate to get 2km of vary on 800mW in superb circumstances. With good directional antennas in your goggles, you need to have the ability to double your vary (or extra). At 1400mW as examined, the TX1600 presents about 2.5dB of extra energy than the TX800, that’s about 36% improve in vary. Probably not a day and night time distinction, however enchancment in penetration needs to be noticeable. Be taught extra about the right way to calculate FPV vary on this tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/calculate-fpv-range/#How-to-Calculate-FPV-Vary-with-dB

You may get the TX1600 VTX from these distributors:

Be aware of the elevated danger of overheating which could impression VTX efficiency, guarantee good airflow and take off as quickly as doable. Additionally it could possibly get noisier for different pilots close by when working at most output energy.

The opposite consideration is enter energy. The TX800 solely takes 5V which could be very limiting, whereas the TX1600 can take 7-28V,  which means it’s doable to energy it instantly from a LiPo. Nonetheless it’s usually not really useful to energy VTX instantly from LiPo as a result of it’s often very noisy, inflicting noise in your video feed. It’s greatest to energy VTX from a regulated energy supply, such because the 9V BEC on a flight controller, which is quite common these days. In that case the TX1600 is ideal.

For most individuals, I feel the TX800 is likely to be adequate and presents higher worth for most individuals, however the TX1600 presents wider vary of enter voltage assist and extra vary and penetration. The selection boils right down to your necessities.

Get the TX800 right here if you’re : https://oscarliang.com/speedybee-tx800/