“Can I purchase FPV goggles and connect them to any drone?” It’s a question I’ve often been asked.
As an experienced FPV pilot, I thought it was high time to shed some light on this. So, I’ve sifted through my years of flying and the latest info to give you the definitive answer.
Ready? Let’s jump right in!
Table Of Contents
What are FPV goggles?
First-person view (FPV) goggles allow you to see a real-time first-person perspective from your drone’s camera. This gives you a much more immersive flying experience and can make piloting easier and more precise.
FURTHER READING:
Can you use FPV goggles with any drone?
The short answer is yes. You can use FPV goggles with any drone as long as it is equipped with a camera and video transmitter. However, for the optimal experience, it is recommended to use goggles specifically designed for your drone model. The key is to make sure your drone and goggles use compatible transmission technologies and frequencies.
What drones work with FPV goggles?
The basic requirements for a drone to be compatible with FPV goggles are:
- It must have an onboard camera
- It must have a video transmitter to send footage from the camera to the goggles
So, any drone that has a built-in camera feed that displays on your controller screen should theoretically work with FPV goggles. The goggles just give you a bigger, more immersive display for that existing video feed.
However, compatibility also depends on your specific model of drone and FPV goggles. Some combinations work together seamlessly, while others do not.
DJI drones
Most recent DJI drone models are compatible with DJI’s own brand of FPV goggles:
- Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom
- Mavic Pro
- Mavic Air
- Spark
- Phantom 3 Advanced
- Phantom 4 Series
- Inspire Series 1 and 2
But some DJI drones are NOT compatible with the DJI Goggles for reasons that aren’t entirely clear, including:
- Mavic 2 Enterprise
- Mavic Air 2
- Mavic Air 2S
- Mavic Mini
In addition, DJI goggles will NOT work with non-DJI drones. So, if you have a different drone brand, you’ll need goggles made by that manufacturer or a third-party brand.
Other major drone brands
Besides DJI, other major drone brands like Parrot, Yuneec, and Autel also make their own FPV goggles designed specifically for their models.
For example, the Parrot Anafi drone comes with Parrot Cockpitglasses made especially for that aircraft. Yuneec offers the Typhoon H SDK Headset for their hexacopter series. And Autel has the Evo Drone FPV Goggles.
When looking for FPV goggles for a non-DJI drone, try checking with that manufacturer first to see if they make matching goggles. Using the “official” brand headset offers the most seamless compatibility.
DIY and racing drones
For DIY drones or dedicated racing quads, you likely have more flexibility regarding FPV goggle compatibility.
These drones are specifically designed for FPV flight and to pair with standard goggles from third-party brands like Fat Shark, SkyZone, Eachine, and more.
Most hobbyist FPV goggles use common transmission frequencies and technologies that sync up easily with DIY drone camera/video transmitter modules.
So, if you have a custom racing drone, it will probably work with a wide variety of FPV goggles. Just double-check the video transmission frequency to be sure.
How to choose FPV goggles for your drone
Once you know your drone is generally compatible with FPV goggles, how do you select the right model? Here are some key factors to consider:
Match your drone brand
As mentioned above, looking for FPV goggles from your drone manufacturer is your best bet for seamless compatibility.
For example, if you have a Parrot Anafi drone, get the Parrot Cockpit glasses rather than a random third-party brand. DJI drones pair best with DJI goggles. Etc.
Matching the brands ensures your goggles will work on the same transmission frequencies and have all the necessary connectors to interface with your aircraft.
Video transmission system
The video transmitter on the drone needs to match up with the video receiver in the goggles. Most FPV video systems operate on 5.8GHz, but it’s worth verifying this spec.
You’ll also want to check that the channel layouts are compatible. Sometimes, the video transmitter and receiver antennas use different polarization and need to be swapped.
Head tracking
Many FPV goggles feature head-tracking technology to control camera gimbal movement or even drone flight direction. If this is a feature you want, choose goggles that specifically advertise head-tracking compatibility with your drone model.
FPV camera resolution
Higher-resolution FPV cameras will look best on goggles with high-resolution displays.
So, if your drone has a 4K or HD camera, look for goggles with screens that can take full advantage of that fidelity, like the DJI Digital FPV System or Fat Shark HDO2. On the other hand, if your drone has a standard definition analog camera, a lower resolution display on the goggles will suffice.
FURTHER READING:
6 tips for choosing the best FPV goggles
Get goggles made specifically for your drone model
It’s always a wise move to select goggles that are specifically designed or recommended for your drone model. Doing so ensures a guaranteed level of compatibility and offers a performance optimized for your device. When there’s a seamless connection between your drone and goggles, you’ll likely experience fewer interruptions and technical glitches during your flights.
Prioritize display resolution and optics
Remember, the primary purpose of FPV goggles is to give you a clear and vivid visual experience. As such, prioritize models that offer high display resolution and superior optics. A better quality display will render clearer, crisper images, enhancing the joy of your flight experience.
Evaluate the pros and cons of digital vs. analog transmission
While digital transmission can offer better image clarity and quality, it sometimes comes at the cost of slightly higher latency. On the other hand, analog transmission might show images with less resolution but often delivers them with reduced delay. Your preference will likely hinge on whether you prioritize image quality or real-time responsiveness.
FURTHER READING:
Think about the portability and fit of the goggles
Think about how and where you plan to use your goggles. If you travel frequently with them, a compact and easily portable design might be crucial. Moreover, comfort should not be overlooked. Goggles that fit well and feel comfortable during extended use can significantly enhance your flying sessions.
Compare features like head tracking and receiver diversity
Some FPV goggles come with added features like head tracking, which allows the camera on your drone to follow the movements of your head. On the other hand, receiver diversity uses multiple antennas to ensure a more stable connection. While not essential, these features can significantly elevate the quality of your flight experience.
Factor in your budget
As with most tech products, FPV goggles can vary widely in price. Models range from as low as $50 to well over $500. While it’s tempting to go for the high-end models, assessing the features you genuinely need and balancing that against what you’re willing to spend is essential. Aim to get the best value by prioritizing crucial features within your budget range.
Final words
While not all FPV goggles will work with every drone, knowing the technical details can guide you to the right match. Remember to fly safely and enjoy the immersive FPV experience.
