AKK A3-OSD and AKK AIO-SA Micro Cameras

Two new micro AIO cameras have arrived on test . I can't keep up with these guys, they are publishing new products weekly now.

I am going to start with AKK A3-OSD

It is integrated all in one solution which means that camera, video transmitter (VTX) and antenna are joined together in one device.
These little systems are so versatile, you can put them anywhere.
Primary, they are meant for micro quads like Tiny Whoop or Inductrix, but actually , you can use them on anything related to RC: cars, helicopters, airplanes...

Let's run through specifications first.

Input voltage: 3.3V - 5.5V
Operating current: 300 mA (at 25 mW output)
Antenna connector: dipole
Video Format: NTSC 600 TVL
Lenses: 120° FOV
Frequency: 5.8 GHz, 6 bands, 48 channels
Output power: 0.1mW / 25mW / 200mW
Weight (measured): 4.57 g
Dimensions: 18 mm x 13 mm
OSD: Call-Sign, CH, Band ,FR, voltage and flight time

So, the easiest way to power this little thing is by using 1S battery. There is battery adapter provided with the unit for different battery connectors.
Big surprise is OSD. You can type in your Call-sign and all necessary data is visible like band, channel, frequency and power output.
All settings are done with single button and 2 LED lights.

And what can I say about this one. Well I like it. I like it a lot. With its 200 mW of output power and versatility plus OSD this is my favorite.
Previously I have tested AKK A5 AIO which is split system without OSD and with maximum power of 25mW, and with that system i got around 700m range with clear picture.
Since this one has 200 mW output power, range will be much bigger, I assume over 1 km.
That is a lot for such small device.
Battery consumption depends on your power output, and with 150 mAh 1S battery and 200 mW output, you can have around 5-6 minutes of picture.

Whole review and how to setup band, channel, Call-sign... is in video below.
Link to product: https://www.akktek.com/products/micro-aio-cameras/akk-a3-osd.html?acc=43ec517d68b6edd3015b3edc9a11367b

Second Camera is AKK AIO-SA

It looks almost similar to A3-OSD but with additional cable connector.
And that SA stands for Smart Audio. That means that you can setup all parameters via BetaFlight OSD in your micro or mini quad and use special PitStop mode (0.01 mW output). Of course, you can setup this camera with single button on camera and 5 red LEDs and 2 blue LEDs.

There is a loop yellow cable on that additional connector which allows you to insert your own OSD in between.

Let's run through specifications:

Input voltage: 3.3V - 5.5V
Operating current: 300 mA - 480 mA
Antenna connector: dipole
Frequency: 5.8 GHz, 5 bands, 40 channels
Output power: 0.01mW / 25mW / 50 mW / 100 mW / 200mW
Weight (measured): 5.25 g
Dimensions: 18 mm x 14 mm

As you can see, that additional cable and Smart Audio hardware added around 0.8 grams in weight, but that is acceptable. Picture quality is very good, and response to light changes are fast enough.
Link to product: https://www.akktek.com/products/micro-aio-cameras/akk-aio-sa.html?acc=43ec517d68b6edd3015b3edc9a11367b

You can see whole review and setup in video below.

And my final thoughts. 

I like both of them, but my favorite is A3-OSD since I fly mostly planes and that little thing has everything that I need: good stable picture, good range, versatility and extra integrated OSD.
Good job AKK

AKK FX2 5.8Ghz 40CH 25mW/200mW/500mW/800mW VTX

There are many FPF VTX systems on the market these days and AKK keeps making new products almost every two weeks. This time, I have tested their new FX2 40CH switchable VTX.

So let's start with specifications first:

Output power: 25mW, 200mW, 500mW and 800mW power switchable
One button frequency and power setup
OSD configuration using FC Uart
7-24V input with 5V output
Integrated MIC
All up weight: 13.82 g
Dimensions: 30.5*30.5 mm
Link to product: https://www.akktek.com/products/vtx/akk-fx2.html?acc=43ec517d68b6edd3015b3edc9a11367b

As all new AKK video transmitters lately, this one also has Smart Audio port which allows you to change channel band and frequency and even power output via your BetaFlight OSD controller. PitStop mode is also present (that mode transmits with very low power output ,around 0.1mW, and if you accidentally enter channel that someone is using at that moment on the race track, he won't loose his picture because of that very low output). Antenna connector is MMCX and in the package there is MMCX to SMA cable, so you can use your existing antennas with this VTX and place it anywhere you find appropriate on your drone, plane...

Setting up band, channels and power output is very easy with one button, and is described in video below.

Time to test picture quality and range. As always, I am using Eachine EV800D googles (Link on Banggood) with standard antennas, so nothing special and pricey.

It was -1 °C that day in Croatia, with very cold wind...I was thinking of making range test, but at 2.5 km range, my fingers froze, and I had to return back. Anyway, at that range I had no issues with picture as you can see in video footage. Perfectly clean picture. Nice job AKK.

Two new VTX from AKK Technology AKK Nano2 and AKK FX2

I have received 2 new VTX from AKK Technology.
First one is AKK Nano2, small and lightweight video transmitter for your micro and nano flying vehicles (like Tiny Whoop, Inductrix, E-Flite UMX series...).

Link to product: https://www.akktek.com/products/vtx/akk-nano2.html?acc=43ec517d68b6edd3015b3edc9a11367b

AKK Nano2 5.8GHZ 48 CH 25/50/100/200mW power switchable Micro FPV Transmitter

Key features:
Support 0.01mW Parameter-adjusting Mode
25mW, 50mW, 100mW and 200mW power switchable
One button frequency and power setup
OSD configuration using FC Uart (F3/F4/F7 with OSD)
5V to camera @ under 300mA

Second is AKK FX2.
This one has output up to 800 mW.

Link to product: https://www.akktek.com/products/vtx/akk-fx2.html?acc=43ec517d68b6edd3015b3edc9a11367b

AKK FX2 5.8Ghz 40CH 25mW/200mW/500mW/800mW Switchable FPV Transmitter support OSD (configuring via betaflight flight control board)

Key features:
Support Parameter-adjusting mode
25mW, 200mW, 500mW and 800mW power switchable
One button frequency and power setup
OSD configuration using FC Uart
7-24V input with 5V output
With MIC

Dual Rates and Expo Explained

If you are new in this hobby, this can be a great help during your first flights. In this video, I have explained What Dual Rates and Expo mean, and how it works on control surfaces

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2018

Unusually warm Christmas day in Croatia lured me out on the field.
This is my first Christmas flight ever.