Want to learn how to setup and use your CVG module without all the hassle of a long manual, forums, or long YouTube videos? This is the page for you!
Some Late-Breaking Info That You May Want To Know:
- Is my fan working? The fan is thermostatically controlled and programmed to give only the required cooling with the least noise and intrusion into your flying experience. During cool temperatures and especially when first powered up, the fan may not run at all since the receiver may not be very warm. Because of this, some people have expressed concern that they can’t tell if the fan is functioning properly. To speak to these concerns, the latest software update cause the fan to run for a few seconds at first powerup. This is your assurance that the fan and thermostatic control are working properly. After this, the fan will throttle back as much as possible (including 0 RPM) and only run full blast under the most extreme temperatures and solar loading conditions.
- Can I use one omni and one directional like I have in the past? ClearView is not a diversity receiver. ClearView gets the best range and noise performance when both antennas can see the signal. This means that you can use one omni with one directional as long as you fly in such a way that you don’t go out of your omni range or so far behind your directional that it loses signal.
- > What happens if I ignore this suggestion? Not much except that ClearView noise reduction and ultimate range will suffer. ClearView signal stability will still far exceed conventional video systems.
- Please check this space often for more important information.
Installation:
Please follow the compatibility chart carefully. Iftron is not responsible for user error, which may damage Fatsharks. A video of the CVG-Original install with ribbon in HD3’s can be seen Here. Please note that we no longer pre-bend the ribbon cable. Instead, download and print this Cable Bends template file at 1:1 scale.
NEVER RUN A CVG LEGACY ON HDO GOGGLES!
Note: Although shown as compatible below, we still do not recommend the DIY goggle inductor mod that some goggle owners are doing (see table footnote), but if you already modded your goggles, our HDO version will work if run on 3 cells. If modded inductor legacy goggles are run on 2 cells, the voltage to the module will sag too much as the battery discharges and you may lose performance or video.
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CVG Compatibility Chart
8/3/18 |
Fatshark Goggle Type | |||
| HDO | Legacy | Modded Legacy | ||
|
Clearview Type
or ClearView Jumper Position |
ClearView HDO | ✓ |  |
✓** |
| ClearView Legacy | |
✓* | |
|
*We recommended running legacy goggles on 2S to limit heat generation in the head-tracker regulator.
**We recommend running modded legacy goggles on 3s. If the Fatshark (2S) battery gets below about 8V, the voltages will sag too much in modded legacy Dominator and HD goggles. The DIY inductor mod does not guarantee a stable 5V supply at lower input voltages, thus a 3S battery should used
CVG version E is now shipping to distributors and customers. Version E comes with a red jumper under the module cover as seen below. This jumper reduces distributor inventory since they would otherwise have to carry both versions. Set the jumper to the correct position, and install the ribbon cable as in the module installation video ONLY if you have older unmodified legacy FatSharks.
-> Move the jumper to the correct location as shown above. This information is also available in the label on the bottom of the module.
Revision D which has been shipping direct to users is otherwise electrically identical to Revision E. One variant of Revision D is configured for HDO’s, and the other for legacy Fatsharks. There is no jumper on Revision D. It has been configured at the factory as requested by the user. Note: We can change your module from legacy to HDO type – or back – for free (you pay shipping). Just email us and ask for an RMA number.
Note: Modules with the jumper should NOT be switched back and forth too many times or the ribbon cable or ribbon connectors will become unreliable. Therefore, we discourage using one module and constantly converting it for 2 different types of goggles.
Once the jumper is in the correct position, and the ribbon is installed (if needed), power on the goggles. Ensure the ClearView LED lights up on the board, and you see static on the screen. Attach some antennas. If you don’t see static, change the position of the module switch on your goggles. If you tried both positions, and you don’t see static on your FatSharks, STOP! Unplug your battery. Double check the compatibility chart again, and if needed, ask us for help.
Using the menu:
The CVG module has 12 built-in, commonly used bands, and utilizes your FatShark’s channel buttons to change the channel. The CVG module also uses a unique navigation button behind the right-hand SMA antenna. Press on the SMA when the CVG is plugged into the Fatsharks to actuate the button.
Here is an overview of the CVG menu (Please note that there may have been advances and added features since this video was produced):
If you’ve used a ClearView Racer or Pro menu, you can skip the video, as the menu system is similar.
Here are a few quick tips:
- To enter the quick information screen, press and hold the SMA antenna button. If you release in a second or two, you will go right back to live video. This makes it very handy to quickly check information. If you continue to hold the button, the info screen will stick and you will be given a list of optional destinations at the screen bottom – including going to the menu or back to live video
- To enter the menu directly, press the SMA antenna button twice quickly and once long. (Short – Short – Long press)
Turn on your video transmitter. If you do know the band, then enter the menu, select the appropriate standard band, and use the Fatshark channel buttons to find it. If you don’t know the band, either figure it out from your video transmitter manual, or use the band analyzer found in the menu. The band analyzer in spectrum mode is a good place to start finding your frequency.
Flying with ClearView:
Once you have video from the aircraft, wait for a ClearView lock (typically 5 seconds to 30 seconds). The OSD will appear over live video. If you can’t acquire a lock in AUTO camera mode, try NTSC or PAL mode as is consistent with your camera type, and go back to live video to wait for lock. Flying without a lock will result in similar performance to standard diversity receivers. ClearView lock vastly improves image quality, removes analog multipath artifacts, better rejects adjacent channel noise, and most importantly, stabilizes the picture to avoid a rolling and tearing image.
The ClearView OSD provides vital information from the such as the current band-channel, receiver frequency, antenna in use, antenna RSSI, as well as some user text. The RSSI meter is a great place to judge how strong your signal is, however ClearView has at least 6dB more of range past when the RSSI is at zero bars, so feel free to push it to lower signal than you’re normally used to flying. Tiny Whoop’s are great platforms for getting comfortable with ClearView’s signal degradation characteristics.
Antenna Selection: Do I need 2 of the same kind or not?
ClearView works best with two antennas. In the past, it was recommended to run similar antennas. This is different than many pilots have become used to when using diversity receivers. While 2 of the same antennas gives the best range and noise performance, there are situations where an asymmetrical setup is beneficial. If this is your first time flying the CVG, we suggest that you start with two omni antennas oriented the same way (vertically). If you want to fly both far out and behind yourself, use a directional antenna + an omni (either side). This will still give you excellent noise performance as long as both antennas are receiving sufficient signal. When your range exceeds one of your antennas, or when flying behind your directional at too far a distance, range and noise performance will be lessened. Finally, if you plan to fly very far away, use two directional antennas facing the same direction. With 2 directionals, remember not to fly too far behind the antennas, and keep your head pointed in the right direction when using directional antennas. Two directional antennas pointed the same way will offer the most range at the expense of coverage behind the antennas.
Updates:
From time to time, updates will be released for the CVG. Although the performance from the first release of 1.05 is already fantastic, bugs will be fixed, and new features will be released. Updates require a future proofing cable (Type II) or similar FTDI adapter that is known to be suitable for your computer operating system. To update your receiver, click HERE for the update guide.