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Caution: UFL Connectors Are Fragile
All HDZero VTXes use an U.FL connector for its smaller footprint and lighter weight. However, it is not a
mechanically strong connector. Treat it as if it’s made of glass. Here are notes for installing and
uninstalling an antenna:
▪Never run a cable from the UFL connector straight off the side of a board. Instead, run the antenna
cable towards the middle of the board, and secure it in one of the following ways:
oHot glue or E6000 glue
▪Avoid using glue on top of the hot components on the board.
▪Preferably, apply glue to the side of the board where the cable leaves the top of the
board.
oKapton tape to secure it to the surface of the VTX
oZip tie it to a nearby standoff
▪Unless you need maximum RF performance or minimum weight, consider a UFL->SMA pigtail for
larger builds. This allows you to thoroughly secure the SMA connector to your aircraft to prevent
movement of the antenna cable.
▪When removing the antenna, go very slowly and pull gently on the antenna so that one side of the
UFL slides off first. There are tools designed to remove/insert UFL connectors from their sockets,
which can help avoid damage to the UFL connector or socket.
Please visit the following link for more information:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hdzero/permalink/448657693828864/
Powering the VTX: BEC or VBAT
Using a battery eliminator circuit (BEC) is highly recommended to avoid voltage spikes, which can
damage the VTX. Although you can power the VTX directly from the battery (VBAT), a BEC will provide
more consistent power and will help absorb any voltage spikes, protecting your VTX from over-voltage
conditions.
It is important to select a BEC that provides voltage that is within the range of what the VTX accepts, and
that is capable of supplying enough current to power the VTX. Whether you are using a BEC that is built
into your flight controller or a standalone BEC, be sure to check its voltage and current ratings and
compare them to the required voltage and current for your VTX.
All the FCs that include an integrated BEC for DJI VTXes should also work for HDZero VTXes.
To summarize:
▪All HDZero VTXes, except Freestyle V1 Batch 2 VTX or later and Freestyle V2, do not support 6S
VBAT.
▪Check your FC specs to see if you can run your VTX from the FC’s BEC;
▪If not, you could run the VTX from a suitable standalone BEC;
▪If not, solder a capacitor between the +V and Ground on the VTX. Running on VBAT is always the last
choice due to the challenging voltage environment in an aircraft.
