FatShark PREDATOR V2 User manual

Fat Shark 1 RC Vision Systems
PREDATOR V2
RTF FPV KIT
USER MANUAL
Revision C 09/09/2013
For more product information, please visit:
www.fatshark.com
All Rights Reserved

Fat Shark 2 RC Vision Systems
Contents
Product contents .....................................................................................................3
Controls Diagram ....................................................................................................4
Controls...................................................................................................................5
Downlink Overview (Camera, TX, Power)...............................................................5
Transmitter..........................................................................................................6
Camera................................................................................................................6
Power (via discharge filter supply).......................................................................6
AV in/out Port..........................................................................................................6
Recording Video..................................................................................................6
Using an external receiver:..................................................................................7
Battery Charging .....................................................................................................7
Accessories.............................................................................................................8
Diopter lens.........................................................................................................8
SpiroNET Circular Polarized Antenna .................................................................8
Tiny Telemetry from ImmersionRC......................................................................8
Specifications..........................................................................................................9
Headset Specifications........................................................................................9
Camera Specifications:......................................................................................10
Transmitter Specifications (250mW 5G8 V3): ...................................................10
Downlink Kit.......................................................................................................10
Operational advice ................................................................................................11
Trouble shooting....................................................................................................12
Warranty................................................................................................................12
Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing the Fat Shark Predator RTF FPV video piloting
system with goggles, transmitter and camera. To ensure your continued
enjoyment, please take the time to thoroughly read through this operating manual
before using.
Product Compatibility
The Predator has been designed to adhere to established video standards and is
compatible with any product also adhering to accepted video standards. Due to
the high number of different manufacturers and variation in quality, it’s impossible
to for us to have tested with every product combination and some troubleshooting
may be required if mix/matching components. The Predator has been thoroughly
tested with ImmersionRC gear. For best results and no compatibility issues, Fat
Shark recommends ImmersionRC gear for your accessory products.
IMPORTANT!!!! Product Warning!!!!!
DO NOT LEAVE HEADSET EXPOSED TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT.
SUNLIGHT WILL MAGNIFY THROUGH THE OPTICS AND BURN
HOLES IN THE LCD COLOR FILTER
THIS WILL NOT BE COVERED BY WARRANTY. KEEP GOGGLES
IN PROTECTIVE CASE WHEN NOT IN USE

Fat Shark 3 RC Vision Systems
Product contents
Carry case
Predator Headset
FPV kit
(camera, TX, filter)
AV cable
5G8 Antenna
Battery
(with discharge adapter)
Manual

Fat Shark 4 RC Vision Systems
Controls Diagram

Fat Shark 5 RC Vision Systems
Controls
Brightness/contrast control: pressing left and right increases/decreases display
contrast. Press forward/back increases/decreases brightness.
RX power switch: The receiver module power is controlled by this switch. If
viewing video source via the AV cable; the RX module needs to be turned off to
avoid image conflict.
Channel select: Pressing channel up/down buttons will cause the channel to
incrementally increase/decrease. Audio beep sounds on channel change. A long
beep sounds on channel top and bottom limits.
Note: Fat Shark only guarantees compatibility with Fat Shark or ImmersionRC
transmitters.
CH1: 5740 MHz CH2: 5760 MHz CH3: 5780 MHz CH4: 5800 Mhz
CH5: 5820 MHz CH6: 5840 Mhz CH7: 5860 MHz
Low battery warning: Audio warning if input voltage drops below 6.8V
Volume control: each press of button increments volume up or down. Standard
earphones can be used with the Predator (not included).
Downlink Overview (Camera, TX, Power)
Downlink system comes preassembled and tested for plug/play with your aircraft.
Simply connect the balance lead of your 2S, 3S or 4S (7.4V - 16V) RC battery to
provide power to your Fat Shark Downlink and you are ready to fly.
The handy balance lead filters RC servo and motor noise from your RC pack for a
crisp, clear image.

Fat Shark 6 RC Vision Systems
Transmitter
Channel select chart:
1 2 3 4
Ch1 5740 MHz On On On N/A
Ch2 5760 MHz Off On On N/A
Ch3 5780 MHz On Off On N/A
Ch4 5800 Mhz Off Off On N/A
Ch5 5820 MHz On On Off N/A
Ch6 5840 Mhz Off On Off N/A
Ch75860 MHz On Off Off N/A
WARNING: DO NOT POWER TRANSMITTER WITHOUT ANTENNA ATTACHED. NO
ANTENNA LOAD WILL DESTROY RF AMPLIFIER – NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY
Small white connector on back of transmitter is for ImmersionRC Tiny Telemetry.
See accessories.
Camera
2.8mm lens for wide angle 100 degree FOV; ideal for fixed camera piloting.
Camera is NTSC/PAL selectable (NTSC default, remove jumper on back for PAL).
Plugs camera directly into TX via included cable (pre assembled).
Power (via discharge filter supply)
The discharge filter supply allows you to power your downlink equipment from your
onboard RC pack. Connect as shown below:
AV in/out Port
RCA Connector: Yellow: Video, White:
Audio Left, Red: Audio Right
Recording Video
Connect AV cable to AV out port on right side of headset. Connect recording
device to cables and set up as per manufacturer directions.
Note: Cables pins are not all the same (see above chart), be sure to connect to
headset using the included cable.
Ground Video AudR AuL

Fat Shark 7 RC Vision Systems
Using an external receiver:
Use the AV cable to connect headset to the RCA
AV port of external devices.
To share the base station power supply with your
goggles, pick up a 3m Dominator AV cable
accessory from your retailer. Note; internal
receiver must be shut off to properly display
external AV.
Battery Charging
The 1000 mAh 7.4V lithium polymer battery pack
is equipped with a 3 pole balance charger lead that allows the battery to be
charged off standard RC battery pack chargers (not included). Follow your charger
instructions for setting up for 760 mA 7.4V Li-po. Some chargers require the
discharge cable to be connected. Use the enclosed discharge lead adapter for
these types of chargers.
Note (1): If the charger fails to announce charge complete, but is showing battery
voltage at 8.4V, the charge can be considered finished.
DO NOT LEAVE BATTERY ATTACHED TO CHARGER WHEN CHARGER IS
NOT PLUGGED IN.
Note (2): If battery becomes fully discharged or shorted an internal safety circuit
will trip To reset the battery, tap 9V direct to the barrel connector via the discharge
adapter cable’s banana connector. This will instantly reset the battery and it can
be recharged as normal.

Fat Shark 8 RC Vision Systems
Accessories
Diopter lens
For near sighted users, diopter lens insert sets are available that include -2, -4 and
-6 dpt. See below insert instructions. Lens orientation is not critical.
SpiroNET Circular Polarized Antenna
The best performance enhancement for your dollar; SpiroNET
circular polarized antennae are manufactured to machine
tolerances and final tested with top end RF equipment for the
best performing CP antenna on the market.
CP antennae naturally reject multipathing (biggest cause of 5G8
video breakup) and have no mismatch polarization when your
aircraft banks – resulting in no rude range losses during acrobatic
flight.
Tiny Telemetry from ImmersionRC
TinyTelemetry is a minimal GPS locator that sends EzTelemetry data for the
EzAntennaTracker down one of the audio channels on the audio/video transmitter.
The EzAntennaTracker will then track the plane and offer battery statistics on its
LCD display as well as other telemetry data such as positional info etc.
The new v2.0 EzAntennaTracker will also offer audible warnings for battery voltage
and total current consumption.
The Tiny Telemetry plugs into the transmitter’s dongle power supply located on the
back of the transmitter.

Fat Shark 9 RC Vision Systems
Specifications
Headset Specifications
Optics:
FOV 25 degrees diagonal
Interpupillary (IPD) distance: 63.5mm (fixed)
Optional diopter lens inserts available in -2, -4, -6 dpt
Audio:
Stereo
User Controls:
Channel selection
Contrast/brightness
Volume adjustment
Electrical:
Power supply, 7-13V (2S/3S supply)
Power consumption: 200/350mA (direct/wireless)
Battery:
7.4V 1000mAh lithium polymer with safety circuit.
System:
NTSC/PAL auto select
Interlaced only (not progressive scan)
Mechanical:
Ergonomic molded shape with adjustable headband
Rubber eye cups for ambient light reduction.
Weight: 163g
Display
Two full color micro VGA LCD's (640 X 480 lines)
Resolution 922,000 pixels per eye
Head Tracker
None (removed for V2)
Receiver
5.8Ghz 7ch
Interface
3.5mm 4p AV in/out port
Power in port
3.5mm 3p Earphone port
PS/2 Power port (alternative headset supply from Futaba or ezUHF)

Fat Shark 10 RC Vision Systems
Camera Specifications:
Electrical:
Power supply: 3.5-5V (powered off TX)
Power consumption: 60mA @5V)
Imager:
1/3” CMOS 600TVL
FPV tuned white balance and sampling.
NTSC/ PAL selectable via jumper on camera (jumper on = NTSC).
Lens:
2.8mm IR coated
100°diagonal FOV (ideal for fixed camera)
Mechanical:
Square: 21 X 21 X 12mm
Lens extrude: 15mm X 14mm diameter
Weight: 15g
Transmitter Specifications (250mW 5G8 V3):
Electrical:
Power supply: 7 - 16 V (2S-4S supply)
Power consumption 310mA @7.4V
Transmitting power: 250mW
Frequency: 5G8 (see above frequency chart)
Antennae:
External dipole (circular polarized compatible)
Mechanical:
55 X 26 X 11 mm
Weight: 22g (with antenna).
Downlink Kit
Power supply: 7 - 16 V (2S-4S supply)
Power consumption 390mA @7.4V
Powered via battery balance lead
Total weight: 42g (with antenna).

Fat Shark 11 RC Vision Systems
Operational advice
For best performance, select a channel that has the least amount of
interference. While the transmitter is turned OFF, turn on the video
headset and look at the screen as you check each channel. Clear
channels will have a consistent static background. Channels with
interference will have horizontal static lines.
Always perform a range test before flying. This includes AV and RC
controls. Some RC receivers can be affected by the proximity of other
electronic devices particularly the AV TX.
Try to space out your components as much as possible to avoid
interference to your RC control range (keep stuff away from RX)
Until experienced, practice flying in a familiar area to avoid becoming
disorientated.
Due to antenna characteristics, there is a “null” in line with antenna
direction. You may experience excessive video breakup when flying
overhead
5.8Ghz signal strength drops off very fast, stay safely within solid AV
range.
For maximum distance it is very important that a clear line of sight exists
between the transmitter and the video headset. 2 of the worst causes of
interference are human bodies and reinforced concrete.
Place your TX antenna in open area in a vertical orientation
Multipathing (reflections off buildings/ tall objects) causes signal
cancellation and result in broken video. Fly in open areas away from
buildings or other tall structures (i.e. barns, hills).
5.8Ghz AV with 2.4Ghz RC controllers: 2.4Ghz may cause harmonic
interference on Ch2 – Ch7 of the 5.8Ghz AV (Ch1 not affected). The
headset has been equipped with a high pass filter that will allow the
system to work with CE certified 2.4Ghz RC controllers. However, the
filtering may be insufficient to remove noise from overpowered non CE
certified controllers.
If you experience interference from your RC radio, change the AV channel
to channel 1.
Although you don’t require any license to operate this device, you are still
legally responsible for operating in a responsible manner.
Proper transmitter and antenna placement: 95% of range issues are
due to improper mounting of transmitter and antenna. This is particularly
true for multicopters where the frame can interfere with the transmitted
image. Place transmitters out on wing or arms away from aircraft body
parts and ensure the TX clears all objects. Place the antenna in the
vertical position (upside right or upside down but never sideways or on an
angle).

Fat Shark 12 RC Vision Systems
Trouble shooting
Observation Possible cause/solution
No image, display is
completely dark - No power supplied. Check power connections.
No image, display is glowing
dark grey - If using wireless module, turn on RX power on bottom of headset.
- If using AV in cable, check video source.
- Ensure TX is on and camera connections solid
Lots of interference lines
(horizontal lines) - Choose a cleaner channel.
Lots of interference lines
(horizontal lines) when using
5.8Ghz receiver
Check to see if cause is harmonic interference from
2.4Ghz RC controller (turn radio on/off).
- Use CH1 on TX/headset (Ch1 not affected by
2.4Ghz)
- check correct frequency antenna is used
White dots on LCD display You were careless and left goggles exposed to
sun. Sun burnt off LCD color filter.
Battery DOA Low voltage switch tripped, read notes (2) in
battery section
Battery won’t charge Low voltage switch tripped, read notes (2) in
battery section disengaged from socket (open and
reseat).
Short range - Ensure 5.8Ghz antenna was installed
- Check for other sources of interference
- Ensure transmitter has clear LOS to headset. Test
in wide open area, away from any obstructions
Short range (con’t) - Ensure that a compatible antenna is installed. Do
not use other manufacture antenna, they may be
dual band or may be reverse SMA (no center pin to
connect to receiver)
Short range (con’t) 95% of range issues is due to incorrect mounting of
TX and antenna. Ensure antenna has clear line of
sight and clear of any parts of RC craft.
Warranty
The system can be exchanged for a new unit within 30 days for any manufacturing
defects if returned in new condition. The video headset will be warranted for repair
for 2 years if no signs of excessive use. Buyer will be responsible for shipping
costs. If beyond the warranty period we will provide repair services.
Your 1st point of contact for all warranty issues is your retailer. We also run a
support forum for all technical issues at:
http://fpvlab.com/ SPONSORS GATE/ FAT SHARK
Post your questions there and they will be answered by our technical staff or peers.
SYNERGY POSITIONING SYSTEMS
3/52 Arrenway Drive, Albany
Auckland, New Zealand
Free Call: 0800-867-266 Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
Website: www.synergypositioning.co.nz