The Walksnail Goggles X don’t include built-in head monitoring, which is why Walksnail created an extension module. This module additionally doubles as an analog receiver bay. Whereas it really works as meant, it’s not fairly as refined as I had anticipated. On this submit, I’ll clarify what the Goggles X Extension Module does, stroll you thru the set up course of, and share a few of the challenges I confronted utilizing it.
You’ll find my full evaluate of the Walksnail Goggles X right here: https://oscarliang.com/walksnail-avatar-goggles-x/
The place to Purchase
You should buy the Goggles X Extension Module from:
Moreover, for those who want a 4-pin to 5-pin headphone jack cable, you will get it right here: https://oscarliang.com/product-mtug
What Does the Goggles X Extension Module Do?
The Goggles X Extension Module presents two main advantages:
- Head Monitoring Assist for Caddx GM Gimbals (GM1, GM2, GM3).
- Analog Receiver Bay for flying with analog FPV system utilizing the Goggles X.
In the event you don’t plan to make use of head monitoring or fly with an analog system, you don’t want this product. Nonetheless, I consider Caddx is providing this module to current Goggles X customers without spending a dime (earlier than Mar 2025), so that you would possibly as nicely get it, as a result of why not? 🙂
How you can Set up the Extension Module
The set up course of is easy.
Use the included clear double-sided tape to connect the module to the highest of the Goggles X, making certain the white connectors face ahead.
Join the ability cable—shorter finish into the goggles, longer finish into the module. The module could be powered by a 2S to 6S battery, utilizing the identical battery because the goggles due to the included energy splitter.
Join the 4-pin to 5-pin 3.5mm audio jack cable (5-pin to goggles, 4-pin to module’s “To Goggles X” gap).
I didn’t obtain this cable with both the goggles or the module, however I managed to get the analog receiver working with a 4-pin to 4-pin cable by barely loosening the tip that connects to the module. Nonetheless, this workaround doesn’t appear to work for head monitoring, so I must get the suitable cable till I can check head monitoring. You will get the suitable cable right here: https://oscarliang.com/product-mtug
How you can Use the Analog Receiver Module
In case you have an analog receiver module, plug it into the highest of the extension module. There are two rows of pin sockets for various receiver sizes, use any row you want.
To enter AV mode, maintain the return button for five seconds. The Goggles X will now obtain an analog sign. Maintain the return button for an additional 5 seconds will swap to HDMI mode, and do it once more returns to the Walksnail residence display.
How you can Use Head Monitoring
Earlier than utilizing head monitoring, replace the Goggles X and Walksnail video transmitter to the most recent firmware (38.43.4 or newer).
- Within the goggles menu, go to Head Monitoring and choose PTZ.
- Exit the menu, and the gimbal ought to observe the motion of the goggles.
- Fast press the return button thrice to reset the gimbal’s place.
For extra on Caddx GM gimbals, take a look at my evaluate: https://oscarliang.com/caddxfpv-camera-gimbals/
Firmware Replace
The extension module runs its personal firmware and requires a particular cable for updates, which is offered individually. Just like the GM gimbals, this cable will not be included, which I discover puzzling. It’s an affordable merchandise that might simply have been bundled with the extension board. However ideally, the module ought to have had an built-in USB-C port for firmware updates—maybe an oversight that makes the method extra cumbersome than needed.
Hyperlink to replace cable to be added later, as I can’t discover its product web page on the time of publishing.
Limitations
Design and Person Expertise
When Walksnail introduced this module, I anticipated a extra refined answer, maybe one which required taking aside the goggles and changing a board. Nonetheless, the set up turned out to be a lot less complicated—simply stick a field on prime of the goggles and join just a few cables. Whereas straightforward, it does look cumbersome and considerably unpolished.
There’s no Walksnail brand on the module, and the design feels clunky with the uncovered, dangling cables. Moreover, the module runs its personal firmware, which have to be up to date utilizing a generic, unpolished program. To make issues worse, the replace cable isn’t included and must be bought individually, including to the frustration.
Nonetheless, the set up is straightforward and it really works as meant, which is what issues for non-technical customers.
Analog
When utilizing the analog receiver, the Goggles X shows static (snow) when the sign is misplaced, relatively than a blue display, which is what we would like. Nonetheless, there’s added latency in comparison with devoted analog FPV goggles just like the SKY04X Professional. This additional delay is as a result of video sign conversion throughout the Goggles X, nevertheless it’s minimal (just a few milliseconds), so that you won’t discover it in actual life. Different digital goggles just like the HDZero goggles even have this situation so it’s not unique to the Goggles X.
One main draw back with the Goggles X is that the DVR doesn’t work in analog AV In mode, that means you may’t report your analog flights. Moreover, there’s no cowl for the receiver module, leaving it susceptible to coming free—particularly with heavy directional antennas mounted on prime. I’d have appreciated to see a safer design much like the module bay in Fatshark goggles, like I did in my DIY FPV monitor: https://oscarliang.com/diy-fpv-display-fatshark-module/.
Moreover, I discovered the 4-pin to 5-pin headphone jack cable was lacking. It’s mentioned to be included with the Goggles X, however mine didn’t include it, presumably a case of earlier manufacturing batches. You should buy the cable instantly from Caddx, nevertheless it’s doesn’t appear to be available elsewhere.
Conclusion
Whereas the Walksnail Goggles X Extension Module fills the hole for head monitoring and analog assist, it has room for enchancment by way of design and consumer expertise. For a premium product just like the Goggles X, this extension module feels like an afterthought—a fast repair relatively than a completely built-in improve. Hopefully, future variations of the Goggles X may have these promised options built-in.
You should buy the Goggles X Extension Module from:
That mentioned, the extension module is straightforward to put in, requiring no disassembly—simply plug in just a few cables. If DVR assist for analog is essential to you, I’d nonetheless suggest the SKY04X Professional goggles for analog use. Nonetheless, for Walksnail customers, this extension module presents a handy option to fly analog while not having one other set of goggles.
