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 publish, I’ll clarify what the Goggles X Extension Module does, stroll you thru the set up course of, and share among the challenges I confronted utilizing it.
You could find my full evaluation of the Walksnail Goggles X right here: https://oscarliang.com/walksnail-avatar-goggles-x/
The place to Purchase
You should purchase 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 affords two major advantages:
- Head Monitoring Help 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. Nevertheless, I consider Caddx is providing this module to present Goggles X customers at no cost (earlier than Mar 2025), so that you would possibly as properly get it, as a result of why not? 🙂
The way to 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 may 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. Nevertheless, this workaround doesn’t appear to work for head monitoring, so I must get the fitting cable till I can check head monitoring. You may get the fitting cable right here: https://oscarliang.com/product-mtug
The way to Use the Analog Receiver Module
When you’ve got 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 dwelling display.
The way to 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 comply with the motion of the goggles.
- Fast press the return button thrice to reset the gimbal’s place.
For extra on Caddx GM gimbals, try my evaluation: https://oscarliang.com/caddxfpv-camera-gimbals/
Firmware Replace
The extension module runs its personal firmware and requires a particular cable for updates, which is bought individually. Just like the GM gimbals, this cable just isn’t included, which I discover puzzling. It’s a cheap merchandise that would 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 crucial.
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. Nevertheless, the set up turned out to be a lot easier—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 emblem 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, moderately than a blue display, which is what we would like. Nevertheless, there’s added latency in comparison with devoted analog FPV goggles just like the SKY04X Professional. This further delay is as a result of video sign conversion throughout the Goggles X, however it’s minimal (just a few milliseconds), so that you may not discover it in actual life. Different digital goggles just like the HDZero goggles even have this difficulty 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, which means you’ll be able to’t file your analog flights. Moreover, there’s no cowl for the receiver module, leaving it susceptible to coming unfastened—particularly with heavy directional antennas mounted on prime. I might have preferred to see a safer design just 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 stated to be included with the Goggles X, however mine didn’t include it, presumably a case of earlier manufacturing batches. You should purchase the cable immediately from Caddx, however 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 moderately than a totally built-in improve. Hopefully, future variations of the Goggles X may have these promised options built-in.
You should purchase the Goggles X Extension Module from:
That stated, the extension module is straightforward to put in, requiring no disassembly—simply plug in just a few cables. If DVR assist for analog is necessary to you, I’d nonetheless suggest the SKY04X Professional goggles for analog use. Nevertheless, for Walksnail customers, this extension module affords a handy method to fly analog while not having one other set of goggles.