Hi,

first things first, this was most likely user error, I'll be ordering 2 more, I just don't want to do it to the fresh ones so some tips on how to set up the new system would be greatly appreciated.
I also have nothing against tbs or brands...

So I recently got a TBS unify, it is my first "modern" VTx, before this I have been using immersionRC 600mw and other brick sized vtx's since 2013 and never had any issues with setups.  

When setting up the HV, I connected it directly to an XT60 to the battery pack (4s 1300mah ~60C). I'll attach a photo

The issue is I think I may have fried
The band scanning function on my True D model shows that there is no signal coming from the VTx even tho the lights go through the setup menu fine and looking at it LOS shows as normal.

I think I may have cooked the rf module in it? Should connecting a board directly to power like I have damage it? or is this a warranty claim? The reason I think it may be my fault is both of my boards are exactly the same after "testing". So neither work. my 

Impulse RC helix vtx and other vdx's still works perfect so rules the google module out of the equation

also if it helps I can film and upload a quick video of the issue if not explained clear enough here

Again, perpose of this thread is to figure out how to set it up reliably so I don't cook my new ones when they arrive in the mail...

Cheers,
Adam

In your test I assume you're powering the camera from the vtx? does your camera support 5v in? is the vtx actually outputting 5v?

Since the unify can take up to 26v I'd think it sounds more like something is wrong with the VTx.

I don't have this specific VTx but I have used similar ones from different brands and powered them direct from the main power. I did have an eachine that was DOA though and needed warranty.

Question based on your description. you mention "both boards are exactly the same after testing" Are you saying that you have 2 of these that are failing?

(03-Aug-2017, 08:33 AM)Snuffypot11 Wrote: In your test I assume you're powering the camera from the vtx? does your camera support 5v in? is the vtx actually outputting 5v?

Yeah the VTx is powering the camera: 5v out of the video transmitter plugging into the 5v-22v hs1177 camera

so the camera should be specked out to work, it works fine with other builds

don't have a multimeter on hand.

do you think the voltage coming out of the VTX would be affecting how it transmits? 

(03-Aug-2017, 10:42 AM)Carl.Vegas Wrote: Since the unify can take up to 26v I'd think it sounds more like something is wrong with the VTx.

I don't have this specific VTx but I have used similar ones from different brands and powered them direct from the main power. I did have an eachine that was DOA though and needed warranty.

Question based on your description. you mention "both boards are exactly the same after testing" Are you saying that you have 2 of these that are failing?

Yeah both have the issue of not transmitting or transmitting too much and spewing over all the bands, hard to tell with the True D module. 

I have asked the shop I received it from if I can send it back for them to have a look at is as it is very confusing.


one of them let out a little smoke, tho still works? I feel as if I may be overloading the little board some how?

Which model of Unify is this? If it's the Unify Pro HV, it will accept direct 2-6S lipo. BUT if it's the Unify or Unify Pro V2 (non-HV), they require a 5 volt supply. I have a couple original Unifys and they need a 5 volt dropdown pololu

Here is a quick youtube video that might explain things a little easier

(03-Aug-2017, 01:28 PM)RENOV8R Wrote: Which model of Unify is this?  If it's the Unify Pro HV, it will accept direct 2-6S lipo.  BUT if it's the Unify or Unify Pro V2 (non-HV), they require a 5 volt supply.  I have a couple original Unifys and they need a 5 volt dropdown pololu

good catch! I only looked up the pro HV because that's one I had considered ordering before. I didn't think about them being different.

Is it in Pitmode?
I've never used the Unify Pro VTX, but afaik, when pitmode is activated you will get no signal from it.
manual: http://www.team-blacksheep.com/tbs-unify...manual.pdf

Before you powered your quad, did you attach an antenna to the VTx?

(03-Aug-2017, 01:28 PM)RENOV8R Wrote: Which model of Unify is this?  If it's the Unify Pro HV, it will accept direct 2-6S lipo.  BUT if it's the Unify or Unify Pro V2 (non-HV), they require a 5 volt supply.  I have a couple original Unifys and they need a 5 volt dropdown pololu

(03-Aug-2017, 04:03 PM)Carl.Vegas Wrote: good catch! I only looked up the pro HV because that's one I had considered ordering before. I didn't think about them being different.

Yup it's the HV version... I think, I'll attach a photo

(03-Aug-2017, 05:12 PM)Oscar Wrote: Is it in Pitmode?
I've never used the Unify Pro VTX, but afaik, when pitmode is activated you will get no signal from it.
manual: http://www.team-blacksheep.com/tbs-unify...manual.pdf

Just regular mode set to 200mw (max is 800mw)

(04-Aug-2017, 08:26 AM)t3rminal Wrote: Before you powered your quad, did you attach an antenna to the VTx?

Yup antenna is attached, there is a video above. 
I also did see somewhere that the thing can run without it but I'd be sceptical...

Might have to call it. I've contacted the seller to see if I can return it for fresh one.

If I remember right the furious FPV module for the FS goggles is what mine is a clone of. Does it have a "band scanner" option where it'll show you where signal is being broadcast across the 5.8 spectrum?

If so, is there any difference between when the VTX is on and off... are there any bumps in there showing signal anywhere?

(04-Aug-2017, 08:26 AM)t3rminal Wrote: Before you powered your quad, did you attach an antenna to the VTx?

If you are referring to a burnt vtx, I'm pretty sure the TBS unify can run for quite a while without antenna before it burns. If I remember correctly, TBS specify about 30min or so

(04-Aug-2017, 10:41 AM)oyvinla Wrote: If you are referring to a burnt vtx, I'm pretty sure the TBS unify can run for quite a while without antenna before it burns. If I remember correctly, TBS specify about 30min or so

You are correct, both the TBS Unify and IRC Tramp have thermal protection

(04-Aug-2017, 10:29 AM)Carl.Vegas Wrote: If I remember right the furious FPV module for the FS goggles is what mine is a clone of. Does it have a "band scanner" option where it'll show you where signal is being broadcast across the 5.8 spectrum?

If so, is there any difference between when the VTX is on and off... are there any bumps in there showing signal anywhere?

This is a useful trick, I did try, first tested with my working quad and it shows a nice big spike on the channel I had set.

When I used the TBS it showed up with nothing....

Yeah... definitely no good then.

I think you're looking at defective stuff if you ask me... unless there is something else that isn't obvious enough that it's come up.

I run the scanner at the park all the time because there are often new folks flying there that don't know where they are on the spectrum and it lets me know if they'll bump into others (like myself) or not.