With all the new digital systems dropping their components. I figured I should FINALLY install and see what this system has to offer (hd-zero)..
 I had been dragging my feet as I do not care for “updating” systems (I’m sure most have discovered from my pasts posts).. and it’s a reason I went crossfire instead of elrs..
 So I’ve had the hd-zero since they offered the vrx for $100… and purchased cameras / VTXs as they worked out the bugs.. and a friend had one of the first 500mw (2 board) vtx.that I acquired.  
 Using a glide 5” frame and a mamba f4 405 stack I proceeded with the build.  The vtx was “reinforced” to give more “strength” during crashes, and the build went VERY clean .. even with the esc 180 degrees out.. the build came out as my best so far..
 I bench tested the system, it WORKED.. nice .. untill I did the updates….my mistakes, but who knew..
 I “updated” my vrx with the latest hd-zero firmware..RIGHT!?!! . WRONG!!!!   My vrx as I said was the first gen..SHARKBYTE.. not hd-zero.. but WHO KNEW..??  DETAILS, details..
 Updates corrected, components fitted, indoor test done.. but vtx output seems VERY low.. thought it may have been a setting.. NOPE..
 Long story … long.. the vtx was crap.. tried to fit a 200w vtx to “fit” into the build…does it “fit”.. SURE..but let’s talk the first hurdle.. the camera cable..
 I have the 120mm and it was short.. tbs next length is 240mm… all I needed was another 10-20mm not 100, but that’s the next length cable…
 I looked at what was offered the 200mw race vtx would fit with 20x20 mounting (I think the camera cable would fit proper)..but the cost was $70.. for 200mw.. oh, did I mention I was CHEAP.. so I looked at the 1w for $99.. easy choice?  Kinda…this thing is is one CHUNKY  CHICK.. @ 26g.. and fitment is another hurdle..
 Long story .. long .. again.. the 30x30 mounting has me installing a 20x20 fc from a mamba mini stack in the back and the vtx on top of the esc..
 I’m real curious as to what VTXs hd-zero and walksnail has in the works.. YES, the 1s whoop set up has been done AND improved.. but I have fallen in love with my recent 4” 252g squished build .. and 200mw is NOT going to be enough..the 1w hd zero is not gonna work, especially with the weight.. walksnail is 9g lighter .. but just as wide.. yes it’s 20x20 mounting .. but there is no “middle ground”… either small, short, fast.. or big, fat, chunky, power…
 Here is some pics of what I’m describing….

Looks like a flying vtx.
That thing is massive.

… it IS!!
Someone posted somewhere asking about pulling the heat sinks off this thing.. I can totally understand asking why… but again, how much will it effect the durability..$100 is $100.. and I’m not “Daddy Warbucks”..
For a 5” freestyle rig.. I see no issues other than component fitment..
Again… anything other than 5” .. ur looking at the 200mw whoop or race vtx.. nothing in the 400/600/800mw range..or weight…

I installed a 20x20 mamba fc in the rear, got it configured and hover tested..the vtx will not fit in the rear without removing a set of standoffs.. and that is where my batteries will mount..
 This vtx has got me rethinking this whole build.. it kinda sucks.. you have to build AROUND this one component. I did notice it will fit behind the camera with it exposed and no protection.. and I will have to re install the esc “correctly.”..
 Any suggestions??

You have exactly found one of my problems with HDZero. There is no middle ground.

Now the Avatar 1s vtx does 450mw, is lighter weight and easier to fit into a frame than the fullsize VTX's. The good thing there is with the Avatar system 450mw feels BETTER to me than most of the analog 800mw VTX's I have used over the years. Rumor has it that the V2 of this board will be even smaller.

As for the mipi cables on HDZero, i believe that its foxeer that makes a 180mm cable. I had to use one for the build I did one a Rekon 7 frame.

https://www.defiancerc.com/products/foxe...and-hdzero

This is one things that seems to make both the HDZero or Walksnail Avatar HD systems a pain when building anything other than micro quads. The footprint and size of their high powered VTX's is inconvenient to say the least and a really bad design choice IMO. They would both do better if they followed the dual stacked board design that DJI use on the Vista and new O3 Air Unit. Yes it's taller so you lose a bit of vertical space inside the frame for other things, but at least it fits inside most frames without sticking out the sides and being vulnerable in a crash and without having connectors in a stupid location (right on the sides in the case of both HDZero and Walksnail). It probably also explains why people seem to get numerous failures and/or reliability issues with those VTXs because the design certainly doesn't help with durability.

Both companies need to go back to the drawing board IMO and come out with new design for their high powered VTX's which are much better thought out.

Walksnail are currently working on a re-designed 1S VTX but there is no information on it yet so we don't know if it's smaller than the current board. I have no idea if Divimath have any HDZero VTX redesign in the works.

A simple 20x20 mounting 500-800mw would literally eliminate 90% of the issues..IMO
I’m looking at alternate frames.. the tbs source one will fit it all in the middle stack but it’s TALL.. and no reason to build a stack that tall with all the real estate in front and back..
Yes, simple solution is use tbs 20x20 fc.. I just may do that.. but fortunately/ unfortunately I have quite a few f4 30x30 FCs and ESCs in my parts box..
Just trying to use what I have ..
Who am I kidding.. I’ll get this thing airborn, do a power loop and feed it concrete.. killing the vtx..

Hi Rob,

WOW, that thing is big. Will you need bigger motors? 

“We’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
-Chief Martin Brody-
I’m gonnaTRY to finish this build this weekend …sticking with the 20x20 fc and gonna install a 9v bec (just incase). I know they say it can run on vbat.. the bec is cheap insurance in my book
Gonna be curious about fitting the WS vtx in that 4” .. those 1408s would EASILY carry that 1w vtx… just not sure how it would handle..

Hi Rob,

Is that the glide 5 inch frame? Might need some tail extension plates.

Yeah, think that I will just sit back and relax with my analog rigs.
Hey, nobody sees the video anyway. Ok, maybe a post or two on
this site, but I don't use YouTube any more. Besides, my flights are
just plain BORING. Plus, I am now flying in remote, isolated, locations
where there is absolutely nothing to see.

So, I am just gonna settle back and have a cold one. 

hate to be that guy, but get a vista, set it, and forget it.. just my 2 cents.

… expecting my Walksnail system to arrive..not giving up on HD-zero.. looking at going to 4” with most of my future builds .. the 1w vtx was a surprise ..

First, I am going to be that guy that just stays analog. It works for me.
Besides, that analog de-interlacing module for the HDZero goggles looks pretty
good and you don't need a special VTX or camera. Hmmm...

That said, I am keeping an eye on HDZero. If they get everything together,
make it cost effective, and open source...then I believe it could be the video
equivelant of ELRS. Cost is paramont. 
Anyway, I keep watching...

Personally, I like the 4 inch size the best...when I have a place that I can 
fly them at; right now, I just don't have the space. I am hoping that I can
work with a 3 inch; otherwise...2.5 or maybe 2 inch.

.. the only reason I jumped on this bandwagon was the $100 sale.. I redeemed $50 from RDQ so I’m only HDzero for $150 (camera and vtx added).. figured if u don’t like it.. SOMEONE will pick it up cheap ..
Same for the WS system.. plus, some guys I know are looking at getting one or the other.. and I can say “here ya go.. try both..”

@iFly - I can't remember if I said it before but being someone who doesn't fly acro and who tends to fly high up just cruising around admiring the scenery, you are probably a perfect candidate for a digital system. Doing the kind of flights you do with a digital image would give you a whole new perspective of flying by providing a breath-taking bird's eye view of the landscape below rather than a grainy image. If you ever find you have a few extra dollars to spare, I would definitely recommend trying the Walksnail Avatar HD VRX and a 1S VTX even if it's just for one of your quads just to try it out. Even at the higher post-promotion price of $249 for a VRX and 1S VTX, that is still a steal for a digital system.