CADDXFPV WALKSNAIL Ascent FPV Goggles User Manual

1. Introduction

This document provides comprehensive instructions for the CADDXFPV WALKSNAIL Ascent FPV Goggles. This product is a wireless image transmission head-mounted display device, designed for compatibility with Ascent HD System series air unit products. It enables long-distance, low-latency, high-definition wireless image transmission. In this manual, 'VTX' and 'Air unit' refer to Ascent image transmission camera products, while 'VRX' and 'Goggles' refer to Ascent image transmission display products.

Note: Ascent Goggles can only be used with Ascent Lite VTX Kit.

2. Product Overview

The Ascent Goggles offer an immersive FPV experience with advanced features and ergonomic design.

2.1 Key Features

• Immersive Wide-Angle Vision: Experience an expansive field of view that pulls you deeper into every flight.
• Built-In DVR with 1080p Recording: Capture every flight in high definition, directly to your TF card.
• Built-In High-Gain Antennas: Enjoy strong, stable, and interference-free signals during flights.
• Multi-Function Interface Design: Supports TF card recording, playback function, and firmware upgrade ports.
• Customizable FPV Goggle Lenses: Supports nearsighted, farsighted, and blue light-blocking lenses.
• Extended Battery Life: Efficient power system for longer flight sessions without frequent charging. (Battery needs to be purchased separately.)
• Lightweight & Ergonomic Design: Perfect weight distribution reduces neck strain during long flights.

2.2 Goggles Components

The Ascent Goggles feature the following main components:

1. Built-in Antenna: For wireless signal reception.
2. Link Button: Short press to enter linking state; long press for 8 seconds to enter upgrade state.
3. Record Button: Press to start or stop video recording.
4. Back Button: Press to return to the previous menu or exit the current mode.
5. 5D Button: Toggle to scroll through menus; press to confirm.
6. Power Port: DC 5.5*2.1, supports 6V-25.2V input.
7. Micro SD Card Slot: For recording and firmware updates.
8. Frame Mounting Holes: For attaching accessories or head straps.

Front view of Ascent Goggles, highlighting the lens area.

Side view of Ascent Goggles, illustrating the button layout and power port.

3. Setup

3.1 Linking Goggles with VTX

1. Connect both the VTX (Air Unit) and the Goggles to their respective power sources.
2. Press the Link Button on the VTX and then on the Goggles.
3. When the VTX enters pairing state, its indicator light will turn red. The Goggles will emit a 'DI... DI... DI...' sound.
4. Upon successful linking, the VTX indicator light will turn solid green, the Goggles' beeping sound will stop, and the FPV screen will display the video feed.

3.2 Firmware Upgrade

It is recommended to upgrade both VTX and Goggles to the latest firmware before first use.

1. Download the latest upgrade firmware from the official CADDXFPV website. The Goggles file is named Ascent_L_Gnd_X_X_X.img. Do not change the file name.
2. Copy the upgrade file to the root directory of the Goggles' Micro SD card. (If an old firmware file exists, delete it first).
3. Connect the Goggles to a power supply and wait for the device to initialize.
4. Press and hold the Link Button on the Goggles for 8 seconds. The Goggles will automatically restart and emit a 'beep...beep...beeper' sound.
5. Do not power off the device during the upgrade process. The upgrade typically takes about 1 minute.
6. After a successful upgrade, the beeping sound will stop after 5 seconds, and the Goggles will restart.

4. Operation

4.1 Main Interface Overview

The main interface provides real-time information about the system status:

• VTX Input Voltage: Displays the VTX power supply voltage. Intelligently identifies 2, 3, 4, or 6 string LiPo batteries. An alarm (red font) is triggered if a single cell drops below 3.5V.
• Goggles Input Voltage: Displays the Goggles power supply voltage. Intelligently identifies 2, 3, 4, or 6 string LiPo batteries. An alarm (red font and buzzer) is triggered if a single cell drops below 3.5V.
• Real-time Bitrate: Shows the current transmission bitrate in Mbps (10.0M and 20.0M bandwidth modes available).
• Time Delay: Displays the total latency from the VTX camera capturing images to the Goggles display.
• Ranging Mode: Calculates the transmission distance from Goggles to VTX based on wireless transmission delay. Note: Signal interference can amplify errors.
• Status Prompt: Textual prompts for important current status information.
• Current Channel: Displays the active channel. Signal strength is indicated by 5 states: 4 bars, 3 bars, 2 bars, 1 bar, or blank.
• Goggles SD Card Status: Shows the status and remaining capacity of the Goggles' SD card. A flashing red circle indicates recording. 'NO SD' is displayed if no card is detected, and '-' if memory is full.
• Remote Controller Signal Status: Displays signal strength with 5 states (4 bars down to no bar). This icon is hidden if no remote controller signal is detected by the image transmission module.

4.2 Menu Navigation: Channel Settings

Access the Channel menu to manage your FPV feed.

• Channel: Displays interference status for each channel. Signal strength is shown with 4 bars, 3 bars, 2 bars, 1 bar, or empty. An empty bar means the channel is occupied and cannot be selected. Use the 5D button to navigate the white outline selection box. Press to confirm and highlight a channel, making it the current channel.
• Frequency Hopping: When enabled, the Goggles automatically select the channel with the least interference. Manual channel switching is unavailable in this mode.
• Refresh: Re-scans all channels and updates their interference status.

4.3 Menu Navigation: General Settings

The Settings menu allows customization of various Goggles functions.

• Camera: Adjust scene presets, EV value, saturation, sharpness, white balance, rotation, ratio, 3D DNR, shutter, and Max ISO settings.
• Display: Adjust Debug mode, brightness, focalization mode, custom OSD, OSD position, font upgrade, custom font, viewfinder, and viewfinder edit settings.
• Record Set: Configure VTX REC resolution, REC device, take off REC, REC loop, format SD card, format VTX, Built-in EIS, REC Time, REC Format, Color, Saturation, and Sharpness.
• Device: Adjust Buzzer Volume, Ranging Mode, Signal Loss Alert, Restore Factory Settings, Reset VTX Defaults, Device Information, User Guide, Mode Switching, DVR Bitrate (goggles), and Anti-Flicker.
• Transmission Power: Selectable options include 25 mW and 100 mW.
• Resolution: Choose between 720P and 1080P.
• Bandwidth: Selectable 10.0M and 20.0M options for different image quality. High bitrate is only supported when FCC mode is enabled.
• Frame Rate: Standard frame rate is 60fps.
• Standby Mode: In standby mode, both the air unit and goggles transmit at 10 dBm. Transmission power returns to the configured value upon exiting or disabling standby mode. This function requires the air unit to be properly connected to the flight controller via serial port; standby mode exits automatically when an arming signal is detected. If no flight controller is supported, this function can be disabled.
• Language: Switch between English and Chinese.
• Battery Alarm: Monitors low battery status of the goggles. Triggers a red text warning and buzzer alert when voltage is too low. This feature can be enabled or disabled.
• Preferences: Preset transmission modes: Smooth, High Quality, Long Range.

4.4 Menu Navigation: Playback

The Playback menu allows you to review recorded footage.

• OSD Switch: Can be turned on or off. When on, flight control OSD information (if available) and main interface flight information will be superimposed on the playing video.
• Multi-selection: When the selection box is on the video list, long-press the Goggles confirmation key to activate multi-selection. A menu box will appear with options (Delete, Select All, Cancel). Press the Back key again to exit multi-selection mode.
• Video Control: On the playback interface, press the middle button to pause/play. Use the left and right arrow keys to adjust rewind/fast forward.

5. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the goggles. For lenses, use a specialized lens cleaning cloth and solution to avoid scratches.
• Storage: Store the goggles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Use the provided case or a protective bag to prevent dust and physical damage.
• Battery Care: If using an external battery, ensure it is charged and stored according to its manufacturer's guidelines. Avoid overcharging or fully discharging LiPo batteries.
• Firmware Updates: Regularly check the official CADDXFPV website for new firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and access to new features.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 Status Indication (Buzzer Sounds)

6.2 Common Issues and Solutions

• No Video Feed: Ensure VTX and Goggles are properly linked. Check power connections for both devices. Verify that the correct channel is selected on the Goggles.
• Poor Video Quality/Interference: Check for obstructions between the VTX and Goggles. Ensure antennas are securely attached and undamaged. Try switching to a different channel in the Goggles menu. If Frequency Hopping is enabled, ensure it's functioning correctly or try disabling it for manual channel selection.
• Goggles Not Powering On: Verify the power source (battery voltage and connection) is within the specified range (6V-25.2V).
• SD Card Errors: Ensure the Micro SD card is properly inserted and formatted (FAT32 recommended). If recording issues persist, try a different SD card.
• Goggles Not Responding: If the device becomes unresponsive, try a hard reset by disconnecting and reconnecting the power. If boot failure occurs, attempt a firmware re-upgrade.

7. Specifications

7.1 Operating Channels

8. User Tips

• Always ensure both the VTX and Goggles are powered on and linked before attempting flight to avoid signal loss.
• For optimal video quality, especially in challenging environments, experiment with different channels and consider enabling Frequency Hopping.
• Keep your firmware updated to benefit from performance improvements and new features.
• When recording, ensure your Micro SD card has sufficient space and is formatted correctly to prevent data loss.
• Be mindful of local regulations regarding drone and FPV equipment usage.

9. Warranty and Support

For technical support, warranty inquiries, or further assistance, please contact CADDXFPV support:

• Email: support@caddxfpv.com

10. Compliance and Safety Information

10.1 Precautions

1. This is a sophisticated product. Failure to operate this product in a safe and responsible manner could result in injury or damage to the product or other property. It must be operated with caution and common sense and requires some basic mechanical knowledge.
2. The transmit power of VTX and Goggles is only 10mW when the standby mode is on.
3. There are up to three channels for the goggles depending on the region, with bandwidths of 10MHz and 20MHz.
4. It is recommended to upgrade VTX and Goggles to the latest firmware before first use.
5. Make sure you fully understand and abide by local laws and regulations before using this product. Users who use the amateur frequency bands with a modified or cracked version or without a license may be punished for breaking local laws or regulations.

10.2 FCC Warning

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

10.3 Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) Information

This Ascent Goggles complies with government requirements for exposure to radio waves. The guidelines are based on standards developed by independent scientific organizations through regular and thorough evaluation of scientific studies. These standards include a substantial safety margin designed to ensure the safety of all individuals, regardless of age and health.

FCC RF Exposure Information and Statement: The SAR limit set by the FCC is 1.6 W/kg, averaged over one gram of body tissue, and 4.0 W/kg averaged over 10 grams for extremities. Device type: WN02-FPL006 (FCC ID:) has also been tested for compliance with these SAR limits. During product certification, the highest reported SAR value was 0.612 W/kg for the body, and 0.138W/kg for extremities. This device has been tested for typical body-worn operations with the back of the Goggles kept at 0 mm separation from the body. To maintain compliance with FCC RF exposure requirements, accessories that maintain a 0 mm separation distance between the user's body and the back of the Goggles must be used. Belt clips, holsters, and similar accessories used with this device should not contain metallic components. Accessories not meeting these requirements may not comply with FCC RF exposure requirements and should be avoided.

Body-Worn Operation: This device has been tested for typical body-worn operations. To comply with RF exposure requirements, a minimum separation distance of 0 mm must be maintained between the user's body and the Goggles (including the antenna). Third-party belt clips, holsters, and similar accessories used with this device must not contain any metallic components. Accessories that do not meet these requirements may not comply with RF exposure requirements and should be avoided. Use only the supplied or approved antenna.