TBS FUSION receiver module

Introduction

A Fusion of the best: The image processing developed by BrainFPV, the OSD and UI by Achilles, and the hardware engineered and manufactured by TBS. When the brightest minds of the FPV industry work together, being the best at merging two analog video streams was simply not good enough!

Through active video fusion, the displayed video instantly has less breakup and more range, without color-deterioration or video desync often experienced at the edge of reception. A state-of-the-art OSD engine drives cutting edge interactivity, while reducing the need for on board OSD. The TBS Fusion both raises the bar at reception quality and paves the way for system-wide integration with TBS Crossfire and other devices.

Key features

• Compatible Fatshark Dominator V1, V2, V3, HD1, HD2, HD3, HDO 1/2, Orqa and many more
• External Power Kit: Included. Required for older goggles that can't deliver enough power, or for connectivity
• RF Sensitivity: -96dBm
• Power: 5V @ 340mA, 500mAh with connectivity enabled
• Collaboration with: BrainFPV (video fusion), AchillesFPV (UI), TBS (hardware)
• Crossfire and TBS Cloud connectivity
• Real-time telemetry based OSD

Specifications

Getting ready

Getting set up and ready to fly is a quick and simple task. In most cases plug&play when using TBS equipment.

FAQ

If you have any questions after reading this manual, you should visit the TBS FAQ section.

Note

This manual is written based on FUSION FW 2.16 and WiFi FW 1.20. If some functions are not available for you, please update your Fusion and WiFi module.

Some features include a connection to the TBS R/C systems. Make sure your firmware is up to date: Crossfire 4.11 or Tracer 5.07.

Updating

In order to update and configure your Fusion module, you need the TBS Agent X, which you can download from the TBS shop. To update the module, connect it by the USB-port and run the update by Agent X. For detailed instructions on how to use the Agent X, have a look at the Agent X manual.

Overview

The TBS Fusion module is a compact device designed for FPV goggles. It features two SMA antenna connectors, an OLED menu display, and a 5D joystick for navigation.

Mode switch on Fatshark goggles

On the bottom of your Fatshark goggles, there is a small switch to select the module bay or an external source. When you switch to the external source, your Fusion module will turn off, unlike other modules on the market.

Power Mod

Your Fusion module comes with a small PCB and two ribbon cables. This is the power mod that you might need to install into your goggles.

Do I need it?

A decision tree guides users on whether the power mod is necessary:

• If you own a Fatshark HDO2 or a Orqa: Yes, proceed to the next question. No, skip to the next step.
• If you own a Fatshark HDO or a goggle modded (L1/10 mod): Yes, proceed to the next question. No, skip to the next step.
• Do you want to use the WiFi functions? Yes: You need to install the power mod. No: You don't need to install the power mod.

How to install the mod

There are different methods to provide battery voltage to your Fusion module. This can be done by the included power mod PCB and the ribbon cable, or by a single wire on the soldering spots on the PCB. A video demonstrating the installation process is available [link to video]. On some goggles, this can create heat on the main PCB. In such cases, connect a wire straight to the barrel connector of your goggles and the solder-spot on the Fusion.

Upgrade receiver modules

If you bought your Fusion module before April 2020, you received the first receiver modules which were replaced by a newer revision with higher sensitivity. To check which one you have, inspect the back of the module. The previous version has a green PCB, while the upgraded hardware features a black PCB with a larger chip and a yellow 'B' logo.

To upgrade, simply replace the receiver module. After the upgrade, you need to run the calibration.

Antenna selection

Due to the advanced image processing, the Fusion does not require two identical antennas to work properly. A common setup uses an omni-directional antenna like the Triumph Pro on the top connector and a patch antenna like the TBS Patch on the bottom connector.

Important: Make sure to use SMA antennas!

General functions

Main Screen

The startup mode of the Fusion when you power it up. You can switch channels and bands easily with the joystick: Up/Down to change the band, Left/Right to change the channel.

When the OSD Status shows 'locked', you cannot change the channel or band. To unlock it, push the joystick in any direction and wait for 2 seconds. The symbol will switch to 'open'. After a few seconds, the fusion will lock again.

OLED Display Information

The OLED display shows:

• RSSI Antenna 1 and RSSI Antenna 2: Signal strength for each antenna.
• Frequency: The frequency of the selected channel.
• Channel: The selected channel.
• WiFi Status: Cloud connection status (connected or not connected).
• VTx Sync Mode: Shows the sync type selected (Auto/ Lead/ Follow).
• CRSF Communication: Indicates communication with Crossfire/Tracer.
• Sync Status: Status of communication between Fusion and Crossfire/Tracer.

Note: WiFi and VTx Follow symbols are not shown when these options are deactivated.

OSD Scanner

When you change the band or channel using UP/DOWN or LEFT/RIGHT, a "mini band scanner" instantly shows the best channel. Pressing ENTER switches the Fusion to that channel.

OSD Elements

• Selected Channel: Position of the selected channel on the 5.8GHz band.
• 5.8G Band: Displays the complete 5.8GHz band.
• Scanner Progress: Indicates band scanning status.
• Active Band: Shows the currently selected band.
• RSSI: Signal strength of any received signal.
• Noise Level: Displays weak signals, mostly noise from the VTX.
• Channel: The selected channel.
• RSSI Bar: Signal strength for each channel, represented as a bar.
• RSSI Value: Signal strength for each channel, as a numerical value (0-99).

Startup channel

On startup, the Fusion will tune into a certain channel.

Permanent Startup

If you want your Fusion to always start with the same channel, set it as a Favorite. Navigate to the X band, push and hold the joystick until the menu appears, and select 'Permanent Startup'.

To disable this, simply delete the channel from the X band.

Last used Channel

When no permanent startup channel is selected, the Fusion will start with the last used channel.

Favorites

Up to 8 channels can be set as a Favorite. To do this, select a channel from any band in the Matrix menu, push and hold the joystick for a moment until the menu shows up, and select 'Save [frequency]'.

Channels will be sorted in the order they were set as favorites and can be found in the X band. The order can be changed using the TBS Agent X or the Fusion CRSF menu.

Deleting Favorites

To erase a channel from favorites, select it in the X band, push and hold the joystick until the menu appears, and select 'Delete' or 'Delete all'.

A user frequency can also be set as a favorite like any other channel.

Fatshark button control

The channel select button on your Fatshark goggles (or compatible goggles) will be used to cycle through favorite channels. If you are in any other band and press the channel button, the Fusion will jump to the favorite band and the selected favorite channel.

User frequency

In the Main overview, you can switch from standard band selection to a manual frequency. Select any channel in the Main menu and hold the joystick for about 2 seconds until the sub-menu appears. Select 'Custom Freq.' to set the frequency using Up and Down. If the selected frequency does not match standard bands, it will show 'US XXX'. User frequencies are lost when you leave the channel; add them as Favorites for reuse.

A user frequency can also be set as a favorite like any other channel.

Autolock

Let the Fusion search for a strong signal. Use Up/Down to search for the next signal. When a strong signal is found, the Fusion tunes into that channel and returns to the live feed.

OLED + OSD Information

• Actual Channel: The channel the Fusion is currently scanning.
• Progress Bar: Scan status over the entire 5.8 GHz band.

Multilock

The Fusion searches for up to 8 channels. These channels are listed in the OSD on the left side and can be navigated using UP/Down. This feature is useful during races with up to 8 active pilots when you want to monitor their video feeds.

OLED Display

During the scan:

• Active Channel: The channel the Fusion is scanning right now.
• Progress Bar: Scan status.
• Found Channels: Number of channels that have been found.

After the scan:

• Active Channel: The channel you are currently viewing.
• Found Channels: A list of the channels found during the scanning process.
• Empty Slots: If fewer than 8 channels are found, the remaining slots will remain empty.

OSD Display

During scanning, the OSD shows the same information as the OLED. After the scan, the OSD displays the 'Active Channel' and a list of 'Found Channels' (e.g., R1-5658, R2-5695, R3-5732, R4-5769).

Spectrum analyzer

The spectrum analyzer allows you to check the entire 5.8GHz band for signals. It affects only the markers on the frequency line, showing where signals are located on your band.

OLED Display

• Band: The band that is currently scanned.
• RSSI: Signal strength across the entire band.
• Channel on the Band: Shows the position of channels on the 5.8GHz spectrum.

You can switch the band by clicking UP/DOWN.

OSD Display

The OSD provides a detailed scan of the entire band, including the average noise floor.

• Noise Spikes: Channels with up to 30% RSSI, shown as a list and on the graph.
• RSSI in dBm: RSSI scale; lower numbers indicate weaker signals.
• Band: The band being scanned for noise spikes.
• RSSI Graph: Displays the RSSI scan results over the spectrum.

UP/DOWN has no effect on the OSD. Right click changes the band scanned for noise.

Laptimer

You can use your Fusion module to count lap times on a race track. To adjust settings, push or hold the joystick.

• Laps: Amount of laps you want to race (1 - 30).
• Time: Maximum time for a lap to be counted as finished (10 - 50s).
• RSSI: RSSI level of the lower antenna when the "start gate" is reached (50-95% in 5% steps).
• Tune: Fine-tune the RSSI trigger threshold (5-50).
• Start: Initiates a 10s countdown before the timer begins.
• Score: Shows the result of your last race. Push the joystick to the right to toggle to the next 10 rounds.

OLED Display

During the race:

Displays 'Laptime' (e.g., 04:47 #3), 'Active Lap', 'Best Laptime' (e.g., Best 10:49), 'Trigger Level', and 'RSSI Bar'.

After the race:

Shows a table of 'Lap Number' (1-10) and 'Results' (lap times).

OSD Display

During the race:

Displays 'Race Time' (e.g., 15:53), 'Countdown' (e.g., 3), and 'Laptime/Active Lap'.

After the race:

Displays 'Fastest Laptime', 'Lap Number', 'Laptime', and 'Further Results'. A table lists lap numbers and times.

Quad find

If you crash your drone and don't know its location, you can use the Quad Find feature. It works best with a high-gain antenna or no antennas at all. Move your Fusion around like a radar and check the RSSI bar and the sound from the beeper to find the direction of your grounded drone.

To start Find mode, select the channel you want to search. Then, open the menu and select 'Quad Find', or push and hold the joystick and select 'Quad Find' in the sub-menu.

The Quad Find mode uses the lower antenna port.

The OSD/OLED displays the 'Selected Channel' (e.g., -5584L2-) and an 'RSSI' bar graph.

Settings

Sound

Enables or disables the beeper when navigating menus or in Quad Find mode.

OSD Settings

Mirror Menu to OSD

Shows the menu in the OSD or not. This has no effect on other OSD elements.

RSSI Bars

Enable/disable the RSSI bar in your OSD and change its position using presets.

The OSD displays 'RSSI Antenna 1' and 'RSSI Antenna 2' with bar graphs.

CRSF Telemetry

Enabling OSD Telemetry provides telemetry-based OSD elements. This is perfect for use with an FC without OSD or models without any FC. Details on setup and elements can be found in this section.

Focus Target

Shows a rectangle or a cross in different sizes in the middle of your OSD. This is useful for tracking a car or in a wing race.

The OSD displays concentric squares ('Sice 4' down to 'Sice 1') and a central 'Cross' marked with an 'X'.

Invert L/R Button

Changes the direction of left and right, making OSD or OLED navigation more intuitive.

CRSF Menu

The CRSF Menu provides the same functionality as the Agent M/L/X.

Fusion

Allows you to change the main settings of the Fusion module.

WiFi

Shows available WiFi settings, such as password protection, and allows connection to a hotspot. The WiFi module will not appear if disabled in 'Settings/WiFi'. More information on available settings can be found in the TBS Cloud section.

Other devices

When the connection between your Fusion and the TBS Crossfire/Tracer Tx is set up (direct or via cloud), any device connected to the Crossfire/Tracer Rx will be listed here. This includes the Crossfire/Tracer Tx, Crossfire/Tracer WiFi, Crossfire/Tracer Rx, Unify32/Evo VTXs connected by CRSF, FCs like Kiss connected by CRSF, and upcoming devices.

Fusion Mode

Here you can select whether to use the advanced image processing of the TBS Fusion module or to use it as a diversity module. It is suggested to use Fusion mode at all times unless video issues are experienced, in which case switching to diversity mode can be tried.

WiFi

Turn the WiFi module on or off. If you do not want to use the WiFi features, you can disable it.

VTx Sync

When changing the channel on your drone or Fusion module, this feature allows you to sync both devices through your Crossfire. Three settings are available:

• Lead: The VTX follows the channel it receives from the Fusion. In the matrix menu, press and hold the joystick for a few seconds until the sub-menu opens, then select 'Send to VTx'.
• Follow: When you change the channel on your VTX, the Fusion will follow this change. This works only when Crossfire receives information about the new channel (e.g., via a LUA script or the Crossfire MYVTx menu).
• Lead Auto: Similar to VTx Lead, but the new channel is sent as soon as it is changed on the Fusion.

Dynamic VTx

With this feature, your Fusion changes the power level of your VTX according to the RSSI, similar to the Crossfire dynamic power feature. Details about wiring and setup can be found at Dynamic Vtx power setup.

The Unify32/Evo must be on FW 1.16 for this to work. For proper functionality, use the WiFi direct connection to the Crossfire/Tracer.

The OSD and OLED show the actual power level and the one the Fusion is sending to the VTX. When the link between the Crossfire/Tracer and the Fusion is running, the VTX Power will be displayed in your OSD.

The OSD displays 'Active Power Level', 'Selected Frequency', and 'Target Power Level' (e.g., 100MW.D, 5806, 25MW), indicating 'Dynamic Vtx Power active'.

If the link between the Crossfire/Tracer and the Fusion, or the telemetry, breaks up, the VTX will use the maximum possible power level as a safety feature. The power level will initially change to max power and then slowly ramp down to ensure the signal does not break up.

Mute VRX

Disables audio forwarding to your goggles.

Calibrate

When you get a new receiver module or notice a significant difference between antennas (even with identical ones), you should calibrate the Fusion module. Ensure no antennas are attached to the Fusion and the VTX is set to 25mW, 5800MHz.

The calibration process involves these steps:

• Step 1: Settings -> Calibrate. Turn all VTXs off. Press Enter to continue, Left to exit.
• Step 2: Calibrating. Turn VTX ON. Set F4 5800MHz. Remove antennas. Press Enter to continue.
• The process concludes with 'Calibration finished' or 'Error... No VTX'.

About

Shows the software version, hardware revision, and serial number from the module:

• Firmware: Version number of the WiFi firmware.
• Hardware: Hardware revision of the WiFi module.
• Bootloader: Version number of the Bootloader.
• Serial Number: Serial number of the WiFi module.

Additional informations

TBS CLOUD

All TBS Tracer transmitters and Fusion video receivers include a built-in WiFi module that allows connection of all your gear through the TBS Cloud. This enables features like VTX follow* and dynamic VTX power*, along with other upcoming features.

Note: Currently, all Cloud features require a hotspot with internet access.

*TBS Fusion video receiver required.

Menu Options

WiFi Client

• AP Mode: Enables/disables the WiFi module.
• Default SSID: Enables/disables the SSID broadcast of the Fusion hotspot.
• SSID: Select the SSID/name of the external hotspot.
• Password: Enter the password for the selected external hotspot.
• Connect: Manually connect to the network. Only necessary when a new network is chosen in the SSID option.
• Scan: Scans for WiFi networks. Found networks can be chosen under SSID; manual reconnect by 'Connect' is required.
• Forget WiFi: Erases all saved networks and their passwords.
• Upgrade: Starts the self-update for the WiFi firmware (currently disabled).

WebUI

• AP Lock: Enables/disables password authentication for the Fusion internal WiFi hotspot.
• Password: Set up a password for the Fusion internal WiFi hotspot.
• Login: Enables/disables password authentication for the Fusion internal Web UI.
• Password: Set up a password for the Fusion internal Web UI.

About

• WiFi: Name of the WiFi hotspot/Network your Fusion is connected to.
• IP: IP address assigned to the Fusion module by the WiFi network.
• Server: Connection status.
• Firmware: Version number of the WiFi firmware.
• Hardware: Hardware revision of the WiFi module.
• Bootloader: Version number of the WiFi Bootloader firmware.
• Serial Number: Serial number of the WiFi module.

Update the WiFi module

• Download and unpack the firmware files for the WiFi module from TBS.
• Power up your Fusion and ensure WiFi is enabled (Settings -> WiFi).
• On your PC or phone, search for a new WiFi network like "TBS_FUSION_AP_xxxxxx".
• Connect your PC to this network. (On Windows, this can take up to one minute).
• Open your browser and enter the IP address in the address bar: 192.168.4.1.
• Click on 'Select file' and choose the unpacked firmware files you downloaded.

Hit 'Update' and wait for the website to reload. Do not shut down your module during the WiFi module updating process.

A video demonstrating the whole process is available [link to video].

Connection to a WiFi hotspot

Once your WiFi module is initiated, you can connect to an external hotspot. The easiest way is via the Web-UI:

• Connect the Fusion to your goggles or power it up via USB.
• On your PC or phone, search for a new WiFi network like "TBS_Fusion_AP_xxxxxx".
• Connect your PC/phone to this network. (On Windows, this can take up to one minute).
• Open your browser and enter the IP address: 192.168.4.1.
• Open the WiFi tab.
• Click on 'Scan' to search for available WiFi hotspots/networks.
• Click on the name of the found network you want to connect to; the name will be entered automatically.
• Enter your password and hit 'Connect/Disconnect'.
• Refreshing the WebUI page after a few seconds will show the IP address assigned by the WiFi network for tracer TX.

Note: If the WiFi hotspot/network has no internet connection, cloud-based features will not work.

Agent X menu work as well:

• Power up your Fusion and connect it by USB to your Agent X.
• Navigate in the Fusion menu to WiFi/ General.
• Hit 'Scan' to search for available networks.
• Under SSID, you can select the found network.
• Enter the password for the selected WiFi hotspot/network in the 'Password' option.
• Select 'Connect' to start the manual connection to the selected WiFi hotspot/network.
• Done.

Direct Crossfire/ Tracer connection

You can connect your Fusion module directly to the WiFi access point of your TBS Crossfire. This short connection enables features like Dynamic VTX power or real-time telemetry-based OSD to run smoothly. Details for these features can be found in the following chapters.

Connecting your Fusion to the Crossfire is an easy job:

• Power up your Crossfire/Tracer by a radio.
• Power up your Fusion module.
• Ensure the WiFi of the Crossfire/Tracer and the Fusion is turned on.
• Navigate in your Fusion to Settings/CRSF/Fusion WiFi/General.
• Search for networks and then select the Crossfire WiFi module.
• No password is needed unless you have enabled one in the Crossfire WiFi module.
• Hit 'Connect' and wait for the message to disappear.

When you power up your devices, the Fusion OSD and OLED will show no VTX-related data until they sync up at the beginning. This can take up to 30 seconds.

VTX sync setup (Follow/ Lead/ Auto)

VTx sync allows you to sync the channel of the Fusion and your video transmitter over the Crossfire/Tracer. To get it up and running, connect your Fusion to the Crossfire Tx WiFi AP. Depending on the sync type, different wiring options are available.

Note: If your VTX is connected by CRSF to the Crossfire/Tracer RX, it can take up to 20 seconds for the new channel to be sent to the VTX.

Follow Mode

With 'Follow' mode, the Fusion will follow VTX channel changes. You can connect your VTX directly to the Crossfire/Tracer by CRSF or SmartAudio, or with an FC in between if you use a LUA script on the remote. If you own a Unify Evo connected by CRSF to the Crossfire/Tracer transmitter, you can change the channel via the built-in OSD menu, and the Fusion will follow suit.

The VTX Channel can be changed by the CRSF Lua script.

Lead and Lead Auto

Lead mode works when a VTX is connected directly to the Crossfire/Tracer receiver by CRSF or SmartAudio.

Wiring diagrams are provided for connecting the Fusion, remote, and VTX, as well as for connecting to an FC with specific CRSF pin assignments.

Dynamic VTX power setup

The setup for Dynamic VTX power is the same as for VTX follow. Connect your Fusion to the AP of the Crossfire/Tracer Tx and enable Dynamic VTX. Your VTX needs to be connected to the Crossfire/Tracer Rx by CRSF or SmartAudio.

The Unify32/Evo must be on FW 1.16 for this to work. For this feature to function properly, use the WiFi direct connection to the Crossfire/Tracer.

The OSD and OLED display the actual power level and the one the Fusion is sending to the VTX. When the link between the Crossfire/Tracer and the Fusion is running, you will see the VTX Power in your OSD.

The OSD displays 'Active Power Level', 'Selected Frequency', and 'Target Power Level' (e.g., 100MW.D, 5806, 25MW), indicating 'Dynamic Vtx Power active'.

If the link between the Crossfire/Tracer and the Fusion, or the telemetry, breaks up, the VTX will use the maximum possible power level as a safety feature. The power level will initially change to max power and then slowly ramp down to ensure the signal does not break up.

OSD with real-time telemetry data

The Fusion can display real-time telemetry data from your drone in the OSD. You need to be connected to the Crossfire/Tracer over WiFi (direct connection or via Cloud) and have a source for voltage information (e.g., an FC, Unify Evo, Core Pro, or the built-in voltage sensor of the Crossfire/Tracer receiver). Once the connection is established and running, you will see the data in your OSD.

The OSD displays:

• Voltage (e.g., 16.3V)
• Current (e.g., 22A)
• Used Capacity (e.g., 190mAh)
• Remain Battery (e.g., 97%)
• VTX Power Level (e.g., 100MW.D)
• Frequency (e.g., 5806)
• Next power Level (e.g., 25MW)
• Link Quality (e.g., LQ 300)
• TX Power Level (e.g., 100MW)
• RSSI (e.g., 96DBM)
• GPS Coordinates (e.g., 50.00000 12.00000)

Note: For this feature to work properly, use the WiFi direct connection to the Crossfire/Tracer. As a safety feature, the Fusion requires you to be on the same frequency as the VTX. To ensure this, VTX Auto mode should be active while the VTX is connected to the Crossfire/Tracer RX by CRSF or SmartAudio. Otherwise, the OSD will not show telemetry data. If you use a VTX not connected to the Crossfire/Tracer RX, the OSD will show up (except for GPS data).

FAQ

I got weird numbers in my OSD

These numbers are used for debugging. You can disable them in the Menu via Fusion menu/ Settings/ CRSF/ Fusion Module/ Diagnostic: off.

A screenshot shows a black screen with '0000000000000'.

Manual Information

Manual written and designed by Kamikatze-fpv.de in cooperation with TBS.