The new ImmersionRC RapidFire FPV Goggle Module is here, and it\u2019s a game changer.\u00a0 As a member of the next generation of FatShark FPV goggle modules, it has some big features, and utility not matched by others.\u00a0 With several years in the making, there has been a lot of thought put into the rapidFIRE, and it definitely shows.\u00a0 Should this be the next upgrade for your FatSharks?\u00a0 Is the rapidFIRE for the first time FPV pilot?\u00a0 Lets walk through it together![vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”2677″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Upon opening the box for the ImmersionRC rapidFIRE, I was impressed by the compact and clean build of the electronics.\u00a0 The unit has dual SMA connectors for the antennas, an OLED readout screen, and a 5 position joystick to navigate the menu.\u00a0 The video receivers are sandwiched in between the twin PCB\u2019s, along with the micro USB port for firmware updates.\u00a0 The rear of the rapidFIRE hosts an additional PCB that I would imagine hosts the brain of the signal processing, as well as the OSD element.\u00a0 The ribbon cable connector is also present here for using the additional power adaptor.\u00a0 Overall the unit feels solid and durable, and honestly you can tell that there was a lot of engineering that went into the development of the rapidFIRE.<\/p>\n
There are a few different methods to installing the ImmersionRC rapidFIRE into the FPV goggles.\u00a0 If you own the new FatShark HDO\u2019s or the Attitude v3 or v4, installation is a simple process of plugging the module directly into the module bay.\u00a0 These series of FPV goggles have power systems capable of handling the ImmersionRC rapidFIRE.\u00a0 The module is compatible with every line of the FatShark Dominator, however, the power systems as built are not capable of supporting the rapidFIRE alone.\u00a0 When the module does not receive the right amount of power, the rapidFIRE module will go into low power mode.\u00a0 This will shut down the upper antenna while in rapidFIRE mode.\u00a0 With the Dominator line of goggles, you have a few different options to get the appropriate amount of power to the module.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”2675″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Option one is to use the supplied auxiliary power board and ribbon cable to get the power to the module.\u00a0 This involves attaching the ribbon cable to the ImmersionRC rapidFIRE module, located on the back of the unit.\u00a0 Pull out the black retention clip slightly on the module to allow the cable to slip in.\u00a0 When attaching the cable, note that there is black insulation on one side and exposed connectors on the other.\u00a0 The insulated side goes down, facing the module.\u00a0 Once inserted, close the retention clip to lock in the ribbon cable.\u00a0 Do the same with the auxiliary power board before inserting it into the head tracker bay.\u00a0 Make sure to align both sets of pins with the connectors.\u00a0 The ribbon cable will run across the front of the goggles, the supplied stickers will cover the ribbon and add some stylish flair to your goggles![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”2676″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Option two is to modify your goggles to supply the appropriate power to the ImmersionRC rapidFIRE.\u00a0 This involves opening up your goggles to desolder an inductor from the HDMI goggles.\u00a0 Keep in mind that this will void the warranty on your goggles if it\u2019s still active.\u00a0 The modification is relatively simple to perform if you have experience with soldering.\u00a0 To begin, remove the faceplate.\u00a0 Press at the edges on each side, leaving the center for last.\u00a0 It may take some pressure the release the clips, but the faceplate is pretty durable.\u00a0 Back out the three screws on the bottom of the goggles, being careful not to lose them.\u00a0 Separate the seams of the goggle halves by pulling them apart at the ends of the goggle, near the strap.\u00a0 To release the center, press firmly on the nose piece near the seam to release the clip.<\/p>\n
Be careful when separating the halves, there are several wires and ribbon cables that connect components on both halves.\u00a0 Once open, slide out the HDMI board from its retention slot.\u00a0 Depending on the version of the board in your goggles, the component, labeled \u201cL1\u201d may be on the top, or the bottom of the board.\u00a0 When located, carefully desolder the inductor from the board and set aside.\u00a0 Lastly, bridge the two pads with a piece of wire, making sure the wire is secure.\u00a0 This inductor was added as part of the power filter system, but was never really needed and can be safely removed.\u00a0 This component is not present in the HDO\u2019s or the Attitudes, and is part of what makes them inherently compatible with next gen modules such as the ImmersionRC rapidFIRE.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”2678″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
The ImmerisonRC rapidFIRE offers a few features that can be found in other modules, but the way the rapidFIRE implements them is what\u2019s unique.\u00a0 At the main screen, you can change both the band and the channel simply by using the joystick.\u00a0 Push the joystick right or left, and you page through the bands, while up and down page through the channels.\u00a0 The channel buttons on the goggles will also page through the channels but will not cycle through the bands.\u00a0 There are six total bands available with eight channels each, with an additional \u201cX-Band\u201d that can be user defined, but more on that later.<\/p>\n
By pressing down on the joystick you enter the menu system.\u00a0 The first two options are band and channel, and by navigating these, you can select your frequency here as well.\u00a0 Select the band or channel by navigating to it and pressing the joystick.\u00a0 In the top right of the menu, you can see the numerical equivalent of your frequency as you change it.\u00a0 As a note, there is no way to exit the menu; it will automatically time out back to the home screen in about eight seconds.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”2684″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
The first option in the tools menu is the spectrum analyzer.\u00a0 This option allows you to scan for frequencies a band at a time.\u00a0 This is useful to scan for the base frequency noise level.\u00a0 In its basic mode the spectrum analyzer on the ImmersionRC rapidFIRE continuously updates, however, by pushing right on the joystick you can set it to peak mode, which freezes any detected signals in the spectrum.\u00a0 It will update over time; while it runs, it will show any signals as peaks on the screen.\u00a0 Pressing left will exit the analyzer and put you back into the menu.<\/p>\n
Next up is the favorites menu, which is a unique feature of the ImmersionRC rapidFIRE.\u00a0 This menu gives you the option use an entire band, the \u201cX-Band\u201d to set up your favorite channels.\u00a0 You get eight channels to set up different frequencies of your choice.\u00a0 This is especially useful for race events, where the event channels can be set to the favorites.\u00a0 When a channel is selected by pressing the joystick a spectrum analyzer opens, and you can select the frequency of your choice.\u00a0 Here, there are no restrictions of the unit to the standard channels of each band; instead, frequencies can adjust one hertz at a time.\u00a0 This allows for \u201ctuning\u201d to your specific transmitter, since not all VTX\u2019s transmit on the exact channel frequency.<\/p>\n
Last is the calibration tool, which is useful for calibrating the receivers for RSSI.\u00a0 Simply set the ImmersionRC rapidFIRE to 4800 and run the calibration tool, following the on screen prompts.\u00a0 This is to be done with no antennas on the module.\u00a0 First step is to run the tool with no transmitters active, and second step is to turn on a transmitter that is on 4800.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”2682″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
The ImmersionRC rapidFIRE hosts two different receiving modes, both of which are extremely useful.\u00a0 First up is the mode for which the module gets its namesake, rapidFIRE.\u00a0 This mode takes the signals from both antennas on the module and anytime a disruption occurs, the module uses the signal from the other antenna to \u201crebuild\u201d the image, resulting in less static in the display.\u00a0 This effectively nullifies any multipathing issues, as well as giving pilots more confidence when flying in areas with sketchy signal situations.\u00a0 This also has the benefit of extending the range of the signal, by rebuilding the signal as it starts to degrade.<\/p>\n
The choice of receiving antennas is up to you, the rapidFIRE mode will work with whatever you give it.\u00a0 A pilot can choose an omni and a directional antenna as is common with normal diversity setups, giving you signal both behind and for a distance in front.\u00a0 However, pairing together omnis or directional antennas gives the ImmersionRC rapidFIRE more to work with depending on the flight plan.<\/p>\n
Legacy mode shuts down the fusing of signals from both antennas and seems to operate similar to a standard diversity module, such as the LaForge or the True-D.\u00a0 This mode also increases the modules compatibility with cameras of lesser quality and standards.<\/p>\n
This menu option is pretty self-explanatory.\u00a0 The pilot can choose what antennas are active.\u00a0 Options allow for both antennas or only the upper or lower antenna.\u00a0 This allows for power saving when conducting flights in close range, or long range by shutting down one of the receiver modules in the rapidFIRE.<\/p>\n
The ImmersionRC rapidFIRE has a built in OSD for displaying information on the goggles screens.\u00a0 The first option is \u201cOFF\u201d, which shuts down the OSD completely.\u00a0 Second is the lock option, which displays a padlock icon in the upper left corner of the screen, indicating that the unit has a lock on the selected frequency and is receiving good signal.\u00a0 The last option displays RSSI bars across the top of the screen for both antennas, which can be a good indicator of whether the unit is receiving good signal.\u00a0 This can also inform the pilot when they begin approaching the maximum range of the signal.<\/p>\n
The last option is the status screen, which displays information for the unit, such as firmware versions and power levels.\u00a0 This will also indicate whether the unit is in low power mode, which as discussed above, will shut off the upper antenna.\u00a0 Another indicator of low power mode is in the main menu, the voltage will show up in the bottom left corner.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”2674″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Using the ImmersionRC rapidFIRE presents one the most immersive experiences with FPV I have had to date.\u00a0 There has never been a time when I have flown completely free of interference and static in my FPV feed; however, using the rapidFIRE has provided that experience for me, and it\u2019s fantastic.\u00a0 However, that experience didn\u2019t come without some issues, primarily centered on the power that the unit was receiving.<\/p>\n
I paired up the module with my FatShark Dominator HD2\u2019s by conducting the power mod on the HDMI board.\u00a0 Through testing the unit flying my Tiny Whoop in the house, I kept getting the low power notification.\u00a0 I was using a fully charged Tattu 2500 mAh goggle battery, and the power readout on the rapidFIRE never dropped below 4.9v.\u00a0 However, the unit detected that it wasn\u2019t receiving enough power and shut off the upper antenna.\u00a0 Only through resetting the module would I get full use of the rapidFIRE back.\u00a0 I then moved to using the auxiliary power board and running the cable through the inside of my goggles, using the hole I created for my Laforge Module.\u00a0 From that point forward, I have had no low power issues with the module.\u00a0 Using the power board eliminates the ability to shut off the module using the switch on the goggles, however.<\/p>\n
As I stated above, flying with the rapidFIRE gave an interference free flight experience.\u00a0 The only time that I had any breakup was when flying around a solid stone and metal structure about 250 feet from my location.\u00a0 I made runs out to about 1500ft from my position without a single bit of static in my feed.\u00a0 However, while in rapidFIRE mode, the image is oversaturated with color and darker when compared to legacy mode.\u00a0 I believe this is due to the blending of the two images that allows the ImmersionRC rapidFIRE to work its magic.\u00a0 Some of this can be eliminated by adjusting the contrast and brightness of the FatShark goggles, but when switching into legacy mode, you have to adjust it back due to the brightness.<\/p>\n
The image blending makes the rapidFIRE less effective in low light situations, limited by how far you can adjust the goggles themselves.\u00a0 This may lead to users switching into legacy mode for these instances, eliminating the advantage the modules gives.\u00a0 Also, while in rapidFIRE mode, there is a unique image glitch that I noticed when my quad was waiting launch.\u00a0 My camera was pointed at a sunscreen with the sky in the background and when I launched, I could see an after image of the sunscreen in my view for about 20 seconds.\u00a0 The effect can best be described as burn in you would see in a CRT or plasma television left with a stationary image on it.\u00a0 The effect does go away eventually, but it was a bit distracting.\u00a0 In legacy mode, this did not happen at all and the burn in did not translate over to DVR footage.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2690″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2691″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
The OSD is a great touch to any module, something that I have enjoyed with LaForge v4.\u00a0 However, the way it has been implemented on the ImmersionRC rapidFIRE does leave some room for improvement.\u00a0 Honestly, I see this as a bonus feature to begin with, so it\u2019s not really a deal breaker.\u00a0 However, when using the RSSI bars, they take up the entirety of the top of the video feed.\u00a0 The bars could be shrunk down a bit, say to the top left of the screen.\u00a0 The lock indicator was of little use to me, as I could not find an instance where it didn\u2019t display as long as I had a picture.\u00a0 When the OSD was shut off, there was still a ghost image of it displayed in the feed, similar to the burn in effect described above.<\/p>\n
Being a bit spoiled from the LaForge v4, being able to navigate the menu with the goggles still on would be a nice touch as well.\u00a0 Being able to see what bands and channels I was selecting would be useful as well.\u00a0 Perhaps this is planned in a future firmware update?\u00a0 The bars however do give a great indicator of video range, keeping you from flying beyond your video signal.<\/p>\n
I love having the ability to tune the frequency to the specific VTX component, as well as being able to save those to the X-Band.\u00a0 Due to differences in transmitters and antennas, the standard frequencies can begin to shift as the VTX ages or is damaged by crashes.\u00a0 This prolongs the life of your VTX by keeping it tunable.\u00a0 Also, in a race situation, having the ability to save the event channels into their own band makes flying and even spectating much easier.<\/p>\n
The rapidFIRE module is a fantastic work of engineering with some incredible features.\u00a0 It definitely grants quality video feed and utility that is innovative and unique.\u00a0 Navigating the menus is easy and quick, and having the OSD is definitely useful while flying.\u00a0 The X-Band is infinitely useful.\u00a0 To be honest, the ImmersionRC rapidFIRE is worth the money in the video quality alone.\u00a0 I can\u2019t wait to see how it improves with each firmware update.\u00a0 The power issues with the older models of FatShark goggles was a bit frustrating at first but, once resolved were quickly forgotten.\u00a0 I really enjoy using the rapidFIRE and would recommend it to any pilot looking for a quality goggle module.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”40″][vc_separator][ultimate_spacer height=”40″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2681″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][dt_default_button link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.getfpv.com%2Fimmersionrc-rapidfire-w-analog-plus-goggle-receiver-module.html||target:%20_blank|” size=”big” button_alignment=”btn_center”]Buy the ImmersionRC rapidFIRE[\/dt_default_button][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”10″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The new ImmersionRC RapidFire FPV Goggle Module is here, and it\u2019s a game changer.\u00a0 As a member of the next generation of FatShark FPV goggle modules, it has some big features, and utility not matched by others.\u00a0 With several years in the making, there has been a lot of thought put into the rapidFIRE, and … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2670,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[134],"tags":[3170,2390,3171,3167,3165,3166,420,2303,742,3173,3164,3172,3168,3169,3162,3161,3163],"class_list":["post-2665","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fpv-product-reviews-and-comparisons","tag-attitudes","tag-fatshark","tag-fatshark-attitudes","tag-fatshark-dominator","tag-fatshark-goggles","tag-fatshark-hdo","tag-fpv","tag-fpv-antenna","tag-fpv-drone-racing","tag-fpv-goggle-module","tag-fpv-module","tag-goggle-module","tag-hd2","tag-hd3","tag-immersionrc","tag-immersionrc-rapidfire","tag-rapidfire","infinite-scroll-item","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2665","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2665"}],"version-history":[{"count":29,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2665\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2698,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2665\/revisions\/2698"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2670"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2665"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2665"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2665"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}