VUEXL FPV Goggle review

VueXL VX+1 Goggles Review

All right gang I'm gonna try this article thing.....

First a little background on how and why I ended up with these goggles.

I've Got FPV Aircraft That I Like

So while at Flite Fest 2015 I picked up a couple new aircraft from StoneBlue Airlines. First was my Juggernaut that I had custom built by Matt the Builder, from StoneBlueAirlines.  The second was the ImmersionRC Vortex. I had flown some FPV but it was mostly in my back yard with my NanoQX, so I figured I would step up my FPV game.

I've Got Goggles, That I Don't Like As Much

I have a set of Fatshark Transporter V3s but they always fogged up, never fit right, yada yada yada. I saw a few people with the HeadPlays there and even put some on. I liked the way they felt so I was considering buying a set when I got home.

We're Almost To The Reason For The Article Now.

Now comes the part when I am introduced to the VueXL VX+1 Goggles.  Jeremiah from StoneBlueAirlines was helping me finish the setup on the Vector and the Juggernaut.  The Juggernaut was my first fixed wing FPV.  Jeremiah had me try on his Vuexl goggles and I fell in love.  I ran right over, talked with the owner of the company and bought a set right then and there.  The owner, who I am bad with names, had me try the different lenses to see which one worked the best.  Found the right one and he put together a set for me and away I went.

So in an attempt to make this story shorter I'll fast forward and say I ended up having my first FPV flight with these goggles and I could not have been happier. Now on to the review!!!!!!

We're Going To Start The Review Now

The  VueXL VX+1 Goggles are an all in one setup.  Besides being designed as goggles you can have on your head, you can also use them with a tripod.  Quick disclaimer...... The better looking pictures are borrowed from the VUEXL website.

The Ins and Outs

Initial Thoughts

Here is the unit set up as "goggles". The outer skin is made up of a simple, pliable foam that you can adjust to fit your face. Everything simply wraps around the screen and the lenses and is secured with Velcro.

Personalized Fit

As I mentioned above, I got personalized lenses that matched my eyes.  Here's how they fit in.

With a little tweaking of the plastic frame and the lense just pops out. To store them you just lay them flat on the plastic frame and clip them into the locking tabs.

Use As A Monitor

Here is the screen setup like a display unit. The owner of the company said the threaded connection in the back will connect to a standard photography light tripod, like you saw in the above pictures. I havent bought one yet but I think it will end up in my R/C gear.

Other Features

The back of the screen you see the Micro USB for charging, the black on/off switch and the red button for switching video signals.

Once you push the button the LEDs in the back will start flashing till it locks on to your signal.

If you didn't know these will search all the normal FPV video bands to find the closet, most powerfull signal. So how do you get your channel on the screen you ask....... Well power up your FPV transmitter and then turn on the screen. All you have to do now is to hold the red button for a few seconds and the onboard system starts searching for your signal. Once it locks on, its locked on.

No Strap Required

I must say I liked the option of using my hat to hold them. They do not weigh that much so even with a fitted cap they do not pull on the hat.

Screen Quality

Here is the screen powered up.....

Over all I am really pleased with the screen. It's nothing fancy but they do not lack either.

Battery Life

Battery life seems to be pretty good so far. I just started to charge it today. Then again I have not used it much. This is another aspect I will update as time goes on. 

Transportability

Here is the unit broken down. The picture below is a neat way of storing the unit when not in use.

Range, How Far Can I Fly?

The set does come with a rubber duck antenna but we all know how well they work. Your range will vary depending on transmitter strength, and antenna choice.  I just got the adapter and used my BlueBeams from VAS. They're circular polarized clover leaf antennas.  

For You Specs Minded Folks     

Here are the specifications on the screen directly from the website.

SPECS FOR LCD

Screen Size: 4.3 inch

Resolution: 480*234

Brightness: 650 lumens

Battery life: 7 hours (Under 650 lumens brightness)

Charging: supports USB charge

Frequency: 48 frequency, compatible with most 5.8G transmitter in the market

(DJI, UIT, FatShark, Aomway, Boscam)

SMA Connector Type: RP-SMA

Antenna: 5.8ghz  +5db Linear Polarized

Mounting: VX1 Goggle mount or 1/4-20 Tiltable tripod mount 

Conclusion

Well that is about it for my quick review.  I was excited to get them at Flite Fest, and I am still happy with them now.  I am able to use them in multiple ways, either on a hat, or mounted to a tripod.  Battery life seems to be good.  It's been about two weeks since Flite Fest, and I'm just now charging it for the first time since the event.  I've gotten a few flights in since then, so let's say it's been equal to a day's worth of frequent flying, or viewing other's flights.  Overall I'd say they're good, and I'd recommend them to anyone looking for something other than the smaller goggles style viewing system.

Ill keep a thread open in the forums and keep things up to date as I continue to learn how to fly FPV. Thanks for reading. Oh and thanks Fred!