If your OSD is not working or you are experiencing other video display issues through your VTX, it is important to follow a series of steps to identify the cause and resolve the issue quickly and efficiently.
Common Problems and Solutions
1. Check Wiring and Settings
- Improper Wiring : Make sure the wiring is correct, with the VTX TX connected to the flight controller RX (and vice versa). Do not connect VTX TX to FC RX1 and vice versa, as this will not work.
- Ground Connection Check : VTX and FC must share the same ground point. It is not enough to just connect the UART wires.
2. Limitations of UART Ports
- Some flight controllers (FCs), such as the F411, do not have enough UART ports or may not support telemetry on certain ports. If this is the case, try using a different UART port.
3. Configuration via CLI If the problem persists, access the Betaflight or INAV CLI and use the following commands to correctly configure the OSD:
-
set osd_displayport_device = MSP -
set displayport_msp_serial = Y(where Y is the UART port number minus 1. For example, for UART 3, Y = 2) -
save
4. Update to Betaflight 4.4
- If you do not see the OSD after updating to Betaflight 4.4, enter the CLI command:
-
set osd_displayport_device = MSP -
set vcd_video_system = HD save
-
- Then enable the MSP and select the correct peripherals as VTX-MSP .
INAV Firmware Problems
1. Settings and Wiring
- Connection Check : Check that the TX/RX cables are properly connected between VTX and FC.
- Protocol : INAV does not require the use of MSP like Betaflight. If you use VTX HDZERO, set the correct protocol in your VTX.
2. INAV 6.0 Updates
- With INAV 6.0, if you experience strange behavior in the OSD, please check that the OSD type is correctly selected as AVATAR in the OSD setup menu.
3. OSD Display Mode
- OSD Not Complete : If not all information is visible during flight, try configuring a dual set of OSDs in the flight controller and selecting the active one with the remote control.
OSD Issues in ArduPilot Firmware
1. OSD Management
- Reduce OSD Settings : If the OSD is flickering or freezing, try reducing the number of items displayed.
- Serial Ports : Try using different UART ports, such as UART3 on a FC Matek F405.
2. Interference and Connection Problems
- Interference : If the cable between FC and VTX is too long, there may be interference. Be sure to shield or shorten it.
- Fixed Wing Aircraft : If you operate a fixed wing, consider installing shielded cable to avoid interference.
Standby Mode and VTX Connection
1. Cause of VTX Connection Problems
- If the VTX does not turn on or shows low range, it may be due to standby mode. Standby mode limits power consumption, so the VTX may not operate at full power.
- Resolution : Exit standby mode when the flight controller is armed.
2. Slow Firmware Loading
- If you are unable to update the VTX firmware, make sure the file name is correct and that the VTX is in update mode (hold the button for 8 seconds).
- Firmware File : Use .img format and make sure the firmware file is compatible with your device.
Common Telemetry and Video Problems
1. Intermittent Video or Jamming
- If your video has noise (stripes or a black screen), the most common cause is a damaged coaxial cable or a poorly connected antenna.
- Solution : Replace the faulty cable or antenna.
2. VTX Telemetry
- Telemetry allows you to monitor the power, channel and temperature of the VTX, improving management during flight.
- If telemetry does not work, check that the protocol is set correctly in Betaflight (SmartAudio or Tramp) and that the UART port is configured correctly.
Conclusions
When dealing with OSD or VTX telemetry issues, the root cause is often incorrect settings, faulty cables, or firmware issues. Be sure to follow the steps above to isolate the cause and resolve issues quickly. Happy flying!
