Transparent FPV glasses to help solve the LOS issue

Requirements:

Here is a list of the items you will need for the project. This project is not cheap at all, and you can expect to run close to $1000CAD to make it happen, so be sure you want to do this before going and purchasing things. I do not have affiliate links so purchase from wherever you want.

You will also need a soldering iron and the knowledge of how to use it, a 00 phillips head screwdriver, and general electrical stuff like tape and shrink tube.

Beyond Challenging the legal issues surrounding the use of FPV goggles, having the ability to see what’s around you while flying also theoretically improves personal safety, keeps a low profile, and reduces the size of gear you will carry with you. On this page, I will walk through my project to make this a reality, as well as show you what you need to do it yourself.

How to build The VRX for AR glasses

Alright so this project overall is pretty simple but I will try to break it down into steps for you to follow along with.

  1. First of all, you will want to start the prints for your case. You could get away with zip ties on everything but it would look horrible.

  2. Next, while the prints are running and you are feeling impatient, begin cutting the plastic off of your mini hdmi to hdmi converter. This step is not necessary, but it will make fitting everything a little bit easier.

  3. Cut a micro USB cable so it’s about 3” long, maybe a bit less. Shave back the shroud and prep the power wires for soldering (pre tin the wires).

  4. Calibrate your voltage regulator with a multimeter to put out 5 volts. This can be done by powering it with a lipo and adjusting the potentiometer with a phillips screwdriver as necessary. Be careful not to adjust the potentiometer while the regulator is powered to avoid a short circuit. The voltage regulator should be above 5.0v but below 5.1v.

  5. Solder your USB cable to your regulator.

  6. Cut one male end of the dual barrel connector from the VRX off. Solder extra wire to the end for extra reach. be sure to shrink tube each wire individually and then together for safety.

  7. Your prints should be done, Shove the cut end of the barrel connector through the small hole on the left side of the mid case. Solder the power wires from your barrel connector to the voltage regulator.

  8. Fit the Type C end of the HDMI to C converter in its slot on the bottom case. Attach the micro usb from the regulator to the type c end. make sure the regulator is insulated with tape or shrink tube.

  9. Cut the first 4 or 5 slots out of the right side of the vents on the middle casing, this was a design flaw that will be fixed in a future version.

  10. Using M3 screws, bolt down the bottom to the mid case. The voltage regulator and HDMI to C converter should all be inside the case with the barrel connector on the outside. Stick the HDMI end of the converter out through the holes you made in the vents.

  11. Install the VRX with no antennas or peripherals attached. screw in the antennas to secure its placement.

  12. Attach the mini HDMI to HDMI converter into the VRX.

  13. TEST THE POWER WITH A SHORT STOPPER HERE AND MAKE SURE NOTHING EXPLODES

  14. Attach the VRX HDMI output to a normal monitor. Bind to your drone, and change the setting to 1080p not 720p. The glasses will not turn on with 720p.

  15. Feed the HDMI to C converter through the hole in the VRX, folding it back on itself to attach to the mini HDMI converter.

  16. Bolt the lid of the case down.

If everything went well, you should now have a working VRX box for your AR glasses! be sure to check it is in working order with a short saver BEFORE plugging in a monitor or AR glasses! The casing and hardware desperately needs a size reduction and better design. I will be working on a second version with an internal battery and belt clip soon. If you run into any issues with the project, feel free to shoot me a message, and I will help you if I can.

Thanks for your interest in the project and happy flying!