Walksnail Goggles X does not have head tracking built in, so Walksnail created an extension module. This module also serves as an analog receiver bay. It works as intended, but it’s not as polished as you might expect. In this post, I’ll explain the features of the Goggles
Our full review of the Walksnail Goggles X can be found here: https://oscarliang.com/walksnail-avatar-goggles-x/
Where to buy
Goggles X expansion modules can be purchased at:
Also, if you need a 4-pin to 5-pin headphone jack cable, you can buy it here: https://oscarliang.com/product-mtug
What does the Goggles X expansion module do?
The Goggles X expansion module offers two main benefits:
- head tracking support For Caddx GM gimbals (GM1, GM2, GM3).
- analog receiver bay When flying with an analog FPV system using Goggles X.
If you don’t plan on using head tracking or flying with an analog system, you don’t need this product. However, I believe Caddx is offering this module for free (before March 2025) to existing Goggles X users, so you might be better off downloading it. Why not? 🙂
How to install expansion modules
The installation process is simple.
Use the included clear double-sided tape to attach the module to the top of Goggles X, with the white connector facing forward.
Connect the power cable. Connect the short end to the goggles and the long end to the module. The module can be powered by 2S to 6S batteries using the same batteries as the goggles thanks to the included power splitter.
Connect a 4-pin to 5-pin 3.5mm audio jack cable (pin 5 into the goggles and pin 4 into the “To Goggles X” hole on the module).
I didn’t receive this cable with the goggles or the module, but I was able to get the analog receiver to work with the 4-pin to 4-pin cable by slightly loosening the end where it connects to the module. However, this solution doesn’t seem to apply to head tracking, so you’ll need to get the right cable until you can test head tracking. You can get the correct cable here: https://oscarliang.com/product-mtug
How to use the analog receiver module
If you have an analog receiver module, connect it to the top of the expansion module. There are two rows of pin sockets to fit a variety of receiver sizes, so use whichever row you prefer.
To enter AV mode, press the return button for 5 seconds. Goggles X now receives analog signals. Press and hold the return button for 5 seconds to switch to HDMI mode, and press it again to return to the Walksnail home screen.
How to use head tracking
Please update your Goggles X and Walksnail video transmitter to the latest firmware (38.43.4 or later) before using head tracking.
- In the goggles menu, go to Head Tracking and select PTZ.
- When you exit the menu, the gimbal should follow the movements of your goggles.
- To reset the gimbal position, press the return button three times quickly.
For more information about the Caddx GM gimbal, check out my review: https://oscarliang.com/caddxfpv-camera-gimbals/
firmware update
Expansion modules run their own firmware and require special cables sold separately for updates. Like the GM gimbal, this cable is not included. It’s an inexpensive item that could easily be bundled together with an expansion board. However, ideally the module should have an integrated USB-C port for firmware updates. Perhaps a mistake could make the process more cumbersome than it needs to be.
This is an update cable link that will be added later as the product page could not be found at the time of posting.
Restrictions
Design and User Experience
When Walksnail announced this module, I expected a more sophisticated solution that would require disassembling the goggles and replacing the board. However, installation was much simpler. All you have to do is stick the box on top of the goggles and connect a few cables. It’s easy, but it looks bulky and somewhat unpolished.
There is no Walksnail logo on the module, and the exposed and stretched cables give the design a clunky feel. The module also runs its own firmware, which must be updated using generic, unpolished programs. To make matters worse, the update cable is not included and must be purchased separately, adding to the frustration.
Nonetheless, installation is easy and it works as intended, which is important for non-technical users.
analog
When using an analog receiver, Goggles However, there is added latency compared to dedicated analog FPV goggles like the SKY04X Pro. This additional delay is due to video signal conversion within Goggles X, but is minimal (a few milliseconds) so you may not notice it in real life. This is not an issue specific to the Goggles X, as other digital goggles such as the HDZero goggles also have this issue.
One of the main drawbacks of the Goggles X is that the DVR does not work in analog AV In mode. This means you can’t record analog flights. Additionally, since there is no cover for the receiver module, it is easy for the module to come loose. This is especially true if it has a heavy directional antenna mounted on top. I would have liked to see a more secure design similar to the module bay on the Fatshark goggles, like I did with my DIY FPV monitor (https://oscarliang.com/diy-fpv-display-fatshark-module/).
I also noticed that the 4-pin to 5-pin headphone jack cable was missing. They say it’s included in Goggles X, but mine didn’t. This was probably the case with early production batches. You can purchase the cable directly from Caddx, but it doesn’t seem to be readily available anywhere else.
conclusion
The Walksnail Goggles X expansion module fills the gap in head tracking and analog support, but leaves room for improvement in terms of design and user experience. For a premium product like the Goggles X, these expansion modules feel more like an afterthought, a quick fix, rather than a fully integrated upgrade. I hope future versions of Goggles X will have these promised features built in.
Goggles X expansion modules can be purchased at:
This means that the expansion module is easy to install and only requires connecting a few cables without any disassembly. If DVR support for analog is important to you, we also recommend the SKY04X Pro goggles for analog. However, for Walksnail users, this expansion module provides a convenient way to achieve analog flight without the need for an additional set of goggles.
