New CONNEX "mini" Zero-Latency Wireless Compact HD Video Transmission!!!

[SleepyC]

Hey guys, I was fortunate enough to snag a brand new Connex Mini!
It's 1/2 the size and 1/2 the weight of the OG Connex, but you get 1/2 the distance.
But that distance is STILL baller and more than most would ever need!

Check out the specs!

Amimon Introduces the all new CONNEX mini Zero-Latency Wireless Compact HD Video Transmission Solution Extends Popular CONNEX Offering with New Compact, Lightweight Plug-and-Fly Transmission Solution that Retails for Only $1,299 MSRP San Jose, CA (January 21, 2016) –

Amimon, the industry leader in HD wireless video transmission solutions for the professional video and broadcast markets, today introduced its new CONNEX mini high-performance wireless HD video link for the growing number of smaller, lighter aerial drones. CONNEX mini delivers full HD video quality, zero latency, digital transmission reliability, encrypted transmission for live and sensitive shots, and multicasting functionality at distances up to 1,600 feet (500 meters). CONNEX Mini is currently available at the attractive MSRP of $1,299.

I'll be getting into this guy and getting it in the air shortly, and I'll post some findings here for ya!
I LOVE the OG Connex, but unfortunately mine was stolen along with one of my X8's earlier in the year after a gig, so I am super pumped to get this guy installed and flying!

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[PMaughan]

Thanks for this Sleepy, any idea if the old receivers will be compatible with new tx?
Cheers
Pete

 

[SleepyC]

Thanks for this Sleepy, any idea if the old receivers will be compatible with new tx?
Cheers
Pete

That's a good question. I'll find out.

 

[SamaraMedia]

Thanks Sleepy! Sorry to hear about the loss

 

[masquerade]

No, it's not compatible with the original Connex receivers.

 

[iceman]

Does the weight of the TX include the antenna?

 

[masquerade]

No. This is the weight:

TX only: 52 g.
TX with naked antennas: 64 g.
TX with full antennas: 86 g.

 

[SleepyC]

I just got the answer and it is no they re not compatible. But it looks like I was late with the answer!
The WEATHER sucks this weekend.. hope to get this system flying very soon. Worst case I'll set up a base station and drive a camera away in a car to check distance.

 

[SleepyC]

Ok guys, I had some time to open this guy up and start taking a look. Immediate things that are awesome. The size and weight! It's TINY! half the size of the original Connex. And here's a big one... NORMAL RMA antenna attachments on the transmitter! One of my biggest complaints of the first Connex was that once you attached the antennas, you were hard pressed to remove them without possibly breaking the attachment point. Also the mini is truly ready for multi rotor work. Both the TX and the RX come with Battery inputs with XT60 connectors. This is HUGE! Also, the TX has a mini HDM port, so it should be easy to find a Male/Male mini HDMi lightweight cord to go from most cameras. Oh wait, they included one!

I'm going to get the mini set up on one of my X8's or maybe even my "test" rig and get in some testing as soon as the weather allows, or if it looks like winter may be here for more than a few days, I'll strap this on to my Movi M5 and do a long range handheld test... either way I'll have a report soon. Until then, here's some shots of this guy. I have to say I'm pretty stoked so far!

The Box:
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Here's what you find when you open the box:
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The TX antennas WITH RMA Attachments!
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All the cables and attachments that come with the Connex Mini:
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The Connex Mini Transmitter:
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The Connex Mini Receiver:

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Everything you need to put on your rig for a standard Install:
(optional "control plugs not attached, but are included)
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The Connex Mini next to a normal 5.8 Ghz TX.
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Testing coming soon!
​

 

[Bartman]

Steve, did they give this to you for a review or did you purchase it?

 

[SleepyC]

A review, I developed a relationship with Connex over the last few years. Posting my opinions on several forms of social media for them.
(not the evil ones )

 

[fdproductions]

Sleepy,

How does this new unit compare to the LB2? Have you checked it out yet, anxious to see how both perform on a film set rather than the real world... Can't afford both but do like the weight on this one

 

[SleepyC]

I have never used a LB2. And I recently just found out that the LB2 is not locked to using a DJI FC, so I find that interesting. I just set this guy up on my X8 last night and did a test in the house, and it's FAST. like un-noticable latency, just like the orig Connex.

I can say the Connex Mini next to my Inspire 1 Pro, the latency is MUCH less, like the I1 is SLOW, and its a pro so I think that has the new LB tech...

The weather is turning to crap again, so if I can't get this in the air soon, I'll just do a handheld gimbal distance test. But the size of this guy is much better suited to multirotors than the first one, mounting it directly to the gimbal so there are no wires to get tangled in a 360 pan situation is awesome!

View attachment 27411

 

[SamaraMedia]

Is that the Gremsy?

 

[SleepyC]

H6.. si.

 

[SleepyC]

And BTW, if you use Futaba SBUS, the Corona R6FA-SB Sbus FASST receivers from HK, rule. They are like $33 are awesome. Save almost $100 off a Fut one. Works perfectly. Took .5 seconds to bind.

 

[Pumpkinguy]

I would expect half the range to equal half the price. 20% savings wouldn't interest me one bit. If I invest in connex I will get the full one.

 

[fdproductions]

I have never used a LB2. And I recently just found out that the LB2 is not locked to using a DJI FC, so I find that interesting. I just set this guy up on my X8 last night and did a test in the house, and it's FAST. like un-noticable latency, just like the orig Connex.

I can say the Connex Mini next to my Inspire 1 Pro, the latency is MUCH less, like the I1 is SLOW, and its a pro so I think that has the new LB tech...

The weather is turning to crap again, so if I can't get this in the air soon, I'll just do a handheld gimbal distance test. But the size of this guy is much better suited to multirotors than the first one, mounting it directly to the gimbal so there are no wires to get tangled in a 360 pan situation is awesome!

View attachment 27411

Nice! The pro still has LB1 unfortunately, I'm attracted to the LB2 because of the picture-in-picture capabilities and will most likely go with that, since its so much smaller now and not FC dependent I'll use it on my ronin, ronin m also. Thanks for letting us know about this set-up though!

 

[SamaraMedia]

@SleepyC So this means it could be used with a SuperX?

I tried finding that receiver at HK with no luck, would this work instead?
FrSky TFR4 SB 3/16ch 2.4Ghz S.BUS Receiver FASST Compatible - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...h_2_4Ghz_S_BUS_Receiver_FASST_Compatible.html

Ooops, search on site didn't work but I did find the one you mentioned after all. Opinion on the FrSky?

Thanks,

 

[SleepyC]

@SleepyC So this means it could be used with a SuperX?

I tried finding that receiver at HK with no luck, would this work instead?
FrSky TFR4 SB 3/16ch 2.4Ghz S.BUS Receiver FASST Compatible - http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...h_2_4Ghz_S_BUS_Receiver_FASST_Compatible.html

Ooops, search on site didn't work but I did find the one you mentioned after all. Opinion on the FrSky?

Thanks,

Here ya go.. I was wrong too. it's $23!!

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/..._Compatible_S_BUS_Receiver_AR_Warehouse_.html

or the other warehouse:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/..._Compatible_S_BUS_Receiver_US_Warehouse_.html