Team Blacksheep TBS UNIFY PRO32 5G8 nano - User Manual

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High quality, license-free, ultra-tiny VTX 
Revision 2021-03-29 
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The TBS UNIFY PRO32 is a successor to the most popular line of video transmitters (TBS UNIFY PRO). We 
have improved the robustness, decreased the size and power consumption, added capability for insane 
features and perfected the way it is installed in your multirotor. In a nutshell, it’s the most comprehensive, 
future proof, highest quality and overall best VTX line made to date. 
Key features: Main features across all Unify Pro32 models 
• World’s lightest 37ch video transmitter line (custom channels via Smartaudio and CRSF) 
• Power to Channel calibration for each channel - extremely consistent output power 
• 25mW (more power available, requires HAM license*) 
• One button frequency and power setup 
• OSD configuration using TBS SmartAudio 2.1 (via FC, TBS Crossfire/ Tracer or PNP PRO OSD) 
• LUA support for CRSF users 
• U.FL connector (Unify PRO32 nano) 
• MMCX connector (Unify PRO32 HV) 
• 1-3S input or 2-6S input with 5V output versions available 
• Improved noise filtering 
• Double noise filtering (Unify PRO32 HV) 
• Optimized heat dissipation 
• Solder-on module dimensions available on request 
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Summary

Specifications

Updating

Overview

Button menu control

Unlock & power select mode

Procedure to unlock VTX for all frequencies and select power levels via button.

Button menu structure

Overview of button press sequences to navigate VTX settings menus.

Channel; Band - Frequency Table

Installation; Mounting

Pinout

Diagram and description of VTX connection pins for different models.

Control by Flight Controllers (Smartaudio)

Control by Crossfire; Tracer direct connection

Crossfire;Tracer connection using Smartaudio

Connecting VTX to Crossfire/Tracer receiver via Smartaudio protocol for control.

Crossfire;Tracer connection using CRSF

Connecting VTX to Crossfire/Tracer receiver via CRSF protocol for advanced control.

Smart Audio or CRSF for the VTX?

Comparison of Smartaudio and CRSF protocols for VTX control.

Button not working

Control by PWM channel (Unify PRO32 Nano only)

Barcode Control

Technology showcase

PITMode

Low power mode for interference reduction during events.

SmartAudio 2.1

Details on the SmartAudio 2.1 protocol for VTX communication.

CRSF

Overview of the CRSF protocol for VTX control and its benefits.

CleanSwitch

Force device into bootloader mode

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. TBS UNIFY PRO32 5G8 nano
4. TBS UNIFY PRO32 HV (MMCX)
5. General Specifications (across all models)
6. Usage Features
7. Maintenance Features

The TBS UNIFY PRO32 is a compact, high-quality video transmitter (VTX) designed as a successor to the popular TBS UNIFY PRO line. It offers improved robustness, reduced size, lower power consumption, and enhanced features for multirotor applications.

Function Description:

The TBS UNIFY PRO32 serves as a video transmitter, converting video signals from a camera into radio frequency (RF) signals for wireless transmission to a receiver. It supports a wide range of channels and power levels, allowing users to select optimal settings for various flying environments and regulations. The device is designed for ease of installation and configuration, offering multiple control methods including an onboard button, SmartAudio 2.1, CRSF, and PWM. Its "CleanSwitch" feature ensures minimal interference during power-up and channel changes, making it suitable for racing and multi-user environments. PITMode allows for very low output power, preventing interference during setup or team racing.

Important Technical Specifications:

TBS UNIFY PRO32 5G8 nano:

• Input Voltage: 1S - 3S LiPo (3V-13V)
• Power Output: Input Voltage - LC filter - Output voltage (pass through, following input voltage)
• Output Power Levels: 14dBm (25mW), 20dBm (100mW*), 26dBm (400mW*), 28dBm (600mW*) (Rev 1.1)
• Channels: Band A (8ch), B (8ch), E (5ch), Fatshark 8ch, Race Band 8ch
• Audio: No
• Power Consumption: 25mW: 210mA; 100mW: 280mA; 400mW: 390mA
• Range: 2km (omni)
• Antenna Connector: u.FL high strength
• Port Connector: Through-holes, 2mm pitch
• Dimensions: 14.5(L) x 13(W) x 3(H) mm
• Weight: 1g
• Firmware Upgrade: No
• Kit Contents: TBS UNIFY PRO32 NANO, u.FL Antenna, Silicon Cables pre-tinned

TBS UNIFY PRO32 HV (MMCX):

• Input Voltage: 2S - 6S LiPo (6V-36V)
• Power Output: Regulated and filtered 5V / 2A
• Output Power Levels: 14dBm (25mW), 20dBm (100mW*), 26dBm (400mW*), 30dBm (1000mW*)
• Channels: Band A (8ch), B (8ch), E (5ch), Fatshark 8ch, Race Band 8ch
• Audio: Yes, built-in Microphone
• Power Consumption: 25mW: 90mA - 130mA (22V - 14.8V); 100mW: 120mA - 170mA (22V - 14.8V); 400mW: 180mA - 270mA (22V - 14.8V); 1000mW+: 300mA - 450mA (22V - 14.8V)
• Range: 6km (omni), 80km+ (directional)
• Antenna Connector: MMCX
• Port Connector: JST-GH 7 pin
• Dimensions: 37(L) x 25(W) x 6(H) mm
• Weight: 9.2g
• Firmware Upgrade: Yes, through USB via TBS Agent
• Kit Contents: TBS UNIFY PRO32, MMCX to SMA Pigtail, JST-GH 7pin Silicon Cable, ends pre-tinned

General Specifications (across all models):

• Extra Features: CleanSwipe, PITMode (incl. Support for team racing), Full CRSF capability (Serial commands for external control)
• Software Protocol: SmartAudio V2.1, CRSF
• Pit Mode Activation: Press power during startup or use Smart Audio V2.1 (LED flashes red when enabled)
• Pit Mode Deactivation: Press power for 5 seconds during runtime or use Smart Audio V2.1
• Pit Mode to Flight Mode: On-board button, SmartAudio 2.1 or CRSF Command

Usage Features:

• Button Menu Control: The device features an onboard button for configuration. A 3-second press toggles between categories (e.g., channel, band, power), while a short press toggles between settings within a category. LED colors indicate the menu state.
• Unlock & Power Select Mode (HAM Users Only): Pressing the button for approximately 30 seconds unlocks the VTX for use with all frequencies. Once unlocked, power levels can be selected. To re-lock, press the button for 20-25 seconds in the band select menu.
• SmartAudio 2.1: This single-wire UART protocol, developed by TBS, allows OSD to VTX communication. It enables configuration of VTX settings via a flight controller (FC), TBS Crossfire/Tracer, or PNP PRO OSD. SmartAudio 2.1 introduces improved PITMode control.
• CRSF: A high-bandwidth, low-latency full-duplex serial data transmission protocol designed by Team BlackSheep. It offers comprehensive configuration via LUA scripts, FUSION, Agent X, etc., and allows for PITMode control via a switch, navigation through the Unify Evo OSD without an FC, and link stats readout.
• Crossfire/Tracer Direct Connection: The VTX can be directly controlled by a TBS Crossfire/Tracer receiver without needing an FC. This is useful for setups with no free UARTs or when direct control is preferred. Connections can be made using either SmartAudio or CRSF protocols.
• PWM Channel Control (Unify PRO32 Nano only): A simplified method using a single PWM channel from the receiver to modify VTX channels. Short presses increase the channel, long presses (>3s) increase the band, and longer presses (>5s) reset the VTX channel to A1.
• Barcode Control: The VTX can be controlled via barcodes scanned by the camera. This feature allows for quick activation of PITMode, power-up, and channel changes by presenting a barcode in front of the camera. The Unify Pro32 Nano supports barcode reading since HW revision 1.0 and FW 1.05.
• PITMode: A special mode where the VTX operates at extremely low output power (less than 0.1mW) to prevent interference during events or setup. It can be activated/deactivated via the button, SmartAudio, or CRSF.
• CleanSwitch: This feature ensures that the VTX remains at its lowest power output (less than 0.1mW) when powering up or changing channels. This prevents bursts of interference that typically occur with other VTXs, ensuring interruption-free racing.
• Frequency and Power Table: A detailed table outlines available channels, bands, and corresponding frequencies, along with power levels. Grey fields indicate default factory settings. Orange selections require a HAM license, while black selections are available on special request with prior legal body approval. The VTX prevents accidental selection of illegal channels or power levels.

Maintenance Features:

• Firmware Upgrade (Unify PRO32 HV only): Firmware can be updated via USB using the TBS Agent X software. Users are advised to update their Unify to FW 1.16 or later versions for full functionality.
• Force Device into Bootloader Mode: In rare cases, the device can be forced into bootloader mode by bridging two specific pads on the unit before powering it up. This is not required for regular operation.
• Installation / Mounting: Proper mounting is crucial for heat dissipation. The VTX should be mounted with slight pressure against a flat piece of carbon for best results, ensuring contacts are isolated to prevent short circuits. This allows the VTX to run for extended periods without reducing output power. The VTX automatically reduces output power before reaching critical heat levels.
• Soldering Precautions: When soldering to the tabs, temperatures should not exceed 350°C for more than 3-5 seconds to prevent damage.
• Button Fragility: The tactile button is fragile; users are advised not to use hard or pointy objects to change channels to prevent permanent damage.
• Voltage Spike Protection: If using the VTX on 13V, proper filtering is recommended to prevent damage from voltage spikes.

Team Blacksheep TBS UNIFY PRO32 5G8 nano Specifications