Setup Headtracking with Skyzone SKY-01 and Futaba T8J

by Thomas VIAL

When I wanted to get headtracking with my Skyzone SKY-01, I thought it would be as easy as plug & play. But it's not.

I found a lot of partial information over the internet, and wanted to share with a more complete version.

The configuration has to be done:

  • on the Skyzone Goggles AND
  • on your Futaba transmitter

Note that I'm using the following setup on my TBS Discovery:

  • DJI Naza-m V2
  • Zenmuse H3-2D with GoPro Hero4 Silver (no pan, only tilt)

Skyzone configuration

We begin with the goggles. By default, they use channel 5 for pan and channel 6 for tilt.

To change this setting:

  • Press and Hold Button "TRACK", then connect power to enter Head Tracker Setup Menu (Release as soon as beep). Head Tracker beeps indicating the current PPM Channel. See details below.
  • Short Press "TRACK" Button to select different PPM Channels

Here are the Beep PPM Channel:

  • 1 short beep Pan CH5, Tilt CH6 (Factory default)
  • 2 short beep Pan CH5, Tilt CH7
  • 3 short beep Pan CH5, Tilt CH8
  • 4 short beep Pan CH6, Tilt CH7
  • 5 short beep Pan CH6, Tilt CH8
  • 6 short beep Pan CH7, Tilt CH8

In my case, I wanted to use channel 8, so 5 and 6 beeps are both valid options.

You can now unplugged the power cable.

Your goggles are now configured!

Futaba configuration

This was the tricky part for me. But now I can explain you how to do.

Trainer

  • Long Press on +
  • Go to third screen
  • Select TRAINER
  • TRAINER master must be set to OFF
  • Every channel can be turned OFF, except channel 8:AU2, which needs to be set to FNC. It will be used to the Skyzone tilt.

Exit with END.

P.MIX1-6

Now go to P.MIX1-6 and:

  • Create a new mix on the first slot
  • Set RATEL and H to -100%
  • MASTER to AU2 (we take the tilt channel 8)
  • SLAVE to GER (we route it to the GER, channel 5)
  • SW to SwH (it is the Trainer Switch of the Futaba T8J)
  • POSI to DOWN (when switch will be down, headtracking will be enabled)

Exit with END, twice.

Tests

To enable your headtracker, you have to push the H switch. This switch cannot be blocked in the active position without a trick (see bellow).

When you active this switch, you can move your head up and down and your gimbal will follow.

Note that you have a TRACK button on your goggles. It allows you to reset the center position with a short press.