The AKK X2 is a 40-channel FPV video transmitter that costs just $22 shipped. Unlike the earlier all-in-one A3 which I reviewed earlier, the X2 does not come with a pre-installed antenna or camera. With that said, the X2 is more of an FPV transmitter (Tx) that is more suited to those who want to use their own choice of antenna and camera.

The X2 is also an FPV Tx that is suitable for those who do not mind having a bit of extra weight on their FPV system (since you’ll have to add a camera and antenna for the FPV system to work). For users who are concerned about weight and need the lightest possible FPV system for their build, the A3 makes a better choice.

The sample X2 featured in this review was kindly sponsored by AKK which is a company that specializes in manufacturing FPV equipment. Click here for more details on AKK.

Product Highlights
  • 5.8G FPV transmission
  • 5V camera output
  • Switchable transmission power (25mW / 200mW / 500mW / 800mW)
  • Supports SmartAudio
  • LED status display
  • Supports OSD outputs from Betaflight flight controllers
  • Built-in LC circuit for better transmission performance
  • 6-pin JST port
  • RP-SMA female antenna connector (antenna not included)
  • Dimensions: 26(H)x19(W)x8(D) mm
  • Weight: 6.8g (without antenna)
  • Range: Up to 4 km with omnidirectional RHCP (pagoda) antennas

To test the X2, I decided to use it as part of an FPV system mounted on my JJRC Q39 Highlander which I had reviewed recently. To power the system, I used a Turnigy Nano-Tech 11.1V 450mAh Li Po (the X2 can be powered by 7 to 24VDC) and for the camera, I used a Tarot TL300MN2 taken from my old Tarot 130 FPV racer.

To mount the system onto the Q39, I designed and 3D-printed a custom mount. The mount placed the camera high at the rear with the X2 located just below it along with a mushroom antenna which I took from another FPV VTx. The battery was tucked into the car’s cockpit which had plenty of room for a Li Po of that size. Driving the Q39 on FPV was certainly a refreshing experience as I normally use FPV on drones. It gives the impression of driving a car in a video game.

Like the A3, the X2 has adjustable transmission power. Pressing the menu button for 4 seconds lets you toggle from 25mW all the way up to 800mW. From range tests that I’ve done with cloverleaf antennas and a clear line of sight, the maximum distance for 24mW is 300 meters before signal breakups become an issue. For 800mW, the distance is approximately 3km. The X2 has an advertised maximum transmission range of about 4km with omnidirectional RHCP antennas (pictured below). Unfortunately, I did not have such antennas at hand when testing the X2’s range.

It is important to note that the maximum 800mW can only be used if the X2 is powered by at least 12V. The X2 also has a small LED screen that shows you the channel it is broadcasting on and the transmission power. Another interesting feature on the X2 is that it is compatible with the OSD output from Betaflight flight controllers (if you’re flying drones). This eliminates the need for installing additional hardware if you want to see the OSD in your FPV feed. It also has a built-in LC or resonant circuit which provides for reasonably clean video transmission with very little signal loss or interruption.

Another key feature of the X2 is SmartAudio which allows you to control the X2’s channel selection and transmission power remotely using the OSD. SmartAudio is a feature found on the latest high-end FPV transmitters and it’s great to see the X2 has it as well, despite its affordable price and compact size.

Conclusion

The AKK X2 is an FPV transmitter that offers good performance and quality at an affordable price. Its built-in LC circuit means video transmission is generally clean with very little signal loss. It can also accept OSD outputs from Betaflight flight controllers making for a less cluttered and lighter FPV system with OSD. For just $22 shipped, the X2 is a real bargain and is something I recommend to anyone looking for a decent FPV transmitter. To get the most out of the X2, omnidirectional RHCP (pagoda) antennas are recommended.

The X2 can be purchased at Amazon. Click here for more details.