Use FPVSIM Timer V2.1 Calibration Improvements
Learn the improved FPVSIM Timer V2.1 calibration workflow and how it makes lap detection easier to tune.
Use FPVSIM Timer V5 automatic calibration to set detection thresholds quickly and consistently.
What this tutorial covers
Timer 5.0 introduced an automatic calibration workflow that learns the signal peak and the enter and leave thresholds from real passes. The video demonstrates the feature on a compact course, reviews the calculated result, and verifies it with a live race.
This is a Timer 5-era workflow. Follow the prompts in your installed release if the number of passes, labels, or adjustment controls differ.
Before you calibrate
- Place the timer at the final timing point and select the VTX channel you will actually fly.
- Power the quad and confirm that live RSSI responds before starting.
- Plan to fly the normal racing line at a representative height and speed.
- Keep unrelated powered VTX units away from the calibration area.
- Be ready to power off the calibration VTX when the app asks.
Run and verify automatic calibration
- Start calibration.
Choose the calibration action in the Timer app and read the complete on-screen prompt before taking off.
- Fly several normal passes.
The recorded prompt asks for three or four passes. Use the real gate line rather than slowing down or flying unusually close to the timer.
- Power off the VTX when instructed.
This gives the app a baseline after the pass samples and allows it to finish its analysis.
- Review the learned values and history.
Confirm that each strong, valid pass was recognized and that nearby sections of the course remain below the detection thresholds.
- Make only evidence-based adjustments.
If course noise sits too close to a threshold, move that threshold slightly or try an alternate calibration mode offered by your app release.
- Validate with a real race.
Fly several laps at normal pace and inspect the result. A successful calibration should detect the intended crossing without counting nearby flight.
Calibration learns the line you show it.
Unusually slow, close, or inconsistent practice passes can produce settings that do not match racing. Repeat calibration after moving the timer, changing the channel, or materially changing the course.
Edited transcript
This transcript was cleaned from the public English captions. Repeated lap announcements were condensed; the calibration sequence and cautions were preserved.
About 00:00
Hello, this is Jay from FPVSIM. Timer 5.0 adds the automatic calibration feature people have been asking for. I am using a Solo timer on a small and challenging track. The calibration button now learns the peak, enter, and leave values rather than making you set every value manually.
About 01:30
Start calibration and follow the prompt: pass the timing gate three or four times, then power off the VTX to finish. Fly the track normally because the timer is learning the RSSI pattern produced by your real line. The test includes several passes around the compact course.
About 03:40
After the VTX is powered off, calibration completes and reports the passes it used along with the calculated peak, enter, and leave values. The race history shows that the strong timing-point signals were captured. One threshold is close to another noisy part of this course, so it may need a small adjustment or a different calibration flavor.
About 05:10
Start a live test and fly the course again. The timer detects the intended laps with the calculated values. This verifies the result under normal flight rather than accepting the calibration report by itself.
About 06:40
The post-flight pack summary shows flight and rest time and can be turned on or off. Plus and minus controls also make small threshold changes easier on a mobile device. Automatic calibration should remove most of the need to drag sliders, while still leaving manual adjustment available when a course requires it.
Frequently asked questions
How many passes should I fly?
The Timer 5.0 prompt shown in the video asks for three or four; the successful run analyzed six detected passes. Follow the current prompt and favor consistent, representative samples over a particular count.
Why must I power off the VTX at the end?
The recorded workflow uses the powered-off signal as part of completing its analysis. Wait for the app to ask before turning it off.
Should I still inspect the RSSI history?
Yes. Automatic calibration produces starting values, but the history reveals whether another part of the course approaches the same thresholds.
When should I recalibrate?
Recalibrate after moving the timer, changing VTX channel or power, substantially changing the course, or seeing repeatable missed or extra detections.
