Set Up and Calibrate FPVSIM Timer Solo on iOS
Connect FPVSIM Timer Solo to an iPhone or iPad, complete setup, and calibrate it for consistent lap detection.
Install and configure the FPVSIM Timer V3 Mahjong USB edition for reliable lap timing.
What this tutorial covers
FPVSIM Timer V3, also called Mahjong, adds a direct USB connection alongside the existing network connection options. The video demonstrates the physical connection, the matching Timer app action, mobile troubleshooting, first-time calibration, and a short live test.
The exact labels can move as the Timer app evolves. Use an app release that explicitly lists Timer V3 or Mahjong USB support, and treat the sequence below as the durable workflow.
Before you begin
- An FPVSIM Timer V3 unit intended for the platform you plan to use.
- A data-capable USB cable, not a charge-only cable.
- The current FPVSIM Timer app on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS.
- A powered quad or video transmitter for calibration passes.
- Optional: a quality active USB extension cable when the timer must sit far from the host.
Connect, calibrate, and test
- Connect the timer by USB.
Plug the timer into the host. USB supplies power and exposes the network interface used by the Timer app.
- Open the Timer app and choose the USB connection.
Use the action labeled "Connect timer USB" or its current equivalent. Confirm that live RSSI data appears and that the connection mode reports USB.
- Resolve mobile connection issues before calibrating.
On an iPhone, temporarily disabling Wi-Fi can help the app choose the USB interface. Some Android devices need a powered or OTG-compatible hub to provide stable power and data.
- Run first-time calibration on the real track.
Start calibration, fly through the timing point as you normally would three or four times, then power off the VTX when instructed. The app analyzes the observed passes and reports whether calibration succeeded.
- Run a short race and review the detections.
Confirm that passes are counted once, inspect the RSSI trace, and adjust the physical placement before changing thresholds unnecessarily.
Long USB runs need good cable quality.
Voltage drop and poor signal integrity become more important as the cable gets longer. The video uses an active extension, but it does not establish a universal maximum length. Test the complete cable run before race day.
Edited transcript
This transcript was cleaned from the public English captions. Repeated lap announcements and filler were shortened without changing the setup instructions.
About 00:00
Hello everyone, this is Jay from FPVSIM. I am excited to announce FPVSIM Timer V3, also called Mahjong. It is very small, but it supports the same core connection choices: a wired connection for demanding environments and wireless for simpler ones. The important addition is USB connectivity for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux.
About 01:30
Setup is simple. Connect a USB cable, open the latest Timer app, and choose "Connect timer USB." Once connected, the live RSSI trend appears and the mode is shown as USB. Windows also shows the FPVSIM USB network interface in Network Connections, although you normally only need to inspect that while troubleshooting.
About 03:00
Choose the Timer V3 hardware variant that matches the devices you intend to use. A normal USB-C cable worked for the iPhone in the demonstration, although Wi-Fi sometimes had to be turned off so the phone selected the correct interface. The Android device needed a hub that made its power output stable. If your timer is not receiving dependable power, check whether your phone needs an OTG or powered hub.
About 04:30
For more distance, an active USB extension can place the timer farther from the phone or computer. Longer cables can introduce voltage drop, so use a better cable when extending the run. With the timer connected, the next step is first-time calibration and a test flight.
About 06:00
Start calibration and fly through the timing point as you normally would. The app asks for several passes and completes calibration after the VTX is powered off. In this test, five passes were detected and used to calculate the calibration values. After that, the timer recorded the live test laps reliably.
About 09:10
The test confirms the direct USB workflow: connect, calibrate on the actual course, and verify the result with real passes. I hope you enjoy the improvements brought by Mahjong. Thank you for your support, happy flying, and keep innovating.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the app not find the timer over USB?
Confirm that the cable carries data, that the app version supports Timer V3, and that the hardware variant supports your host. On mobile, try disabling Wi-Fi or using a compatible powered/OTG hub.
Does USB replace every network connection option?
No. Timer V3 adds direct USB while retaining the other supported connection modes. Choose the connection that fits the device, cable distance, and RF environment.
How many passes should I fly during calibration?
The video asks for three or four normal track passes; the successful example used five detected passes. Follow the current app prompt and fly the real line at a representative speed.
Can I use a long USB extension at an event?
Yes, if the host, extension, and timer remain stable together. Prefer an active, good-quality cable and test for voltage drop and disconnects before relying on it.
