The Runcam Camera Control Adapter converts the OSD pin on an FPV camera to a UART interface. This allows you to use the UART port on the flight controller for Camera Control without the need for additional resistor and capacitor.

Tutorial: How to Setup Camera Control Using UART?

You can purchase the Camera Control Adapter at: Banggood | Runcam

Specification

Input voltage: 5V Size: 14x10mm Weight: 0.45g



The OSD to UART converter comes with 1mm JST 2-pin connector, 4 silicone wires, heatshrink and double sided tape.

Supported FPV Cameras

All of Runcam’s cameras with an OSD Pin

Some Foxeer Cameras, I tested the Predator and Monster Pro (V3) both seemed to work perfectly

I tested the Caddx SDR1 Micro, I could get into the menu, but some keys just didn’t work

Camera Control Adapter Connections

The connection between FPV camera, camera control adapter and FC is straight forward. One thing with the adapter that is slightly annoying for me is the need for 5V input.

The Camera Control Adapter is much smaller than I expected. It’s even smaller than the Frsky XM receiver.

My Thoughts about UART Camera Control Adapter

At first I wasn’t convinced by this idea, why would you spend extra money for something you can do for free, right? But after using it for a bit, it starts to make sense and I actually quite like it!

The OSD to UART adapter takes up a UART, and yes, it does cost $5. But the setup is so freaking simple! And it just works flawlessly (on both the setting menu and OSD menu where you can calibrate voltage).

With OSD pin camera control, there are so many things you have to worry about. The resistor, capacitor, and there are a few other settings you need to configure in CLI… Don’t forget you also need to “resource remap” for the OSD pin… It gives me a headache just talking about it.

And most pilots probably don’t have spare resistors and capacitors laying around, so you will have to buy those anyway… It makes sense to just spend the money on the camera control adapter.

If you have a spare UART on your FC, and you want to avoid all the trouble getting Camera Control to work, go for it!

Is it Possible to Trigger the Setting Menu during Flight?

I asked the same question when I first got the adapter. Mid throttle and Yaw right is a very common stick movement in FPV flights. You don’t want to accidentally trigger the menu during flight and have your view blocked.

Luckily the answer is no.

As a safety feature, once the quad is armed you won’t be able to trigger the camera menu anymore.

How about Integrating this Adapter in Flight Controllers?

Wouldn’t it make things a lot easier if someone integrate this camera control adapter in FC’s? Maybe it would! But as far as I know, any new cameras from Runcam will have this integrated in their cameras anyway. Maybe more FPV camera manufacturers will follow suit too.

Adapter Giveaway!

Runcam generously sent me some extra adapters, so I decided to give them away to my Patreon supporters. If you want to support me on Patreon and join the regular giveaways, here is my Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/oscarliang