AKK FX2-Dominator VTX review: 2W FPV transmitter

Regarding FPV flights, it is essential to know at what distance you want to fly. Once you lose the video connection with the aircraft, you can say goodbye. If you have luck, it will crash in an uninhabited field without causing any damage besides itself. The AKK FX2-Dominator features up to 2W transmission power. If you need less power, no worry, it allows to toggle between four power settings (250mW, 500mW, 1000mW, and 2000mW), even remotely!

For those who are new in the field, VTX stands for video transmitter, it’s an essential component of a FPV system. It creates a wireless video link between the aircraft and its operator.

While VTXs can use many different frequencies (900MHz, 1.2GHz, 2.4GHz), the most popular one for FPV drones is 5.8 GHz. To allow the flying of multiple FPV drones in the same field, the frequency range (5658~5917MHz) is divided into individual channels. Versatile VTX modules like this AKK FX2-Dominator feature up to 40CH transmission lines (8 channels x 5 bands). Due to FCC regulations, the E4, E7, and E8 (5645/5925/5945) channels are disabled.

AKK FX2-Dominator VTX review & ratings

Disclosure: I received this FX2-Dominator 5.8G video transmitter as part of a product review collaboration with AKK Tech. Although the VTX was a gift, all thoughts in this review remain my own and the sponsor in no way influenced me.

Before I get into details, I need to mention that using 2000mW (2Watt) transmission power it is illegal in most countries!

AKK FX2-Dominator highlights

• Up to 2W transmission power;
• Switchable broadcast power (250mW/500mW/1000mW/2000mW);
• PIT mode (ultra low transmission power ~0.01mW);
• On-board microphone;
• Seven-segment status display;
• One button frequency and power setup;
• Smart Audio (remote VTX control);
• Wide range of input voltage (7 – 26V);
• Included MMCX antenna pigtail;
• Optional SMA or RP-SMA plug.

At a glance

The FX2-Dominator is packed in a small cardboard box with red AKK logo on top of it. Servo cable and MMCX antenna pigtail is included.

Measuring 36 x 36 mm, it can be installed on top of a traditional flight controller stack with 30.5 x 30.5 mounting holes. Good airflow is required if you plan to use it on maximum power. With heat sinks on both sides, it looks like a beast compared to low-power VTX modules. During my initial tests, even at 250mW, it became quite hot.

On the front side are located the radio module, 7-segment status LCD, MMCX antenna plug, microphone, 6-pin connector, and settings button.

AKK FX2-Dominator pin-out (left to right)

• DC input (7 – 26 v) – Red;
• Ground – Black;
• Video In – Yellow;
• Ground for camera – Black;
• 5V camera – Red;
• SmartAudio – Green.

While the VTX side of the included servo cable has a 6-pin plug, the other side has two connectors (2pin JST for power and 4pin plug for camera/FC).

Controls

As I previously mentioned, the AKK FX2 Dominator has only one control button. While by short pressing the button you can toggle between channels (1-8), by long pressing (2 seconds) you can switch the band (A, B, E, F and Race). In order to change the TX power, you need to press the button for 4 seconds. Power change will be confirmed on status LCD:

• “1” stands for 250mW;
• “2” stands for 500mW;
• “3” stands for 1000mW;
• “4” stands for 2000mW (don’t ask how healthy is to stand near of it).

Who’s it for?

If you are an indoor or outdoor proximity flier, you should not even read this review. The FX2 Dominator is quite large and heavy for smaller builds. This VTX is designed for super long-range flights. When I said “long-range“, I meant more than 5KM! IMHO, If you are using a correctly paired TX and RX antenna, you could get a range close to 8 km (in open area).

Personally, I’m planning to use the FX2 Dominator with the GEPRC GEP-LC7, which I expect for review this month.

Pricing & Availability

When I published my review, the FX2 Dominator was listed on the manufacturer’s website for $36.99. According to your antenna connector, you have two options: SMA or RP-SMA version.