Overview
The DarwinFPV 5.8G 40CH 1200mW Baby Ape VTX is a 5.8GHz FPV VTX video transmitter designed for medium to long-range FPV setups. It supports up to 5km transmission distance in real-world tests (no interference at the beach) and features “No Burnout” PA protection to help prevent damage if the antenna is accidentally disconnected during operation.
Key Features
- Transmit power levels: 400mW / 800mW / 1.2W (1200mW)
- 3oz copper-thick PCB cooling design for improved heat dissipation and sustained output
- Internal dual-stage filter circuit to reduce 90% screen flicker interference
- Wide voltage input: DC 7-33V with surge protection and over-temperature safeguards
- 40-channel support: 40CH (A-B-E-F-R)
- SmartAudio VTX protocol
- Button/OSD parameter adjustment
- U.FL/IPEX1 antenna interface (VTX connector: IPEX1/U.FL; antenna connector: IPEX1/U.FL)
- Tri-mode mounting pattern: 20x20mm (M2), 25.5x25.5mm (M2), 30.5x30.5mm (M3)
Specifications
| Model | DarwinFPV 5.8G 1.2W VTX |
| Output Power | 400mW / 800mW / 1.2W |
| Transmission distance (No interference at the beach) | 5km |
| Input Power | DC 7-33V |
| Output Voltage | 5V / 1A |
| Current | 10V / 510mA @ 1.2W |
| Video Format | NTSC / PAL |
| Output Frequency | 40CH (A-B-E-F-R) |
| Parameter Adjustment Method | Button / OSD |
| Indicator Light | 1 power indicator light (red); 3 frequency group indicators (blue); 3 frequency indicators (green) |
| Microphone | Non |
| VTX Protocol | SmartAudio |
| Antenna Interface | U.FL / IPEX1 |
| Working Temperature | -10°C to 40°C |
| Installation Holes | 20x20mm (M2); 25.5x25.5mm (M2); 30.5x30.5mm (M3) |
| Dimensions | 37 x 37 x 4.5mm |
| Weight (without the antenna) | 4.2±2g |
| Dimensions (With Package) | 71 x 110mm |
| Weight (With Package) | 6.1±2g |
Button Manual
After power on, channel frequency, frequency group, power, and other parameters can be adjusted by pressing the button.
- Step 1 (Frequency control): Short press once to switch frequency (green light) CH1-CH8 cycle.
- Step 2 (Frequency group control): Press and hold for 3 seconds. When the frequency group light (blue light) RF flashes and other lights go out, enter frequency group switching. Short press again to switch frequency group A-R cycle.
- Step 3 (Power control): Press and hold for 6 seconds. When the red and blue lights are on at the same time, enter power adjustment. Short press again to switch power from 25mW to 1200mW cycle.
Wiring / Cable Notes
- Output 5V negative (connected to camera)
- Output 5V positive (connected to camera)
- VTX video signal cable
- VTX parameter adjustment cable (connected to FC TX)
- VTX input voltage negative
- VTX input voltage positive (7-33V)
What’s Included
- 1 x DarwinFPV 5.8G 1.2W VTX
- 1 x 40mm VTX Cable (Single head SH1.0 6P)
- 1 x Sticker
- 1 x 5.8G-IPEX1/U.FL-RF113-80mm Copper Tube Antenna
For installation or setup questions, contact support@rcdrone.top or visit https://rcdrone.top/.
Details

DarwinFPV 5.8G 40CH 1.2W Baby Ape VTX built for stable, higher-power FPV video transmission in compact builds.


A rugged PA chip with “no burnout” protection helps protect the transmitter if the antenna is unplugged.


An internal dual-stage filter is designed to reduce screen flicker and keep the video feed cleaner in noisy environments.


Tri-mode mounting supports 20x20, 25.5x25.5, and 30.5x30.5 hole patterns for flexible frame compatibility.


Pads, button, indicator LEDs, and wire leads are clearly laid out for straightforward wiring to your flight controller and camera.



Packing list includes the VTX, 6‑pin cable, U.FL/IPEX1 antenna, and DarwinFPV stickers.
