TBS Unify Nano Review
TBS Unify Nano Review
Holy smokes this TBS Unify Nano is tiny! Team Black Sheep just released a new Unify vtx. The Unify Nano is less than 1/4 the size of the TBS Unify RACE. How does it stack up the most popular race vtx, the Unify RACE?
Specifications:
- Input Voltage: 4.5V – 5V
- Power levels: 25mW / 50mW
- Interface: SmartAudio and capacitive button (or solder external tactile button separately – included!)
- Weight: 1.4g (incl. antenna)
- Size: 13.2mm x 14.6mm x 3mm
- Antenna connector: u.FL (upgraded)
- Antenna length: 45.6mm (end to end)
- TBS Tech: Smart Audio, Clean Switch
Nano vs RACE
Both have SmartAudio meaning you can set it up to be able to change the channel/band/power without even touching the vtx via LUA scrip or BetaFlightOSD. The Nano doesn’t even come with any buttons installed. They do include a SMT button but it’s not easy to install.
Installing both the Unify are very similar except the TBS Unify Nano requires an input voltage of 4.5-5v vs the Unify Race which can be powered directly off the battery (2-6s). The first Nano I tried to install I forgot and powered it directly off the 4s battery and it killed the vtx. So I know for sure it can’t take power from the battery. Most flight controllers these days have some kind of 5v out so that shouldn’t be a huge deal breaker.
Here’s how I have mine installed in my ultralight PROton.
Most MultiGP races are limited to 25mw power outputs so power shouldn’t be an issue. The Nano has 25/50mw outputs vs the Race which is 25/200mw.
Size Comparison
This is a no brainer, the Unify Nano wins here. It’s less than 1/4 the size of the Race and is 3g lighter. That’s not to say the Unify Race is big by any means. Despite the size I find the Unify Race easier to install. Find out why below.
Performance
I did a test by flying a similar path first on the TBS unify Race with this ultralight PROton setup. Then swapped out the Race for the Nano on the exact same quad just to make sure it was an even comparison. I was surprised at how well the video looked for such a tiny VTX. The video was nearly identical with the slight edge going to the Unify Race. Both had areas where there were small flickers of static but on some spots the static stayed a little longer on the Nano.
Out with the old, in with the new?
So the question is, should you replace your Unify Race with the new TBS Unify Nano? The Race had marginally better video and it’s easier to install due to the ability to take voltages directly off the battery. I actually prefer the wire harness on the Race. It makes it easier to swap out a new vtx if your Race burns out. Just unplug it and swap it for a new one. The Nano requires unsoldering and resoldering of a new vtx. The only real advantage of the Nano vs the Race is size and a weight savings of 3g. If you are building a tiny whoop or a quad where weight and space are an issue with say a 2″ quad, the Nano is the way to go. The Nano’s image quality blows away any other micro vtx out there with the ability to have SmartAudio. For a regular 5″ race quad I think it’s best to stick to the TBS Unify Race.
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