Mounting the nanoHD F2 Optic Fibre Air Unit & Camera on a UMT FPV Drone

Mounting the nanoHD F2 Optic Fibre Air Unit & Camera on a UMT FPV Drone

This guide explains how to correctly wire and mount the nanoHD F2 optic fibre air unit, camera, and fibre reel on a UMT FPV drone, including correct use of the UMT 3D-printed mounting kit.

It is written specifically for UMT FPV frames (PD10 shown) and reflects best practice for fibre-optic FPV systems, ensuring reliability, connector clearance, and minimal strain on the optic cable.

What This Guide Covers

  • Wiring the nanoHD F2 to a flight controller

  • Camera mounting using 3D-printed side plates

  • Air unit (VTX) mounting with the angled wedge

  • Optic fibre reel mounting under the frame

  • Common mistakes and troubleshooting

Tools & Parts Required

  • nanoHD F2 optic fibre air unit & camera

  • UMT FPV drone (PD10 frame shown)

  • UMT nanoHD F2 3D-printed mounting kit

  • Soldering iron & solder

  • Double-sided foam tape (VHB recommended)

  • Zip ties (small / medium)

  • Hex drivers / FPV tools

Step 1 – Wiring the nanoHD F2 to the Flight Controller

Solder the nanoHD F2 to the flight controller exactly as shown in the table below.

⚠️ Important: The nanoHD F2 must be powered from VBAT (maximum 6S). Do not power from a 5V or 9V regulator.

Wiring Table

nanoHD F2 PadConnects To (FC)Notes
GGroundGround connection
SNot usedLeave unconnected
TRX3UART RX
RTX3UART TX
Power +VBATMax 6S only
Power GNDGroundPower ground

Step 2 – Why the 3D-Printed Mounting Kit Is Required

The nanoHD F2 does not fit directly into the UMT FPV frame as standard.

UMT drones require the dedicated 3D-printed mounting kit to ensure:

  • Correct camera alignment

  • Vibration isolation

  • Clearance for the optic fibre connector

  • Safe cable routing

Attempting to hard-mount or improvise can lead to:

  • Fibre connector damage

  • Intermittent video loss

  • Excessive strain on the optic cable

Step 3 – Mounting the Camera

The camera is mounted using the 3D-printed side plates supplied in the kit.

Steps:

  1. Place the camera between the side plates

  2. Install mounting screws loosely

  3. Set your desired camera tilt

  4. Fully tighten once aligned

Ensure the fibre cable exits the camera without sharp bends.


Step 4 – Mounting the Air Unit (VTX)

The nanoHD F2 air unit is mounted using the 3D-printed wedge and double-sided foam tape.

Why the wedge mount matters

Mounting the air unit flat does not provide enough clearance for the optic fibre reel connector.

The wedge:

  • Angles the air unit correctly

  • Prevents strain on the fibre connector

  • Allows easy reel connection and removal

Mounting method

  1. Apply foam tape to the wedge

  2. Secure the wedge to the frame

  3. Press the air unit firmly onto the wedge


Step 5 – Mounting the Optic Fibre Reel (Final Step)

The optic fibre reel is mounted underneath the frame using the 3D-printed reel wedge mount.

How to mount the fibre reel

  1. Position the 3D-printed reel wedge on the underside of the frame

  2. Secure the wedge to the frame using zip ties

  3. Attach the fibre reel to the wedge as shown in reference photos

  4. Ensure the fibre exits smoothly toward the air unit

✅ The wedge ensures the reel sits at the correct angle, reducing fibre bend radius and preventing internal damage.


Final Pre-Flight Checklist

  • ✔ VBAT power confirmed (≤ 6S)

  • ✔ UART TX/RX correctly wired

  • ✔ Camera securely mounted

  • ✔ Air unit mounted on wedge (not flat)

  • ✔ Fibre reel secured underneath frame

  • ✔ No tight bends in fibre cable

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need the 3D-printed mounting kit?

Yes. The nanoHD F2 does not fit UMT frames without it. The kit is required for correct alignment and fibre clearance.

Can I mount the air unit flat?

No. Flat mounting does not leave enough space for the fibre reel connector and can damage the fibre over time.

Why is the fibre reel mounted under the frame?

Mounting underneath:

  • Keeps the fibre bend radius safe

  • Prevents interference with electronics

  • Allows smoother fibre deployment

What happens if I power the nanoHD F2 from 5V?

This can cause:

  • Brown-outs

  • Video dropouts

  • Permanent damage
    Always use VBAT (up to 6S).

My video cuts out when I move the fibre reel – why?

This is usually caused by:

  • Fibre strain

  • Sharp bends near the connector

  • Incorrect reel mounting angle

Recheck the wedge orientation and cable routing.

Is this setup specific to the PD10?

The wiring is generic, but mounting details are optimised for UMT frames, with the PD10 shown as the reference example.