The Caddx Ant Nano camera is a small 1200TVL analog FPV camera that works well in Tinywhoops, toothpicks and compact freestyle builds. It does not need a driver, app or firmware tool for normal use. The important parts are choosing the correct aspect ratio, supplying clean power and connecting the video wire to the correct pad.
I mounted a Caddx Ant Nano camera in a 4:3 frame cage but had ordered the 16:9 version by mistake, and the image looked stretched in my goggles the moment I powered it on. Reordering the correct aspect-ratio version was the only fix, since the camera itself couldn’t be switched after purchase.
This guide covers the original Ant analog camera rather than the newer Ant Lite. It explains what the TVL rating means, how to wire the camera through a flight controller, and how to diagnose a black screen without replacing parts at random.
CAM or the VTX video input, and use a regulated camera supply when the allowed voltage is not printed clearly on the unit.Caddx Ant Nano camera specifications
| Item | Typical Ant specification |
|---|---|
| Camera type | Analog CVBS FPV camera |
| Sensor | 1/3-inch CMOS |
| Horizontal resolution | 1200TVL |
| Lens | 1.8mm wide-angle lens |
| Body size | 14 × 14mm nano format |
| Weight | About 2g without the cable |
| Aspect ratio | 4:3 or 16:9 versions |
| Video standard | PAL or NTSC, depending on the selected version or menu |
The official product listing currently offers separate 4:3 and 16:9 options. Do not assume the ratio can be switched later. A 4:3 camera displayed in forced 16:9 mode will look stretched, while a widescreen camera shown in 4:3 can look compressed or cropped.
What 1200TVL means in real use
1200TVL is not 1200p. TVL is an analog resolution measurement. The camera still sends one composite video signal, and the final picture depends on the camera, wiring, VTX, antenna, receiver and goggle display.
A clean 1200TVL camera can show useful detail, but a noisy power rail can cover that detail with horizontal lines. A weak antenna or wrong channel can also make the image look soft even when the camera is working correctly.
How to wire the Caddx Ant Nano
The normal three-wire connection is red for power, black for ground and yellow for analog video. Check the labels on the PCB or connector before applying power because replacement cables can use a different pin order.
- Connect the positive wire to a clean regulated camera or 5V pad.
- Connect ground to a nearby flight-controller ground.
- Connect video to the flight controller pad marked
CAM,VINorVIDEO IN. - Connect the flight controller video output to the VTX video input.
- Confirm the camera, FC and VTX share a stable ground reference.
Caddx Ant video -> Flight controller CAM input Flight controller VTX output -> VTX video input Camera power -> Regulated camera supply Camera ground -> Common ground
If you do not need Betaflight OSD, connect the camera video output directly to the VTX video input. This direct path is also a useful diagnostic test.
Common Caddx Ant problems
| Screen symptom | Likely cause | First check |
|---|---|---|
| Black screen with Betaflight OSD | Camera power or CAM input fault | Measure voltage at the camera and inspect the yellow wire |
| Static with no OSD | VTX, antenna, receiver or channel fault | Check VTX power and manually match the channel |
| Lines when motors spin | Electrical noise | Use regulated power and inspect the main capacitor |
| Rolling or colour loss | PAL/NTSC mismatch or weak ground | Match the video format and repair ground joints |
| Stretched image | Aspect-ratio mismatch | Set the goggles to the camera’s native ratio |
Black image but OSD is visible
This means the flight controller, VTX and receiver path are already sending a valid image. Focus on camera power, camera ground, the video wire and the flight controller camera input.
Video lines appear under throttle
Move the camera to a regulated pad, twist the video and ground wires together, keep them away from motor wires and confirm the battery capacitor is connected correctly. Replacing the camera will not fix noise coming from the power system.
Before buying or replacing the Ant Nano
Measure the camera opening in the frame before ordering. The Ant uses the nano-size body, but the supplied bracket, screw length and lens clearance can differ between sellers. A camera can fit between the side plates and still be unusable if the lens touches the canopy at the required tilt angle.
Also check whether the listing is PAL or NTSC and whether it is 4:3 or 16:9. These options affect the goggle image more than the case colour. When replacing another nano camera, compare the connector pin order instead of plugging the old cable directly into the Ant.
- Confirm the 14mm mounting width.
- Check lens clearance at the intended camera angle.
- Match the aspect ratio to the goggles.
- Match PAL or NTSC to the receiver and DVR.
- Verify input voltage and connector polarity.
- Keep the camera menu board accessible until the picture is tested.
After installation, perform one test with the motors stopped and one short test with the motors running. A clean bench image can still develop noise under throttle. It is easier to correct wiring and filtering before the canopy and battery strap are fully installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Caddx Ant Nano need software?
No. It is an analog camera and produces video as soon as it receives correct power.
Can it connect to DJI digital goggles?
Not directly. You need an analog receiver or an analog input module supported by the goggles.
Can I power it from the flight battery?
Only when the voltage printed for your exact camera supports the battery’s fully charged voltage. A regulated supply is safer when the specification is uncertain.
Is the Ant Nano suitable for night flying?
It can fly in dim conditions, but the Ratel family normally gives better low-light detail. Test in the actual lighting before relying on it.
Conclusion
The Caddx Ant Nano camera is a useful budget choice for small analog FPV builds. Correct aspect ratio, clean power and a simple direct-to-VTX test solve most installation problems faster than changing random Betaflight settings.
- Image 1: Caddx Ant nano camera for a lightweight analog FPV build — source page | open image
- Image 2: Caddx Ant camera aspect ratio comparison in FPV goggles — source page | open image
- Image 3: Caddx Ant power ground and video wiring to flight controller — source page | open image
Ryan has wired, updated and repaired FPV video systems on a range of frames, learning what actually causes intermittent faults. He documents these lessons at softwaredriverdownload.com.