> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hrftank.gitbook.io/hrftank/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hrftank.gitbook.io/hrftank/iii-build-manual-electronics/8.-rc-and-fpv-link/8.3-front-camera.md).

# 8.3 Front camera

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Prepare the multi-core cable and the camera cable

{% hint style="info" %}
You can use a dedicated 7x0,14 cable or a 10x0,14 cable and remove 3 wires from each end.
{% endhint %}

Insert the multi-core cable into the hull and cut it to the proper length (approximately 50 cm).\
Strip 15 cm of insulation from the <mark style="color:blue;">front end</mark> and 10 cm from the <mark style="color:green;">middle compartment end</mark>. Install the <mark style="color:orange;">cable gland body and cap</mark> on the cable, then mount <mark style="color:yellow;">3-pin connectors</mark> on both ends.

<figure><img src="https://673609632-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FhmKl11OGPwbKiNEUvA5L%2Fuploads%2FFRzQ7UjA7HRUxmnj7AvP%2Fmjultikor1.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=04f624dd-b10b-4c38-a6d4-33dc39358709" alt=""><figcaption><p>Multi-core cable with connectors attached. You can see the 2x2 wires for the front LED lights with connectors. More details<a data-mention href="/hrftank/iii-build-manual-electronics/11.-lighting.md">11. Lighting</a></p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Be careful!** Pin order in your flight controller and FPV camera may differ (see picture below). Make sure the wire order in each connector matches the FC and camera pins.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://673609632-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FhmKl11OGPwbKiNEUvA5L%2Fuploads%2FdQOTnniuBl5HVnIcOciQ%2Forder.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=0278126c-eb07-48ed-9f26-a89b1dfd8828" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Remove the front cover and install the camera

Mini-size FPV cameras available on the market come with lenses of different lengths and diameters. The front cover has an opening for a camera lens up to 17.5 mm in diameter, along with two rows of mounting holes to accommodate cameras with different lens lengths.

<figure><img src="https://673609632-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FhmKl11OGPwbKiNEUvA5L%2Fuploads%2FIylJKf30bEfaoQphD0FR%2Fkamiery.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=0432fd45-3a8d-4343-8c64-433218d80eaa" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Top: Foxeer Predator v3<br>Bottom: Foxeer T-Rex</p></figcaption></figure>

Install the 3-pin connector on the cable provided with your FPV camera. Attach the <mark style="color:green;">3-wire cable</mark> and mount the camera in the front cover. Secure the camera with <mark style="color:orange;">M2x6 screws (x4)</mark>.

{% hint style="info" %}
You can also attach a connector matching your camera directly to the multi-core cable. However, this is difficult with cameras that use a PicoBlade connector (like mine), and it makes connecting the camera to the cable without removing the cover more complicated.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://673609632-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FhmKl11OGPwbKiNEUvA5L%2Fuploads%2FlcjaK1LDQgiKSJrdo3EE%2Fefpiwi.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=8950c290-9b93-43b1-8c5f-65b2d8446436" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Install the cable in the front bulkhead

Install the cable gland locknut in the front bulkhead. Pull the multi-core cable through the bulkhead opening and secure it by tightening the gland body.

<div><figure><img src="https://673609632-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FhmKl11OGPwbKiNEUvA5L%2Fuploads%2F0pAm9vXUBv7fBvQpmckm%2Fnat.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=4fb76430-a022-417a-a92b-1594382485ee" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://673609632-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FhmKl11OGPwbKiNEUvA5L%2Fuploads%2F2gVCde69mhh1Y52KyAYe%2Fpulfru.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=b6e29b5b-dfaf-4c7f-a85d-1a1a85566539" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### (Optional) Install the front camera acrylic glass cover

To provide additional protection for the front camera, install an acrylic lens cover. The cover may be up to 2 mm thick and should measure 25 × 22.8 mm, with mounting holes spaced 20 × 17.8 mm apart. The holes are designed for 2.3 mm screws.

<figure><img src="https://673609632-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FhmKl11OGPwbKiNEUvA5L%2Fuploads%2F0BQkJN3cAAmgaZ7n7HoQ%2F20260909_192515.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=95bf55fb-216c-4a09-b554-d333a16ece8a" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
To make fabrication easier and accommodate the non-standard dimensions resulting from the current design, cut a 25 × 23 mm rectangle from a sheet of acrylic, for example using a Dremel rotary tool. Carefully sand down one of the shorter edges until the piece fits into the mounting area without requiring force. Position it over the cover mounting area, mark the hole locations, and drill them using a 3 mm drill bit.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}