Eachine TX805 5.8GHz 800mW video transmitter hands on

I have something like a personal problem with "the best FPV transmitter manufacturer". It's about ideology. So, when a few weeks ago I had to order a few 5.8GHz transmitters, I had something like a problem. With TBS Unify Pro on my "not wanted" list, the "wanted" list got somehow short.
I do own a few Matek HV VTXes and I'm quite happy with them. But I can not always buy the same thing, so when I saw Eachine TX805 for slightly more than $15 I've decided to give it a try.

It appeared in the mail today and here are some first thoughts about it.

First of all, it's slightly bigger than I expected and in fact, it almost looks like a clone of Matek HV VTX. Not that it's bad or something, it's just not what I expected.

RF circuitry is shielded. And that is good. I only wonder if there is any kind of thermo-pad between shielding and RF components. I hope since at 800mW heat can kill electronics pretty easy. I like MMCX connector since u.fl sucks so much. I also like the fact that all the connectors are solderable. I prefer that over JSTish connectors. A pretty bulky choke allows me to suspect that built-in 5V voltage stabilizer of the camera is at least decent as well. On the other hand, soldering on MMCX does not look "high quality". But hey, I got it for $15.99, I can not expect too much, right?

What else in a box? RP-SMA pigtail, whip antenna, and a short manual. It's a nice touch about that manual. It's quite nice and written in understandable English language!

Eachine TX805 5.8GHz 40CH 800mW video transmitter specification:

• Frequency: 5.8G
• Channels: 40CH
• Input voltage: 7V~24V
• Serial protocol: Smart audio (licensed? But can you really license a protocol?)
• 5V output for Camera
• Output power: 25mW/200mW/600mW/800mW switchable
• Antenna connector: MMCX
• Cable connector: Solder pads
• Dimensions: 36mm22mm5mm, 30.5mm hole spacing
• Weight: 8g without antenna

I got mine Eachine TX805 from Banggood