Funny, I didn't even know the antennas had a front in back. Fortuntely the label / serial number is on the flat back, with a slightly curved front, so I think I have that right. Would have felt stupid, but would be an easy fix.
I took apart the controller and the wires were all in place, I did use a glue gun. I watch a few more install videos, one mentioned the top two connectors, white and gray in this case were for the camera, and bottom or last connector, black in this case was for the drone. Since my issues have been so far tied to the camera I gently tugged on the two first connectors and sure enough the grey, second connector just popped off. I'll clean the post and connector, reconnect, glue and try again.
Side question, is it true that the drone signal uses 5Ghz and the camera uses 2.4?
Still have the stock antenna - nifty idea though about putting on the antennas from my home wifi router as a test. I'll post after everything is cleaned and back together.
Thanks!