Maxx VS Terminator. Long distance antenna shootout!

[dirtybum]

just can't tell from the pictures if there is any different in spacing on the maxx. Db did you see any foam between the back plate and the circuit board on th maxx?

Yep, some 1/2x3/4" double side foam tape on the four corners, and a couple of the corners were already unstuck/popped loose! This cover DOES NOT sandwhich
the boards in like the design of the Terminator, and one board looked slightly un-aligned with the other because of the tape failure, that would concern me that the mis-alignment could weaken the signal if I hadn't gone 9.3 miles w/ this panel last nite

 

[phxbird57]

Yep, some 1/2x3/4" double side foam tape on the four corners, and a couple of the corners were already unstuck/popped loose! This cover DOES NOT sandwhich
the boards in like the design of the Terminator, and one board looked slightly un-aligned with the other because of the tape failure, that would concern me that the mis-alignment could weaken the signal if I hadn't gone 9.3 miles w/ this panel last niteView attachment 54259

I would make sure that the boards are attached. some silicone or hot glue.

 

[phxbird57]

now by fitting that on the maxx. I'm wondering what it can do now....

 

[Reed L]

Maybe the best way to tell if there's a difference is to take an ohm reading on all of the panels from each different manufacturer to compare. Different colors don't mean much as far as the circuit boards go but different ohms on different panels would prove at least that they are different. It would be the first step before going to watts and output strengths...

 

[seb evans]

Although I didn't measure the internal boards, based on the fact that the outside panel dimensions are very close in size and the spacing between the PC boards on the insides are further apart on the maxxrange I would speculate that the terminator panel's PC boards are slightly larger. Although I'm not sure that matters, and I'm no expert, but they look like two completely different types of boardsView attachment 54256View attachment 54257View attachment 54258

Haha just what I expected these are basically identical, number of patches sizes should be as close as poss to each antenna the only difference I see is the microstrip which determines the matching of impedance.
The spacing between the patches and back reflector should also be the same.
Possibly the terminator overall is slightly more apart from each other which would give you a wider transmission angle but probably not noticeable.
Loving this thanks db for the info, I'm going to be making one now hehe.
Crazy scientist style
I'm sure I have actually seen terminator panel's further apart on the bracket somewhere must be for slightly widened signal range.

 

[seb evans]

Db make sure you get the pcb to adhere to those spacers and not adding extra distance between the patches and reflector ( ground) this must be precise and if it was out before you took it apart that would have effected signal.

 

[maxwell smart]

The Panel antennas are cheap to make. This terminator is way over priced. There is not much to tune one of these. It is as I under stand it in the spacing ,of the back plate. Material in the build would be the next factor.
This guy is the expert and I have watched many of his videos. The terminator would have to be the most expensive panel antenna on the market. no one comes close.

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[seb evans]

The Panel antennas are cheap to make. This terminator is way over priced. There is not much to tune one of these. It is as I under stand it in the spacing ,of the back plate. Material in the build would be the next factor.
This guy is the expert and I have watched many of his videos. The terminator would have to be the most expensive panel antenna on the market. no one comes close.

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Yes that yagi sold as what looks like a patch until you open up and what a mess, no uniform spacing will make you lose alot of signal very important.

 

[MasterBlaster]

It makes you wonder if they just remove the cable from the board and soldered their own onto the middle for the connector. I guess we will tell Friday when PHXbird gets his. Great stuff though!


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[seb evans]

chéngwéi hǎo cáiliào (Chinese for I make good copy) so here's my process so far lol and I did it with the terminator theme on loop just to add to it.

This is prototype 1 lol I did think about adding in LEDs seem as I'm using clear poly but I'm sure this will interfere with signal, shame but maybe one to think about.
Db sorry if you want me to start a new thread just say

 

[dirtybum]

chéngwéi hǎo cáiliào (Chinese for I make good copy) so here's my process so far lol and I did it with the terminator theme on loop just to add to it.
View attachment 54269
This is prototype 1 lol I did think about adding in LEDs seem as I'm using clear poly but I'm sure this will interfere with signal, shame but maybe one to think about.
Db sorry if you want me to start a new thread just say

No way seb! We are all already too invested right here! You made that already with your own two hands, **** that's dope as hell! This thread is already proven itself for the reason we started it to compare the two antennas and what they can do,and while I still want others to post the results here, there's plenty of room for these other topics and it's all related

 

[seb evans]

No way seb! We are all already too invested right here! You made that already with your own two hands, **** that's dope as hell! This thread is already proven itself for the reason we started it to compare the two antennas and what they can do,and while I still want others to post the results here, there's plenty of room for these other topics and it's all related

Nice one, I'm feeling excited. This means I'm in it til the end I'll keep everyone updated gotta get back to work sadly but panel 2 will be here soon then hopefully a 5.8 for the standards ahhh the future of possible

 

[maxwell smart]

I would think that if you spread the the two panels apart even 4inches would help spread the signal. All the Terminators and Max are side by side.

 

[Chris P Duck]

Although I didn't measure the internal boards, based on the fact that the outside panel dimensions are very close in size and the spacing between the PC boards on the insides are further apart on the maxxrange I would speculate that the terminator panel's PC boards are slightly larger. Although I'm not sure that matters, and I'm no expert, but they look like two completely different types of boardsView attachment 54256View attachment 54257View attachment 54258

Interesting elastic band placement DB.
I assume that's for securing holding your car keys or similar?

 

[phxbird57]

chéngwéi hǎo cáiliào (Chinese for I make good copy) so here's my process so far lol and I did it with the terminator theme on loop just to add to it.
View attachment 54269
This is prototype 1 lol I did think about adding in LEDs seem as I'm using clear poly but I'm sure this will interfere with signal, shame but maybe one to think about.
Db sorry if you want me to start a new thread just say

That was fast Seb, I just woke up

 

[dirtybum]

I would think that if you spread the the two panels apart even 4inches would help spread the signal. All the Terminators and Max are side by side.

I stated earlier on in another post of mine, because my original impression of the terminator was the image from their website that showed it at least 8 inches apart, that I thought that was going to be the secret to the success of the terminator! When I questioned horizon why it was now play side-by-side their comment was "through testing we've noticed that placing them close together has eliminated certain crosstalk."
After testing the panel, I have no way to argue that they made the right decision, but I know they got decent distance unboosted with the panels separated as well. So it might be a simple matter of them wanting to package it up to a more usable product!

 

[dirtybum]

Interesting elastic band placement DB.
I assume that's for securing holding your car keys or similar?

I wrap the rubber band around my thumb in case I fall sleep during a 35 minute flight at 1 o'clock in the morning, so I can still throttle the bird home[emoji41]

 

[Procharged97]

chéngwéi hǎo cáiliào (Chinese for I make good copy) so here's my process so far lol and I did it with the terminator theme on loop just to add to it.
View attachment 54269
This is prototype 1 lol I did think about adding in LEDs seem as I'm using clear poly but I'm sure this will interfere with signal, shame but maybe one to think about.
Db sorry if you want me to start a new thread just say

**** Seb looks good!!..did you use pcb or just copper sheet?

 

[seb evans]

**** Seb looks good!!..did you use pcb or just copper sheet?

Hey pro conductive copper tape and tested continuity it's possible this may not be good enough and I might have to thinly solder over the lot testing will tell.
This is definitely a prototype and if all goes well I will be etching pcb and possibly vacuum forming cover and airbrushing.
Although this is just the beginning I've seen allot more powerful 19dBi ones so might move on to them after.

 

[BeauS]

I got a response from Tom at the Midwest Horizon you guys!

"Will at Horizon is on vacation but i've been trying to get him to chime in and answer some of those questions.
What I do know is there is more to it than they think, the antennas are tested in the UK , as they test everything, even the maxx range. rather than use one panel they discovered two is better for various reasons, a lot stronger for one, and after proper tuning they out performed the Maxrange by quite a lot, they are re-manufactured in the uk by tuning them on a spectrum analyser, tuning is done with the spacing between the two panels and between the panel and reflector.

I dont know the process they go thru to build them or what components are used, if they rebuild existing panels or what, i do know they perform better than anything i've seen to date.

They have just adjusted them some more on their spectrum analyser to squeeze some more gain out of them.

I'll continue to try and get Will to reply but he wont give out to much information, he doesnt share his trade secrets with me, just the test results."