Melting my brain trying to understand tx/rx modding

[Seanie]

OK so I've had my Phantom 3 Standard for about a month now and it's my first venture into the world of remote control aircraft. I'm loving it, but I'm in the UK and so restricted to the CE mode which kind of limits the distance the Phantom can fly, and so I'm wanting to modify the setup so that I can fly beyond the 400-500m range that I'm getting now.

I see there's a fair few ready-made mods on the market such as the ARGtek, Itelite DBS and the FPVLR long range kit that looks like something out of a 1950's sci-fi movie. I've been reading reviews of these devices, and looking at the FPVLR kit made me think it really shouldn't be too difficult to build your own mod that could maybe equal or surpass those ready-made mods that are on the market.

The thing is though that I don't have the faintest idea about the principles involved and everywhere I've looked to try and delve into the topic people are talking in jargon and it's melting my head trying to figure out what they're on about. I'd really like to be able to build something along the lines of the FPVLR kit but right now I'm about a million miles from that goal. Does anybody know if there's a good beginners introduction anywhere online to the principles of radio transmission and reception for model aircraft? Thanks.

 

[henick]

From what I understand the amps are most of the cost of the upgrade. If you don't know principles it might be pertinent to pay fpvlr to do it for you. They 3d print a bracket to hold the batteries also. Considering total cost vs parts value you wouldn't be paying much to avoid the learning curve.

 

[Seanie]

Thanks henick, that's probably going to turn out to be good advice in the long run but at this stage, fool though I may be, I'm actually quite keen not to avoid the learning curve. I'm a bit of geek at heart and like making things, so I'd actually like to try and wrap my head around the principles of tx/rx in regard of model aircraft. It's knowing where to start that I'm kind of coming unstuck on!

 

[henick]

The reason behind my advice is because some rc units have brittle plastic inside and when you remove the screws the posts disintegrate so there's nothing to put the screws back into. Happened to me, not sure if others also... had to RMA the rc.

I have arduino powered lights in my stairwell controlled by laser sensors. I am pretty comfortable with tasks like this is my point there... there was nothing I could control.

A YouTube video exists that makes the process really easy if you continue .. Google it. (For the upgrade steps at least... not RF principle)

 

[henick]

It's basically just pull out stock antennas and attach the custom/proprietary wires to the 2 connections in the unit then run the rp-sma connectors to the old holes and they tighten down so you can screw on antennas (or boosters)

Not too much to the actual upgrade.

 

[firestars]

So you have decided that it 'shouldn't be too difficult' to build your own mod but then go on to say 'you don't have the faintest ideas' about the principles and that when other people discuss it its all 'jargon' to you.

Best off reaching for your wallet and paying for someone else to do it.


Sent from my iPhone using PhantomPilots mobile app

 

[Seanie]

So you have decided that it 'shouldn't be too difficult' to build your own mod but then go on to say 'you don't have the faintest ideas' about the principles and that when other people discuss it its all 'jargon' to you.

Best off reaching for your wallet and paying for someone else to do it.


Sent from my iPhone using PhantomPilots mobile app

Sure if I lived according to your defeatist attitude I'd have ended up knowing nothing about anything. All specialisation lies behind a wall of concepts and jargon that needs to be learned. What I was asking is where's the best place.

 

[deltamike]

Thanks henick, that's probably going to turn out to be good advice in the long run but at this stage, fool though I may be, I'm actually quite keen not to avoid the learning curve. I'm a bit of geek at heart and like making things, so I'd actually like to try and wrap my head around the principles of tx/rx in regard of model aircraft. It's knowing where to start that I'm kind of coming unstuck on!

Hi Seanie,

If you can make it down to Cosford in July to the flying model exhibition I am sure that there will be someone who can help and advise. Good day out too.


https://www.largemodelassociation.com/event/cosford-model-show-2016/


http://uk.prweb.com/releases/2015/06/prweb12794198.htm

Pete

 

[flpholt]

just make a windsurfer for it then will get better range

 

[Sim597]

Keep in mind he wants to learn about it, and unfortunately has a standard, pretty low range to begin with.
I too am learning what I can, I have the antenna's, I have the cool little amps and batteries, I have all the toys, but still held back by noise, ground floor noise to be exact, and LOS, is my biggest problem. Keep asking, keep looking! Good luck!

 

[henick]

2.4ghz is notoriously cluttered and easy to absorb. The higher elevation your signal the better. Leaves are your enemy.