OK Propeller Heads -- recommend mod(s) please

[kxkraze]

For those of you that have experience doing mods...

I'm not out to set any records but I would like to take mine out to about 1.5 miles away. Right now, it's bone stock and after using the Vision+ Utility App, my FPV holds the connection longer than my controller.

I don't want to do any extensive mods and I certainly don't want to have to haul around a tripod and a generator but, if possible, I would to extend the range of my controller to the boosted FPV (or more). 1.5 miles would be ideal.

Anyone have any practical recommendations they can provide?

 

[sidebox]

For those of you that have experience doing mods...

I'm not out to set any records but I would like to take mine out to about 1.5 miles away. Right now, it's bone stock and after using the Vision+ Utility App, my FPV holds the connection longer than my controller.

I don't want to do any extensive mods and I certainly don't want to have to haul around a tripod and a generator but, if possible, I would to extend the range of my controller to the boosted FPV (or more). 1.5 miles would be ideal.

Anyone have any practical recommendations they can provide?

Okay. I suggest upgrading your on bird antennas and your remote antennas. If you are satisfied with those, great. If you still want more, add on an amp to your 5.8 and your 2.4 with a dual battery.

5.8 REMOTE CONTROL UPGRADE
I recommend this antenna for your 5.8 TX (Remote control) upgrade as it is a nice balance of distance without having to aim as precisely as some of the more specialized super long range antennas: http://fpvlr.com/shop/index.php?route=p ... duct_id=63

to pair with this, I recommend getting two RHCP 5.8 pinwheels (this is a set of two, so just order one set [one of them comes with a 90 degree connector, more on this below]): http://fpvlr.com/shop/index.php?route=p ... duct_id=58

2.4 REMOTE CONTROL UPGRADE
I recommend getting this guy: http://fpvlr.com/shop/index.php?route=p ... uct_id=107 to mount on top of your wifi repeater. It matches the range of the control upgrade above pretty well. You can also add on a 2.4 LHCP pinwheel to the repeater box, as some do for close in flying (you won't have to aim the half sphere as much). I have not added on this pinwheel, as I don't have trouble with close range flying and losing FPV.

to pair with this, I recommend getting two 2.4 pinwheels LHCP (because the antenna I pointed you to for the repeater is an LHCP, and you want to match this with your receivers (these are sold individually, so order two of these and request in the comments that one of them come with a 90 degree connector [more on this below]): http://fpvlr.com/shop/index.php?route=p ... duct_id=72

To install these antennas, you will need two of these cables: http://fpvlr.com/shop/index.php?route=p ... uct_id=105

To mount the bird side antennas, you can use my laser cut mounting kit, found here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/200859048/ ... p-header-0 It allows you to precisely mount your bird side antennas without hacking your phantom to pieces.

Now... the best way to mount the bird side pinwheels so that they effectively receive in all 360 degrees is to mount them at right angles to each other, hence getting one of each with a 90 degree connector.

This will give most users GREAT range and great reception. If you want to go further after this, you can purchase amps that easily plug in to the antennas that you already have and the battery that powers both. These are also available on FPVLR. Your controller will start to look crazy at this point.

 

[rrmccabe]

Fpvlr antennas. I just hit 5000 with a stage 2 kit and no sign of giving up. Pretty sure with Los it would do a mile and half. If you need more add antennas to the bird.

 

[sidebox]

****, Sidebox, you are getting pretty good at this stuff....
Get those 100 kits ready for me

Haha. my wife is going to murder me soon. I'm just going to copy and paste from that post above from now on. I have your first batch going out tomorrow. My laser was taken up with cutting necklaces (of all things) today. Also, fedex should be out tomorrow for the reverse pickup.

 

[kxkraze]

Hey thanks for that info Sidebox!!!

I have the 5.8 (P2V+) So you think the smaller helical and the pinwheels should get me out to 1.5, correct?

What is your knowledge/experience with the FPV boosted with the V+ Utility App? Do you think it will have that kind of range when boosted?

 

[kxkraze]

Sidebox, one more thing -- what wire(s) will I need for removing the stock antenna and replacing it with something that can use the 5.8 controller antenna listed above? I have watched a couple of videos on how to do it, but I need to make sure I get the correct wire. Do you know which one it is? Also available at fpvlr.com ???

 

[sidebox]

Sidebox, one more thing -- what wire(s) will I need for removing the stock antenna and replacing it with something that can use the 5.8 controller antenna listed above? I have watched a couple of videos on how to do it, but I need to make sure I get the correct wire. Do you know which one it is? Also available at fpvlr.com ???

This is the antenna you'll need for the 5.8: http://fpvlr.com/shop/index.php?route=p ... uct_id=101
I am not 100%, but I believe he includes the wire taped to the invoice when you order the antenna. You might want to ask about this during the checkout.

I do think this will get you the range you want. Remember, the 5.8 upgrade on the controller is just a single upgrade of the 4.25 turn helical, the first item I linked to. To be frank with you, upgrading the 5.8 receivers (smaller pinwheels) on the bird requires a decent amount of patience, but only minimal technical skill is required. It can take up to two hours to properly do. This is simply because they use a rock hard glue to secure the existing antennas in place. A little bit of nail polish remover, a small knife, and some time are all it takes to get through it though.

 

[kxkraze]

Thanks again for the info Sidebox !!! I did a completely stock max-range test this evening over a bunch of wide-open ranch land to see what I could get. I hit the RTH at 2900 ft. down range at 530 ft. Altitude.

I'm going to order these parts that you have recommended and I will do another test afterwards and report back.

Not sure if you missed my question about the boosted 2.4 WiFi for the video. Right now, the boosted 2.4 video is still strong when the controller signal attenuates out. Do you think my current video will be able to reach that far or is it going to require some antenna mods too?


.

 

[sidebox]

I've heard of others say they haven't upgraded their 2.4 wifi and have good signal until the end of range on their 5.8 upgrade. I couldn't attest to it personally. I actually upgraded my wifi before my control signal because I am in a densely populated area and lost wifi all of the time.

 

[sbarton]

Okay. I suggest upgrading your on bird antennas and your remote antennas. If you are satisfied with those, great. If you still want more, add on an amp to your 5.8 and your 2.4 with a dual battery.

5.8 REMOTE CONTROL UPGRADE
I recommend this antenna for your 5.8 TX (Remote control) upgrade as it is a nice balance of distance without having to aim as precisely as some of the more specialized super long range antennas: http://fpvlr.com/shop/index.php?route=p ... duct_id=63

to pair with this, I recommend getting two RHCP 5.8 pinwheels (this is a set of two, so just order one set [one of them comes with a 90 degree connector, more on this below]): http://fpvlr.com/shop/index.php?route=p ... duct_id=58

2.4 REMOTE CONTROL UPGRADE
I recommend getting this guy: http://fpvlr.com/shop/index.php?route=p ... uct_id=107 to mount on top of your wifi repeater. It matches the range of the control upgrade above pretty well. You can also add on a 2.4 LHCP pinwheel to the repeater box, as some do for close in flying (you won't have to aim the half sphere as much). I have not added on this pinwheel, as I don't have trouble with close range flying and losing FPV.

to pair with this, I recommend getting two 2.4 pinwheels LHCP (because the antenna I pointed you to for the repeater is an LHCP, and you want to match this with your receivers (these are sold individually, so order two of these and request in the comments that one of them come with a 90 degree connector [more on this below]): http://fpvlr.com/shop/index.php?route=p ... duct_id=72

To install these antennas, you will need two of these cables: http://fpvlr.com/shop/index.php?route=p ... uct_id=105

To mount the bird side antennas, you can use my laser cut mounting kit, found here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/200859048/ ... p-header-0 It allows you to precisely mount your bird side antennas without hacking your phantom to pieces.

Now... the best way to mount the bird side pinwheels so that they effectively receive in all 360 degrees is to mount them at right angles to each other, hence getting one of each with a 90 degree connector.

This will give most users GREAT range and great reception. If you want to go further after this, you can purchase amps that easily plug in to the antennas that you already have and the battery that powers both. These are also available on FPVLR. Your controller will start to look crazy at this point.

Awesome post! FPVLR Can you do a stage 3 kit and 4 kit for the antenna's and stuff for the Phantom side?

 

[sidebox]

Awesome post! FPVLR Can you do a stage 3 kit and 4 kit for the antenna's and stuff for the Phantom side?

Glad to help point you guys in the right direction!

You'll probably want to ask them directly, over here: viewtopic.php?f=27&t=12712

 

[Goldmagnet]

Hi

I can't speak about FPVLR, but I modded my controller with Horizon FPV antennas (I know some others on here use them too).

My first long range flight with them was 1.7 miles:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ruRlZFiwWQ[/youtube]

I also have the Phantom end antennas 2 x 5.8 2 x 2.4 but I have yet to install them.

The chap who runs the company is super helpful too (just google Horizon FPV).

Cheers

Huw

 

[Zartimus]

This thread was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

 

[smaugnaut]

For those of you that have experience doing mods...

I'm not out to set any records but I would like to take mine out to about 1.5 miles away. Right now, it's bone stock and after using the Vision+ Utility App, my FPV holds the connection longer than my controller.

I don't want to do any extensive mods and I certainly don't want to have to haul around a tripod and a generator but, if possible, I would to extend the range of my controller to the boosted FPV (or more). 1.5 miles would be ideal.

Anyone have any practical recommendations they can provide?

Okay. I suggest upgrading your on bird antennas and your remote antennas. If you are satisfied with those, great. If you still want more, add on an amp to your 5.8 and your 2.4 with a dual battery.

5.8 REMOTE CONTROL UPGRADE
I recommend this antenna for your 5.8 TX (Remote control) upgrade as it is a nice balance of distance without having to aim as precisely as some of the more specialized super long range antennas: http://fpvlr.com/shop/index.php?route=p ... duct_id=63

to pair with this, I recommend getting two RHCP 5.8 pinwheels (this is a set of two, so just order one set [one of them comes with a 90 degree connector, more on this below]): http://fpvlr.com/shop/index.php?route=p ... duct_id=58

2.4 REMOTE CONTROL UPGRADE
I recommend getting this guy: http://fpvlr.com/shop/index.php?route=p ... uct_id=107 to mount on top of your wifi repeater. It matches the range of the control upgrade above pretty well. You can also add on a 2.4 LHCP pinwheel to the repeater box, as some do for close in flying (you won't have to aim the half sphere as much). I have not added on this pinwheel, as I don't have trouble with close range flying and losing FPV.

to pair with this, I recommend getting two 2.4 pinwheels LHCP (because the antenna I pointed you to for the repeater is an LHCP, and you want to match this with your receivers (these are sold individually, so order two of these and request in the comments that one of them come with a 90 degree connector [more on this below]): http://fpvlr.com/shop/index.php?route=p ... duct_id=72

To install these antennas, you will need two of these cables: http://fpvlr.com/shop/index.php?route=p ... uct_id=105

To mount the bird side antennas, you can use my laser cut mounting kit, found here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/200859048/ ... p-header-0 It allows you to precisely mount your bird side antennas without hacking your phantom to pieces.

Now... the best way to mount the bird side pinwheels so that they effectively receive in all 360 degrees is to mount them at right angles to each other, hence getting one of each with a 90 degree connector.

This will give most users GREAT range and great reception. If you want to go further after this, you can purchase amps that easily plug in to the antennas that you already have and the battery that powers both. These are also available on FPVLR. Your controller will start to look crazy at this point.

Does anyone have a link on how to do the Phantom side antenna mods? Ive already done the wifi extender and transmitter but now i need to do the phantom side. I found one video on youtube but it doesnt explain which antenna is the 2.4 and which one is 5.8. I know the 5.8 needs to be the two pinwheels with one at 90 but what about the 2.4? Maybe just a picture of the inside pointing to which antennas are which would be extremely helpful. Anyway, thanks in advance. I always seed the knowledge

 

[sidebox]

The 2.4 antenna will also require 2 pinwheels set at 90 degrees and a mmcx connector cable for each. Make sure the pinwheels match whichever direction your 2.4 antenna is on your wifi repeater (LHCP or RHCP). A photograph of the location of the wifi antennas can be found here: viewtopic.php?f=27&t=24007#p221245

It is the silver box with two wires coming out of the back that has a mac address on the top.

 

[smaugnaut]

The 2.4 antenna will also require 2 pinwheels set at 90 degrees and a mmcx connector cable for each. Make sure the pinwheels match whichever direction your 2.4 antenna is on your wifi repeater (LHCP or RHCP). A photograph of the location of the wifi antennas can be found here: viewtopic.php?f=27&t=24007#p221245

It is the silver box with two wires coming out of the back that has a mac address on the top.

Thank you good sir. Taking the main board off to get to the receiver looks like its a pita.

 

[jarrah31]

You could try the cheaper option first...

Try foil antenna mod for 5.8Ghz boost here: http://www.freeantennas.com/projects/te ... index.html, along with the FPV Booster App here for the 2.4Ghz video link: viewtopic.php?f=27&t=13496

 

[sidebox]

The 2.4 antenna will also require 2 pinwheels set at 90 degrees and a mmcx connector cable for each. Make sure the pinwheels match whichever direction your 2.4 antenna is on your wifi repeater (LHCP or RHCP). A photograph of the location of the wifi antennas can be found here: viewtopic.php?f=27&t=24007#p221245

It is the silver box with two wires coming out of the back that has a mac address on the top.

Thank you good sir. Taking the main board off to get to the receiver looks like its a pita.

Luckily, you don't need to take off the main board. All you have to do is pop off those two black cables and plug in your new mmcx cables. Now, if you are upgraded the 5.8, you do need to remove a small piece to access the 5.8 board and then remove that from underneath the main board. You still do not have to remove the main board at any point, though.

 

[smaugnaut]

The 2.4 antenna will also require 2 pinwheels set at 90 degrees and a mmcx connector cable for each. Make sure the pinwheels match whichever direction your 2.4 antenna is on your wifi repeater (LHCP or RHCP). A photograph of the location of the wifi antennas can be found here: viewtopic.php?f=27&t=24007#p221245

It is the silver box with two wires coming out of the back that has a mac address on the top.

Thank you good sir. Taking the main board off to get to the receiver looks like its a pita.

Luckily, you don't need to take off the main board. All you have to do is pop off those two black cables and plug in your new mmcx cables. Now, if you are upgraded the 5.8, you do need to remove a small piece to access the 5.8 board and then remove that from underneath the main board. You still do not have to remove the main board at any point, though.

Thank you for that. I think i got it. All of my antennas are LHCP and im using the 5.8ghz 4.25 turn fat shark helix from fpvlr.com so that means i need to use a 5.8 LHCP pinwheel for the phantom side correct? They dont seem to have a 90 degree bend for 5.8 LHCP

 

[sidebox]

Simply request a 90 degree in the comments box. Tony will take care of it. The 4.25 turn is actually RHCP. I linked you to the appropriate RHCP pinwheels for the 5.8. The 2.4 half sphere is LHCP, so you'll want the LHCP pinwheels for that. Again, request that he does one of these in 90 degree. Also remember to purchase the 2 mmcx cables to connect the pinwheels to the phantom. These are different than the other cables you'll use for the 5.8 pinwheels.