Poor range after mod

[Grandpa Don]

I almost hate to bring this up. I know it has been discussed many times before. But I don't' rally want to have to read all the back posts to find the answer.
I purchased the ARGtek Range Extender Mod and installed it. At one point, I was able to go out 1,250 feet before "Signal Lost" message. And I was able to up up to 450 feet with no problems. Video remained constant. But as I got closed to the Home position, I started getting the Signal Lost message again. I was getting it intermittently at about 300 feet. The signal was just not reliable at over 300 feet. With the Mod, I fully expected to get somewhere around 1500 at least. My altitude for the test was 150ft, and I tested both the pole and the flat antenna with the same results. I always faced the Drone. I was in the open desert, so there was no interference. The app firmware is 2.8.1. Until I get a reply to this post, I'll continue to read other posts to see what I can find. At this point, I'm not sure the cost of the mod was worth it. My unit is a P3S.

Any advice would be appreciated.

GD

 

[RadRich]

I almost hate to bring this up. I know it has been discussed many times before. But I don't' rally want to have to read all the back posts to find the answer.
I purchased the ARGtek Range Extender Mod and installed it. At one point, I was able to go out 1,250 feet before "Signal Lost" message. And I was able to up up to 450 feet with no problems. Video remained constant. But as I got closed to the Home position, I started getting the Signal Lost message again. I was getting it intermittently at about 300 feet. The signal was just not reliable at over 300 feet. With the Mod, I fully expected to get somewhere around 1500 at least. My altitude for the test was 150ft, and I tested both the pole and the flat antenna with the same results. I always faced the Drone. I was in the open desert, so there was no interference. The app firmware is 2.8.1. Until I get a reply to this post, I'll continue to read other posts to see what I can find. At this point, I'm not sure the cost of the mod was worth it. My unit is a P3S.

Any advice would be appreciated.

GD

Before you fly, do you use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to see what type of signals may be causing interference? I know you said you fly in the desert, but it would help to use the analyzer. I did this for all areas I designated "safe for flying". I would first map out an area using Bing Maps and then when I arrived, I used the Wi-Fi analyzer to see if there are any signals in the area, if there were, I'd do a test flight, and then move to another area. Needless to say, I always got better distance when there were no Wi-Fi signals in the area, so I mainly flew far away from inhabited areas.

However, I'm willing to wager that the cables in the ARGtek Range Extender kit are sub par.

This type is better quality:

Not cheap black cables that are used in the ARGtek Range Extender:

http://data:image/webp;base64,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 http://data:image/webp;base64,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

However, it may also be the antennas in the ARGtek Range Extender kit. For example, I bought the FPVLR antenna mod and Alfa antennas and did a comparison of the two. In my one test (that's all I needed) the FPVLR wasn't much better than the stock range I was getting (~3100 ft) whereas the Alfa antennas got me over 4800 ft before loss of signal. Shortly after I gave up trying to mod the P3S and bought a P3A. Much happier now. Went over 11,000 ft stock (in ideal conditions, no wi-fi signals in area).

At this point, I'm not sure the cost of the mod was worth it

I hear ya. I never sold mine as I felt like I would be taking advantage of the buyer. I can't guarantee that the FPVLR antenna would benefit someone else, however, I do know for a fact that the Alfa antennas were far less expensive than FPVLR, and I can guarantee that it would benefit any stock P3S. One good thing about the FPVLR kit was that it had those better quality cables I referenced above. I actually used the black cables on another P3S controller and still got good distance using the Alfa antennas; Not so good when I swapped the FPVLR antenna on the cables.

 

[Grandpa Don]

Good information. Thanks. I considered upgrading to a P3A or P. But I just can't justify the cost. I use my Standard mainly for photography, and rarely have to go over 1,000 feet away or more than 300 feet up. I make a lot of videos for my other hobbies of metal detecting and documenting old aircraft crash sites. I've been using ground based cameras for this for years, and only recently added the drone. I'm going to give it a few more tests and see what happens.

 

[DarkDayz]

I purchased the windsurfer antenna add on for 15 dollars. My P3S went from 2400 ft. To 5000 plus. You do have to keep in the ac's direction but the improved signal is a must. If I was going to spend 2 to 3 hundred more for range modifiers I would just upgrade to a P3P or even a P4. Just my opinion. Also sound like you answered your own question. Lol


Sent from my iPhone using PhantomPilots mobile app

 

[RadRich]

If you mainly use it for photography, I can tell you that the video look better on the P3A that the P3S. For some reason, on the P3S, the video has a "wavy" look to it, whereas the P3A is solid with no distortion. I know they both have the same Sony EXMOR senor...however, the P3A can shoot 1080p @ 60fps and the P3S only does 30fps @ 1080p (and 60fps at 720p).

Well, if you never go more than 1000 ft, out the box, the P3S should have been more than sufficient. I firmly believe that quality control plays a big factor in these drones. You'll see posts on this forum of people flying 6000+ ft with only a windsurfer mod, and then there's people like you that can't even go 1500 ft with a 3rd party mod to the controller. Most of us (you included) are only modifying the RC not the antennas on the bird itself. It may end up not being an issue with the ARGtek Range Extender, but the antennas in the bird. Sounds a little contradictory as to what I said earlier, but as I was typing this response it dawned on me that we're only doing 1/2 the modification. It could be as simple as the antenna cable in the bird isn't properly seated.

Looks at all the glue crap in my original controller:

 

[Grandpa Don]

I purchased the windsurfer antenna add on for 15 dollars. My P3S went from 2400 ft. To 5000 plus. You do have to keep in the ac's direction but the improved signal is a must. If I was going to spend 2 to 3 hundred more for range modifiers I would just upgrade to a P3P or even a P4. Just my opinion. Also sound like you answered your own question. Lol


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I don't think I have the nerves to let this thing go much farther. Last night when I was testing the mod for the first time, I let it go out until I could not see it any longer. I looked down at my Tablet, and when I looked back up, it was gone! That scared me! I quickly looked down at the instruments, which said that it was still in the air and moving at altitude. The camera wasn't much help because the desert if mostly featureless. Every bush looks like the other bush. So I switched to the map mode and pointed the blue triangle back at me and shoved the right stick forward. Pretty soon I could see it coming home again like a home sick puppy dog. Pretty **** cool!

 

[Grandpa Don]

If you mainly use it for photography, I can tell you that the video look better on the P3A that the P3S. For some reason, on the P3S, the video has a "wavy" look to it, whereas the P3A is solid with no distortion. I know they both have the same Sony EXMOR senor...however, the P3A can shoot 1080p @ 60fps and the P3S only does 30fps @ 1080p (and 60fps at 720p).

Well, if you never go more than 1000 ft, out the box, the P3S should have been more than sufficient. I firmly believe that quality control plays a big factor in these drones. You'll see posts on this forum of people flying 6000+ ft with only a windsurfer mod, and then there's people like you that can't even go 1500 ft with a 3rd party mod to the controller. Most of us (you included) are only modifying the RC not the antennas on the bird itself. It may end up not being an issue with the ARGtek Range Extender, but the antennas in the bird. Sounds a little contradictory as to what I said earlier, but as I was typing this response it dawned on me that we're only doing 1/2 the modification. It could be as simple as the antenna cable in the bird isn't properly seated.

Looks at all the glue crap in my original controller:

I didn't have that much glue. And I was very sure of the connection when I did the installation. I may not have done a proper test. I may be just jumping to conclusions here. I'll do more testing this coming weekend, maybe try a little more altitude. Can you modify the Drone's antennas?

 

[RadRich]

Can you modify the Drone's antennas?

Yes, however, depending on which antenna you get, it'll look a little goofy - like this Phantom 2:

 

[Grandpa Don]

Yes, however, depending on which antenna you get, it'll look a little goofy - like this Phantom 2:

So where do you get those?

 

[WetDog]

So where do you get those?

Just because they look cool doesn't mean they work any better. The antenna system on the P3 is rather complex and carefully optimized. The picture shows a standard 5.8 GHz omni antenna that you can buy in dozens of places. It isn't clear that any of the on bird mods work all that well.

There is a pretty clear cut path to antenna mods these days. Windsurfer for modest improvement and best value, one of the panels for more range (read the 1000+ comment thread on it for more info than you ever wanted. FPLVR helicals of questionable utility (mine works about as well as a windsurfer, better punching through trees although not by much).

And then the Sunhous amps.

Stay on the RC - seems to be a safer, better trod, better functioning path.

 

[Grandpa Don]

Well here is a strange one. I started this thread almost two years ago. I was unhappy with the range I was getting with my P3Standard. Right out of the box, brand new, I could never get much over 2,500 feet or so distance. I tried several different antenna mods. Nothing helped. So I ended up buying a P3 Pro. That definitely solved my range issue. I kept the P3S and mainly used it for close in flight practice. Even though I had the Pro, I still liked to fly the Standard now and then.

Well last month I had a minor crash which caused damage to one of the on board Gyro sensors. I could not calibrate the IMU. So I sent it in for repair to the support facility in Southern California. As expected, what I got back was what looked like a brand new P3Standard. I mean this thing looked like brand new. Not a mark on it. I expected that they would send me a different P3S. A check of the serial number confirmed it. I really didn't care though, because my old one was looking a big ragged and well used.

So I went out to test the new bird. On the first flight I only went out about1,500 feet. It flew and handled surprisingly well. I did not get any signal loss as expected like I did on the old one. The next day I ran another distance test. To my surprise, I was able to take it out to 6,500 feet. I could not believe it! I've been out 2 1/2 miles with my P3Pro, but never able to get over 2,500 feet with my Standard. Today I tired it again in open desert. At 250 feet of altitude, I went out 6,700 feet. I had full control, and the video was still perfect. Although I started getting a warning of "Weak Video Image" at 6,500 feet. I'm using the standard single pole antenna without any modifications. I could have gone a bit farther, but I decided enough was enough. I hit the Return Home feature to let it return on its own. Which it did.

I don't know what they did differently to this Standard, but I like it.

 

[LarBear360]

I don't think I have the nerves to let this thing go much farther. Last night when I was testing the mod for the first time, I let it go out until I could not see it any longer. I looked down at my Tablet, and when I looked back up, it was gone! That scared me! I quickly looked down at the instruments, which said that it was still in the air and moving at altitude. The camera wasn't much help because the desert if mostly featureless. Every bush looks like the other bush. So I switched to the map mode and pointed the blue triangle back at me and shoved the right stick forward. Pretty soon I could see it coming home again like a home sick puppy dog. Pretty **** cool!

I'm with you on distance. Learn and master the "Home Lock" setting so regardless of orientation, pulling back on the right stick will reel it in.

 

[Bwsago]

grandpa Don i have p3 professional i loose signal all the time and it only goes about 2400 ft out . i sent my remote to drone nerds want to get the range extender they sent it right back saying they couldn’t do it because it’s a wifi remote so wouldn’t waste money on a p3p for flying distance i didn’t research my drones before i bought my p3p

 

[Grandpa Don]

Did you mean to say that you have a P3 Standard? I am flying a P3Pro, and I can easily get out well over 2 miles. Always have been able to go that far and more. I've never really gone to its maximum range. But I bet I could get 3 miles. The Pro version does not use wifi.

 

[LarBear360]

grandpa Don i have p3 professional i loose signal all the time and it only goes about 2400 ft out . i sent my remote to drone nerds want to get the range extender they sent it right back saying they couldn’t do it because it’s a wifi remote so wouldn’t waste money on a p3p for flying distance i didn’t research my drones before i bought my p3p

That doesn't sound like a P3 Professional. The P3P doesn't use wi-fi but a P3 Standard does and is capable of 2400 feet, but probably not much more depending on conditions.

 

[RunningWithScissors]

Well, if you never go more than 1000 ft, out the box, the P3S should have been more than sufficient. I firmly believe that quality control plays a big factor in these drones. You'll see posts on this forum of people flying 6000+ ft with only a windsurfer mod, and then there's people like you that can't even go 1500 ft with a 3rd party mod to the controller.

Grandpa D,
I really hope you get the range problem sorted out. I've read comments in this forum where many ops have trouble getting decent range with the Standard. I'm fairly certain that I've got more obstacles where I fly than you do but, I can routinely get my P3S out 6000 - 7000 feet over mostly open farmland using a stock factory controller before RTH kicks in. Best distance to date was 9200'+ over some lakes up in the mountains last summer. Don't know how that's possible given the technology used in the Standard.

 

[Grandpa Don]

Grandpa D,
I really hope you get the range problem sorted out. I've read comments in this forum where many ops have trouble getting decent range with the Standard. I'm fairly certain that I've got more obstacles where I fly than you do but, I can routinely get my P3S out 6000 - 7000 feet over mostly open farmland using a stock factory controller before RTH kicks in. Best distance to date was 9200'+ over some lakes up in the mountains last summer. Don't know how that's possible given the technology used in the Standard.

After I got my repaired P3Standard back from the DJI support facility, I can now get it to go out 6,500+ feet. I was shocked. I didn't think a Standard could do that.

 

[Sprocky]

I have also been having range issues with my P3S for some time now. It started overnight. Previously I could get well over 1Km range, the next morning I could only get 100 to 150m range. I tried everything, but to no avail. I then bought a second hand DBS modified controller from a member on this forum, I can now get around 400m. I still think that it is a built in software bug, that after a certain time period or number of flights, it automatically reduces your range, almost coaxing you into upgrading to a better model. Just my gut feel...

 

[RunningWithScissors]

After I got my repaired P3Standard back from the DJI support facility, I can now get it to go out 6,500+ feet. I was shocked. I didn't think a Standard could do that.

Very glad to hear you're getting that kind of range now. Believe it or not, under the right conditions, that kind of range (and more) is possible with a stock P3S/controller.

 

[RunningWithScissors]

I have also been having range issues with my P3S for some time now. It started overnight. Previously I could get well over 1Km range, the next morning I could only get 100 to 150m range. I tried everything, but to no avail. I then bought a second hand DBS modified controller from a member on this forum, I can now get around 400m. I still think that it is a built in software bug, that after a certain time period or number of flights, it automatically reduces your range, almost coaxing you into upgrading to a better model.

I'd say there's definitely something going on with your bird, controller, or possibly both, especially considering that you were getting 1km+ at one time. I'll let others here who are far more knowledgeable comment on a possible software problem. For what it's worth, I've been flying my stock P3S with the stock controller (no mods) for over a year now, and the range I'm getting (6000 - 7000 ft) appears to be exceptional for a Standard, based on the typical range being reported by others. I can't explain it.