Went out and did some testing Today and got much further distance, and some interesting observations on Channel Selection of the VTX/RX.
First, let me start off by saying I have the Boscam TS832, which is supposed to be 600mw, but has been tested by a few users, and the results were from 177 to over 300mw-depending on who did the testing. Here's a thread that may shed some light on this;
http://fpvlab.com/forums/showthread.php?20465-BOSCAM-TS832-600mW-....-Really
Now here's where it gets interesting; according to 1 chart posted in that thread-it had Channel 17 as the Strongest. I had been using Channel 31. So, I made the change to both the VTX and the RX, and barely made it past 150 meters before I got horrible snow. So, obviously, whoever did the testing, didn't go out and actually fly-because my results are completely different!!!
IF, you are not getting the range/clarity in your video, try changing channels!! You have 32 to chose from.
Ch 17 for me was 5745Ghz...and the best for me was Ch31, 5705Ghz. It's amazing that only a 40ghz raise in frequency, destroyed the clear video I was getting. Your mileage may vary.
I changed back to Channel 31, and video was crystal clear, out to my new record, of 918 Meters @103 meters!!!
Let me tell you how I approached this; I have iOSD, Monitor with dual CP antenna's, Goggles plugged into the monitor and a CP Antenna on the aircraft.
On my original long distances flights, I was only getting around 700 meters, then entering Failsafe. However, that was at a maximum altitude of 60 meters. This time, I went to 100 meters...actually 113 meters on the 1st flight, to a distance of 812m. I had intended to stop at 800 meters-but drifted a bit. Video is still crystal clear. What I did next, was just pull back on the stick, until I was around 600 meters, then turned around-still crystal clear video.
On the 2nd flight-I was going to 900 meters, and I was going to try and maintain 100 meters. Again-I shot past 900 meters too 918 meters @103 meters. Again-I did not turn around, I just pulled back on the stick, until I got to 700 meters, turned 180 degree's and returned. The only time the video would cut out a bit-was in a certain azimuth of the turn...other than that, I had clear video the entire time, and no Fail Safe!!!
I believe there are 2 things to take away from this; Altitude is your friend!! The higher you are-the further you can fly. And-don't turn around at those "max" distances. This may block your receiver antenna's enough in the turn, that you enter Fail Safe.
Also-I went almost straight out.....at the most, I was 20 degree's from the right of center. I don't know if the angle between the remote and the aircraft makes that big of a difference?? But, I had great video, and no FS.