Black Pearl RC801 and AVL58 Transmitter...

[Cebu]

This is my hardware:

Phantom II (non-vision)
AVL-58 Transmitter, TX clover antenna is comes with
iOSD mini
Black Pearl RC801 (using antennas it came with)

I've read this is not a very good setup for range but I can't even get 20 feet before I lose complete FPV connection! I set the monitor to NTSC and using Band E and channel 1. I've tried the other channels with the same results. I've seen videos where the monitor has a steady signal with no break up or bars when the receiver and monitor are close in proximity. Mine never comes close to that (bad transmitter?)

Is there something I can try before I purchase another antenna combo? I'm willing to ditch the AVL58 but want to replace components systematically.

My next plan of attack is to purchase this kit http://fpvlr.com/shop/index.php?route=p ... duct_id=97 hoping it is the poor reception and not a really bad AVL58 output signal. I figure if it doesn't fix my issue at least I have a good antenna set.

Questions:
- Have others used the different Bands available on the BP RC801? I didn't seem to have any luck using diversity mode on any other Band except E
- Any other hint or tips before purchasing the FPVLR setup?

Thank you!

 

[noiseboy72]

20' suggests a serious issue somewhere. Double check you are on the same channel and frequency.

Is this a ground test, or are you actually flying? My 25mW TX won't give more than about 50' on the ground, but 200' - 400' when flying.

Check you have the correct antennae with the correct plug type rp-sma or straight sma, that sort of thing.

If you have ever run the TX without an antennae - even for half a second, you could have damaged the output stage, giving you the reduced range.

Better antennae will help with fade on turning and a modest increase in range, but they won't give you a massive gain.

I would suspect the TX, but to check the simple things first.

 

[Cebu]

As I understand, the AVL-58 has 8 channels for selections and there is no band selection. I'm selecting band "E" and the channel number on the RC801. I then press the channel selection button on the AVL-58 until I receive a signal on the RC801. If this is not correct let me know.

I've done my testing flying overhead. I think you're right in that the AVL-58 may have been damaged. I purchased my Phantom 2 used and this was the first time I've tried using FPV. The mushroom antenna has been connected since I've had it. I did check the SMA connection between the antenna and transmitter and though dirty and cleaned it was not damaged.

Thank you for your feedback. I may order the same AVL-58 transmitter since I have all the cables already in place. Unless you know of a direct drop in alternative transmitter that can utilize the hub board?

20' suggests a serious issue somewhere. Double check you are on the same channel and frequency.

Is this a ground test, or are you actually flying? My 25mW TX won't give more than about 50' on the ground, but 200' - 400' when flying.

Check you have the correct antennae with the correct plug type rp-sma or straight sma, that sort of thing.

If you have ever run the TX without an antennae - even for half a second, you could have damaged the output stage, giving you the reduced range.

Better antennae will help with fade on turning and a modest increase in range, but they won't give you a massive gain.

I would suspect the TX, but to check the simple things first.

 

[Cebu]

Before I went and ordered antennas I took apart the AVL-58 to see if I could find any obvious to cause a blown output. Checked for cold/cracked solder joints and around the output device including the coupling capacitor. Nada. I took another look at the SMA connector and notice under light that the insulator was shiny not the normal teflon color. I grabbed my tweezers and the shiny film lifted off. There were also fragments on the TXOUT antenna SMA connector, I cleaned that part too. I didn't bother to measure if the material was conductive but I just went for a flight at night and I was able have FPV all the way down the block whereas before I was lucky to get 20 feet.

I still plan on purchasing the FPVLR rig as I still want to try to get the best signal as possible. Thought I'd share in case somebody else had a similar situation.

 

[Haze]

Before I went and ordered antennas I took apart the AVL-58 to see if I could find any obvious to cause a blown output. Checked for cold/cracked solder joints and around the output device including the coupling capacitor. Nada. I took another look at the SMA connector and notice under light that the insulator was shiny not the normal teflon color. I grabbed my tweezers and the shiny film lifted off. There were also fragments on the TXOUT antenna SMA connector, I cleaned that part too. I didn't bother to measure if the material was conductive but I just went for a flight at night and I was able have FPV all the way down the block whereas before I was lucky to get 20 feet.

I still plan on purchasing the FPVLR rig as I still want to try to get the best signal as possible. Thought I'd share in case somebody else had a similar situation.

DJI Lightbridge MAn i recommend 100%. its pricey But once i got I WILL never go back to analogue signal for FPV.. and i can Fly about 2KM Distance (which is more then should as its Illegal out of LOS or (line of sight) but in full HD Signal, not static analogue. The difference is in the Detail you can see, i was flying in a park over friends playing soccer and on my immersion 600 and black pearl i couldnt see the soccer bal from over head at about 50m with lightbridge HD signal i could almost read their numbers on their shirts at 50 M.

Never go back for me. just my opinion.

 

[noiseboy72]

Interesting what a small piece of plastic - which will act as a coupling capacitor at 5.8GHz, can do.

Good find

 

[Cebu]

Haze,

I did a some reading on the DJI LIghtbridge setup thank you for the heads up.

DJI Lightbridge MAn i recommend 100%. its pricey But once i got I WILL never go back to analogue signal for FPV.. and i can Fly about 2KM Distance (which is more then should as its Illegal out of LOS or (line of sight) but in full HD Signal, not static analogue. The difference is in the Detail you can see, i was flying in a park over friends playing soccer and on my immersion 600 and black pearl i couldnt see the soccer bal from over head at about 50m with lightbridge HD signal i could almost read their numbers on their shirts at 50 M.

Never go back for me. just my opinion.

 

[Cebu]

I ended up ordering the bundled 5.8GHz set from FPVLR. I'm sure it will perform much better than what I have now. I take it you're in the electronics industry too

Interesting what a small piece of plastic - which will act as a coupling capacitor at 5.8GHz, can do.

Good find