Extending the wifi range of the FC40 camera

[zerodb]

THANK YOU for posting this... I'm not a total networking idiot and I'm no stranger to DDWRT, but I've tried this 5 times with my Buffalo Airstation (which uses its own slightly customized version of DDWRT) and couldn't get the FC40 app to connect... finally followed this line by line after a full reflash to clean firmware and it's alive!

While not quite positive, I'm pretty sure the model doesnt matter as DDWRT's menus are all the same.
If you are around your router right now, you can give this a shot

Taken from the DDWRT wiki
http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Repeater_Bridge

(fyi, no need for different subnets - but do remember to name your new repeater with FC40_anyname)

Open the Wireless -> Basic Settings tab
Physical Interface Section
Wireless Mode : Repeater Bridge


...

 

[rattydude77]

i have a phantom 1.1.1 and i was woundering if i could use the fc40 camera on my 1.1.1 would it b ok aince there both 2.4 ghz and i dont wanna guess at this i love flying and i am that guy that will chase after it if it trys a fly away lol. :lol:

 

[dragonash]

i have a phantom 1.1.1 and i was woundering if i could use the fc40 camera on my 1.1.1 would it b ok aince there both 2.4 ghz and i dont wanna guess at this i love flying and i am that guy that will chase after it if it trys a fly away lol. :lol:

NEVER use a wifi anything with your regular 2,4ghz controller.

The FC40, vision and vision+ can use the 2.4 wifi frequency because our controllers are on 5.8

 

[sohail99]

OMG! I just found a battery powered wifi repeater that works with FC40. And its the size of the wifi extender you get with Phantom2 visions.

I was just looking for some portable battery powered routers for my other need, and bought TP-Link TL-MR3040.
I found that it had a repeater mode and I configured it to repeat the FC40.
I changed the name on the repeater a bit so that I know which one was the camera and which one was the router.
Connected to the router via DJI app and I can see the camera feed as well as streaming playbacks etc.

I haven't tried it out in the field yet. But theoretically, it should extend the range, shouldn't it?

And since its portable, you can mount it to another phone holder clip thingy that can mount on the phantom's remote! :mrgreen:

 

[dragonash]

OMG! I just found a battery powered wifi repeater that works with FC40. And its the size of the wifi extender you get with Phantom2 visions.

I was just looking for some portable battery powered routers for my other need, and bought TP-Link TL-MR3040.
I found that it had a repeater mode and I configured it to repeat the FC40.
I changed the name on the repeater a bit so that I know which one was the camera and which one was the router.
Connected to the router via DJI app and I can see the camera feed as well as streaming playbacks etc.

I haven't tried it out in the field yet. But theoretically, it should extend the range, shouldn't it?

And since its portable, you can mount it to another phone holder clip thingy that can mount on the phantom's remote! :mrgreen:

Wow, thats great! I'm watching a youtube video now, but it seems like the antenna would be weak. The upside is that you could attach it to your controller!

I wonder if you can mod an antenna to it for greater distance

 

[sohail99]

Wow, thats great! I'm watching a youtube video now, but it seems like the antenna would be weak. The upside is that you could attach it to your controller!

I wonder if you can mod an antenna to it for greater distance

Yea! Battery claims to last for 4-5 hrs and thats plenty of time!!
I hope we can modify its antenna!

Currently, awaiting field tests. We've got winds here upto 15mph with gusts and rains on and off.
Hope, I can test it out on Sunday

 

[dragonash]

Wow, thats great! I'm watching a youtube video now, but it seems like the antenna would be weak. The upside is that you could attach it to your controller!

I wonder if you can mod an antenna to it for greater distance

Yea! Battery claims to last for 4-5 hrs and thats plenty of time!!
I hope we can modify its antenna!

Currently, awaiting field tests. We've got winds here upto 15mph with gusts and rains on and off.
Hope, I can test it out on Sunday

Please, do keep us informed!

 

[IIVII]

OMG! I just found a battery powered wifi repeater that works with FC40. And its the size of the wifi extender you get with Phantom2 visions.

I was just looking for some portable battery powered routers for my other need, and bought TP-Link TL-MR3040.
I found that it had a repeater mode and I configured it to repeat the FC40.
I changed the name on the repeater a bit so that I know which one was the camera and which one was the router.
Connected to the router via DJI app and I can see the camera feed as well as streaming playbacks etc.

I haven't tried it out in the field yet. But theoretically, it should extend the range, shouldn't it?

And since its portable, you can mount it to another phone holder clip thingy that can mount on the phantom's remote! :mrgreen:

great find Sohail

here's how to add an external antenna to this repeater :

http://youtu.be/nhIn6D_2YiE

http://www.minipwner.com/index.php/foru ... ntenna-mod


i bet with a Sunhans 2.5W booster and a good antenna added to the mix u can easly reach 1km with the stock fc40 cam

http://www.ebay.com/itm/141259266986?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

 

[dragonash]

OMG! I just found a battery powered wifi repeater that works with FC40. And its the size of the wifi extender you get with Phantom2 visions.

I was just looking for some portable battery powered routers for my other need, and bought TP-Link TL-MR3040.
I found that it had a repeater mode and I configured it to repeat the FC40.
I changed the name on the repeater a bit so that I know which one was the camera and which one was the router.
Connected to the router via DJI app and I can see the camera feed as well as streaming playbacks etc.

I haven't tried it out in the field yet. But theoretically, it should extend the range, shouldn't it?

And since its portable, you can mount it to another phone holder clip thingy that can mount on the phantom's remote! :mrgreen:

great find Sohail

here's how to add an external antenna to this repeater :

http://youtu.be/nhIn6D_2YiE

http://www.minipwner.com/index.php/foru ... ntenna-mod


i bet with a Sunhans 2.5W booster and a good antenna added to the mix u can easly reach 1km with the stock fc40 cam

http://www.ebay.com/itm/141259266986?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

Holy **** IIVII, you are the man when it comes to this stuff!
Thanks!

One question though. On the forum link, it seems the user bought the wrong connector. I'm dumb when it comes to this stuff. Could you point me to the right connector(s) I would need to buy? (wires too if needed)

 

[IIVII]

Holy **** IIVII, you are the man when it comes to this stuff!
Thanks!

One question though. On the forum link, it seems the user bought the wrong connector. I'm dumb when it comes to this stuff. Could you point me to the right connector(s) I would need to buy? (wires too if needed)

u'll need a RG178 Cable with a RP-SMA (female) at one end .. like this one below

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130962072548

 

[dragonash]

Holy **** IIVII, you are the man when it comes to this stuff!
Thanks!

One question though. On the forum link, it seems the user bought the wrong connector. I'm dumb when it comes to this stuff. Could you point me to the right connector(s) I would need to buy? (wires too if needed)

u'll need a RG178 Cable with a RP-SMA (female) at one end .. like this one below

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130962072548

I would have to cut and strip that wire in order to solder it on I see.

And one more question.
The antenna type. I have .. god, i cant remember. Maybe 15dbi antenna extensions for my modified router. But the connector is obviously too large. What antenna would I need to connect to that RP-SMA connector?

Would it be this one?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RP-SMA-2-4GHz-1 ... 3a78bcb96d

 

[IIVII]

I would have to cut and strip that wire in order to solder it on I see.

And one more question.
The antenna type. I have .. god, i cant remember. Maybe 15dbi antenna extensions for my modified router. But the connector is obviously too large. What antenna would I need to connect to that RP-SMA connector?

Would it be this one?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RP-SMA-2-4GHz-1 ... 3a78bcb96d

yes the antenna in the link above uses RP-SMA .. most non brand (made in china antennas) use the same nut it seems lil big but it'll work , i have the same antenna and it's junk .. go with alfa 7dbi panel antenna it's the best bang for the buck .

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alfa-7-dBi-gain ... 0562890247

most if not all wifi routers and repeaters use the RP-SMA as a standard , so with RP-SMA u'll have plenty of antennas to choose from .. just be careful there's RP-SMA and SMA .. they look almost identical , but the RP-SMA is reverse polarity connectors they have the same tooling as standard SMA connectors, but the center contacts are reversed .

 

[rattydude77]

i have a phantom 1.1.1 and i was woundering if i could use the fc40 camera on my 1.1.1 would it b ok aince there both 2.4 ghz and i dont wanna guess at this i love flying and i am that guy that will chase after it if it trys a fly away lol. :lol:

NEVER use a wifi anything with your regular 2,4ghz controller.

The FC40, vision and vision+ can use the 2.4 wifi frequency because our controllers are on 5.8

ok i thought so just wanted to ask thank you.

 

[dragonash]

yes the antenna in the link above uses RP-SMA .. most non brand (made in china antennas) use the same nut it seems lil big but it'll work , i have the same antenna and it's junk .. go with alfa 7dbi panel antenna it's the best bang for the buck .

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alfa-7-dBi-gain ... 0562890247

most if not all wifi routers and repeaters use the RP-SMA as a standard , so with RP-SMA u'll have plenty of antennas to choose from .. just be careful there's RP-SMA and SMA .. they look almost identical , but the RP-SMA is reverse polarity connectors they have the same tooling as standard SMA connectors, but the center contacts are reversed .

how far do you think that antenna would get me?
I'd be happy with 1000ft LOS. Anything more is a bonus

 

[dragonash]

guys you need a good rp-sma cable for that.
Would you guys be insterested in boosting the output of the camera?:

Sure, why not?
It has good battery life. It wouldn't hurt to draw more for increased range

 

[Beario]

I bought these for a modded spyhawk and now use them on the modded quad. The range is unbelievable I have gone quite far and high, but you have to point in the direction of the quad as to not lose signal. Give them a try, you will not be disappointed and you find them cheapest here $6.57 if you buy two ---------> http://store.rokland.com/products/alfa- ... na-apa-m04

yes the antenna in the link above uses RP-SMA .. most non brand (made in china antennas) use the same nut it seems lil big but it'll work , i have the same antenna and it's junk .. go with alfa 7dbi panel antenna it's the best bang for the buck .

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alfa-7-dBi-gain ... 0562890247

most if not all wifi routers and repeaters use the RP-SMA as a standard , so with RP-SMA u'll have plenty of antennas to choose from .. just be careful there's RP-SMA and SMA .. they look almost identical , but the RP-SMA is reverse polarity connectors they have the same tooling as standard SMA connectors, but the center contacts are reversed .

how far do you think that antenna would get me?
I'd be happy with 1000ft LOS. Anything more is a bonus

 

[dragonash]

I bought these for a modded spyhawk and now use them on the modded quad. The range is unbelievable I have gone quite far and high, but you have to point in the direction of the quad as to not lose signal. Give them a try, you will not be disappointed and you find them cheapest here $6.57 if you buy two ---------> http://store.rokland.com/products/alfa- ... na-apa-m04

I actually bought the router, alfa antenna, connector and smartphone clip (to hold the router onto my controller)

Freekin piece of plastic smartphone clip is $25. Router was $35!
DJI is such a rip off.

 

[IIVII]

how far do you think that antenna would get me?
I'd be happy with 1000ft LOS. Anything more is a bonus

i've tested the alfa M04 antenna against all the omnidirectional i have and they r plenty
the alfa always doubled and in some cases tripled the range.

I actually bought the router, alfa antenna, connector and smartphone clip (to hold the router onto my controller)

Freekin piece of plastic smartphone clip is $25. Router was $35!
DJI is such a rip off.

get one of dem Sunhans boosters while at it

 

[dragonash]

get one of dem Sunhans boosters while at it

one thing at a time I suppose. I wanted this router for its size. I have a linksys with modded antenna's running ddwrt. But its large and cumbersome. I'm hoping this little puppy will work with the phone clip so I can carry it all on my controller

 

[sohail99]

great find Sohail

here's how to add an external antenna to this repeater :

http://youtu.be/nhIn6D_2YiE

http://www.minipwner.com/index.php/foru ... ntenna-mod


i bet with a Sunhans 2.5W booster and a good antenna added to the mix u can easly reach 1km with the stock fc40 cam

http://www.ebay.com/itm/141259266986?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

Thanks a lot!!

Just to update you guys on the range :-

I'm out of my hometown for a 3 day family outing. Incidentally, my Vanguard Uprise II 48 just arrived in the mail on the day I was about to leave. So, I took my phantom with me along with the repeater etc.

Today, I made the maiden flight with the stock TPlink repeater setup from the porch of my hotel( All the hotel staff were intrigued and were interested in the Phantom, somehow, most common question is regarding the range and price).

There was a definite improvement in range only when the TP-Link was pointed in the general direction of the Phantom.

(Thats why it seems essential to mount it to the transmitter facing the phantom)

Regarding measurements, I'd say I was able to take it out to ~600m and then the video feed began to go all jumpy.
(At this time, the phantom was out of my visual range)

With the stock FC40, I used to get ~ 300 to maybe 400m if I was lucky. And most of the time the video feed used to cut out or get jumpy before it got out of visual range.

I really want to do the antenna mod on this to extend the range. Ideal would be, antenna mod on both the TP link as well as the fc40.

Anyways, I had just ordered a 2 axis gimball from good luck buy. And I hope this repeater setup will help me stream video feed from a GoPro that I'll eventually get. (Waiting for the gopro4! :lol: )