spazmodic1 said:
You guys need to remember the repeater link is a wifi connection ie both devices transmit and recieve. so even if you had the most powerful repeater in the world it wouldn't improve distance because its limited by the visions tx power. So when you fly it far away the repeater has no problem reaching the vision but the vision cannot maintain a reliable connection because of its lack of output power. So the vision and the repeater are constantly talking to each other and if one stops talking (out of range) the connection is broken.
I'd say that while the basis of your point is true, it is not entirely accurate. It is true that unless you position the repeater somewhere between you and the P2V (to take full advantage of the repeater), the amplifier in the repeater alone will not make a significant difference. It is also very true that amplification is not the answer (heck, Voyager 1 is 11 Billion miles away and it only has a 23W radio.) Antenna size, pattern and configuration (Ex: MIMO) absolutely will make a difference. For example, if your P2V is maxing out at 1500 feet (stock) and you simply switch to a single larger (more sensitive) antenna (as many have) to the stock repeater, you very well could double that range (say 3000 feet). If you then put that same antenna (or three of them ;-)) on a MIMO repeater, you might almost double that again (for arguments sake lets say 5000 feet). Then of course you could move the repeater (or chain more together) and again extend the range or use even more optimal antennas (and / or aiming / tracking devices), all without making any changes to the P2V itself. Then there is the control signal to consider, but that is a different story all together.
There are realistic limits, but before those limits are reached, you will simply run out of battery power to fly. Given an average fly time of 20 minutes (28 minutes total, but with a safe buffer for wind and landing reserve) and an average flight speed of 20 miles per hour (yes it will go faster, but faster speed will trade off battery life and total flight time). You have about (give or take) a three mile maximum realistic service range (three miles out, a few minutes to hover / look and three miles back). Three miles is a very achievable goal (from a radio perspective).
Fun stuff, there is a lot to consider.
"Nothing is impossible. Some things are just less likely than others." - Jonathan Winters.
