Tested various antennas this weekend. The following are not scientific results. Just my amateurish observations.
Added Cloverleaf to RC TX using RP-SMA Pigtail Antenna WiFi Cable. Resulting range on clear day was 1.2 to 1.3 miles. Was able to determine distance using video and navigation software for accurate distance. Never tested the stock antenna so can' t offer a comparison. I am curious however as to what stock antenna offers.
With regard to 2.4 repeater. Bought a second repeater and was able to bind it easily. Both repeaters now work without issue. Added U.FL Mini PCI to RP-SMA Pigtail Antenna WiFi Cable as discussed in this thread so antennas could be changed easily.
With an omnidirectional antenna (TP-LINK TL-ANT2405CL 2.4GHz 5dBi), FVP range was 800 to 1,000 feet. Not too impressive and very similar to stock repeater. I've been able to get 1,000 feet with the stock setup. Very convenient and portable, but don't see the point. Might be useful if you fly behind, or to the side, of your forward facing position.
With TP-LINK TL-ANT2409A 2.4GHz 9dBi Directional Antenna, range was 2,700 to 2,950 feet. Also convenient and portable. The antenna can be easily mounted on RC, or in my case, simply used Velcro to attach underneath the repeater. You must face the PV2.
With TP-LINK TL-ANT2414A 2.4GHz 14dBi, range was 3,000 feet. Not convenient. Requires a tripod or other mount. It also seemed that this larger direction antenna was much more sensitive to directional pointing. Almost to the point of being a nuisance to direct towards the PV2. For me, not worth the hassle when compared to the 9dBi Directional Antenna.
At this point, RC range is almost double FVP range.
I'm waiting for the Docooler repeater and wonder as to what the range will be using its stock Omni directional antennas, and alternatively, with different the Omni and directional antennas that I've tried on the stock P2V repeater.
I still suspect that the best and most portable FVP option will be to add the RX cloverleaf to the camera. Doesn't seem mechanically complicated, but I don't understand the logistics. The camera has 2 pigtail attachments, just like the repeater; and both wires run down the P2V legs. Is one for the for the 5.8 RC and the other for the 2.4 repeater? Are they both for the repeater (as with he repeater itself) with the 5.8 RX antenna located elsewhere? Does anyone know where to conveniently buy TX and RX matching 2.4ghz circular polarized antenna's?
Added Cloverleaf to RC TX using RP-SMA Pigtail Antenna WiFi Cable. Resulting range on clear day was 1.2 to 1.3 miles. Was able to determine distance using video and navigation software for accurate distance. Never tested the stock antenna so can' t offer a comparison. I am curious however as to what stock antenna offers.
With regard to 2.4 repeater. Bought a second repeater and was able to bind it easily. Both repeaters now work without issue. Added U.FL Mini PCI to RP-SMA Pigtail Antenna WiFi Cable as discussed in this thread so antennas could be changed easily.
With an omnidirectional antenna (TP-LINK TL-ANT2405CL 2.4GHz 5dBi), FVP range was 800 to 1,000 feet. Not too impressive and very similar to stock repeater. I've been able to get 1,000 feet with the stock setup. Very convenient and portable, but don't see the point. Might be useful if you fly behind, or to the side, of your forward facing position.
With TP-LINK TL-ANT2409A 2.4GHz 9dBi Directional Antenna, range was 2,700 to 2,950 feet. Also convenient and portable. The antenna can be easily mounted on RC, or in my case, simply used Velcro to attach underneath the repeater. You must face the PV2.
With TP-LINK TL-ANT2414A 2.4GHz 14dBi, range was 3,000 feet. Not convenient. Requires a tripod or other mount. It also seemed that this larger direction antenna was much more sensitive to directional pointing. Almost to the point of being a nuisance to direct towards the PV2. For me, not worth the hassle when compared to the 9dBi Directional Antenna.
At this point, RC range is almost double FVP range.
I'm waiting for the Docooler repeater and wonder as to what the range will be using its stock Omni directional antennas, and alternatively, with different the Omni and directional antennas that I've tried on the stock P2V repeater.
I still suspect that the best and most portable FVP option will be to add the RX cloverleaf to the camera. Doesn't seem mechanically complicated, but I don't understand the logistics. The camera has 2 pigtail attachments, just like the repeater; and both wires run down the P2V legs. Is one for the for the 5.8 RC and the other for the 2.4 repeater? Are they both for the repeater (as with he repeater itself) with the 5.8 RX antenna located elsewhere? Does anyone know where to conveniently buy TX and RX matching 2.4ghz circular polarized antenna's?