Question extender antenna

rfernandez · Mar 12, 2014

I have read somewhere that the extender and camera's Wifi antenna is LHCP, Am I right?

Now here is my Idea, I ordered a GoodLuck Gimbal which will arrive on Thursday, and, I will modify it to fit the Vision camera. I figured I install a 2.4 GHz LHCP Pinwheel on the phantom and one on the extender and leave the other stock antenna like it is.
The reason for this is I am anticipating some loss of wifi range because one gimbal motor with be covering one side of the cameras antenna.
Now, if i can I get a slight increase in range i will be happy. Is this feasible?

Thanks in Advance,

Pull_Up · Mar 12, 2014

Yep, it's what this sort of kit is designed to do: http://horizonfpvantennas.mybigcommerce ... ink-kit-5/

You'd obviously attach the skew planar to the side that's blocked by the motor and could mount it anywhere out of the way... I'm not sure what difference having a similar antenna on the range extender as opposed to the helical one in that kit would make.

migs · Mar 24, 2014

Pull_Up said:
Yep, it's what this sort of kit is designed to do: http://horizonfpvantennas.mybigcommerce ... ink-kit-5/

You'd obviously attach the skew planar to the side that's blocked by the motor and could mount it anywhere out of the way... I'm not sure what difference having a similar antenna on the range extender as opposed to the helical one in that kit would make.

How much range did you get? I'm thinking about buying a kit. Do you have a video or photo of the set up and what it looks like?

Thanks

Pull_Up · Mar 24, 2014

Video of the installation here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsUpYNeTwaU

Initial test results: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlJ-ZXd3qnQ

Even better yesterday, with Rotorpixel gimbal attached: http://www.flytrex.com/mission/quadcopt ... ton-20368/

Note: I've only fitted the ground end antennas - the aircraft antennas are completely stock. In every case I have run out of control signal whilst still getting full wifi with my current setup. I might experiment with a 12dBi 5.8 tx antenna or adding a skew planar to the aircraft to improve the tx performance, although to be honest 2000ft with solid tx and wifi is good enough for me and my purposes.

migs · Mar 24, 2014

Pull_Up said:
Video of the installation here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsUpYNeTwaU

Initial test results: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlJ-ZXd3qnQ

Even better yesterday, with Rotorpixel gimbal attached: http://www.flytrex.com/mission/quadcopt ... ton-20368/

Note: I've only fitted the ground end antennas - the aircraft antennas are completely stock. In every case I have run out of control signal whilst still getting full wifi with my current setup. I might experiment with a 12dBi 5.8 tx antenna or adding a skew planar to the aircraft to improve the tx performance, although to be honest 2000ft with solid tx and wifi is good enough for me and my purposes.

That was helpful. I appreciate the response. I might experiment with the mod if I get up the nerve to open everything up. Do you what additional range you will get using the more powerful antenna? It looks like they sell a "super" and "extreme" model.

I have my fingers crossed that Apple will release the group station capabilities by the end of this week. What I understand is that DJI has released the app to iTunes for their review. That's going to be pretty cool with your new setup.

Thanks again.

Pull_Up · Mar 25, 2014

We don't need to wait for Apple, or buy any additional hardware. Vision waypoint flying will come to our existing app (along with aircraft firmware update) a couple of weeks after GS for P2 is released. P2 owners will have to buy a Bluetooth datalink and only use iPad. We can use any device that currently runs our app and won't need to buy anything else (it's unlikely we'll get the full GS functionality, though - but enough to have a good play!).

BenDronePilot · Apr 2, 2014

Pull_Up said:
Video of the installation here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsUpYNeTwaU

Initial test results: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlJ-ZXd3qnQ

Even better yesterday, with Rotorpixel gimbal attached: http://www.flytrex.com/mission/quadcopt ... ton-20368/

Note: I've only fitted the ground end antennas - the aircraft antennas are completely stock. In every case I have run out of control signal whilst still getting full wifi with my current setup. I might experiment with a 12dBi 5.8 tx antenna or adding a skew planar to the aircraft to improve the tx performance, although to be honest 2000ft with solid tx and wifi is good enough for me and my purposes.

If you need more 5.8 GHz control range this a nice way to give a good boost in range without having to mod your actual controller.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=w_k8WP3-X0A

Also changing the 5.8ghz control signal antennas on the phantom itself is really really not necessary and requires soldering skills. Only upgrading the controller itself is all you need when you find you need the extra range.

Petereesha · Apr 5, 2014

This morning I fitted the range extender with a TP-LINK 2.4 GHz 8 dBi omni-directional antenna. I lost video signal at about 2200 feet. I flew the same route three days ago and crapped out at 1000 ft. I'm not absolutely sure the mod was the total reason but I'm happy with the result. BTW, the antenna and cable cost me nothing! Amazon had some sort of promo....I used my amazon card and it was totally free including shipping.

yawnalot29 · Apr 9, 2014

What is the difference between these two setup? Can someone provide some comparison / analysis? Both of these are pilot end changes only.

TP-Link Antennas for WiFi Extender (FPV) and RC Controller
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEHzDi4hHKU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gcl-hT5iznY
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005UWD0EG/
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004PFWFDG
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GLGUZD4

Horizon Wifi Extender (FPV) and RC Controller Antenna
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsUpYNeTwaU
http://horizonfpvantennas.mybigcommerce ... -end-only/

paulgrenga · Apr 14, 2014

I cannot figure this out. I modified my wifi extender by adding a t-link 12db omni antenna and achieved no noticeable increase in FPV range.

Then, I added a 4w 2.4ghz powered amp in line to the same omni antenna. Again, no noticeable increase in range.

I am flying over the Niagara River out to 1200', there's no line of site obstructions.

Any ideas?
Thank you for your thoughts
Paul

BenDronePilot · Apr 30, 2014

Petereesha said:
This morning I fitted the range extender with a TP-LINK 2.4 GHz 8 dBi omni-directional antenna. I lost video signal at about 2200 feet. I flew the same route three days ago and crapped out at 1000 ft. I'm not absolutely sure the mod was the total reason but I'm happy with the result. BTW, the antenna and cable cost me nothing! Amazon had some sort of promo....I used my amazon card and it was totally free including shipping.

That 8 dbi tplink omni is a great low cost option for a dramatic increase in the FPV. Only downside is it wont give as as reliable and stable feed as a circular polarized antenna will but it's great for keeping this low budget. I had similar results myself. My stock setup I could do 1,300 feet distance max at over 300 feet up with the 320x240fpv quality. With the TPLink 8dbi I've gone as far as 2,600 feet flying sideways to the camera and around 1,800 feet with 640x480 15fps preview quality. The reception wasn't always perfect 100% all the time but it was okay considering cost.

Though now with both a pair of RHCP Skew Planer antennas on my Phantom and an RHCP 6.5 turn helical antenna I've pushed to 4,500 feet distance with 640x480 15fps and flawless uninterupted video quality the whole time. I definatly could have pushed out further I think I was flying too low at that point to maintain clean line of sight. Only downside to that setup was it cost $200, vs $8 for the 8dbi tplink omni. Benefit though is up to a half mile it's very easy to aim the helical at the phantom and I always have consistent perfect FPV signal even with 640x480 30fps preview. Pushing far past half a mile requires better aim of the antenna and more altitude.

Check out my Phantom Playlist for a list of mod instructional videos for your Phantom.

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL ... wAR6KXbJvS

Calla · Jun 29, 2014

Hi I am a great fan of my DJI P2 but not a modder and not really technical (have other skills)

anyone in Holland around Leiden who can help me out with mounting the better antenna's? BVD !

DavidW63 · Apr 15, 2016

rfernandez said:
I have read somewhere that the extender and camera's Wifi antenna is LHCP, Am I right?

Now here is my Idea, I ordered a GoodLuck Gimbal which will arrive on Thursday, and, I will modify it to fit the Vision camera. I figured I install a 2.4 GHz LHCP Pinwheel on the phantom and one on the extender and leave the other stock antenna like it is.
The reason for this is I am anticipating some loss of wifi range because one gimbal motor with be covering one side of the cameras antenna.
Now, if i can I get a slight increase in range i will be happy. Is this feasible?

Thanks in Advance,

Here is what I did. I used a antenna from the wi fi extender since it has a longer lead cord and removed the one from the camera to save weight. I put the new one on the outside of the gimbal motor. It turns with the camera so it does not bind up. I just had to re balance it.