Stock P2V 2.7 KM (8,850') Long Range Test

[PVFlyer]

This range test was done with stock P2V aircraft and homebrew LHCP helical antenna. I'm probably the first one in this forum figured out Vision camera using LHCP microstrip patch with 802.11n MIMO (obviously DJI engineers designed & knew that). Thus, I made a pair of LHCP helical to match the camera antenna for optimal performance.

UPDATE 05-Apr-2014: I lost my P2V on 22-Mar due to unknown reason (maybe sudden power loss or auto-land) during RTH. As I recalled in the past few months, she had done so many wonderful jobs. All her previous flights were splendid. I would like to recap her achievements.

1. She has proved Vision camera/repeater antenna is LHCP though DJI has never released such technical data. This crucial finding benefits the whole P2V community, especially those long range P2V pilots as well as FPV antenna makers. There are probably dozens of LHCP antenna orders flooding to those antenna makers all of a sudden.

2. She has proved Vision Wifi is MIMO instead of diversity system. Many conventional FPV flyers are unaware the power of MIMO. The beauty of MIMO is to let you fly longer range with less RF power, thus let you fly long range "legally". In Hong Kong, the legal EIRP (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power) limit of 2.4G is 4W (36dBm). Imagine, if I put a 1W (30dBm) booster onto my repeater and hook up a 9dBi helical, the EIRP is 8W (39dBm), which is double the legal EIRP limit - "illegal". I bet the FCC rules in the US, the legal EIRP limit of 2.4G is the same 4W, while it maybe even lower in some European countries.

3. She has been still holding the 2.7 KM range record for a stock P2V (un-modded) aircraft flying FPV forward (not sideways) with legal RF power.

I'm proud of all her achievements. Meanwhile, I have been waiting patiently for new P2V+ release.

UPDATE 22-Feb-2014: I replaced a stacked microstrip patch for 5.8G transmitter. It offers longer control range as expected (estimated 4 KM) until FPV video dropped out at 2.7 KM. After FPV dropped, I tried to yaw P2V 90-degree (5.8G control link worked well) and hoped to regain Wifi connection but it did not help, so I initiated RTH flying back. There was a bit raining with 82% humidity, which is no good for RF propagation. I'm also aware a building (highlighted in yellow square) may block the LoS.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5ZCi2Bp9RU[/youtube]
Video is stabilized by YouTube.

UPDATE 3-Feb-2014: I did another range test. Vision App showed CONTROL SIGNAL LOST of 5.8G transmitter at 2.27 KM and triggered RTH, video downlink was still fine though.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qaMw5knKWs[/youtube]
Video is stabilized by YouTube.

Initial Post 28-Jan-2014
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKWMeL-i-DI[/youtube]
Video is stabilized by YouTube.

 

[szobell]

Re: Phantom 2 Vision 1.7 KM (5,600 Feet) Long Range Test

Thanks for sharing the video - that is some impressive range!! I'd love to see an image of your antenna setup - please post!

 

[PVFlyer]

2.4G Wifi FPV & 5.8G Transmitter Antenna Setup

Thanks for sharing the video - that is some impressive range!! I'd love to see an image of your antenna setup - please post!

This is my ground station setup of homebrew LHCP helical antenna for 2.4G video, and patch panel for 5.8G transmitter.

Helical Specification
Frequency: 2.4GHz
Polarization: LHCP
Turn: 5.5
Beamwidth: ~55 degrees
Gain: ~10 dBi
VSWR: Unknown, will measure it once I get SWR meter

 

[jondrew]

Re: Phantom 2 Vision 1.7 KM (5,600 Feet) Long Range Test

Excellent! These things never cease to amaze me. Beautiful video

 

[whitelens]

Re: Phantom 2 Vision 1.7 KM (5,600 Feet) Long Range Test

Thanks for sharing the video - that is some impressive range!! I'd love to see an image of your antenna setup - please post!

This is my ground station setup.

could you post a step by step of exactly what you did. . that is amazing!!!

 

[disjecta]

Re: Phantom 2 Vision 1.7 KM (5,600 Feet) Long Range Test

Impressive smoothness. Are you using some kind of software stabilizer? I would find it hard to believe you are getting footage this smooth from the P2V without either a proper gimbal or post-processing stabilization.

 

[PVFlyer]

Re: Phantom 2 Vision 1.7 KM (5,600 Feet) Long Range Test

Thanks for sharing the video - that is some impressive range!! I'd love to see an image of your antenna setup - please post!

This is my ground station setup.

could you post a step by step of exactly what you did. . that is amazing!!!

For DIY helical antenna, you may refer to http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1377791

I use UBNT Rocket M2 (http://www.ubnt.com/airmax#rocketm) to connect P2V, which is NOT a range extender (universal repeater). It's a bit complicated to use Rocket M2 connecting P2V. You may consider other range extenders, such as Amped Wireless SR10000 (http://www.amazon.com/Amped-Wireless-Wi ... B005UBNGY6). I also tested SR10000 with similar range http://youtu.be/pms03ubrF14.

Anyway, I think antenna is the key for longer range.

 

[themosttoys]

Re: Phantom 2 Vision 1.7 KM (5,600 Feet) Long Range Test

Thanks for sharing the video - that is some impressive range!! I'd love to see an image of your antenna setup - please post!

This is my ground station setup.

could you post a step by step of exactly what you did. . that is amazing!!!

Whitelens, here's 5800 feet (the maximum range of my controller) in Austin : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj8-b8QMfus

Look through my posts to see some of the things I've (as have many others on the forum) been doing to get FPV out to that range (or close to it). Maybe (if I can catch a break sometime) we could meet up sometime, I'd be happy to show you 1st hand. It really doesn't take much under VLOS conditions. Where things quickly fall apart is with interference (physical and / or EM). For example, look at the other video on that youtube account where control signal was lost at 800ft.

PVFlyer is correct that the real key to range is antenna. BTW, PVFlyer, did you maintain full FPV at that range without any mods to the P2V camera? If so, that is (as far as I know) a real record. At that range, without mod the P2V I need to fly sideways.

Happy flying.

 

[whitelens]

Re: Phantom 2 Vision 1.7 KM (5,600 Feet) Long Range Test

[/quote]

Whitelens, here's 5800 feet (the maximum range of my controller) in Austin : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj8-b8QMfus

Look through my posts to see some of the things I've (as have many others on the forum) been doing to get FPV out to that range (or close to it). Maybe (if I can catch a break sometime) we could meet up sometime, I'd be happy to show you 1st hand. It really doesn't take much under VLOS conditions. Where things quickly fall apart is with interference (physical and / or EM). For example, look at the other video on that youtube account where control signal was lost at 800ft.

PVFlyer is correct that the real key to range is antenna. BTW, PVFlyer, did you maintain full FPV at that range without any mods to the P2V camera? If so, that is (as far as I know) a real record. At that range, without mod the P2V I need to fly sideways.

Happy flying.[/quote]
I'd love to see it first hand... I've got a gimbal on mine, maybe we can "show each others toys" . . . but WIFI range is my biggest obstacle right now. Thanks for answering so quickly

 

[PVFlyer]

Re: Phantom 2 Vision 1.7 KM (5,600 Feet) Long Range Test

I did also mod the 5.8G transmitter with a small 11 dB panel, which should cover 2.5 KM range per my estimation.

I could maintain full FPV within 1.7 KM range, while my ground station Rocket M2 showing -75dB signal strength (not too bad). Per some other testing, I can still maintain video downlink even -80dB, which is very much depending the noise floor around.

I initially planned to fly 1.8 KM reaching the edge of the sea. When I saw reaching the sea (from my iPhone screen), I then stopped and turned back home, but I forgot my P2V was some 200 meters above sea level. When I checked Google Map (based on the landmark when turning P2V 90 degree), it was 1.7 KM

I will try to push it harder next time, and see what's the FPV limit of my current setup.

 

[PVFlyer]

Re: Phantom 2 Vision 1.7 KM (5,600 Feet) Long Range Test

Impressive smoothness. Are you using some kind of software stabilizer? I would find it hard to believe you are getting footage this smooth from the P2V without either a proper gimbal or post-processing stabilization.

I simply use YouTube stabilization as I stated initially "Video is stabilized by YouTube." In fact, it was fairly gusty.

 

[disjecta]

Re: Phantom 2 Vision 1.7 KM (5,600 Feet) Long Range Test

Oh sorry, I didn't see that. It did a great job of keeping everything smooth.

 

[oukenfold]

Re: Phantom 2 Vision 1.7 KM (5,600 Feet) Long Range Test

I use UBNT Rocket M2 (http://www.ubnt.com/airmax#rocketm) to connect P2V, which is NOT a range extender (universal repeater). It's a bit complicated to use Rocket M2 connecting P2V. You may consider other range extenders, such as Amped Wireless SR10000 (http://www.amazon.com/Amped-Wireless-Wi ... B005UBNGY6). I also tested SR10000 with similar range http://youtu.be/pms03ubrF14.

Anyway, I think antenna is the key for longer range.


PVflyer some question, does the Amped Wireless SR10000 , its the same configuration like some people make with the
Docooler ARGtek Wireless-N AP Router Repeater, and the other question is when you configure one ameped wireless or the docooler, in flight yo turn off the p2v repeater? or itl its always on? sending data to the accese point.
hope i explained.

 

[PVFlyer]

Re: Phantom 2 Vision 1.7 KM (5,600 Feet) Long Range Test

I use UBNT Rocket M2 (http://www.ubnt.com/airmax#rocketm) to connect P2V, which is NOT a range extender (universal repeater). It's a bit complicated to use Rocket M2 connecting P2V. You may consider other range extenders, such as Amped Wireless SR10000 (http://www.amazon.com/Amped-Wireless-Wi ... B005UBNGY6). I also tested SR10000 with similar range http://youtu.be/pms03ubrF14.

Anyway, I think antenna is the key for longer range.


PVflyer some question, does the Amped Wireless SR10000 , its the same configuration like some people make with the
Docooler ARGtek Wireless-N AP Router Repeater, and the other question is when you configure one ameped wireless or the docooler, in flight yo turn off the p2v repeater? or itl its always on? sending data to the accese point.
hope i explained.

I used to be an AR.Drone pilot, while SR10000 is fairly popular range extender in AR.Drone community.

I think SR10000 is much easier to configure (re-configure) than ARGtek. AFAIK, if you set ARGtek to repeater mode and reboot it, then you can no longer access ARGtek control panel in case you need to change any configuration unless you press the reset button and start over again from factory default value.

If I fly with non-DJI repeater, I usually don't even put the stock repeater on my transmitter to avoid switching it on accidentally.

 

[nwillitts]

Re: Phantom 2 Vision 1.7 KM (5,600 Feet) Long Range Test

will the SR10000 work with a fatshark TX?

 

[oukenfold]

Re: Phantom 2 Vision 1.7 KM (5,600 Feet) Long Range Test

I use UBNT Rocket M2 (http://www.ubnt.com/airmax#rocketm) to connect P2V, which is NOT a range extender (universal repeater). It's a bit complicated to use Rocket M2 connecting P2V. You may consider other range extenders, such as Amped Wireless SR10000 (http://www.amazon.com/Amped-Wireless-Wi ... B005UBNGY6). I also tested SR10000 with similar range http://youtu.be/pms03ubrF14.

Anyway, I think antenna is the key for longer range.


PVflyer some question, does the Amped Wireless SR10000 , its the same configuration like some people make with the
Docooler ARGtek Wireless-N AP Router Repeater, and the other question is when you configure one ameped wireless or the docooler, in flight yo turn off the p2v repeater? or itl its always on? sending data to the accese point.
hope i explained.

I used to be an AR.Drone pilot, while SR10000 is fairly popular range extender in AR.Drone community.

I think SR10000 is much easier to configure (re-configure) than ARGtek. AFAIK, if you set ARGtek to repeater mode and reboot it, then you can no longer access ARGtek control panel in case you need to change any configuration unless you press the reset button and start over again from factory default value.

If I fly with non-DJI repeater, I usually don't even put the stock repeater on my transmitter to avoid switching it on accidentally.

maybe a dont explaind well english its not my native lenguage, but here it goes, wanna know if how its works you turn on tx then the ARGtek o Sr1000, then the pv2 reapeter then the drone, or just configuring the the acceses piont to bind the camara you wil not need anymore the p2v reapeter, thank u

 

[gunslinger]

Re: Phantom 2 Vision 1.7 KM (5,600 Feet) Long Range Test

This range test was done with stock P2V and homebrew helical antenna.

http://youtu.be/lKWMeL-i-DI
Video is stabilized by YouTube.

Altitude about 350 - 400 feet? Absolutely spectacular video. Congrats. Very kewl and interesting mod...

-slinger

 

[PVFlyer]

Re: Phantom 2 Vision 1.7 KM (5,600 Feet) Long Range Test

I use UBNT Rocket M2 (http://www.ubnt.com/airmax#rocketm) to connect P2V, which is NOT a range extender (universal repeater). It's a bit complicated to use Rocket M2 connecting P2V. You may consider other range extenders, such as Amped Wireless SR10000 (http://www.amazon.com/Amped-Wireless-Wi ... B005UBNGY6). I also tested SR10000 with similar range http://youtu.be/pms03ubrF14.

Anyway, I think antenna is the key for longer range.


PVflyer some question, does the Amped Wireless SR10000 , its the same configuration like some people make with the
Docooler ARGtek Wireless-N AP Router Repeater, and the other question is when you configure one ameped wireless or the docooler, in flight yo turn off the p2v repeater? or itl its always on? sending data to the accese point.
hope i explained.

I used to be an AR.Drone pilot, while SR10000 is fairly popular range extender in AR.Drone community.

I think SR10000 is much easier to configure (re-configure) than ARGtek. AFAIK, if you set ARGtek to repeater mode and reboot it, then you can no longer access ARGtek control panel in case you need to change any configuration unless you press the reset button and start over again from factory default value.

If I fly with non-DJI repeater, I usually don't even put the stock repeater on my transmitter to avoid switching it on accidentally.

maybe a dont explaind well english its not my native lenguage, but here it goes, wanna know if how its works you turn on tx then the ARGtek o Sr1000, then the pv2 reapeter then the drone, or just configuring the the acceses piont to bind the camara you wil not need anymore the p2v reapeter, thank u

If you use SR10000 as a repeater, then you do NOT need ARGtek nor the stock repeater. Simply use SR10000 to REPLACE the role of stock repeater. The connection is something like the case below.

Case 1. P2V Camera <--> SR10000 <--> mobile phone (iOS/Android device)
Case 2. P2V Camera <--> ARGtek <--> mobile phone (iOS/Android device)
Case 3. P2V Camera <--> DJI repeater <--> mobile phone (iOS/Android device)

You can simply configure SR10000 (or ARGtek) binding P2V camera with specified SSID as other threads described.

 

[PVFlyer]

Re: Phantom 2 Vision 1.7 KM (5,600 Feet) Long Range Test

This range test was done with stock P2V and homebrew helical antenna.

http://youtu.be/lKWMeL-i-DI
Video is stabilized by YouTube.

Altitude about 350 - 400 feet? Absolutely spectacular video. Congrats. Very kewl and interesting mod...

-slinger

I took off ~40 meters from a hill, and the hill's altitude is 208 meters per the map. Thus my flight altitude was ~250 meters.

 

[PVFlyer]

Re: Phantom 2 Vision 1.7 KM (5,600 Feet) Long Range Test

will the SR10000 work with a fatshark TX?

I don't think so. Fatshark is a conventional (analog) FPV gear, while SR1000 is a WiFi repeater (IP based, digital).