Posted by Jordi Muñoz on December 2, 2009 at 2:00pm
I love my Spektrum Dx7 and my 2.4Ghz JR XPS9303 and i refused to trade its solid rock performance by a 72mhz radio just to increase range of my FPV/UAV. So in collaboration with my friend JB we find out the cheapest and secure way to amplify the signal, it even works in some Futabas and virtually with any 2.4Ghz radio, but some modifications are required. Lets see some options:-Spektrum Dx7 this is the cheapest solution for a very reliable 2.4Ghz radio, i used it for about a year and i never had any signal glitch (unless i fly beyond 2000 feet). The problem with this one is that you have to modify it, you need a SMD to U.FL adapter, drill a hole in the side of your radio and just connect and screw the adapter, no soldering required. If you have more than 5 hours of experience with Legos your qualified to do this job. Then you just need to connect the booster. The one in the picture (middle) is already modified.-If you have the awesome JR radio but is 72Mhz you can buy the Spektrum 2.4Ghz module and just insert it in the back of your TX, personally this is my favorite setup. It's a good deal because includes a $99 dlls receiver for free! Note that JR TX alone cost around $600 dlls, but you can get it for less, i got mine for 300 bucks with Spektrum Module included on R/C Groups =P. Remember you are looking for the JR XPS9303.If you have one of the fallowing Futaba radios:7U Series Radios8U Series Radios8J Series Radios9C Series Radios9Z Series RadiosFN Series RadiosYou can just go and buy the Spektrum 2.4Ghz module, easy and with no hassles. It's also a good deal because includes a $99 dlls receiver for free!
One of the advantages of the Spektrum receivers is the build in diversity system, you can even buy one with 4 satellites like this one, or buy a super tiny, tiny setup like this one, or the traditional one.The diversity is crucial to have a reliable link when you are flying far away, also Spektrum has a receiver for Carbon Fiber airplanes (Carbon Fiber blocks RF signals).The idea is to have the best reliable hardware with an SMA connector and the SMA extension cable, after that you are ready for the final step: Get an amplifier. But we are talking about a few hundred dollars here, if you get the weakest one of 100mW it will cost you around $150 dlls. This is not pocket friendly in my point of view. So again our Asians friends come to the rescue, after making some research around the net I've found on eBay and a home Wireless Amplifier, so i decided to give it a chance and i bought it for 60 bucks including shipping! Wow that's a good deal! The one i got is this one.Note that the amplifier needs 6Volts to work, you can get a cheap 6V power regulator from here and just make the adapter. A 3 Cell LIPO is enough to supply it for a long time.
After receiving the AMP i did some tests, here are my results:Before using the amplifier, i was able to fly around 3000 feet away (~1 km) using a 900Mhz@500mW Video transmitter. I never lost the video signal, only the radio link...Using a 1.3Ghz@1Watt Video transmitter i was unable to fly more than 2000 feet away (~600meters). So the 1.3Ghz Video transmitter reduces my 2.4Ghz Spektrum range...Then i got my cheap Asian amplifier and using a 2.4Ghz Patch Antenna i was able to fly around 2.6 miles (4.18Km) away without a single glitch, but i was unable to continue because now my video was causing me problems, hehe!Not bad at all! Honestly i don't need more than 2 miles of coverage, is really a long way for an EasyStar. In conclusion the maximum range for my setup still unknown, but the range achieved is more that 2.6 miles and the +2 extra miles of coverage gained for less than $100 dlls is really a good deal for me!
Now just remember this:-The range will be different in other setups.-Never turn on your radio without antenna.-Never turn on the Amplifier without antenna.-Note that in some country's this amplifier may be illegal.Thanks for watching!
Greetings
I fried my booster but I thought it was that I accidentally put 12v into it but not sure if I did. But after reading Richards comment about switching Tx to Europe standard output not USA I wonder if this is what happened. I have had many great flights with my setup ( SpectrumDX5e ) but the last time I hooked it up to go flying the booster fried.
I have a new one on the way but now Im paranoid
How do you switch to Europe standard output?
Yes, I already changed the settings to the lower setting as I have been flying FPV with the USA setting for more power and the radio came setup with the Europe power settings. Why would I not want to just use an attenuator (small thing) instead of a long cable?
what i can say for sure is lose your connector between Rx and booster and swap it for long 70cm cable for attenuation. Make sure you set your Tx to Europe standard output - not USA (Spektrum DX6i) or you might blow the bugger (check input voltage: 100mw Europe standard vs 200mw USA which could be too much). Mine works fantastic this way - i lose Tx before video but have now screwed patch antenna vidRx and screwed it as tight as it will go (centre pin must be a bulls cock in a fish's arsehole) and everything is A-ok +++
I just finally got around to installing the 500mw booster from drones on my DX6i. Had a buddy help me as I am not electrical guy. I did want to make sure I had a master switch as not to forget to turn on the booster first. I bought a Lipo regulator (6volt) with switch and installed it inside the transmitter wired to the power supply. Then fed the power connection lead into the battery compartment where I installed a small two cell Lipo (950 mh). Installed the switch on the back so you have to turn it on first before the transmitter will power up. I will install a larger battery later.
I have not range checked it yet but it does bind and control. Thanks for the great info here on how to do this and the easy way to buy. I just ordered one for my Futuba 7C from here (great info deserves patronage).
Have you tried it? I have. I use 2.4ghz tx and 1.3ghz vid and and have a range of 20 metres before everything goes black with omni - 4 metres with patch. Yet others claim 4 kms range. I am perplexed and starting to get the shits with the whole project. http://www.rangevideo.com/forum/showthread.php?t=705
this link will give you layout of my setup. Praps the answer lays there?
Any help muchly appreciated, Rich
whats the range with just the 2.4GHz Amplifier 500mw no patch antenna and If i do get one how directional is a 8dbi patch antenna / Omni antenna which is better.
Has anybody taken this booster out of its cast aluminum case? The case seems heavy and I'd like to lighten up my installation on my DX7. I could fabricate a lightweight tin housing for it. Now the heavy case could be a heat sink. How warm does the booster get during operation? Thanks.
Comments
I fried my booster but I thought it was that I accidentally put 12v into it but not sure if I did. But after reading Richards comment about switching Tx to Europe standard output not USA I wonder if this is what happened. I have had many great flights with my setup ( SpectrumDX5e ) but the last time I hooked it up to go flying the booster fried.
I have a new one on the way but now Im paranoid
How do you switch to Europe standard output?
Yes, I already changed the settings to the lower setting as I have been flying FPV with the USA setting for more power and the radio came setup with the Europe power settings. Why would I not want to just use an attenuator (small thing) instead of a long cable?
I have not range checked it yet but it does bind and control. Thanks for the great info here on how to do this and the easy way to buy. I just ordered one for my Futuba 7C from here (great info deserves patronage).
Kindest Regards,
http://www.rangevideo.com/forum/showthread.php?t=705
this link will give you layout of my setup. Praps the answer lays there?
Any help muchly appreciated, Rich
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