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How to boost your 2.4Ghz Spektrum/JR Transmitter signal!

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!
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Comments

  • Rana June 13, 2010 at 8:27pm

  • Paul Nowicki June 10, 2010 at 6:42pm
    I have a home network but my router antennas are not detachable so I can't test it with the home computer system. The light comes on green when I turn the TX on and goes off when the TX is off. So it looks like its transmitting..

    I just tested it with a Spectrum module (on my Eflite Blade MSR) and I had no glitches at close distances (indoor), but I had no glitches with the amplifier turned off as well (just the TX on and connected to the amplifier). So I'm not sure if the amplifier is actually working/transmitting. I will do some more testing on the corona system since that is my primary 2.4Ghz system ( I got lost of RXes). If anyone has any ideas that will help me trouble shoot this I'd really appreciate it...
  • Philip Crawford June 10, 2010 at 6:29pm
    do you have a home computer with wifi you could try it out on?
  • Paul Nowicki June 10, 2010 at 8:34am
    I'm having serious issues with my setup. What is happening is when running the amplifier I get major glitches and lock outs (at a range as close at 10 feet). When I unplug the amplifier and run directly off the stock radio antenna there is no glitching. Is my amplifier defective? I've tried two different power supplies and the same thing is happening. This is without running any A/V gear. I'm using a Futaba 9CAP with a Corona 2.4Ghz module and RX. Can anyone help me troubleshoot this? I've contacted DYI Drones directly but so far no response...
  • GC9n June 4, 2010 at 5:41am
    seller change the pigtail to female . so everything fine..
  • GC9n June 4, 2010 at 2:39am
    Morli
    I use the Spectrum DX7 US Version

    This is What i got For booster so far..
    U.FL male RP-SMA female Pigtail Cable
    Internet 1W/30DBm

    So do i need the Attenuator or not? Thanks in Advance..
  • GC9n June 4, 2010 at 2:21am
    This attenuator is good?
  • GC9n June 4, 2010 at 2:20am
    Hello everyone
    I need to ask you a question about the Wifi Booster.

    attenuator what is the use for this..

    is it if i forget to power up the the RC TX before Booster?
    if is needed this should do?
  • Philip Crawford June 3, 2010 at 5:59pm
    when i was doing my testing with a 5 db, it stayed on for for a little while, then it went out. at the same time on the output of the amp, the 2 watt dummy load i had connected wasn't even getting very warm, which it should, with "1 watt" output.
    measuring power output is important to get the most out of a amplifier. at 2.4 ghz the easyest way is to connect a 50 ohm dummy load close to the rated power output and see if it get warm. these amplifers detect input rf to transmit, (green light on). the green light won't ensure full power out of the amp.
    http://cgi.ebay.com/10-04180-50-Ohm-SMA-Male-Coaxial-Termination-Du...
    or another way is to look at the power amplifer data sheet and find the current draw vs power output, this should be pretty close
    just my 2 cents

    philip.
  • Rana June 2, 2010 at 8:56pm
    Hi Mark !
    I have white thermal paste, which generally electronics people use.
    Thanks a lot for your continued support !
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