What range should I expect?

[Vass]

Hi folks
I intend to do a test on the ground to find out the answer, but would be interested to hear what people think the range should be with my set up for Radio and FPV, then I can compare with actual results to see if somethings not right.

Radio 2.4ghz
Dx6i transmitter set to USA power with 5dB Antenna modification
Spektrum AR6200 trin receiver set vertical and horizontal on model

FPV  5.8ghz
Fatshark 600mw Tx with 3 petal Cloverleaf pointing down from underneath model
Airwave basic 4 Ch Rx with 4 petal Cloverleaf on a Tripod at 6foot height.

Ta for any opinions, its not a test folks, just would like some input

Plus, if you think I could do better somehow, please let me know :-)
Cheers
Vass

[MrBen]

Your spectrum radio is the weak link here maybe around 500m, if you lose LOS then your quad will drop. (unless you have gps naza or something) You could improve your range with a better receiver like a AR9XXX I personally went onto 35mhz when i started which was good for 5km and then to uhf which I have never been able to go out of range with.

[Vass]

current Hex has Audupilot 2.5 with GPS yes

so a AR9000 receiver ( £ 150 ) will help, meaning my Transmitter is reaching that far? :-)

I think I need to read this forum a lot

thanks
Vass

[MrBen]

I would get a compatible or even better jump straight into UHF with rangelink and be able to fly behind buildings close in or 15km away Los!

[Vass]

yep, just seen a you Tube clip, EzUHF Tx plugs into Trainer port on my Dx6i
and I just need a Rx

so £ 150 for the EzUHF Tx and whatever Rx is recommended

not too pricey for superb range then :-)

Thanks MrBen, I'm shopping tonight!

[MrBen]

Yeah ezuhf is what I use but rangelink is also good and cheaper, with ezuhf if you use ppm then a 4ch rx will do

[Dusty]

I'm with Ben here, your Spektrum radio isn't renowned for great range.

EZUHF will cost you around £200 plus shipping, thats including a "lite" receiver without diversity.

http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__25203__ImmersionRC_EzUHF_Transmitter_600mW.html
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__25205__ImmersionRC_EzUHF_8_channel_Receiver_Lite_Edition_.html

Rangelink is what I use, and a full set (including receiver) will only cost you £120 plus shipping

I say plus shipping instead of actual cost, because you choose how fast/secure you want it shipped, thereby changing the total cost.

If you're after a cheaper option, I would suggest buying a Turnigy 9XR and a FrSky combo for it, the below links add up to around £70 plus shipping, you're looking at close to 2km in ideal conditions with stock whips with the FrSky equipment

http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__31544__Turnigy_9XR_Transmitter_Mode_2_No_Module_.html
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__31315__Turnigy_9XR_Safety_Protected_11_1v_3s_2200mAh_1_5C_Transmitter_Pack.html
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__14348__FrSky_FF_1_2_4Ghz_Combo_Pack_for_Futaba_w_Module_RX.html


if you go down the 9XR route, you'll have a pretty good radio (I rate it, many people on here do too) and will be able to easily upgrade it to UHF at a later date... even experiment with the proper el-cheapo OpenLRS UHF. If you already have APM2.5, then I assume you're already the kind of person who like to fiddle around with software, flashing firmware etc...


http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__27095__OrangeRx_Open_LRS_433MHz_TX_Module_JR_Turnigy_compatible_.html
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__27096__OrangeRx_Open_LRS_433MHz_9Ch_Receiver.html

[Vass]

So, if I'm understanding this correctly,

If I go the Rangelink option, I need a Rangelink system which includes a Tx that piggybacks onto a Radio Tx and a Rangelink receiver

The Suggestion would be to use a 9XR for the Radio transmitter and not my Dx6i ?

If thats right?, I'm happy with that :-)

[Dusty]

the rangelink system could plug into your dx6i, but yes I'd recommend buying a 9XR to install the rangelink system into

[Vass]

I cannot find "rangelink" anywhere online

Who's the dealer / supplier please, its the only link not given in the thread

Thanks

[Dusty]

oops, sorry.

thought I had already given the link... here you go

http://www.rangepiloting.com/rangelink-set-p-177.html?zenid=g19rkjhothftp38u6iflk4h9r3

[Vass]

Ok thanks for the input folks,

Now the FPV

Mega distance is not important, Mr Ben's recent videos is all the range I need, but I'd like to go under a bridge or behind a wall without fear of losing vision

Any suggestion, its payday friday! :-)

[chrisallen649]

EzUHF has my vote, personally tested upto 18 km with my z2. On my multi i have hovered a few feet off the floor 2.7km away. had mine 2+ years now never had a problem with it, even when multipule people are flying on ezuhf as well as other uhf systems being used at the same time.

[Vass]

for FPV or are you ansering the earlier thread?

sorry maybe I should have started another thread ?

[MrBen]

the lower the frequency the better the penetration but also the larger the antenna (1.2ghz skews are about 5" across) i use 1.2, whips perform well for me also and arent massive the like cp antennas, 2.4 would be ok too, either will work well with uhf (no clashes)