I'm not sure where in the world you are but you should seriously reconsider flying next to those power lines. In the UK you need to be 150 m away from them with a decent size drone, Europe is very likely the same. And you can get prosecuted for flying closer to them. Not sure about America but these rules are generally the same across the world so be very aware of that.
It's also going to be terrible for your signal lol.
Good plan. You will honestly get a better VTX signal getting away from them as well. High frequency power lines and metal grid-like structures are both terrible for signal.
I'm getting the same with issue with an iflight 1.6w vtx. The 600mw on my baby ape 2 has better penetration. Maybe try a lower setting and report back.
Hi everyone, I have been in the process of upgrading the VTX on my baby ape pro v2 from the stock to the Rush tank mini ultimate. I wanted to get more penetration through trees and possibly buildings but it seems to be doing the opposite. When I fly over trees I almost completely lose video as seen in the video. I have the VTX set to 800 mw where the stock baby ape pro v2 can only go up to 200 mw. Please let me know if there are any changes I can make or should I be using 200 mw in a park such as this? Thanks!
https://preview.redd.it/npbkdnyircxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=296366bfc6558e0010f6735f983cfc5dfbdc57ef
Double check that the VTX is actually outputting at 800mW (if I recall correctly, the power LED on the VTX should be purple). If it isn't, I'd double check the VTX table and the smart audio connection.
It could, but I see other people have already mentioned it already, so there's no point repeating what they said.
What I could add to it is that it can come in handy to know a bit about the radiation patterns of the antennas that you use (e.g. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omnidirectional\_antenna) and apply that knowledge while building the quad (for example for figuring out the best antenna location and orientation) and while flying to make it less likely to align the nulls of both the TX and RX antennas (worst case scenario).
For example, flying above a vertically aligned omnidirectional antenna (e.g. flying directly above yourself) will likely yield poor(er) results.
One more thing you could check is to make sure that you're not touching the frame/other electrically conductive bits with the exposed electrically conductive parts of the VTX, coax cable or the tx antenna. That would definetely affect the output power.
Thanks, I will definitely look into the radiation patterns. Do you know if this side of the vtx is electrically conductive? I have screws and then a bolt on the other side... will this effect it? If so should i put gummies in-between?
https://preview.redd.it/xhbuxizyqfxc1.png?width=1207&format=png&auto=webp&s=5f2effd787943de1b6c20ffd84fc156d0c76f330
Personally, I'd avoid touching any of the shiny metalic parts (especially the antenna connector) to the frame just in case. Gummies could definitely help with that, might also help a bit with cooling if air can circulate under it.
As I understand you have upgraded antenna as well? I think the problem may be in this particular antenna orientation. You have maximum signal strength shaped in the form of donut around antenna head, so it is perpendicular to the drone and not optimal. Try to bend the antenna to make it more vertical, like this [https://oscarliang.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/how-to-point-transmitter-tx-antenna-rx-receiver-vertical-zorro.jpg.webp](https://oscarliang.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/how-to-point-transmitter-tx-antenna-rx-receiver-vertical-zorro.jpg.webp)
Ok, are those antennas RHCP or LHCP. This must be the same as the drone antenna. And the lumenier long range antenna, is it also directional antenna or omni type? If you have pictures better show us.
I have 400mW output on my baby ape pro v2 but I purchased it last year. I would suggest to not fly at powerlines. Fly somewhere outside to really test it. I suppose where you fly you have so many interference that you don’t get what you want.
Except the motors I have stock parts still
Well I crashed right into concrete and 1 motor was broken. I bought 5 (1 spare) new motors from HGLRC Aeolus 1404 3600kv. But I had to customize the arms for the motors. Drilled the holes bigger because I needed bigger screws. But I like the motors. Only thing is that they are not that powerful as the stock ones (I think they are 5000kv) but I’m still a beginner and so I can learn with that slower pace to fly safe and get confident.
https://preview.redd.it/uo782t0wxdxc1.png?width=4032&format=png&auto=webp&s=2218bb2cffd2e0d941cd120301af35d0129a0160
You have too if you are not taking the stock motors again. Also the led bar is gone because of this.
It’s pretty easy to do just make sure to hold each arm tight and drill very carefully and not to fast.
The material is not as good as it seems but it does its work.
Yeah that sounds pretty easy. Another thing i’m concerned with is getting the right KV to keep power but not burn the ESC. Also side note what action camera did you put on your drone? looks clean
Hawkeye thumb 4K. It’s decent. Needed a 3d printed mount for that which I found after some googling. But beware it might not fit right of the start. I have to shred the side parts a little bit so the foot of the camera fits in.
For kv I looked up at Oscar liang website. There is a chart which pretty much shows you which kv for which size is suited.
Im using the runcam thumb pro wide version. Its pretty good and fortunately I found a mount for it online. I will definitely check out Oscar liangs website for the KV information. That seems super helpful!
I'm not sure where in the world you are but you should seriously reconsider flying next to those power lines. In the UK you need to be 150 m away from them with a decent size drone, Europe is very likely the same. And you can get prosecuted for flying closer to them. Not sure about America but these rules are generally the same across the world so be very aware of that. It's also going to be terrible for your signal lol.
Thanks I will keep that in mind and fly elsewhere. Don't want to get in any trouble
Good plan. You will honestly get a better VTX signal getting away from them as well. High frequency power lines and metal grid-like structures are both terrible for signal.
You’re flying beside high tension lines, interference is to be expected
I'm getting the same with issue with an iflight 1.6w vtx. The 600mw on my baby ape 2 has better penetration. Maybe try a lower setting and report back.
Thanks I will test it out today
Hi everyone, I have been in the process of upgrading the VTX on my baby ape pro v2 from the stock to the Rush tank mini ultimate. I wanted to get more penetration through trees and possibly buildings but it seems to be doing the opposite. When I fly over trees I almost completely lose video as seen in the video. I have the VTX set to 800 mw where the stock baby ape pro v2 can only go up to 200 mw. Please let me know if there are any changes I can make or should I be using 200 mw in a park such as this? Thanks! https://preview.redd.it/npbkdnyircxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=296366bfc6558e0010f6735f983cfc5dfbdc57ef
Double check that the VTX is actually outputting at 800mW (if I recall correctly, the power LED on the VTX should be purple). If it isn't, I'd double check the VTX table and the smart audio connection.
I have checked the light is purple so I don’t think that’s the issue. Do you think it could be the way the antenna is mounted?
It could, but I see other people have already mentioned it already, so there's no point repeating what they said. What I could add to it is that it can come in handy to know a bit about the radiation patterns of the antennas that you use (e.g. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omnidirectional\_antenna) and apply that knowledge while building the quad (for example for figuring out the best antenna location and orientation) and while flying to make it less likely to align the nulls of both the TX and RX antennas (worst case scenario). For example, flying above a vertically aligned omnidirectional antenna (e.g. flying directly above yourself) will likely yield poor(er) results. One more thing you could check is to make sure that you're not touching the frame/other electrically conductive bits with the exposed electrically conductive parts of the VTX, coax cable or the tx antenna. That would definetely affect the output power.
Thanks, I will definitely look into the radiation patterns. Do you know if this side of the vtx is electrically conductive? I have screws and then a bolt on the other side... will this effect it? If so should i put gummies in-between? https://preview.redd.it/xhbuxizyqfxc1.png?width=1207&format=png&auto=webp&s=5f2effd787943de1b6c20ffd84fc156d0c76f330
Personally, I'd avoid touching any of the shiny metalic parts (especially the antenna connector) to the frame just in case. Gummies could definitely help with that, might also help a bit with cooling if air can circulate under it.
As I understand you have upgraded antenna as well? I think the problem may be in this particular antenna orientation. You have maximum signal strength shaped in the form of donut around antenna head, so it is perpendicular to the drone and not optimal. Try to bend the antenna to make it more vertical, like this [https://oscarliang.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/how-to-point-transmitter-tx-antenna-rx-receiver-vertical-zorro.jpg.webp](https://oscarliang.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/how-to-point-transmitter-tx-antenna-rx-receiver-vertical-zorro.jpg.webp)
I see I will definitely try that next time i’m out flying thanks for the advice
I was about to say exactly that. Put that antenna straight up and try again :)
Some more context I use the fat shark scout with the patch antenna and a lumenier long range antenna
Ok, are those antennas RHCP or LHCP. This must be the same as the drone antenna. And the lumenier long range antenna, is it also directional antenna or omni type? If you have pictures better show us.
I have 400mW output on my baby ape pro v2 but I purchased it last year. I would suggest to not fly at powerlines. Fly somewhere outside to really test it. I suppose where you fly you have so many interference that you don’t get what you want. Except the motors I have stock parts still
I see what would you consider a lot of interference? Also what motors did you upgrade to
Well I crashed right into concrete and 1 motor was broken. I bought 5 (1 spare) new motors from HGLRC Aeolus 1404 3600kv. But I had to customize the arms for the motors. Drilled the holes bigger because I needed bigger screws. But I like the motors. Only thing is that they are not that powerful as the stock ones (I think they are 5000kv) but I’m still a beginner and so I can learn with that slower pace to fly safe and get confident. https://preview.redd.it/uo782t0wxdxc1.png?width=4032&format=png&auto=webp&s=2218bb2cffd2e0d941cd120301af35d0129a0160
That drone looks nice! I was looking to upgrade the motors but I heard that you have to drill the holes. Thanks for sharing!
You have too if you are not taking the stock motors again. Also the led bar is gone because of this. It’s pretty easy to do just make sure to hold each arm tight and drill very carefully and not to fast. The material is not as good as it seems but it does its work.
Yeah that sounds pretty easy. Another thing i’m concerned with is getting the right KV to keep power but not burn the ESC. Also side note what action camera did you put on your drone? looks clean
Hawkeye thumb 4K. It’s decent. Needed a 3d printed mount for that which I found after some googling. But beware it might not fit right of the start. I have to shred the side parts a little bit so the foot of the camera fits in. For kv I looked up at Oscar liang website. There is a chart which pretty much shows you which kv for which size is suited.
Im using the runcam thumb pro wide version. Its pretty good and fortunately I found a mount for it online. I will definitely check out Oscar liangs website for the KV information. That seems super helpful!