JR XG7 Range extender

[helimadness]

Hi All.

Been doing some FPV and wanted to start playing around with longer range.

Got a IPX to SMA bulkhead cable for the guts of the XG7 so I can screw on external aerials and a range to test. Have the standard 2db a 5,7 and 10db as well. The whole lot was less than 5 quid :-) Fun for value if you ask me.

The cable plugs straight onto the board and I ended drilling another hole in front of the current aerial as the ferrel that goes through the case is glued onto the back half of the radio and couldn't get it out. Was worried I was going to break it trying.

I have run out of range at 500 m before on the standard setup with the aerial pointed directly at the model. Turned 90 deg and got control back fine. Lesson learnt not to point the aerial at the model. I am about to order the storm OSD that has built in Return to home so I can safety test the range of some of the aerials. Should keep me busy for a day. Apparently the range will double with every 3db gain added. off course you lose angle scope but I mainly fly along a river that is fairly straight so should be able to point the aerials within a 30 deg range fairly easily.

If anyone interested will keep you posted. Away for work for a couple of weeks but will order the RTH system so Its ready for me to install when I return.

Cheers

10 db antenna.JPGNew aerial exit.JPGNew aerial mounted.JPGIMG_2498.JPGStandard 2db antenna.JPG

[tourerjim]

If all works out be good to see another video of the river

[helimadness]

If all works out be good to see another video of the river

Unfortunately will be a few weeks before I get to try it but will be running up the river to test for sure. Have about 1.25 kms runway over the park and river so good test area. More than happy if I can get that far out at this point.

[tourerjim]

Are there any restrictions with FPV in China

[helimadness]

Are there any restrictions with FPV in China

To be honest I have no idea and not sure how to find out. I would say no at this stage as its maybe one of those things here that is so new they are oblivious to it and nothing happens.

Im taking the approach of staying away from everyone and out of trouble.

For now Im only using the 5.8g band for the video at 200 mw so fairly safe. A Chinese friend of mine has a 500mw 1.2 g set up and has flown it around the city. Maybe not such a good idea.

Cheers

[Snuffles101]

How did it go?

[helimadness]

How did it go?

Didnt get any decent flying days then have been away for a while. Have been flying my 250 while away and some wings that my brother brought over xmas with that TX and no problems.

Have a weeks holiday next week so hopefully get a chance to do some range testing on the FPV. Got some confidence and know how on the Storm OSD autopilot after nearly losing my plane so keen to get back to the project.

Will let you know.

Cheers

[Snuffles101]

I'm looking into giving my xg7 a circular polarized antenna ��

[helimadness]

I'm looking into giving my xg7 a circular polarized antenna ��

That's an interesting thought let us know how you go. You are FPVing I assume?
I have actually flown out of range at 600 m with the original XG7 and full size RX. Realized after I had the Aerial straight and was pointing straight at the model. So the worst case. When I realized I lost control held the TX above my head and got control back no problem as aerial would have been at right angles. Every time I fly now I always make sure my aerial is folded down.

cheers

[Snuffles101]

Could you show me where the ipx plugs into

[Snuffles101]

When I fly I'm usually on the roof hahah

[helimadness]

Could you show me where the ipx plugs into

Have a look at the fist post pictures. The 4th one is the best. You can see the grey wire come out of the aerial (grey wire is actually the aerial) and go under the black circuit board then the gold plug on the back of the black circuit board is the IPX plug into the radio. Just pick the hot glue off unplug it and plug the new cable on that has the bulk head fitting on the other end. I actually drilled another hole for the bulkhead fitting as couldn't get the original aerial mount out.

Cheers

[Snuffles101]

Thanks man this is gonna be awesome

[Snuffles101]

post what ranges you get when you fly and what dbi you used, thanks man :-)

[Made2Fade]

interested to know what range you guys end up with here... could be an interesting option for my TBS discovery as im not fussed on the other options out there