Thank You Mr Steele. Your video was very helpful. I did the mode yesterday with RG316 like you suggested and used the length you recommended. First antenna that I could find laying around was 9dbi WiFi antenna. SWR was flipping between 0 and 1. Did a range test and was very happy with results. I am glad that I ran into your video, not someone else s, otherwise I would have used wrong size and length of the coax and would have been plagued with SWR and RSSI issues, like most people have.
Steele! STEELE!!! Hey man. Thanks for the video. Just wanted to say that you're going to be really happy with these antennas that Alex is sending you. I just built one and my rssi readings are ridiculous. I'm getting 80's - 90's in spots where I'd be in the 60's with the 5dbi mod, or 50's with the stock antenna. All hail the folding dipole. It's sick.
Nice to see that someone is talking about Finland :) Im here and i hope better weather because i want to FLY!! i just ordered alien 5" frame and all stuff in it and i cant wait to get that! Its nice to watch your videos and think you are awsome guy!!
Hey Steele, really liked how you wanted to make the community active. I don't fly quads but I hope to get into it after I graduate. Keep up the good work!
Better than heating up hotglue to remove it: Touch a drop of denatured alcohol and it will just pop off clean. If you get a tin of denatured alcohol from home depot for a few dollars, it will last you basically forever.
Big Kudos Steele, for making this a global competition & inspiring us all ! Your Taranis re-build is another great example of your awesome skills, eye for detail & pursuit to take things to the next level. I was totally thinking the same thing about thicker cable + right length. Was also thinking of modding a thicker coax on my TBS Unify Pro too. Just got to find some of those Aurora 9 Gimbals & deliver to Australia now :)
+David Martin thanks David. I like pushing things to their limits and beyond. I'm glad you enjoy watching :). Shouldn't be too difficult to get some gimbals to straya
Thinking I need to get Chad to bring these + some Thunderpower Adrenaline Lipos back with him on his next return trip :) Let me know if you have any suggestions on how I can repay him for the favour ?
Thanks 4 sharing ...i lost my rc link on hawaii luckily next to road so did'nt had to climb ;) Talked with Dane Maxwell about this mod ...He told me most of the Hawaii guys use this when they are cliff diving ....but it's always nice to see that it works also ;) Build time now ;) Take care
Steele -would be a life saver if you could link the nut you are using on the switch. I lost mine and looking everywhere? "taranis switch nut" ??got any links
+UAVfutures radio switch caps on EBay. Check that You should be able to find some colored ones lol. A lot hobbies has replacements if you buy s new switch. The switches are cheap
Steele, do you measure from the bottom of the rp-sma connector (including the crimp ferrule in the 84 mm) or do you measure from the bottom of the crimp ferrule? Also why 84mm? Is it out of phase with the 2.4 ghz signal or something?
as unlikely as you think it would be- just imagine that someone rolled up and grabbed the quad and made a getaway and you're just down the road watching helplessly i keep a hawk's eye on my gear when in public space. you have balls of ...
nice info on this on, Mr Steele. Once I build my fpv racer, I would love to fly with you. I appreciate what you do for the quad community, keep flying high!!
Word of advice: solder the negative first, i almost ripped the antenna pad of because i had trouble with my stiff cable (bought the wrong one as well). The negative pads are way bigger so you won't rip them. EVEN BETTER: use a ufl smd antenna connector so you can swap later (if ever needed)
What version of the Kiss FC firmware adds that SOS beeper you showed at the end of the video? I've looked at their changelog but don't see it mentioned anywhere.
Hi, I would just like to thanks for your videos, you inspired me into getting an FPV drone, its difficult to get them here in Mexico where I'm from, but will definitely get one! i have a cheap Cinewhoop squirt that I got right after I saw your first video, keep the awesome videos coming! thanks
I've been rocking the antenna mod for about a year now, and I have to agree it's sweet as hell! just be careful with how the antenna is pointing when going long range! sweet ass paint job man! I've been wanting to do the same but haven't had the effort. seeing how sweet your taranis looks though... I have to now! awesome videos man
+Adam Komarek Thanks man. I actually was lazy myself and didn't want to do it. But I bought another shell for 15$ lol and experimented with than since I don't have to take my radio apart and be down for days it made like easier. Thanks for watching
FrSky just released the M9 gimbals for the Taranis. They use hall effect sensors instead of pots and the build quality is pretty decent for the money. I have only had mine a couple of weeks but I really like them so far.
Hey, I'm doing the mod now and I'm curious where are you measuring the 84mm from? Are you measuring from the nut or from the end of the bottom of the connector? Idk if I'm explaining this right lol
To make it flush i cut a 5 inch propp and filed it flush.. drilled a bigger centre hole and used a file.. took like 15min of filing.. a bit of work but it was fun : )
So this might be a dumb question but: Since it is not recommended to replace the internal Tx antenna, should I buy an external XJT module to fit in high gain antennas?
Gentlemen, we strongly advise against the antenna mod. We developed this mod +2 years ago achieving the longest run of +10km out. The mod does work well but in the end we found a high failure rate due to the solder pads lifting. Furthermore, even when the mod is done well, we have found much high failure rates of the RF module over time. I strongly recommend using an external XJT module which comes with an external antenna connector and has no risk to your TX. It works just the same and we achieved near similar performance.
+mgbolts who are you and what is your background ? Just curious if you work for FRsky. Or are just a guy that tinkers. I'd rather have better performance and risk "killing" my 30$ RF module than have decent performance and it last forever. That is if what you're saying is true.. which I'm skeptical because I've seen people with this mod for over a year now with ZERO issues. Cheers
PM'd on FB. We have done 100+ of these mods. As highlighted, the failure rate is high due to novice attempts at what is a difficult solder where pads lift very easily. BTW, if you do damage the original taranis (ie. not the plus), they dont make the backboard anymore. You are right, the mod does work very well, +10km :) achieved with no booster etc, just simple 5dbi whip. I suggested the external module as it is essentially the same mod already done for you, just add the antenna.... In summary, I am agreeing with you, just a different approach with less risk and similar outcome :)
Was that 84 mm to the tip of the connector? or the cable length under the connector? Because i did the mod with the thicker cable and now my SWR went from 0 to 18-20, now is this bad?
Nice video Steele. In some of your videos I saw you using a TBS Crossfire TX/RX. Why do you prefer modify your Taranis to reach greater distances instead of using TBS stuff? It doesn't fitted this purpose?
Alex greve is the man! He did the mod on my terrines with the cable and sma port and all that, and he didn't even go 316 on that cable. Its that super duper fat stuff he uses on his helical antennas. Works great! I also use one of the 2.4 ghz clover leaf antenna with it.
+shaneman27 haha heck yeah. I tried the clover leaf in a range test. And I prefer. My 5dbi whip right now. I never have issues with orientation of my antennas that the clover leaf would help with
Mr Steele yeah I doesn't really improve range much maybe a little, but what I have seemed to experience is it helps with penetration. I flew a wing with an x8r in it to about 1.7 miles before getting rssi low. I don't think I got quite that far with the stock. And I just remembered something. Right before Flite fest you had a periscope going until like 4 am and I commented something that I didn't expect you to see but you did and I said my name is Joe but it's Shane and you just kept calling me Joe and then when I met you at Flite fest you are just as funny as you are on camera. 😂 I'd love to see you again sometime In the future.
Wow this makes me wish I had a Taranis instead of my new Spektrum. those mods make it a truly amazing transmitter... still in awe by that improvement on the range...
Steeeeeeelee, ordered everything, its all here. Can you please tell me when measuring out the cable with the with the RP-SMA, do you measure the 84mm from very end of the RP-SMA?? My apologies if this has already been answered.
They make a really nice glossy Carbon Fiber looking complete top case half for 39.99 also. I am waiting on the new Hall effect Gimbals for mine to change it over with the top case and antennas. A better speaker is a cheap but much needed mod I bought also.
84mm from where Mr. Steele? From where the black shrink wrap ends and the wire shows or include the black shrink wrap in the measurement? A few people are wondering where to go from. Please answer man. About to do the mod. Thanks!
Hey Mr Steele, do you have diopter inserts for your googles? I bought quanum cyclops goggles mostly so I could wear my glasses while flying. Starting to wonder if fatsharks with inserts are better. Thanks!
The alcohol or acetone doesn't really dissolve the hotglue but will make it come loose and the hotglue can easily be lifted off the surface in one piece.
I am wondering about the co-ax cable measurement for cutting. Are you measuring just the cable or is the connector included in the measurement. Thanks for the great videos.
Steele, weren't some people having range problems with their high gain antennas, with the problem supposedly with the connection with the SMA connector? Something about too many cycles of adding and removing the antenna, hurting the integrity of the SMA connector? I remember something. Do you? If so is it gone?
Can you post up which antenna you got? I'm looking around online and their are atleast 13 decent looking options but I'm not sure which one is actually good! Thanks!
Hi everyone. I found a 2.4 ghz 5 dbi antenna from Adafruit. If you don't know about this place they sell parts for Raspberry Pi and arduino type electronics. It is a single band (2.4 ghz) not dual 5 ghz and 2.4 ghz like a lot of other wifi antennas. If someone knows better, please inform me and others if this will not work but I am going to try it. www.adafruit.com/products/945
I am gonna try several some Alex G/VAS are really top notch and the small Paddles in different DB are great for longer distance once you do the radio sma - or rp/sma setup like he has. The Pagodas are tough and better than most if you dont mind soldering for the quads too.
we where curious my friends and me about the 84mm length.. so we tested. 84mm 94mm 10mm and with shield means not measure it from the base of the rp-sma contact.. if we gona be sticklers.. so we threw in that in the test as well.. one extra 84mm measured from the crimp and an extra little bit for the signal wires. so 4 Taranis got modded.. and guess what.. they all had same distance and rssi. so don't be fuzzy when you all cut your cords : )
I was under the impression that the measurements really come into play when stripping the end of the antenna wire. Most often on rx's because they often get cut so you can strip the coating back the correct amount and still get the same range as before. But I'm Always learning new things so I figured Steele was more educated than I. LoL
Can you do a video about Power Distribution Boards (PBD)? There's a lot of crappy ones out there. Some have different features like BECs, OSD, LC filters, and different power ratings Which mini PDB do you like to use?
Hi Mr Steele. Love your videos, thanks for sharing :) Please, could you tell the model of the gimbals you use? Most of the videos I've seen were about M9s
Yeah, I was thinking of an antenna change up but wondered what configuration would be good for drone operation. I was thinking if you wanted max distance in operation if a Yagi would be best since it creates a beam output vs an omni output. For the transmitter part on the handheld wouldn't be a problem but the transmission on the drone might be a problem unless a better collector antenna to receive weak signals from the drone can be used to boost your range significantly. That would be a cool test to see.
Very nice job on the paint it is really a great color...I am going to do my Taranis using Hydro Swirl Painting...Guess I will have to do a vid of that...
Hi @mrsteele ! Did you ever get some range issues some time after using this 5dbi antennas ? Having some range issues xith my XJT module and x4rsb. It's just appears , changed my antennas to new ones, but rssi still really bad, range is only 500ft now. I read that some trouble could happen when using this mod on XJT , something like the RF was de calibrate itself, only fresh flashing / factory reset could fix it ??!
hey man, gotta a question about the antenna mod. I have purchased the taranis x9D plus SE. Since it comes with the antenna mod already done should I switch out the heavier gauge coax cable internally? I took it apart being curious how they built it and noticed it is a rather thin gauge wired connected from the bottom of the antenna to the pad. Should I bother? Will it still give me extra distance? I have learned a great deal form your channel, thanks for all the info man. Any suggestions here would be greatly appreciated. later -J-Skins
For someone who is looking to get into the hobby here in a couple months, which is a better transmitter? Taranis X9D Plus or the DX6 6 Channel DSMX? and why do you use a Taranis?
Lol.... you explained the 5dbi antenna mod very clear! Well, one word - THANKS! I have no more things to say... rather that i am going to paint my Dx6i to!! Been thinking for years to do that...or DIY rit dye...well one of them! Do you have a link to that quality 5dbi antenna? Cause i only know the linksys 5dbi antenna...but have no clue if it's good quality or not...Also the RG316 cable there is no UFL to SMA cable made? We need to make them? Why? know?
+targetingxmod You're welcome. If you want u.fl connector. Try RG178. It's great cable. Very low loss and comes in sma and u.fl. As far as an antenna goes. I'm not 100% sure how to tell you where to get good ones. As I don't know where mine came from lol. The one I use now I found at my house. And the one I bought was from A loft hobbies. All of these antennas are RPSMA. BTW
When I did the antenna on my 7e, I made up a plain wire 1/4 wave whip to put in the old plastic antenna shell. So when I take off the 5dbi, I screw on the whip, and it looks indistinguishable from stock.
Very nice, Rotor Riot inspired me to switch from Spektrum to Taranis. But why on earth would I take the gimbals out of a spektrum premium transmitter and put them in a standard FrSky Taranis? Beats me.
14:10 was pretty cool. on/off haha nice. ill have to try this with my shape shifter to see how far it can go. but im gonna ride my fourwheeler not walk haha im lazy!
+crash dummy yup. I had a Jeti with a 800mW booster and it still sucked compared to the 100mW stock antenna Taranis. Mini quads require different needs than LOS plane flying
Hello Steele, I’m doing your antenna mod on my Taranis X9d plus and I wonder if I should remove the UFL connector to directly solder my coax (RG316 with rp-sma connector ) to the board or should I let the board as it is and solder a small piece of original crappy antenna with UFL on it to my RG316 coax.....(but it will be hard to keep the shield around the coax around d the solder.......and will look crap.... I tried to dismount a ufl connector to mount it on the RG316 but it’s too small and parts breaks as soon as you "unbend" the very thin tabs. Any advice? Thanks for your help. Aurélien, France
damn that's awesome. you could fly half way to the moon with that thing. my dx6i must have problems because I would drop signal going that far away not even in range mode. I can't wait to get a new radio.
+Adam Bauer that is from the butt of the rpsma connector to the end of where the shielded wire stops. So you'll need a tiny bit more because the shielded wire gets split and folded back for the active element to solder down
Hello Steele, I've rewatch this video because I would like to make this mod (5dbi) on my Taranis, but I've read a lot of comment about some issues with the 5dbi mod, have you had any problems with this mod? Thank you :) !
In the rush to fit a 5dbi antenna it's probably worth pointing out what you lose for gaining gain... The radiation pattern is flatter and antenna orientation becomes more important (all that flippin' ain't helpin'). The flatter radiation pattern means that if you fly much above 45 degrees from yourself you may find you have reduced range compared to the 2dbi. Watch out during those big inverted hangs!!
Great vid Steel. I'd be curious on where you got that specific cable you are using. I know i can find it but quality control may not be there when its necessary for an application like this (I would think at least). This may be my problem previously where i installed a cable like this (although i can't confirm the cable type) where it worked for a while but then SWR was in the 30-40 range about a month after i did the mod. Also, can you link the exact antenna you are using? I've got 1 from amazon and a couple from aloft that seem to be identical. Thanks!
+Beerad FPV I got my antenna from aloft. And the wire I just ordered a short connector with rpsma on one side and a umx or something on the other. And cut the umx off :). All you need to worry about is that the rpsma is crimped and install correctly. I bought from a reputable RF connector source As close tome as possible from amazing prime. I'm inpatient lol
Thank You Mr Steele. Your video was very helpful. I did the mode yesterday with RG316 like you suggested and used the length you recommended. First antenna that I could find laying around was 9dbi WiFi antenna. SWR was flipping between 0 and 1. Did a range test and was very happy with results. I am glad that I ran into your video, not someone else s, otherwise I would have used wrong size and length of the coax and would have been plagued with SWR and RSSI issues, like most people have.
Heyy man, thank you soo much! Im the second winner!! Im so happy!!
+ElGranainoFPV haha. Congrats Jorge. Your props went out today they will be there in a week or so :). Enjoy
Never let that girl go, she looked SO bored while you were modding the radio but she still stuck around, that's a keeper. :-)
Steele! STEELE!!! Hey man. Thanks for the video. Just wanted to say that you're going to be really happy with these antennas that Alex is sending you. I just built one and my rssi readings are ridiculous. I'm getting 80's - 90's in spots where I'd be in the 60's with the 5dbi mod, or 50's with the stock antenna. All hail the folding dipole. It's sick.
+Scott DeMaio hahaha dude I'm pumped !! Just opened up a whole new realm of antennas for Alex to make lol. The folder dipole looks so sweet
Nice to see that someone is talking about Finland :) Im here and i hope better weather because i want to FLY!! i just ordered alien 5" frame and all stuff in it and i cant wait to get that! Its nice to watch your videos and think you are awsome guy!!
Hey Steele, really liked how you wanted to make the community active. I don't fly quads but I hope to get into it after I graduate. Keep up the good work!
Better than heating up hotglue to remove it: Touch a drop of denatured alcohol and it will just pop off clean. If you get a tin of denatured alcohol from home depot for a few dollars, it will last you basically forever.
+Sam Maghsoodloo basically FOREVER lol. Love that. Thanks man. I had no idea
To remove hotglue just use a single drop of alcohol, it will come right off with no trace left!
muh1h1 wieso zur Hölle bist du in jedem Video das ich schaue?
I love isopropyl alcohol, it has so many uses, it's crazy.
What kind of alchol ??? edit your comment it is useless
@@leoetcheverry9685 all the substances commonly refered to as "alcohol" work. Rubbing alcohol, ethanol, isopropal, etc.
Prop Adaptors!! Nice one. Well you sold me on the Antenna and Coax Mod. Fantastic test man
+BMSWEB haha you need it. THOMAS will be able to race to the moon
Mr Steele what kind of prop adaptor did you use here?
7:34 pause it...... doing other kinds of mods i see o.0
just as i was watching 8 minutes of boom..a new video pops up,,,,,liking the look of the taranis
+damon barnes that's a good thing right lol
of course haha i was running out of videos to watch
Big Kudos Steele, for making this a global competition & inspiring us all !
Your Taranis re-build is another great example of your awesome skills, eye for detail & pursuit to take things to the next level.
I was totally thinking the same thing about thicker cable + right length. Was also thinking of modding a thicker coax on my TBS Unify Pro too.
Just got to find some of those Aurora 9 Gimbals & deliver to Australia now :)
+David Martin thanks David. I like pushing things to their limits and beyond. I'm glad you enjoy watching :). Shouldn't be too difficult to get some gimbals to straya
Thinking I need to get Chad to bring these + some Thunderpower Adrenaline Lipos back with him on his next return trip :)
Let me know if you have any suggestions on how I can repay him for the favour ?
Thanks 4 sharing ...i lost my rc link on hawaii luckily next to road so did'nt had to climb ;) Talked with Dane Maxwell about this mod ...He told me most of the Hawaii guys use this when they are cliff diving ....but it's always nice to see that it works also ;) Build time now ;) Take care
+Harley FPV cheers man. Glad you didn't lose a quad. Dane is a great guy. I miss all of the Hawaiian guys ughhh
That time lapse was so adorable dude
Steele -would be a life saver if you could link the nut you are using on the switch. I lost mine and looking everywhere? "taranis switch nut" ??got any links
+UAVfutures radio switch caps on EBay. Check that You should be able to find some colored ones lol. A lot hobbies has replacements if you buy s new switch. The switches are cheap
Awesome Mr steele your builds rock as good as your flying and singing too of course lol
+Farmer thanks man. Kind words :)
Mr. Steele, if you recommend any particular antenna and cable, could you please provide links to where you purchased them? Thanks!
Thx for the antenna cable recommendation, I had the smaller cable and it sucked. SWR was 16. Upgraded to the RG316 and all is good now!
+SAS fpv hell yeah man. Awesome!!
Sweet hack for the prop adapter! I also dig the time laps in the corner.
Great video ! I realized the painting of my radio control on my channel TH-cam in french
Steele, do you measure from the bottom of the rp-sma connector (including the crimp ferrule in the 84 mm) or do you measure from the bottom of the crimp ferrule? Also why 84mm? Is it out of phase with the 2.4 ghz signal or something?
as unlikely as you think it would be-
just imagine that someone rolled up and grabbed the quad and made a getaway
and you're just down the road watching helplessly
i keep a hawk's eye on my gear when in public space. you have balls of ...
nice info on this on, Mr Steele. Once I build my fpv racer, I would love to fly with you. I appreciate what you do for the quad community, keep flying high!!
Word of advice: solder the negative first, i almost ripped the antenna pad of because i had trouble with my stiff cable (bought the wrong one as well). The negative pads are way bigger so you won't rip them.
EVEN BETTER: use a ufl smd antenna connector so you can swap later (if ever needed)
7:10-7:55 - you're a lucky man...my girlfriend would never have that much patience
is it 84cm from the end of the rpcma or the length of the coax cable?
What version of the Kiss FC firmware adds that SOS beeper you showed at the end of the video? I've looked at their changelog but don't see it mentioned anywhere.
With Dshot
Where did you get the antenna 5dbi? And will it work on taranis qx7?
amazing video Steele you are making some amazing content recently! love the new taranis by the way.
Hi, I would just like to thanks for your videos, you inspired me into getting an FPV drone, its difficult to get them here in Mexico where I'm from, but will definitely get one! i have a cheap Cinewhoop squirt that I got right after I saw your first video, keep the awesome videos coming! thanks
sweet set up I bought the spektrum dxe6e no one ever told me about this set up .
Great mods radio looks amazing.
I've been rocking the antenna mod for about a year now, and I have to agree it's sweet as hell! just be careful with how the antenna is pointing when going long range! sweet ass paint job man! I've been wanting to do the same but haven't had the effort. seeing how sweet your taranis looks though... I have to now! awesome videos man
+Adam Komarek Thanks man. I actually was lazy myself and didn't want to do it. But I bought another shell for 15$ lol and experimented with than since I don't have to take my radio apart and be down for days it made like easier. Thanks for watching
FrSky just released the M9 gimbals for the Taranis. They use hall effect sensors instead of pots and the build quality is pretty decent for the money. I have only had mine a couple of weeks but I really like them so far.
Hey, I'm doing the mod now and I'm curious where are you measuring the 84mm from? Are you measuring from the nut or from the end of the bottom of the connector? Idk if I'm explaining this right lol
MrTimmyGT 2 years and no answer.
To make it flush i cut a 5 inch propp and filed it flush.. drilled a bigger centre hole and used a file.. took like 15min of filing.. a bit of work but it was fun : )
that was helpful. just bought my first taranis :))
So this might be a dumb question but:
Since it is not recommended to replace the internal Tx antenna, should I buy an external XJT module to fit in high gain antennas?
Nice Mr. Steele, I love your channel. I'm a brazilian one and will visit your country... Certainly one day
+Flavio Henrique BRAZIL!! I would love to and hope to one day soon.
Oh look you showed us your battery straps! Nice Taranis too, I wish I could afford one, I'm stuck with my Spectrum DXe for now though lol
+sigma7 lol. Those straps are secret. Don't tell! Taranis are fairly Cheap save your money. It's worth it
Gentlemen, we strongly advise against the antenna mod. We developed this mod +2 years ago achieving the longest run of +10km out. The mod does work well but in the end we found a high failure rate due to the solder pads lifting. Furthermore, even when the mod is done well, we have found much high failure rates of the RF module over time. I strongly recommend using an external XJT module which comes with an external antenna connector and has no risk to your TX. It works just the same and we achieved near similar performance.
+mgbolts who are you and what is your background ? Just curious if you work for FRsky. Or are just a guy that tinkers. I'd rather have better performance and risk "killing" my 30$ RF module than have decent performance and it last forever. That is if what you're saying is true.. which I'm skeptical because I've seen people with this mod for over a year now with ZERO issues.
Cheers
Are you the guys from boltrc?
PM'd on FB. We have done 100+ of these mods. As highlighted, the failure rate is high due to novice attempts at what is a difficult solder where pads lift very easily. BTW, if you do damage the original taranis (ie. not the plus), they dont make the backboard anymore.
You are right, the mod does work very well, +10km :) achieved with no booster etc, just simple 5dbi whip. I suggested the external module as it is essentially the same mod already done for you, just add the antenna....
In summary, I am agreeing with you, just a different approach with less risk and similar outcome :)
I think as long as you guys glue the wire to the case to relieve the strain of the wire moving around youre golden.
10+ km with what reciever? i have a x8r and 5dbi mod and i cant get over 2 in a non 2.4 polluted area.
Was that 84 mm to the tip of the connector? or the cable length under the connector? Because i did the mod with the thicker cable and now my SWR went from 0 to 18-20, now is this bad?
Man thanks so much man all ur video have help me i really cant wait to make a allen. I love everything fly it amazing
Nice video Steele. In some of your videos I saw you using a TBS Crossfire TX/RX. Why do you prefer modify your Taranis to reach greater distances instead of using TBS stuff? It doesn't fitted this purpose?
Alex greve is the man! He did the mod on my terrines with the cable and sma port and all that, and he didn't even go 316 on that cable. Its that super duper fat stuff he uses on his helical antennas. Works great! I also use one of the 2.4 ghz clover leaf antenna with it.
+shaneman27 haha heck yeah. I tried the clover leaf in a range test. And I prefer. My 5dbi whip right now. I never have issues with orientation of my antennas that the clover leaf would help with
Mr Steele yeah I doesn't really improve range much maybe a little, but what I have seemed to experience is it helps with penetration. I flew a wing with an x8r in it to about 1.7 miles before getting rssi low. I don't think I got quite that far with the stock.
And I just remembered something. Right before Flite fest you had a periscope going until like 4 am and I commented something that I didn't expect you to see but you did and I said my name is Joe but it's Shane and you just kept calling me Joe and then when I met you at Flite fest you are just as funny as you are on camera. 😂 I'd love to see you again sometime In the future.
Wow this makes me wish I had a Taranis instead of my new Spektrum. those mods make it a truly amazing transmitter... still in awe by that improvement on the range...
+Rude FPV I know. That was my first time doing a legitimate range test with that setup vs a stock radio. And I was blown away
Wao I got in to the store u guys got some serious kitsch in 5here I'm glad that I check it out.
That time I live 5 mins away from VAS. Started doing research months ago and getting into the hobby and found that out... the more you know.
7:34 ! THE KISS!=)
Nice mods!
Steeeeeeelee, ordered everything, its all here. Can you please tell me when measuring out the cable with the with the RP-SMA, do you measure the 84mm from very end of the RP-SMA?? My apologies if this has already been answered.
They make a really nice glossy Carbon Fiber looking complete top case half for 39.99 also. I am waiting on the new Hall effect Gimbals for mine to change it over with the top case and antennas. A better speaker is a cheap but much needed mod I bought also.
grats to the winners!
84mm from where Mr. Steele? From where the black shrink wrap ends and the wire shows or include the black shrink wrap in the measurement? A few people are wondering where to go from. Please answer man. About to do the mod. Thanks!
Hey Mr Steele, do you have diopter inserts for your googles? I bought quanum cyclops goggles mostly so I could wear my glasses while flying. Starting to wonder if fatsharks with inserts are better. Thanks!
---------CORRECTION!!! 3.2 inches is actually 81.28mm so which length do I actually use???
To remove the hotglue you can use alcohol as well, works perfectly fine!
+Jory W thanks. I'll try it soon
The alcohol or acetone doesn't really dissolve the hotglue but will make it come loose and the hotglue can easily be lifted off the surface in one piece.
I am wondering about the co-ax cable measurement for cutting. Are you measuring just the cable or is the connector included in the measurement. Thanks for the great videos.
Modding my qx7 and this brought me back here
Steele, weren't some people having range problems with their high gain antennas, with the problem supposedly with the connection with the SMA connector? Something about too many cycles of adding and removing the antenna, hurting the integrity of the SMA connector? I remember something. Do you? If so is it gone?
Can you post up which antenna you got? I'm looking around online and their are atleast 13 decent looking options but I'm not sure which one is actually good! Thanks!
Wondering the same.
Hi everyone. I found a 2.4 ghz 5 dbi antenna from Adafruit. If you don't know about this place they sell parts for Raspberry Pi and arduino type electronics. It is a single band (2.4 ghz) not dual 5 ghz and 2.4 ghz like a lot of other wifi antennas. If someone knows better, please inform me and others if this will not work but I am going to try it. www.adafruit.com/products/945
just get a 5dbi antenna from amazon or they even have one on hobbyking in the frsky section
1.99 or less on Banggood.com right now I just ordered 4 www.banggood.com/search/2.4ghz-antenna.html
I am gonna try several some Alex G/VAS are really top notch and the small Paddles in different DB are great for longer distance once you do the radio sma - or rp/sma setup like he has. The Pagodas are tough and better than most if you dont mind soldering for the quads too.
cool the quads n stuff.. give love to old school dudes. stuff for planes and plane like stuff
Were those your new motors that I saw on that Alien at the end of the video?
And dam!!! You are right I can't find those gimbals available anywhere.
we where curious my friends and me about the 84mm length.. so we tested.
84mm 94mm 10mm and with shield means not measure it from the base of the rp-sma contact.. if we gona be sticklers.. so we threw in that in the test as well.. one extra 84mm measured from the crimp and an extra little bit for the signal wires.
so 4 Taranis got modded.. and guess what.. they all had same distance and rssi.
so don't be fuzzy when you all cut your cords : )
I was under the impression that the measurements really come into play when stripping the end of the antenna wire. Most often on rx's because they often get cut so you can strip the coating back the correct amount and still get the same range as before. But I'm
Always learning new things so I figured Steele was more educated than I. LoL
Can you do a video about Power Distribution Boards (PBD)? There's a lot of crappy ones out there. Some have different features like BECs, OSD, LC filters, and different power ratings Which mini PDB do you like to use?
@mrsteele did you end the Giveaway oneday before ? It was planned until 9th ? You seems cutting it end of 7th november ?
+BouT FPV I picked 3 guys on the night of the 8th here in the US. Which in EU was the 9th.
Hi Mr Steele. Love your videos, thanks for sharing :) Please, could you tell the model of the gimbals you use? Most of the videos I've seen were about M9s
Yeah, I was thinking of an antenna change up but wondered what configuration would be good for drone operation. I was thinking if you wanted max distance in operation if a Yagi would be best since it creates a beam output vs an omni output. For the transmitter part on the handheld wouldn't be a problem but the transmission on the drone might be a problem unless a better collector antenna to receive weak signals from the drone can be used to boost your range significantly. That would be a cool test to see.
Very nice job on the paint it is really a great color...I am going to do my Taranis using Hydro Swirl Painting...Guess I will have to do a vid of that...
Steele gonna fly the quad to the moon O.O
+The_Vortex I'm trying lol
Cheers Steele! Love your vids
+TM1ke thank you :). I enjoy making them for you guys
I used the adaptor from what u used for wireless adaptor cards.. 0 signal loss with that
Hi @mrsteele ! Did you ever get some range issues some time after using this 5dbi antennas ? Having some range issues xith my XJT module and x4rsb. It's just appears , changed my antennas to new ones, but rssi still really bad, range is only 500ft now. I read that some trouble could happen when using this mod on XJT , something like the RF was de calibrate itself, only fresh flashing / factory reset could fix it ??!
Good range test. Mine does not get anywhere near the distance in 'Range' mode. You say stock receiver, which stock receiver is it. Cheers
hey Steele just curious if you upgraded the battery to a 3s? I was always curious if that would give you more range to.
hey man, gotta a question about the antenna mod. I have purchased the taranis x9D plus SE. Since it comes with the antenna mod already done should I switch out the heavier gauge coax cable internally? I took it apart being curious how they built it and noticed it is a rather thin gauge wired connected from the bottom of the antenna to the pad. Should I bother? Will it still give me extra distance?
I have learned a great deal form your channel, thanks for all the info man. Any suggestions here would be greatly appreciated. later
-J-Skins
For someone who is looking to get into the hobby here in a couple months, which is a better transmitter? Taranis X9D Plus or the DX6 6 Channel DSMX? and why do you use a Taranis?
Lol.... you explained the 5dbi antenna mod very clear! Well, one word - THANKS! I have no more things to say... rather that i am going to paint my Dx6i to!! Been thinking for years to do that...or DIY rit dye...well one of them! Do you have a link to that quality 5dbi antenna? Cause i only know the linksys 5dbi antenna...but have no clue if it's good quality or not...Also the RG316 cable there is no UFL to SMA cable made? We need to make them? Why? know?
+targetingxmod You're welcome. If you want u.fl connector. Try RG178. It's great cable. Very low loss and comes in sma and u.fl. As far as an antenna goes. I'm not 100% sure how to tell you where to get good ones. As I don't know where mine came from lol. The one I use now I found at my house. And the one I bought was from A loft hobbies. All of these antennas are RPSMA. BTW
You could use your RF Explorer 6G combo spectrum analyzer (windows program) to help with your 2.4 GHz distance testing too.
When I did the antenna on my 7e, I made up a plain wire 1/4 wave whip to put in the old plastic antenna shell. So when I take off the 5dbi, I screw on the whip, and it looks indistinguishable from stock.
Hey, thanks man. I just learned a few things. 👍😊
+Mad Marc good :). That's what I aim for
What's your number one most asked question? Besides what's your pids. 😃
'Nother awesome video sweets! Keep it up please!
+Chrissi Bentley haha thanks Chrissi I really enjoy making these videos. I'm glad you and so may others find them enjoyable
Cheers :)
Very nice, Rotor Riot inspired me to switch from Spektrum to Taranis. But why on earth would I take the gimbals out of a spektrum premium transmitter and put them in a standard FrSky Taranis? Beats me.
14:10 was pretty cool. on/off haha nice. ill have to try this with my shape shifter to see how far it can go. but im gonna ride my fourwheeler not walk haha im lazy!
i finally need to get rid if my dx8 even with 2W wifi extender the range/penetration is bad.... will probably do the same mods THX.
+crash dummy yup. I had a Jeti with a 800mW booster and it still sucked compared to the 100mW stock antenna Taranis. Mini quads require different needs than LOS plane flying
Is it 3.2 inches including the sma brass? or just to the base of the it?
Hello Steele, I’m doing your antenna mod on my Taranis X9d plus and I wonder if I should remove the UFL connector to directly solder my coax (RG316 with rp-sma connector ) to the board or should I let the board as it is and solder a small piece of original crappy antenna with UFL on it to my RG316 coax.....(but it will be hard to keep the shield around the coax around d the solder.......and will look crap....
I tried to dismount a ufl connector to mount it on the RG316 but it’s too small and parts breaks as soon as you "unbend" the very thin tabs. Any advice? Thanks for your help. Aurélien, France
Is the antenna mod still worth doing? Been putting it off for over a year lol. With as cheap as the r9 is and all wondering if it’s worth messing with
love your giveaway message! good way to influence your viewership
+g2h0 :). Thank you it was fun.
Great test, thanks
damn that's awesome. you could fly half way to the moon with that thing. my dx6i must have problems because I would drop signal going that far away not even in range mode. I can't wait to get a new radio.
Casey Searls mine was shit too, taranis is much better
+Casey Searls haha sorry to hear that. Taranis aren't that expensive :). Used ones are even cheaper :)
Tax returns can't come soon enough haha
Can I buy your orange one? I promise I won't try to sell it on Ebay :)
thats nice of you
A good wifi booster and a patch antenna will make your stock radio perform like a UHF!
That was quick!
84 mm of the shielded cable? So does that include the solder joint?
+Adam Bauer that is from the butt of the rpsma connector to the end of where the shielded wire stops. So you'll need a tiny bit more because the shielded wire gets split and folded back for the active element to solder down
Hello Steele, I've rewatch this video because I would like to make this mod (5dbi) on my Taranis, but I've read a lot of comment about some issues with the 5dbi mod, have you had any problems with this mod? Thank you :) !
In the rush to fit a 5dbi antenna it's probably worth pointing out what you lose for gaining gain... The radiation pattern is flatter and antenna orientation becomes more important (all that flippin' ain't helpin'). The flatter radiation pattern means that if you fly much above 45 degrees from yourself you may find you have reduced range compared to the 2dbi. Watch out during those big inverted hangs!!
+iFli helps to mount Rx antennas 90 degrees out of phase. I have no noticeable side effects from the 5dbi antenna
Cool. Just thought I'd mention it!
I love your triumphant smirk! Best shit ever..... ;^)
+Fiendish1 FPV lol. Gotta take those small wins
Great vid Steel. I'd be curious on where you got that specific cable you are using. I know i can find it but quality control may not be there when its necessary for an application like this (I would think at least). This may be my problem previously where i installed a cable like this (although i can't confirm the cable type) where it worked for a while but then SWR was in the 30-40 range about a month after i did the mod. Also, can you link the exact antenna you are using? I've got 1 from amazon and a couple from aloft that seem to be identical. Thanks!
+Beerad FPV I got my antenna from aloft. And the wire I just ordered a short connector with rpsma on one side and a umx or something on the other. And cut the umx off :). All you need to worry about is that the rpsma is crimped and install correctly. I bought from a reputable RF connector source As close tome as possible from amazing prime. I'm inpatient lol
cool vids but gotta ask, why the creeper stache? :)
Excellent vid