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.
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.
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.
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 ?
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!!
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
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 :)
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)
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.
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 ...
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
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 : )
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
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...
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
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?
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
When switching to a higher gain antenna, you give up omni-directionality. That means the higher gain antenna is always more directional. Something to keep in mind, when flying, is you'll need to stay within the tighter beam pattern.
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.
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.
Lithuania Latvia and Estonia is beautiful countries with unique languages and culture. It's shame that Russian empire had to try to destroy culture in this countries for a centuries
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?
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
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.
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?
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!!
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
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.
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
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.
Awesome video Steele. I wish FRSKY would offer upgraded gimbals for the Taranis. X9E gimbals don't fit because of the trim buttons. Are you using a Canon G7X camera? Looking for a good camera, but hesitant because people are complaining about the lack of external audio options. Although the sound in your vlog sounds okay.
+Bionic24 yup I'm sold on the canon g7x. Love this little camera. I have a mark I and Mark ii. Was trying to get rid of the mark I if your interested. I honestly love them both for different reasons. But can't justify keeping both
Not sure if shipping to the Netherlands would make sense :). Was awesome meeting up with you guys in Ibiza with the buggies. Keep going with your Vlogs! Menno
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...
So I finally got around to doing this, I also used the more difficult RG316 coax. So attempt number one I left the taranis circuit backboard in the taranis frame and ended up screwing it up :( I'm an experienced solderer, but even still. I put a little too much strain on that tiny antenna signal pad and it ripped off the board. Had to order another backboard ($70 :( ) Then, attempt number two was much easier as I had the backboard taken out of the frame. Mod successful now. Zero SWR.
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!
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!
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.
The antenna mode is a good idea BUT if the goal is to remain legal -- they measure the legal limit based on radiated power. NOT on the input from the transmitter board. Your mod certainly increased the amount of power transmitted but did it put you over the limit? Who knows? But you can't claim that using the same RF board keeps yu legal, to know that you'd need a field strength meter. Another way to increase range is to improve the antenna in the receiver Finally one last comment. Your higher gain antenna comes at a cost of a flatter beam pattern. The RF comes out the SIDE of the antenna and the disk is more flattened with the larger antenna. This works good for you if the quad is always low to the ground the you keep the antenna vertical. But if you leant radio over or the quad flies high the RSSI would be WORSE then with the old antenna. In other words you new antenna is more directional in the vertical place (but still omni in horizontal plane) As I said, good mod if the drone will always be about as far off the ground as your transmitters and yu can keep the antenna vertical
Yeah my Orange T-Six fell off the table and broke it's antenna... So I told the gf I need to get a Taranis QX 7,,, review that too.... if your in Sacramento come hang out,,,I need some flying / diving tips!!!
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.
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.
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?
+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
I think you are getting further in range test mode than I am in normal mode with my Horus. Just did and RSSI test on my Horus today and made it 25 yards.
I have a trouble with my Taranis. It just unable to bind to my Pet Rock. It seems my Pet Rock is using different protocol but I don't know for sure. I can't wait to fly my Pet Rock and race it against my friend's racing quad. I took a 100$ bet on it.
IRFZ44 my pet rock bound in mere seconds. Been flying it ever since. Good luck to you and your rock. Welcome to the pet rock flyers club though. We are few at this point but I find the community to be very helpful. Flymypetrock.com is a great resource.
+Dominique Ratte they are pots. There aren't any Hall effect sensors that I am aware of for this style gimbal. Except the Jeti ones which I have ;) lol
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.
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
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've just recently added a Visaton BF 32 1.3" speaker to mine with a 3D printed mount and it sounds great! Sounds pretty good when playing my music and I can feel the bass for sure lol. I did a range test before and after just to be sure there were no side effects to the magnet. I've been flying it a few months now with no issues. Have you thought about upgrading yours? I could hardly hear mine outside sometimes.
Of course, hence the reason for the upgrade. I run a script to play a random song via a switch so I always have some music. With this it is louder than my phone and has bass too.
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.
Greetings from New Zealand, So its a great radio after all the mods are done, but not so flash out of the box? I have one and don't love it or hate it, seems like it should come with all those mods from standard. I guess the price reflects the quality. Did your mods cost more than the radio its self? keep up the great work, I enjoy watching your you tube content thanks for sharing. Regards Dave.
+MrAlcoholic3 hey Dave. Gimbals were about 50$USD with shipping. Coax and antenna were 15$ at most. Epoxy 5$ and battery about 25$ so if the radio costs around 200$ you're looking at roughly 300$ for a modded out Taranis. And if you paint it it's another 3-10$ depending on the paint you use. I hope This helps. Also flash the radio with the latest version of OPEN TX. 2.1 I think :) Cheers Your country is beautiful. I hope to visit one day -Steele
Steele could you post the link to those red switch nut bling things, or if you know if the taranis switch thread is the same as the futaba switches? Awesome videos man, Keep it up!
Steele- what antenna are you presently using and what advantage does it give you (aside from range)? I've noticed what looks like a "T" on prior videos, what and why? These informative vids are great?!
+Wrstew if you saw the T antenna that was a crossfire module. That I probably was not using at the time But had in the radio. I am using the 5dbi whip as you see in this video and have been for some Time
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?
