I like keeping a patch antenna on hand in case I lose a quad. I can direction find it. Take off all the omnis and put just the patch on. Turn head toward best video signal. Walk that way.
I take the antenna off entirely it's much more sensitive at that point and super directional. Now if I'm out a mile than a directional antenna could work but, at that point I'd probably be using the gps from the osd because if you're flying more than a half mile or so you should really have a gps on it.
That's the best way. Also, turn down your video transmitter to 25mw when you get closer (if you have smart audio.) This allows you to better differentiate a bad signal from a good one. If you had it on 800mw, then you'll get very clear video no matter which way you turn.
Josh, try the following: use a patch and an Omni on a long coax. The coax should be long enough that the ant sits over your head. Now what I’ve noticed with the rapid fire: even if you go behind the patch, the module still prefers the patch while it is definitely weaker (which I see with the bars). That fact alone shows that this module is not really good in getting the most out of the theoretical dream team (patch and Omni on a long coax). So now I use the 15cm coax Omni and a tiny stubby. The long coax is easily bendable and can stay on as well. Sorry for my long comment, greets, Mario
@@michaelbryant3643 easy! Just use an extender! Ive been doing this since July and ive had great results w the Wildfire (until just 3 days ago where i pushed my limits and was shocked that my reception wasnt better!)… ill keep the antennas but swapping out my module for the Rapidfire).
JB that was the best damn cliff's notes easy to understand way of explaining this stuff. The flashlight focus analogy of antenna db was spot on. Great video.
Years ago I read that diversity is used to reduce the effects of destructive interference where part of the signal reflects of something and therefore arrives a little later at the antenna. Because the paths don't have the same lenght anymore, constructive and destructive interference can occur. So you use two antennas that are spaced out a bit, so that when one experiences destrucive interference, you can switch to the other that hopefully doesn't. My guess is that if you use two omnis, you get reduced interference problems, which in some cases might even be better than a patch.
One of the most basic concepts from getting your ham license is the higher the antenna, the better reception. It makes a lot of sense that putting the antennas closer to your face and goggle is going to result in weaker reception. I find too often that I'm looking down and flying behind me, and my omni isn't tall enough for that. Gotta make that effort to keep my head up. Good info, as always, JB.
I have a Foxeer Lollipop Stubby and a Foxeer Patch antenna. Taking into consideration of Your video explaining antennas and placement, I have my patch antenna facing the Omni’s weakest point. I’ve always never felt comfortable flying behind me, but this video help me feel more confident in the choice I made: Fatshark Hdo Rapid Fire Module Foxeer Patch Foxeer Lollipop Stubby. Works as explained in this video; I don’t feel comfortable flying behind myself as I always fly in the same direction I am facing.
Just got a rapid fire and discovered the following: when using the frame combining mode (as opposed to traditional diversity), the signal is fantastic while flying in the area the patch is pointed (obviously), but when flying behind the patch, the signal is much worse than if I was using a non-diversity rx with just an omni. I believe this is because the module is blending in some frames from the patch even when it is breaking up badly. Switching to 2 omnis completely solved this. The difference was amazing.
For the bottom omni, just use the regular stubby (not the right angle one). Still 90 degree to the top one, without the fitment issue. The other reason to use two omnis when racing is because the range/penetration of the patch isn’t needed. And the patch’s high gain can be a detriment when a competitor’s quad flies close to you on the near side of the track. Yes, even if they are on a different but nearby channel, it messes with your video signal. BTW, works great with a standard diversity module too. Not just for Rapidfire.
3 years later after video i finally understand a little more. great content man. fyi ive been watching jb for 1 year almost and watch his latest stuff.
So this is one of those things that I always wondered about, because it made perfect sense, but it made so much sense that I assumed it would be in the common sense category. Yet so many pilots, if not all, highly recommended omni and patch so I just kind of took them at their word. I'm glad I'm not the only one who questioned it.
I use Rapidfire and have been refusing to switch to the two omni setup (although I see everyone else at races doing it), precisely because I did a similar side-by-side comparison and didn't like what I saw. Glad to know that it wasn't because I somehow didn't have my trial two omni setup right. My setup: one omni with ~3-inch extension (the one that came with TrueRC X-Air) to clear the goggle and my head, bent slightly backward to compensate my looking down + one directional, aiming ~30-degree up. Works GREAT
Great video Josh. My awesome wife just bought me the ev200d and some patch anntennas for my birthday. Steppin up from some cheap box goggles. Cant wait to improve my reception!!!!!!
I know it's 5 yrs old, but this video is timely. I'm about to switch from omni/patch combo to 2 stubbies, but I'm going to use extensions to get them above the goggles and my big, water-filled head.
@@laurentdinodrone7111 I think it would work either way but I usually run an omni and a patch on each side. I just forget the patches for miniquad stuff tho. With patches I can have acceptable video at over a mile, assuming I point my head in the right direction.
I always have a patch on hand, and normally did run a true rc one. But now that the v2 axii2 are out I run one stub right angle and a normal stub. Best ever!
I use an Omni and a patch, and I usually have my head down out of habit from my box goggle days. The way I counteract this is I use a 45 degree sma adapter on my patch so that it points forwards. The adapter came with my True-D so it works out well
Always need to pick the antennas for your environment too. I know a lot of people stopped using patches at races, lots of people + high gain antennas means that you might pick up other people's video as well because the antenna is so sensitive. Also, with something like rapid fire, certain situations it might be better to have a left omni and a right omni, or even no antenna believe it or not in a really high multi path environment, eg CDRA Nationals inside the football practice area indoors.
Using the stubbies does make it easier to store, especially in a back pack. Long stems antennas will give you better reception because you get away from your radio absorbing melon. But you have to remove or cleverly pack our goggles with long stem roses. So it’s a trade off, what works best for you is totally up to you and how you fly.
Love my TBS fusion. I flown with 2 omnis since starting fpv almost 3 years ago. I now use a Long range lumenier axii 2 and a lumenier axii 2 stubby, with a long range axii2 on the quad. It's awesome!
Man your cicadas sound SO pleasant compared to the screaming banshee's that we have in AUS Loved the video Josh, glad to he a Patriot of your channel, trying to catch one of your Monday steams but in always working haha Keep it up! Hopefully all is well after the tough times last week Happy Flying!!
Great video! I often fly whoops indoors using one RHCP omni and one LHCP omni. The drones, of course have dipoles, which are linear, but the signals bounce around like crazy and I find that having left and right omni antennas works well. Cheers!
Always love your content, and your info helped me build my first quad. Remember how you got here... being real.. this is-1st vid I’ve seen where it’s seems like ur pitching or angling for something down the road. Or maybe, you’ve got your first $ deal to continue.. in which case, I’ve been there and understand. You’re content has always been the best, but want to make sure you stay on path as a business owner.. I can’t wait till the next vid, as always.
I don't know what you think you're picking up on. This is just a video explaining why people are using two omni antennas. There's no pitch or angle here. The video was sparked by the release of the Lumenier stubby, but you can do this with whatever antenna you want.
@@JoshuaBardwell Thanks for your reply. Not sure either.. just seemed a little weird. Maybe bc I am used to seeing you at your desk. My apologies for assuming commercial motives- don't really know what I was thinking. Also, just watched your apology video. -- From the viewers perspective: We don't care about any of that; just love your vids. I didn't know anything about it until I saw your vid about it. And who the hell does this other guy think he is... Don't forget---YOU ARE JOSH F*%&^%^* BARDWELL- You're the man and don't have to put up with some whiney-a** small-fry business owner. Just crush him and forget it. Delete anything you want on your platform. You built it with hard work, (not him) so delete any comment that gets a little lippy, with a tone you don't like. Including mine. All the best
I've always flown with an omni and a linear for that very reason - that half the ding dongs at races with patch antennae fly with them pointed straight at the ground. I have fewer video problems than most people and I swear the linear is my secret weapon!
i always run my antennas 45 degrees tilted back so i know that when i lower my head down after like a minute of flying, its still going to be horizontal.
I wonder how long until there are goggles that used phased array antennas to electronically "aim" and "focus" the antenna onto the quad automatically...
Thank you “know it all”. I have been wondering about this. The stubby would be a lot nicer in the bag. Im switching mine out like this to see how it does.
What do u think of helicals? I made two. 7 turn and 5 turn They work really well for me. I use thick copper wire. I get the best range vs others with a homade 5 turn helical on my rotg01 reciever I dvr off my laptop. I was going to try two helicals on my goggles just facing different directions. I've haven't tried that yet . I always use a helical and triumph
@@DT-gun yeah that's awsome. infact I just built today another more accurate 7 turn. It's unbelievable how great it works. Better then store bought antennas. And let me tell ya I'm no expert. Very simple to build. I turn the thick copper wire on a bolt in a vise then the wire just free stands because it's thick enough. 15mm width of helicals center to center of wire, 12.9mm separation up and down between turns,50mm square or round piece of metal for ground. I use old coax from old antennas. The thicker wire also increases the band width. That's it.
I have a stubby axii on my quad and it is a drastic decrease in reception. With a stubby on a quad the frame and battery itself becomes the interference. switched to a 3 inch longer axii and the reception is now very clear in the same area as nothing blocks the antenna reception. never used a stubby before....will not again lol
Wearable base station signal tracking switching (hat) with an array of patches and onmis? withRF shield in hat... Just a thought. I know face the direction of quad is a seemingly simple discipline.. So if I learn something ....always do. I will want to improve on and with that. Thanx JB
I've never understood the use of a patch on FPV Goggles for the reasons you mentioned. With the 90 degree offset omni antennas, you're using the same principal we've used for years with our aircraft receivers to get better diversity. I think the patch would be best served on a ground station when doing long range FPV. Good explanation. See you in the Air!
I'm new to fpv, I use omni + crosshair on rapidfire. I lost video signal from super clean to 0 in a split second, disarmed and the quad rolled into the water (still working) but I'll definetly buy another omni because patches are too risky when you're not doing longrange.
Dis nigga has BEAST mode videos for like every concern or question, but Drone Mesh is catching up and overwhelming with the quickness !! I was wondering why the new kid from rotor riot had dual omnii s thank you Joshua
With wireless microphones true diversity with 2 different types of attenas you always get lots of drop outs since it won’t switch back and forth as often. With 2 matching types you get consistent coverage with no drops. What is different with fpv that lets you run 2 different types without causing issues?
D Morgan I would say 2 omnis is also useful in a high mulipath environment while a patch antenna is useful for everyday flying where you cauldron face the patch antenna at a difficult place for video or if u want to go farther in one direction
Hey Josh, I have been flying this way for about two years now and it works well for me and I agree with this great advice. You're also right about most people dropping their head while flying and I use a couple Aomway CPs bent back so they are oriented correctly when I have the goggles on, which help avoid flying into the null of the antennas. *One question though, what DVR monitor is that?* It looks perfect for a shirt pocket! I can't help but mention that your Ultimate FPV Shopping List doesn't have any FPV DVR Monitors.
I just bought a right angle and one straight. I just noticed you have two right angles. Did I get the wrong one? Also does it make sense to use the double axii instead? Or is there not much difference
I think that those are all rational and logical anwsers u give us, i mean it's not about having all the best gear, but it's about how u use it, where and when...
Why not use some antenna extensions or longer ones to bring them up above the goggles more? I don't imagine it will be higher than your head, so same issue regardless?
One issue with antennas that metal I proximity will affect it also not just block. (Detuning and absorption I believe). Rule of thumb is 2 wavelengths. That would be 12 which is pretty long but shorter is still going to help vs right on the goggle. Same for the quad in proximity to the carbon/electronics I’m thinking.
Have you tried one straight stubby and one right angle stubby? I just got my first set of fpv goggles.I accidentally ordered one straight and one right angle. Im going to give it a try today.
Do some folks fly with one antenna? I didn't hear him say to put a terminator on the empty connector to provide for less loss from the unused branch. This would not apply if there is a separate receiver for each antenna.
RE: antennas on stalks - your head is a giant blob of RF-blocking water. Getting the antenna up and away from it as much as possible is only going to be beneficial (or you could just not fly behind yourself).
The only reason for two "omni" antennas on my achilles module is: Flying with other pilots! It helps to avoid frequency disturbances! The patch tends to "catch" other signals better. Whenever I fly alone, always patch with omni. Been holding my head calm and aware of direction for a long time now, yay what a good habit! xD Oh, and my Omnis are sticking out above my head, just like as many others have it!
It's funny, I recently tested this myself. Got very linear, snowy noise with two omnis. Totally flyable. But I got this abrupt breakup, felt like it's going away completely any moment with an omni and a patch.
Thanks for the very good demonstration! As long as the same problem of gain direction if affecting the transmitter antenna, do you think that one day we will see diversity transmitter? Perhaps it requires using 2 different frequencies..
I run an ION positioned vertically with a triumph horizontally in front of and below it (coax is bent like a ?) To use the triumph to take care of the ION's big null and crosspolarization all at once
HELP NEEDED: I have a URUAV UR65 and after a small crash, motor 3 no longer spins. all it does is make a quiet buzzing sound. When arming the drone, the motors increase in noise pitch until it disarms and beeps once (long) then a gap and it beeps again (long i think). Im not sure what this corresponds to and cant find anything in the settings telling me of a problem. Is the motor unusable or can it be fixed? Apologies for this being irrelevant but i really need help from more experienced fliers.
@@JoshuaBardwell alright, I feared that might have been the case. Watched all of the vids on remapping resources but mine seemed just broke. Was a friend's which was scaring me Haha. Thanks for the help Josh
@@thecraftking113 oh ya i see.. I honestly never liked running a patch until i picked up a True RC patch and now i always run one... also i do alot of medium range freestyle
