Inspire range extender UK

aandpwoodley · Jul 19, 2015

Hi,

Is there anyone in the UK that does the controller modifications to increase the video feed of the Inspire.

Thanks

Andy

damoncooper · Jul 19, 2015

Worth trying this DIY free mod first:

Test video for the DIY P3/Inspire antenna booster. He runs out of connection juice at 2500m using stock P3 antennas. Then he puts the DIY boosters on and goes to 4100m where signal is still strong but he has to turn back due to batteries. That's a 64% increase. Not bad for less than $2 worth of material.

damoncooper · Jul 19, 2015

For the DIY-ers:

• Material required: cardboard, aluminum foil (or aluminum/copper tape)

• Tools required: printer, scissors, utility knife, glue, double tape (I use double tape to stick aluminium foil onto cardboard)

• DIY steps:

1. Print 2 copies of the PDF template on A4/Letter size paper (or direct on cardboard if your printer support) from the download link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6EvPgvmsFJlcVZ3QU5BZlFkVkk/view?usp=sharing

2. Follow the steps: https://rchelimenace.wordpress.com/how-to-build-your-own-windsurfer-antenna/

3.

sirnikolas · Jul 19, 2015

The FPVLR kit isn't too hard to install. There's even a "HOW TO" PDF and youtube video.
Otherwise, try what Damon has suggested.

The Editor · Jul 19, 2015

aandpwoodley said:
Hi,

Is there anyone in the UK that does the controller modifications to increase the video feed of the Inspire.

Thanks

Andy

I can neither condone or approve the modification as I want to stay neutral but you should be aware that in the UK if you do decide to go ahead with it

You will be breaking the law under OFCOM for going outside the permitted EIRP for fixed antenna 2.4ghz transmitting devices
If you operate commercially, you will have to specify your transmitters output power (which for the UK is 100mW/20dBa EIRP) in your ops manual
It is possible you will not be covered by your liability insurers (if operating commercially) since you will be conducting flights outside of your operational limits

Just be aware of the above.

Apart from all of that - yes, you will be able to fly further !

See, I said I was neutral

sirnikolas · Jul 19, 2015

*bets his crownz that Ed uses Nasas deep space satellite dishes to fly his I1* ` Just quietly

The Editor · Jul 19, 2015

sirnikolas said:
*bets his crownz that Ed uses Nasas deep space satellite dishes to fly his I1* ` Just quietly

Nope - it's explained in my signature.

Scotflieger · Jul 19, 2015

aandpwoodley said:
Is there anyone in the UK that does the controller modifications to increase the video feed of the Inspire.

Further to Editor's sound comments, you must bear in mind that the maximum legal range in 500m. From my experience, the standard RC works perfectly out to that distance and beyond (up to 1500m opps).

ajohnsonlaird · Jul 19, 2015

Ed: With the proviso that I suspect you've forgotten more about antenna theory than I currently know, how are these "reflectors" working?

Are they just acting as a parabolic dish antenna? What does that do to the "standing wave ratio" (SWR) of the transmitting antenna? Is there a risk that they increase the SWR to the point that Really Bad Things happen to the amount of RF power reflected back into the output stage of the transmitter?

Andy. (EDIT: And I mean, "the Other Andy")

The Editor · Jul 19, 2015

ajohnsonlaird said:
Ed: With the proviso that I suspect you've forgotten more about antenna theory than I currently know, how are these "reflectors" working?

Are they just acting as a parabolic dish antenna? What does that do to the "standing wave ratio" (SWR) of the transmitting antenna? Is there a risk that they increase the SWR to the point that Really Bad Things happen to the amount of RF power reflected back into the output stage of the transmitter?

Andy. (EDIT: And I mean, "the Other Andy")

Yup, they are just acting as a passive reflector and concentrating the RF energy in a focussed direction. The beam angle is obviously more narrow than a 'doughnut' and therefore if you go too far off axis you will lose both uplink and downlink with the Inspire (if you were a fair way out).
The reason they are illegal in certain countries is although the output power of the transmitter remains the same the effective radiated power in the direction of beam is increased (due to the gain by the reflector) and therefore breaks the legally permissible emissions put in place by the relevant authority.
SWR should not be an issue in this case as the termination impedance of the antenna remains the same.
Hope that helps

ajohnsonlaird · Jul 20, 2015

Thanks, Ed. Yeah.... the asymmetric radiation pattern with a radial "beam" at elevated power would elevate the EIRP along that beam as you said in your first post.

Thanks
The Other Andy.

Richard Hurst · Jul 20, 2015

There is a guy over on Facebook called Tom Hodgins that does the same mod as Freddy in the USA, they are actually about to pair up in business together. Sent him mine this morning and will have it back Friday morning. £109 inc postage and 2 new Antennas

aandpwoodley · Jul 20, 2015

What's the quoted improvement over the stock antennas

The Editor · Jul 20, 2015

aandpwoodley said:
What's the quoted improvement over the stock antennas

About £5,000 fine and up to 3 months in jail if you interfere with other transmissions

, but you will be able to fly sooooo much further in the exercise yard.

sirnikolas · Jul 21, 2015

aandpwoodley said:
What's the quoted improvement over the stock antennas

My basic FPVLR kit is rated at 7km. Only reason I bought it was to have a solid signal within a 2km boundary.

aandpwoodley · Jul 21, 2015

Same reason why I want to upgrade

sirnikolas · Jul 21, 2015

*pulls the trigger for aandpwoodley*

The Editor · Jul 21, 2015

sirnikolas said:
*pulls the trigger for aandpwoodley*

Nope - I'm off on vacation so I am in one of my rare 'non sarcastic' moods

Machoman · Jul 26, 2015

Will these boosters have a negative effect on situations where you do not point the antennas exactly to the inspire? How should you when its 3KM away and you dont see it. Lets say you hold it 45 degrees in the wrong direction will is loose signal then?