Antennas

Ben Chapman · Feb 27, 2018

Are all the antennas about the same? I am looking at the 4Hawks, Itelite and the Titan, are there any others in the under $150 cost range? I like the Titan because they are 2 hours away from home and seem to have better customer service.

Any thoughts would be appreciated, don’t care about total distance just best signal within 1.5 miles away and closer.

4HAWKS Raptor SR Range Extender for DJI Mavic, Mavic Air and Spark Drones

Uav And Drone Antennas | United States | ITELITE ANTENNAS Inc.

Titan Drones, Inc.

limesqueezy · Feb 27, 2018

Saw a crazy YouTube review of a distance test with a $9 parabolic antenna reflector for the Controller from Amazon.

for the video, https://www.amazon.com/Threeking-Controller-Extender-Parabolic-Accessories/dp/B072HFCC2S for what I believe is the product on Amazon https://goo.gl/Vhf1Gf.

Ben Chapman · Mar 2, 2018

Thats like a carnival freak show looks neat but is just not real

Hddeuce03 · Mar 2, 2018

Ben Chapman said:
Thats like a carnival freak show looks neat but is just not real

Why do you say it's not real? There have been many that tested those with similar results. Actually, some have gotten fantastic distances with the stock antenna. Are you having issues that makes you want to spend $150 on new antenna? You say you don't care about flying far (but in this post you also say "within 1.5 miles"...that's pretty darn far and actually farther than DJI advertises (1.2 miles).

Not trying to criticize in any way, just curious as to if you've had issues? I haven't had any issues to date with the stock antenna but I don't go over a mile away either.

Ben Chapman · Mar 2, 2018

A mile or under is fine for me, 10,000 feet is 1.9 miles, with a stock antenna? I have seen people claim that but I find it hard to believe I have been around a lot of sparks though none have made it further than 3/4 mile and that was an expieremced pilot.

Hddeuce03 · Mar 2, 2018

Ben Chapman said:
A mile or under is fine for me, 10,000 feet is 1.9 miles, with a stock antenna? I have seen people claim that but I find it hard to believe I have been around a lot of sparks though none have made it further than 3/4 mile and that was an expieremced pilot.

Understood. I do believe the almost 2 miles with stock antenna although I agree rare...depends on a LOT of factors. The ones over water with no obstacles have a great chance at doing that. And there are video's of this being done. Yes, I know every one could be faked, but I don't believe that. From my comm knowledge and experience, while it's not the norm, it's definitely possible.

But you are the first I've seen talk about 3rd-party antenna and I must admit I'm intrigued! If one were to try and push the limit, that would definitely be the way to go!

Ben Chapman · Mar 2, 2018

I just want a strong consistent signal up to a mile or even 1/2 mile all the time

Hddeuce03 · Mar 2, 2018

Ben Chapman said:
I just want a strong consistent signal up to a mile or even 1/2 mile all the time

Fully understood.

Here is another interesting thread in the official DJI Spark forum where someone got 10k feet distance over desert.

DJI SPARK RANGE TEST - 10,000 FEET SUCCESS!

FPV_4_LIFE · Mar 13, 2018

I found this video From ITELite Drone with the DJI Spark flying almost 3 miles distance , just wondering if anyone has tried this antenna?

Uav And Drone Antennas | United States | ITELITE ANTENNAS Inc.

Ben Chapman · Mar 14, 2018

I bought the Control 5.8 from Titan Drones, I liked that they modified the controller, well worth the cost for me, the new antenna is awesome, I am not a let's see how far I can go pilot. Though I have yet to lose the signal where before I did, I have not had any signal warnings. 350 ft up 2000+/- ft away and it was solid.

Firestat · Mar 14, 2018

limesqueezy said:
Saw a crazy YouTube review of a distance test with a $9 parabolic antenna reflector for the Controller from Amazon.

for the video, https://www.amazon.com/Threeking-Controller-Extender-Parabolic-Accessories/dp/B072HFCC2S for what I believe is the product on Amazon https://goo.gl/Vhf1Gf.

Just saw that myself. He was able to go almost 2 miles with the extenders

limesqueezy · Mar 14, 2018

Now VLOS at 2 miles is another story...

MannyCAM2001 · Mar 15, 2018

Having a solid connection is paramount in any regards. Whether flying the distance or simply weaving in and out of trees and foliage. Peaking over shrubbery or other fixed landmarks or stationary objects. Dipping down to get a closer field of view, below tree level. Exploring a cool forest setting. All warrant having a solid connection.
Except for flying the distance, which also does not interest me it is nice to know that the connection is there, if you ever do need it.
Yep, nothing more important then good ole peace of mind.
The parabolic extender, yep tried them. Unless you are pointing them right at the aircraft, you will lose the connection. that narrow beam becomes a lot narrower the further the aircraft is. I doubt anyone wants to be glued in a semi-fixed position for an entire flight.
But hey, subjective as it is with everything in this fascinating hobby. Which is why forums like this are so useful.
So “Run through the jungle” but keep your heads down’.

Gavieboydgi · Mar 22, 2018

FPV_4_LIFE said:
I found this video From ITELite Drone with the DJI Spark flying almost 3 miles distance , just wondering if anyone has tried this antenna?

Uav And Drone Antennas | United States | ITELITE ANTENNAS Inc.

For this video he could of been using that big antenna for all we know. The battery will always limit the spark anyway so 1 mile is about enough for the spark for me.

JMcIntosh · Mar 22, 2018

Ben Chapman said:
Are all the antennas about the same? I am looking at the 4Hawks, Itelite and the Titan, are there any others in the under $150 cost range? I like the Titan because they are 2 hours away from home and seem to have better customer service.

Any thoughts would be appreciated, don’t care about total distance just best signal within 1.5 miles away and closer.

4HAWKS Raptor SR Range Extender for DJI Mavic, Mavic Air and Spark Drones

Uav And Drone Antennas | United States | ITELITE ANTENNAS Inc.

Titan Drones, Inc.

Here is a test I did with $8 parabolic range extenders and a few tips.

Gavieboydgi · Mar 22, 2018

I had that precision landing happen to me the other day as far as I know the spark doesn't have that feature. What version of the app was you using and was you using WiFi or otg when this happened?