Range of 2,4GHz Tx/Rx systems
Very often I read in the internet, and also I hear from beginners on the field, that they can't estimate the range of their models correct and that they don't know which manufacture for the transmitter they should choose because of that.
Why? Because the manufacturers are writing distances between 1600m and 4000m on the boxes of their transmitters and the beginners are thinking that they will fly with their Easy Star around 5km height.
I want to stop with that uncertainty once and for all time!
Why? Because the manufacturers are writing distances between 1600m and 4000m on the boxes of their transmitters and the beginners are thinking that they will fly with their Easy Star around 5km height.
I want to stop with that uncertainty once and for all time!
1. Imagination and reality:
The values on the boxes are not even worth the paint with which they are printed. The range is limited by unbelievable much factors. The most important one is, how much antennas are built in in the model and how they are aligned. An antenna does have the best receiving when you see it from the side (long side). From the front (when you see the diameter) it has the worst receiving. If you have now a model which you are flying in a range more then 150m, you should have at least two antenna which yre aligned in a 90° angle.
Similar to the antenna of the transmitter. To align it that the tip is leading to the model is the worst thing.
2,4GHz needs visual connection!
Through foam, wood and plastic it can see through without any problems, critical it gets with carbon and metal. Keep in mind: In foam, wood and glass fibre, the antennas can be mounted without any problems inside the model, when using metal or carbon fibre, the antennas should be lead outside the fuselage and no matter how you are holding the model, you should always see at least one antenna! Also antenna's should not be placed next to jamming things like an ESC or engine.
Your model will in 99,9% not crash because the transmitting range was too short, if, then it will be a technical defect, or a wrong attachment of the receiver and the antennas! Every transmitter brand on the market has enough range for 99% of the models on the market. Doesn't matter what they are writing on the box.
2. Fixed wings:
You are thinking you are flying your Easy Star in a distance more then 1km? Not even close...
I have good eyes and also I don't need any glases or lenses. My Salto have a wingspan of 3,9m in acro configuration. Typicaly the tow is released between 400m and 500m as in this video:
The values on the boxes are not even worth the paint with which they are printed. The range is limited by unbelievable much factors. The most important one is, how much antennas are built in in the model and how they are aligned. An antenna does have the best receiving when you see it from the side (long side). From the front (when you see the diameter) it has the worst receiving. If you have now a model which you are flying in a range more then 150m, you should have at least two antenna which yre aligned in a 90° angle.
Similar to the antenna of the transmitter. To align it that the tip is leading to the model is the worst thing.
2,4GHz needs visual connection!
Through foam, wood and plastic it can see through without any problems, critical it gets with carbon and metal. Keep in mind: In foam, wood and glass fibre, the antennas can be mounted without any problems inside the model, when using metal or carbon fibre, the antennas should be lead outside the fuselage and no matter how you are holding the model, you should always see at least one antenna! Also antenna's should not be placed next to jamming things like an ESC or engine.
Your model will in 99,9% not crash because the transmitting range was too short, if, then it will be a technical defect, or a wrong attachment of the receiver and the antennas! Every transmitter brand on the market has enough range for 99% of the models on the market. Doesn't matter what they are writing on the box.
2. Fixed wings:
You are thinking you are flying your Easy Star in a distance more then 1km? Not even close...
I have good eyes and also I don't need any glases or lenses. My Salto have a wingspan of 3,9m in acro configuration. Typicaly the tow is released between 400m and 500m as in this video:
Jump now exactley to 1:07, in the lower right corner you will find our runway (you can see the tarmac quite good). The height was about 400m, the side distance about 100m, according to trigeometrie this means a distance about 450m between the transmitter and the receiver.
Believe me, in this distance, it is quite difficult to see the position correct, and that with nearly 4m wingspan. Does anybody now really thinks that it is improtant if there is standing 1,6km or 4km range on the boxes?
3. Helicopter:
A helicopter is more dificult to fly then a fixed wing because it is not stable on its own. So you need to see the exact position all the time and you need to correct always something. Look again at the video with the Salto and the distance. Not even with a 800 size helicopter you will get away 300m if you want it.
4. FPV flying:
Of course, it is theoreticaly possible to fly away even 10km.
Two notes from my side: To fly so high / far away that you can't control the model without FPV is negligently and stupid. As I know also forbidden. If there should be an obstacle in your visual line (like trees etc.), then it was that and the connection is gone. Leave that stupid things and stay in distances where you can control your model also without FPV.
The whole purpose of this article is, that beginners should not get unsettled from the values of the boxes from the manufacturers. There are other and much more importent criterias to select "your" transmitter, so forget the range which is printed on the box.
Believe me, in this distance, it is quite difficult to see the position correct, and that with nearly 4m wingspan. Does anybody now really thinks that it is improtant if there is standing 1,6km or 4km range on the boxes?
3. Helicopter:
A helicopter is more dificult to fly then a fixed wing because it is not stable on its own. So you need to see the exact position all the time and you need to correct always something. Look again at the video with the Salto and the distance. Not even with a 800 size helicopter you will get away 300m if you want it.
4. FPV flying:
Of course, it is theoreticaly possible to fly away even 10km.
Two notes from my side: To fly so high / far away that you can't control the model without FPV is negligently and stupid. As I know also forbidden. If there should be an obstacle in your visual line (like trees etc.), then it was that and the connection is gone. Leave that stupid things and stay in distances where you can control your model also without FPV.
The whole purpose of this article is, that beginners should not get unsettled from the values of the boxes from the manufacturers. There are other and much more importent criterias to select "your" transmitter, so forget the range which is printed on the box.