Yagi range extenders

I just picked up a set of these. I don't use them to increase range, more just peace of mind. The areas I fly in have a lot of interference. I don't switch from auto, seems to work fine. I did some testing where I would fly to a spot with interference (I think from a cell tower near by), once my signal strength dropped low, clipped on the Yagi-Uda and full bars. Got mine for $13 (CAD) on amazon. Stuff that stocking!

They are designed for 5.8Ghz and you should manually select to fly on 5.8Ghz otherwise it's just an pretty decoration on your controller.

I bought a 5 GHz Yagi as well; for $10 and next day delivery you can't go wrong.
Going to do a before/after test or 2 this weekend.

I don't think you need to change to 5.8 - it should bounce around to the strongest signal. I also just saw a yagy-uda on aliexpress that has 2.4 and 5.8.

Rene Artois said:

They are designed for 5.8Ghz and you should manually select to fly on 5.8Ghz otherwise it's just an pretty decoration on your controller.

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I love Rene Artois!

StantonZ said:

I bought a 5 GHz Yagi as well; for $10 and next day delivery you can't go wrong.
Going to do a before/after test or 2 this weekend.

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Just learning about all this, but it seems to me that with the DJI system, the range of +/- 6 miles out and back far exceeds the battery capacity, so why range extenders?.

Papabri said:

Just learning about all this, but it seems to me that with the DJI system, the range of +/- 6 miles out and back far exceeds the battery capacity, so why range extenders?.

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Some people live in areas with more signal interference than others. Those that live in high interference areas may only be able to fly 1 or 2 miles away max, so they need signal/ range boosters to compensate. I prefer powered signal boosted antennas. You get the advertised range most of the time, except in seriously congested airwaves. Other than flying on the beach and over the ocean with little radio interference or obstructions, range extenders are almost a requirement if someone wants to get near the advertised range.

cgmaxed said:

Some people live in areas with more signal interference than others. Those that live in high interference areas may only be able to fly 1 or 2 miles away max, so they need signal/ range boosters to compensate. I prefer powered signal boosted antennas. You get the advertised range most of the time, except in seriously congested airwaves. Other than flying on the beach and over the ocean with little radio interference or obstructions, range extenders are almost a requirement if someone wants to get near the advertised range.

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I would have to ask the question: if you live in a high interference area, which presumably means housing and building congestion, how can you possibly fly a drone safely and in line of sight and complete control at 1 to 2 miles away ....... let alone potentially even further, with range extenders? Maybe out in the desert or offshore, but in populated areas .....? Just asking. ????????

An RC with Yagis looks like a double-barreled ray gun that Buck Rogers might carry on his hip. ??‍?

cgmaxed said:

Some people live in areas with more signal interference than others. Those that live in high interference areas may only be able to fly 1 or 2 miles away max, so they need signal/ range boosters to compensate. I prefer powered signal boosted antennas. You get the advertised range most of the time, except in seriously congested airwaves. Other than flying on the beach and over the ocean with little radio interference or obstructions, range extenders are almost a requirement if someone wants to get near the advertised range.

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Thanks, good to know. If they are only $10, seems like a no-brainer now.

DavidT_ NZ said:

I would have to ask the question: if you live in a high interference area, which presumably means housing and building congestion, how can you possibly fly a drone safely and in line of sight and complete control at 1 to 2 miles away ....... let alone potentially even further, with range extenders? Maybe out in the desert or offshore, but in populated areas .....? Just asking. ????????

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I think of mine as signal extenders rather than range extenders. Gives me a more stable connection to my drone.

OldGuy said:

I’ve noticed that Yagi range extenders for the Mini work on the 5.8 Ghz frequency (as advertised). Does this mean if you use them you have to switch from auto to manual in the Fly app and select 5.8 Ghz or can you still use them in auto? I am asking this as I think I may get a pair in my stocking this Christmas.

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I do it like this and it covers both and it does help. No need to go to manual. However, I do think it encourages dangerous flying. If you’re miles away, how do you know if there’s a low flying medical helicopter etc? If used for a stronger, more consistent signal within a reasonable distance, then yeah, go for it.

Dbez1 said:

I do it like this and it covers both. No need to go to manual. View attachment 118447

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Try and fit those on a Mini 2 controller rather than your Mini 1 and you will struggle.

Yep, I can see how that would be a problem. ?
But is it even necessary with occusync? I wish I had it on my MM!

DavidT_ NZ said:

I would have to ask the question: if you live in a high interference area, which presumably means housing and building congestion, how can you possibly fly a drone safely and in line of sight and complete control at 1 to 2 miles away ....... let alone potentially even further, with range extenders? Maybe out in the desert or offshore, but in populated areas .....? Just asking. ????????

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I launch my Hot Air Ballon and fly my drone from the gondola. I can see everything. JUST KIDDING. I live in Florida, its very flat, lots of water and marsh land. My house is built on cement pilons, essentially making it a 2 story house. There is a balcony that surrounds it's entirety. So, I can move around if a tree or two gets in my way. There are no buildings where I live, just radio towers. Most houses are only one story. If I fly long distances, I usually do it at night with multiple anticollision lights. I can see them over 4 miles away. They are made by FIREHOUSE. My patio allows me to see above the tree line and all the houses near by, so I can stay under 395ft without any issues. I use powered antenna boosting systems. This allows me to stay in complete control. I can see the airspace very clearly, in case any manned aircraft are nearby. I also use an app called FlighRadar24 that shows real-time ADS-B transmission of any aircraft nearby.

Rene Artois said:

I think of mine as signal extenders rather than range extenders. Gives me a more stable connection to my drone.

View attachment 118446

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More like signal concentrators. They are passive so there's no increase of overall output. Rather it takes a wide signak beam and narrows it to where it's needed most.