I would also like to put in my vote for a video on how to make a 5.8 antenna from start to finish please. I think many of us would greatly appreciate it. I know there may be other videos out there explaining this, but you are such a great teacher. The way you express your expertise and relate to others, you're doing a wonderful job friend. Keep them coming Bruce!
Bruce I don't care what others say or the fools that hit don't like, your bench tech skills are spot on. Your common sense to bureaucrats are nothing but thumbs up. Sir I think you missed your calling you should be teaching the next generation of techs and engineers. Thanks for your channel. After so many years of just board swap in telecom with a flow chart it is good to get back to the basics.
What is that really thin cable used for connecting WiFi antennae? I know it must have some sort of name or spec. What ever it is, it seems to be delicate stuff.
Bruce, in can't find the part numbers formthe rp-sma or sma connectors to match this cable. Please make a video assembling an antenna and show us what connectors are the correct item. Also is there an optimal length for the antenna. I see 5cm bandied around in the comments.
civicex5speed You will get some loss due to longer cable lengths so it's always a good idea to keep the antenna lead as short as practicable. That's why on my FPV pole I mount the receiver at the top with a short lead to the antenna and an extension for the video signal (which is far less affected by longer cables).Over a few inches the loss isn't significant but once you get to a foot or more, it can soon add up, especially if you're using a cable like RG316 which isn't even rated for 5.8GHz and seems (empirically) to have a loss of more than 2dB per meter. That means a meter-and-a-half (about 5 feet) of cable will *halve* the signal.
I noticed on some commercial antenna they use what looks like a ferrite core around the coax just below the antenna. I assume it has something to do with noise suppression or acts a simple balun. I don't know if it makes a lot of difference if any on these small antenna?
Hey Bruce, great videos but i noticed that there nobody out there that shows how to solder the female rp-sma pigtail cable for the vtx ? the female part is what im trying to figure out how to solder? or would you just crimp it? video please.....!!!
Thanks Bruce. Can we have dreadlock length antennas on our fpv googles? How long can we go before the clover leaf. Down our backs till we touch the ground?
Cool cable, I wonder if someone have Made a video about the most used rg amateur radio and fpv cables, with pro and cons in of each, its really difficult to find all this information on one place. 😕
Bruce, I built several antennas using the cheap rg402 material from ebay. All of them are falling apart where the braid is soldered to the sma connector. The braid tears off completely and then the antenna flies off of my multirotor. Any suggestions to ruggedize this? Or should we buy higher quality RG402 cables?
Any idea as to the attenuation per "x" length of RG402 for remote antenna set ups. I am trying to avoid having all my VTx's mounted exterior to my ground station. I know there ios going to be loss, but how much am I to anticipate for a 15' run from my indoor mounted 5.8GHz VRx? I am building the RCMR diversity PCB offered by OShpark with the extra caps for hysterisis and maybe I shopuld plan on having an enclosure with everything contained in it and just the RCA sending the AV. Ooops just the video for now:-). I am working to make the changes necessary to get audio coming along with the video through the switches.
One note for those who do a lot of home wiring. Get yourselves a pair of precision wire cutters. Not diagonal cutters you can buy at the hardware store. I mean a good pair of really sharp wire cutters. Most of the time the good ones will stipulate that you do not use them on steel or harder metals, only copper, silver, tin, and lead. They'll cost you a decent penny but it beats mashed wires. I have a pair of Erem 532n for work and Hakko model something or other for home.
Weese I've never had a crimp fail so the "belts and braces" approach probably isn't necessary but,so long as it's done properly, probably won't hurt.There's some very interesting scientific stuff out there on the superiority of crimping to soldering -- it's quite an eye-opener if you think that the latter is better than the former.
Hi. Great videos. I am having some trouble with the video feed on my quadcopter. When I separated the vbat, gnd and vid wire from each other(they were twisted together), the vid cleared up almost perfectly. If I used Co ax cable for the vid wire (cam to vtx) do you think this would reduce interference? Any response at all will be appreciated!
Bruce, Soldering video and (if it wasn't already done) how about a antenna cable 101 video. Stuff like, length, does it matter if its long/short, having multiple antennas next to each other, proper distances, and even something like, I currently own a Immersion Duo and Uno, can these be used together into a single goggle/base station feed? I'm sure there are others out there that may have done that video, but its gospel if it comes from you! Corey
I believe these also have a better attenuation but not that it matters on these short lengths. The RG316 is actually not for 5-6Ghz because of the high attenuation.
Thank YOU these videos of yours give me the basis for extended research but I always turn to you, to hopefully find a well made basic' lesson thank you. Coaxial has been a "bit of mystery" to me. Question - I did abit of experimental purchasing to see whats what and got some coax RG178 size, pretty small, what could you use this size for regarding 433, 1.3, 2.4 and 5.8 frrquencies thank you.
Hey bruce, what is the realistic maximum length for these cables? I'm planning to rig an old van for fpv. I was wondering if a 4-5 meter RG402 would be OK.
Remember you will loose some gain with long cables between the antenna and receiver and it has to be multiples of I think half or maybe quarter wavelenghts of the freq you are using.
illusive aeldre I've got to be careful what I say here since I'm no expert. But the usual crude method is to use the calculation speed of light in a vacuum divided by the freq eg for 5.8GHz 299792458/5800000000 = 0.052m or 5.2cm is equivalent 1 wavelength. But then you have to multiply that by the so called velocity factor of the coax. I noticed the extensions on IBcrazys clovers are 5cm.
stewjw I know some of those words :D But i don't see the answer anywhere. 5cm can't be the limit because I saw people using 15-20cm long antennas for 5.8ghz.
illusive aeldre You can use multiples of the 5cm wavelength or half wavelength like you said, 10cm, 15cm, 20cm. Simply put on the two transmission lines in the coax you want equal and opposite waves to cancel each other out to get whats called a balanced line otherwise you generate a large standing wave which is not healthy for the receiver or transmitter. The standing wave can be measured using an SWR meter and needs to be as close to 1 as possible-at least I think thats right. So if you use a transmission line length which is in multiples of the calculated wavelength there's less chance of getting a large standing wave. But to be done properly a meter has to be used. If I'm speaking in riddles its because I don't fully understand it either.
Great video as always Bruce. What antenna are you using on your transmitter for normal flying( non fpv,) just wondering as thinking of changing mine as every one says standard one is crap. Cheers.
Bruice, seriously its been 6 months since our last Fixed wing video, us fixed wingers are gonna start loosing interest and that would be a massive shame because you run a great channel.
Hey Bruce ask a yank next time they wine about pronunciation. If they sell a car is it then considered sold, or sod just add er for a how to correctly say solder.
Your explanation failed to mention what the loss difference actually was. Can you crimp RG-402? Can you use RG-8 or LMR-400? I normally love your explanations.
I would also like to put in my vote for a video on how to make a 5.8 antenna from start to finish please. I think many of us would greatly appreciate it. I know there may be other videos out there explaining this, but you are such a great teacher. The way you express your expertise and relate to others, you're doing a wonderful job friend. Keep them coming Bruce!
Bruce I don't care what others say or the fools that hit don't like, your bench tech skills are spot on. Your common sense to bureaucrats are nothing but thumbs up. Sir I think you missed your calling you should be teaching the next generation of techs and engineers. Thanks for your channel. After so many years of just board swap in telecom with a flow chart it is good to get back to the basics.
I'm just getting into fpv (Finally) and I'd love to see more videos like this. Especially the soldering of that new cable. Keep up the great work!
Video on how to solder the connectors please Bruce
One of my friends bought this cable from ebay few months ago, he is crazy about it now lol
Good to see even Bruce talks about it :)
We all want that solder video :-) Thanks a lot for this video!
Do a video on how to make the whole antenna please Bruce
What is that really thin cable used for connecting WiFi antennae? I know it must have some sort of name or spec. What ever it is, it seems to be delicate stuff.
Bruce, in can't find the part numbers formthe rp-sma or sma connectors to match this cable. Please make a video assembling an antenna and show us what connectors are the correct item. Also is there an optimal length for the antenna. I see 5cm bandied around in the comments.
I just need links to where i can get everything and how to mount the sma connector. from there i can manage to make some real nice looking antennas.
Tips like this is why i love your videos...
Honets little tips with no marketing interest just one rcfreak to the other rcfreaks...;)
Thanks Bruce. Would a longer run of cable for antenna (2 feet maybe) cause issues? This would give more space between other electronic noise. Thanks
civicex5speed You will get some loss due to longer cable lengths so it's always a good idea to keep the antenna lead as short as practicable. That's why on my FPV pole I mount the receiver at the top with a short lead to the antenna and an extension for the video signal (which is far less affected by longer cables).Over a few inches the loss isn't significant but once you get to a foot or more, it can soon add up, especially if you're using a cable like RG316 which isn't even rated for 5.8GHz and seems (empirically) to have a loss of more than 2dB per meter. That means a meter-and-a-half (about 5 feet) of cable will *halve* the signal.
Hi there!
Can you please make the video about the crimping/soldering?
Thanks
I noticed on some commercial antenna they use what looks like a ferrite core around the coax just below the antenna. I assume it has something to do with noise suppression or acts a simple balun. I don't know if it makes a lot of difference if any on these small antenna?
Hey Bruce, great videos
but i noticed that there nobody out there that shows how to solder the female rp-sma pigtail cable for the vtx ? the female part is what im trying to figure out how to solder? or would you just crimp it?
video please.....!!!
Thanks Bruce. Can we have dreadlock length antennas on our fpv googles? How long can we go before the clover leaf. Down our backs till we touch the ground?
Cool cable, I wonder if someone have Made a video about the most used rg amateur radio and fpv cables, with pro and cons in of each, its really difficult to find all this information on one place. 😕
Aaah brilliant, I've been looking for cable here and couldn't find any info. Thanks!!
Bruce, I built several antennas using the cheap rg402 material from ebay. All of them are falling apart where the braid is soldered to the sma connector. The braid tears off completely and then the antenna flies off of my multirotor. Any suggestions to ruggedize this? Or should we buy higher quality RG402 cables?
Any idea as to the attenuation per "x" length of RG402 for remote antenna set ups. I am trying to avoid having all my VTx's mounted exterior to my ground station. I know there ios going to be loss, but how much am I to anticipate for a 15' run from my indoor mounted 5.8GHz VRx? I am building the RCMR diversity PCB offered by OShpark with the extra caps for hysterisis and maybe I shopuld plan on having an enclosure with everything contained in it and just the RCA sending the AV. Ooops just the video for now:-). I am working to make the changes necessary to get audio coming along with the video through the switches.
Hi sir.. Is the rg316 a good replacement fkr the traxxas tqi receiver antenna cable?
One note for those who do a lot of home wiring. Get yourselves a pair of precision wire cutters. Not diagonal cutters you can buy at the hardware store. I mean a good pair of really sharp wire cutters. Most of the time the good ones will stipulate that you do not use them on steel or harder metals, only copper, silver, tin, and lead. They'll cost you a decent penny but it beats mashed wires. I have a pair of Erem 532n for work and Hakko model something or other for home.
Quick question. What exactly do I need to make a bluetooth wifi antenna for my ps4?
In your professional opinion what's the best mini transmitter that works with the FatSharks?
Hi Bruce, does it matter which way the antenna is pointing on your model, wasn't sure if it mattered if it was pointing up or down
***** No, it makes no difference so just position it whichever direction is convenient or most mechanically robust.
Just don't point the top at yourself. Clover leaf antennas have donut shaped radiation so top and bottom are null points
Hello, How do you strip RG402 coax cable? Thank you for your helpful videos.
we want a video, we cant get enough of your Aussie accent.
I have a crimper for those connectors, I still solder the inner cable to the pin/socket just to be safe.
Weese I've never had a crimp fail so the "belts and braces" approach probably isn't necessary but,so long as it's done properly, probably won't hurt.There's some very interesting scientific stuff out there on the superiority of crimping to soldering -- it's quite an eye-opener if you think that the latter is better than the former.
Weese Oops... misread your comment-- yes, I *always* solder the center-pin to the coax inner.
What is the size of the crimper?
I'm glad I'm not the only one that does that!
Could I use the RG402 cable with a diy 900Mhz antenna?
Would love to see the build with this stuff Bruce
ATB Malc
Hi. Great videos. I am having some trouble with the video feed on my quadcopter.
When I separated the vbat, gnd and vid wire from each other(they were twisted together), the vid cleared up almost perfectly.
If I used Co ax cable for the vid wire (cam to vtx) do you think this would reduce interference? Any response at all will be appreciated!
is the braid connected to the copper?
Candy Yap Oi Teng - the inner copper conductor (??) No, it is not
Hey, are you going to make the video on crimping rg316 SMA?
Bruce,
Soldering video and (if it wasn't already done) how about a antenna cable 101 video. Stuff like, length, does it matter if its long/short, having multiple antennas next to each other, proper distances, and even something like, I currently own a Immersion Duo and Uno, can these be used together into a single goggle/base station feed?
I'm sure there are others out there that may have done that video, but its gospel if it comes from you!
Corey
Thanks Bruce - this is the info we all need
Hans
I believe these also have a better attenuation but not that it matters on these short lengths. The RG316 is actually not for 5-6Ghz because of the high attenuation.
what diameter size antennas is the coaxial cable, brother?🙏
Bruce I have a set of those crimpers in the post. How do you rate them for quality and accuracy?
Rob B The pair I got are pretty good for the price.
Thank YOU these videos of yours give me the basis for extended research but I always turn to you, to hopefully find a well made basic' lesson thank you. Coaxial has been a "bit of mystery" to me. Question - I did abit of experimental purchasing to see whats what and got some coax RG178 size, pretty small, what could you use this size for regarding 433, 1.3, 2.4 and 5.8 frrquencies thank you.
Hey bruce, what is the realistic maximum length for these cables? I'm planning to rig an old van for fpv. I was wondering if a 4-5 meter RG402 would be OK.
Remember you will loose some gain with long cables between the antenna and receiver and it has to be multiples of I think half or maybe quarter wavelenghts of the freq you are using.
So.... For 5.8?
illusive aeldre
I've got to be careful what I say here since I'm no expert. But the usual crude method is to use the calculation speed of light in a vacuum divided by the freq eg for 5.8GHz 299792458/5800000000 = 0.052m or 5.2cm is equivalent 1 wavelength. But then you have to multiply that by the so called velocity factor of the coax. I noticed the extensions on IBcrazys clovers are 5cm.
stewjw I know some of those words :D But i don't see the answer anywhere. 5cm can't be the limit because I saw people using 15-20cm long antennas for 5.8ghz.
illusive aeldre
You can use multiples of the 5cm wavelength or half wavelength like you said, 10cm, 15cm, 20cm. Simply put on the two transmission lines in the coax you want equal and opposite waves to cancel each other out to get whats called a balanced line otherwise you generate a large standing wave which is not healthy for the receiver or transmitter. The standing wave can be measured using an SWR meter and needs to be as close to 1 as possible-at least I think thats right. So if you use a transmission line length which is in multiples of the calculated wavelength there's less chance of getting a large standing wave. But to be done properly a meter has to be used. If I'm speaking in riddles its because I don't fully understand it either.
Please, a video on the best (?) way to solder contacts to the RG402.
Since Bruce is still making pronunciation comments in his videos is "coactual" cable the same as "coaxial"? Is "beent" the same as "bent"?
Lafond RC Aren't accents wonderful things :-)
They sure are, and they exist all over the world, even in America.
Lafond RC
Murica!
Thank you Bruce for another rc model review, I will try and make a antenna. Do have a video on making a Di pole anttena as well.
links to the cable plz
dinislam Just search ebay for "RG402" and you'll find it.
*****
We are to lazy, and do not know how to use GOOOOOGLE. Please put a link in your description. Ghesh!! LOL
eastcoast78 GOOOOOGLE don't sell cables
***** Could not find any uk seller. found some sellers in china. Thanks.
dinislam
I did not say Google sold them, i said "we don't know how to USE google"...:)
It was a joke anyways. RELAX like ExLAX..
thanks for the recommendation; the RG402 is far better at 5.8GHz; in 2018 I can find Chinese RG402 for around $2.60 .. $3.00 per meter
Yes yes we want to see soldering and crimping the small and large cable Please. Also Links to the Products....
Thanks for the tip. Love your videos.
I've found CLF-200 to be a good semi rigid coax.
Great video as always Bruce. What antenna are you using on your transmitter for normal flying( non fpv,) just wondering as thinking of changing mine as every one says standard one is crap. Cheers.
thank you so much the 402 cable is so much better
Ok , great! Thx for the info, I hv always wondered.
SpecUAC puts this goods on there Lotus 1280 antennas. Super strong and well worth it for sheilding. :) really good stuff.
Very nice video, thank you for your tips!
Bending an antenna modifies the swr.
Yes solder video would be great
Bruice, seriously its been 6 months since our last Fixed wing video, us fixed wingers are gonna start loosing interest and that would be a massive shame because you run a great channel.
R.E. Soldering (not soddering) video: yes please! I am planning this myself, so forewarned is forearmed ;)
Hey Bruce ask a yank next time they wine about pronunciation. If they sell a car is it then considered sold, or sod just add er for a how to correctly say solder.
Strangely enough I came across a fella from the South, you know, where they marry their sisters and he actually pronounced it correctly.
Stop whining about wine.
Thanks for that tip.
Your explanation failed to mention what the loss difference actually was. Can you crimp RG-402? Can you use RG-8 or LMR-400? I normally love your explanations.
soll der vs sodder yep.
Hahahahahah
You can "solder" them.
Or if you're in America you can "solder" them.
...and it stays bint! Or, if you're in America, it stays bent! :)