Oh, and I will also be using a diversity RX, 10 turn helical and a cloverleaf - incase of AAT failure I will still have an omnidirectional signal....:)
That tracker would be awesome for anyone wanting to film their model through the entire flight from pilots perspective on the ground. Mount a camera with the antenna, simple.
really nice review as usual...I wanna just point you something about the airmodule,you can use also 5v to power it up...so don't need to supply 12v,What I do is run a servo wire from the immersionRC video IN to the airmodule OUT and the camera directly on the airmodule in video IN....I can confirm work,and also the audio wire is optional,In my opinion is better not using the audio at all,in some vrx sometimes the audio and video can go out of sync and make the tracker acting weird ....keep on! P.S. and also as April Deng says with the new firmware NTSC cam are supported!
Great video, very well made, descriptive and understandable. The product seems to be all you need for GPS antenna tracker and the price is good. my only issue is the aircraft part of it, its a lot of weight for small models. I am personally considering RSSI antenna tracker for the purpose.
You do a LOT of stuff with Ardupilot/Arduplane, and I can't get enough of it. Maybe you could use an old board lying around to make a APM-based antenna tracker?
@@Painless360 , please, please , PLEASE!! LOL! I have 3 APM 2.6 boards lying around, and cannot find any information on how to set one up. Mavlink, minimOSD SHOULD do it. Antennas and pan/tilts are already on Thingiverse.
In several comments from a year ago, you hinted of another antenna tracker that would show up ”within a few weeks”. Its now been a year. Has it been released yet?
Your videos are awesome. I am trying to build an antenna tracker using pixhawk and mission planner. I am not able to forward the telemetry to the antenna tracker pixhawk. Any suggestions would be extremely helpful.
Hi ya. Yet again another cracking video. I have a question though. I have just finished installing an Eagle Tree Vector ( with a lot of help from your videos) and was wondering as I have the Arkbird AAT is it possible to run the two together and if so how would I connect the VTX, airside module and Vector all together ? Hope you can help me with this. Many thanks ✈️
Just stay aware of your minimum bend radii for the antenna feeder. Using an insertion loss tester on the feeder will show up quite alarming attenuation of the signal by exceeding the set limits. Just something to stay aware of,when we going for maximum range it is important to keep the losses to a minimum.
hi, great video, I recently bought one of these, but, if you still delve into this, how do you get the audio from the camera to the VTX? can you just splice it onto the Modules output? regards and thanks bob
Since you made this review, what are your thoughts on the better AAT products to work with? I’m aiming to get into long range FPV and can’t yet pick them apart. Open to any thinking on this. Thanks.
I've not looked at any other of their products. I found the manual tracking was a pain to setup every-time. I'm more of a fan of multi-versity (lots of high gain antennas in an array) for this as there are no moving parts and it's easier to setup..
Antenna tracker tech has not evolved much over the years. I'm going to buy one soon. Do you still like this one? What do you think about the mfd one? I'm leaning toward the arkbird because I use inav and I dont want to have to learn a whole new system.
Thanks for this. I'm currently reviewing the Arkbird OSD for my channel and the next step is integrating the AAT (been adding each component one at a time to ensure proper operation). Mine did not come with instructions so I've be deciphering the online PDF. Mine will be connected straight to the OSD so my connections will be a bit different. This is my first experience with a antenna tracker an was curious how it actually worked so I'm glad you posted this information. I'm sure you've seen they have a firmware update so you can use a ntsc camera with the onboard unit.
The data transfered from the aircraft is embedded in the videosignal lines, at pal you have more tv-lines, if choosing NTSC there will be lesser tv-lines and more FPS, but the data in the tv-lines compared to PAL is interupted. There should be a fix for that so that you could move the code in the lines so it works.
Painless360 Good to know, than I dont have to work it out myself when I buy one =) But there was alot of buttonpressing to get it working, guess its the same as on a quad when its not that importaint that you do the calibration everytime you fly?
HK description mentions "assist in locating downed aircraft ". I follow, it's all video info. So my real question is, do you know of a cheap way, easy way to find lost machines? Trackimo does it but for $140 +$5 per month after 1 yr. And TrackR like things, but their bluetooth - short range. ideas?
RSSI tracking using the antenna on the radio is the cheapest but you need to practice with your radio so you know how it works when you need it.. Best of luck!
I prefer to use RG 400 for my feeders and always do a quick TDR test before brining into service. A colleague was surprised to see his high gain 27dbi Yagi was connected to a feeder with a -6db attenuation, down to exceeding the bend radius. The info is out there and all free so no reason toot research and get full performance from system.
excellent, been tearing my head to understand this tech, i wanted to make/get one for my fixed wing the Sonicmodell 900 and the future build a Skywalker x8 but no proper explanation anywhere, thanks to you now i have a fairly good idea, now just need to figure out what sort of 1.2ghz equipment i will be needing and where from like vtx antennas etc and which receiver to get for the tracker as i am now on a budget after destroying my bank account on the recent planes and equipment lol...confusion is like on a Pixhawk 2.1 which will already be running a gps wont this arkbird gps be conflicting with it?
What's the magnetic declination for your area? Could that be the reason for the deviation? (magnetic north and GPS north are different directions on most places on earth). And I'm sure you know this, but far others having problem with a compass (this applies to mag calibration on any craft as well): make sure there are no magnetic objects nearby, which pretty much means keep clear of anything made out of iron. A shelf I have with the vertical pieces made out of iron pipes turns the compass on my phone up to 10° when I come closer than 2m.
Thanks for the idea. May have something to do with it. The deviation in tracking seems to be a lot more than the couple of degrees that the magnetic declination.. Happy flying!
Sadly not, the antenna tracker uses the signal from the Arkbird OSD to figure out where it needs to point to.. There is a brand new antenna tracker coming to the channel in the next few weeks so stay tuned!
+BWX If it can't get the latest GPS co-ordinates from the plane then it can't figure out where to point so it just keeps the antenna in the same position and waits to re-acquire the FPV video/audio. That's the time to hit the RTH button on the remote ;)
Could I use this tracker with a Cyclops Storm OSD? And if so, do I need to use both the GPS for the Storm AND the GPS for the tracker? Thanks. Great video, as always.
+big5astra Not sure as I don't have a Cyclops unit here. This Arkbird unit is designed to work with their OSD.. I would try with a separate GPS for the OSD and the ATT Best of luck.
+James Lamb Yes, use one of the antenna connections for the antenna on the tracker, the other one you can fit a circ. pol. antenna for when the model is closer..
+Painless360 That was quick, thanks. As I was typing that last question another sprung to mind .... does it work with 1.2 GHz. 2.4 GHz etc. systems? I just went through the manual and HK listing but neither mention FPV frequencies specifically. Cheers
It will work with any, remember that the longer wavelengths for FPV (2.4GHz and 1.2Ghz) have much larger specialised box and cross antennas. This will cope with them though..
But.. what if just put the rfd telemetry directional antenna on the other side on the tracker? Because the fpv and rfd is on the same plane.. so its track simultaneously
I was looking at your diagram on how to connect the air module and the VTX. In your setup is it necessary to connect the GND on the right side of the module to the GRD of the VTX? It seems to me the only time you want to use the GND connection would be if you need to power a 12v VTX. Since I am not using the 12v vtx on the right side of the air module, Can I leave the GND disconneted(right side of the air module) and connect only the ground and the 5v directly to the camera? -Thanks
AAT will keep tracker as long as ground system is still have power, and another addional GPS for AAT ground module is need; but I do not think it is a very good idea to track plane because AAT gound is not convenient to take. While this Mini AAT maybe a good choice: www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?2786769-First-View-of-Arkbird-Mini-Auto-Antenna-Tracker/page2#post36550128
Not sure if you have tested this but since the data is sent on the audio channel, can you bypass the on-board module for the video feed? I already have my video feed running through too much stuff and don't want to degrade it anymore than needed.
Hi .. I know this is an old video but purchased one of these recently . I have a 6 pin gps module I want to use for the ground station . The connector on the ground module has printed on it 5v . Ground . RX . ... . There are dots for the last wire pin ... what is that attached to . Is it the TX pin ...? I cannot find out what it is anywhere ... also there is a plug underneath behind the video rca plug . Do you know what that is for . I like the product but the schematics should be somewhere if they are not going to print it on the product . Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated . Thanks
Thanks for the reply, will you be reviewing the ones you're expecting? Should I still hold out? I'm always surprised how much these units cost compared to the price of their components.
Hi, I'm wondering can you shed a little light on something for me. I recently bought an Arkbird ATT and while it does work accurately EVENTUALLY it does take me a bit of time each time I fly to get it working correctly. MY question is..... I noticed there is a small bit of play in Pan servo when you adjust it by hand before you actually here the servo gears moving. Is this normal or is the greezed up ring on the ATT that the play is in damaged on my ATT. I've tried finding an answer to this question from Hobbyking where I purchased it and from Arkbird themselves but cannot get a straight answer. Seeing that you have physical experience using this tracker I'm really hoping you can answer my question. Thanks in advance, Martin.
The specs from Hobby King does not give the specs on the actual max. weight of antenna that its capable of maneuvering or better yet how much force are the servo system able to manage
Understand that it's an old review but I'm curious to know if you're still using the Arkbird system or if you've come across anything better. I've set up 6 meter FPV scale glider with crossfire and 2.4 vtx for long range high altitude thermal flights. I all ready have the ImmersionRC tracker system but found it to be a little unreliable, often loosing line of sight, fortunately having a RTH system onboard I've not yet lost my glider.
I'm not, I found the system to be a pain to use quickly. I've used the half-overlord and other systems that have a number of high gain antennas in an array and switch to the one with the best signal..
Friend where did you buy this antenna tracker? Can I use with other controller like F4, Cyclops or Fy-41AP? What do I need for it to work with my FPV system?
Hello, thank you for all of your videos, I have a little problem maybe you can help me with, your instructions work great when it is a dedicated camera and TX, but in my case, I have the Eagle tree Vector auto pilot , and as you know this set up uses the camera and TX already, so when I tried to "tap" into the camera video and the TX sound, I get the flashing light like if it was working but nothing happens the red flashes slowly, and the yellow does not flash at all on the tracker, I only get the green flashing. and a lot of static on the monitor OSD, but when I disconnect the Air borne module the static disappears, I really really want this tracker to work for me because I'm setting up a RMRC anaconda and want to do at least 10 miles round trip. I do have a PAL camera... Please help .!!!
The ArkBird relies on the frames at the top of the video and the audio channels sending the tracking data so I'd connect the VTX output from the Vector to the arkbird unit on the plane. That way the signals shouldn't be affected. Also make sure that you have things like the vario turned off on the Vector too as that sends sound..
I'm not sure if I'm following. If I take the signal from the Vector to the Arkbird, what would happened to the TX? what would send the signal to my monitor?
Hey, I;'m just guessing here. I was trying to tell you to make sure that the Arkbird system plugged into the VTX and the Vector plugged into the Arkbird on the model. Sorry, I've not tried it. Best of luck!
Painless360 I wanted to thank you, your "guessing" helped me. 😁. It was like that, this is the following order for anyone installing the arkbird ATT module with the Vector. Vector to Arkbird, Arkbird to TX. Again thank you.
sir i need some guidance, my vtx is a 1.2ghz and runs on 5v max and the cam is a normal runcam which can take higher voltages, i am now confused on how to wire the vtx with this arkbird system, youre input would be greatly appreciated
Hi painless Was wondering if you could help ! I have the att my flydream which I have never used. I have a skywalker I have built which used all the tbs components corepro GPS current sensor, and unify vtx Do you think the att mfd could be used inconjunction with the tbs stuff Many thanks Gavin
Not sure, the TBS stuff is designed to work together and the ATT uses the video signal and audio channel to send the GPS data to the tracker. If there is no other OSD on the model it may still work.. Best of luck!
Will the tracker work with an Different Flight Controller? I just bought a FY-41AP Auto-Pilot/ Flight Controller. And i dodnt think i wanted a Tracker. But now i want one.
Hi, I´ve using this AAT for 3 years and works really good for me. Now, I would like to know if it´s possible to connect this AAT to my netbook, in order to track the plane on real time on some kind of map, like nav link or mission planner does... Do you know if it is possible? I email arkbird and no answer was given to me... Hope you can help me!!! My set up is: SKYWALKER 1900 FPV plane IMMERSION RC 433 long range sistem + Futaba 8FG super 1.2GHz Video Tx and Rx + 8dbi Patch antenna TORNADO OSD + ARKBIRD Airborn molule Arkbird ATT + GPS module Thanks in advance! Chears from Uruguay
You did a good job describing the Arkbird .. but ...seems like a pain to setup ... I am wanting to fly not to sit in the field doing calibrations on either antenna tracker or flying models..
There are better options now and receivers that have two or 3 high Gain directional antennas that give you a fantastic experience but don't need as much setup. Best of luck
Hi, can i use the Arkbird Automatic Antenna Tracker with ImmersionRC DUO5800v2 5.8GHz Diversity Receiver w/TrackerLink and 2 helical antennas to increase the range? if so how far is the range? or any other recommendations? thank you
No idea sorry, we gave this item away in a prize draw months ago. I'm aware of some very cool new antenna trackers about to be releases that look better than this model so I'd hang on.. Best of luck!
+Painless360 im about to get a antenna tracker for my 1.2 fpv system. i was looking at My Fly Dream antenna tracking and now this unit. you think better units coming out soon?
Você tem o Passo a passo em Português? Estou querendo comprar um desse, mas não tenho certeza da Real necessidade, uso um VTx Lawmate 1.2 Ghz de 1000mw que me da um bom ganho de distancia, mas essa antena tracker vai melhorar minha vida nos Voos?? O que me diz?
I want to buy one of these trackers but have some questions if anybody can help? The video mentions that cameras should be PAL. I use a video switch. I can ensure I use a PAL fpv cam but my 2nd cam may be a runcam or gopro HD recording camera with live output. Will using a video switcher cause problems with the tracker? Even using 2 or 3 PAL cameras will the interruption in video signal upset things? I use eagletree vector. I know that the telemetry stream from the vector must be disabled for the tracker to work. What about audio though? The airborne unit has no audio input, it embeds gps data into the audio then sends it to vtx. Does this mean you can not have audio from the aircraft (either from an osd with voice alerts or a mic).
+Chris Flory I never used a switcher so I'm not sure. This was given away as a prize so I can't check. I'd ask the vendor you are buying it from. Best of luck!
Is this based on open source software? Otherwise, would anyone know of open source code (or a cheap solution) in any platform that would do this? Ideally arduino. Actually, I would like to create an automatic tripod for video recording 3D planes flying low slow from the middle of the field where we are not supposed to stand. I guess the logic and gps hardware would work for both purposes with minor tweaks. It would be a cool project even to implement analog zoom based on distance and smooth out movement through software tweaks.
Dear, buy Arkbird Automatic Antenna Tracker for FPV with 2 GPS modules and need your help to install I have the osd CICLOPS storm, like that the most efficient way to use this antenna tracker? atte Marcelo Paredes CHILE
+marcelo eduardo paredes munoz We gave ours away as a prize so sadly can't help. All of the detail we used to set up ours is in the video.. Best of luck!
Tim Dickinson unfortunatly us customers set the price and what your seeing here is the least expensive off all have a look www.myflydream.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=1
Hi Lee, Great video and review of the Arkbird system. Thanks for the video and information about this tracker.
Wow. I had no idea something like this was available. Pretty cool. Thanks PL
Great video as always. Might get one of these when I start with RC planes! :)
man you'r my saver ! thanks a lot and keep it up ! these videos are great !
Oh, and I will also be using a diversity RX, 10 turn helical and a cloverleaf - incase of AAT failure I will still have an omnidirectional signal....:)
That tracker would be awesome for anyone wanting to film their model through the entire flight from pilots perspective on the ground. Mount a camera with the antenna, simple.
sorry for asking i hadn't watched the video thanks a lot ! the vid is great!
really nice review as usual...I wanna just point you something about the airmodule,you can use also 5v to power it up...so don't need to supply 12v,What I do is run a servo wire from the immersionRC video IN to the airmodule OUT and the camera directly on the airmodule in video IN....I can confirm work,and also the audio wire is optional,In my opinion is better not using the audio at all,in some vrx sometimes the audio and video can go out of sync and make the tracker acting weird ....keep on! P.S. and also as April Deng says with the new firmware NTSC cam are supported!
Nice review but given the choice i would go with the RSSI tracker too imo
Great video, very well made, descriptive and understandable. The product seems to be all you need for GPS antenna tracker and the price is good. my only issue is the aircraft part of it, its a lot of weight for small models. I am personally considering RSSI antenna tracker for the purpose.
Hai can you please make a tutorial to build an antenna tracker using APM/pixhawk using MAV link protocal
Thanks for the idea, I'll add it to the list. Happy flying!
You do a LOT of stuff with Ardupilot/Arduplane, and I can't get enough of it. Maybe you could use an old board lying around to make a APM-based antenna tracker?
That is an interesting idea. Let me have a think about it....
@@Painless360 , please, please , PLEASE!! LOL! I have 3 APM 2.6 boards lying around, and cannot find any information on how to set one up. Mavlink, minimOSD SHOULD do it. Antennas and pan/tilts are already on Thingiverse.
at 8:01 I saw several GND pins. Can they be on same cable at the same time? That would save your cables or soldering labour.
+dayworkhard They can, this is a logical diagram of how the connections are made. Physically use the way that's easiest.. Best of luck!
In several comments from a year ago, you hinted of another antenna tracker that would show up ”within a few weeks”.
Its now been a year. Has it been released yet?
Snygg-Johan yep, I looked at it. Hobbyking overlord and half overlord...
Great! Thanks for quick response!
Your videos are awesome. I am trying to build an antenna tracker using pixhawk and mission planner. I am not able to forward the telemetry to the antenna tracker pixhawk. Any suggestions would be extremely helpful.
I've not tried building one here. Best of luck with it..
Very good review
Thanks for ur nice videos that what i need :) Thanks
Hi ya. Yet again another cracking video. I have a question though. I have just finished installing an Eagle Tree Vector ( with a lot of help from your videos) and was wondering as I have the Arkbird AAT is it possible to run the two together and if so how would I connect the VTX, airside module and Vector all together ? Hope you can help me with this. Many thanks ✈️
Not sure, I've not tried and I gave this away as a prize a long time ago.. Best of luck!
Just stay aware of your minimum bend radii for the antenna feeder. Using an insertion loss tester on the feeder will show up quite alarming attenuation of the signal by exceeding the set limits. Just something to stay aware of,when we going for maximum range it is important to keep the losses to a minimum.
hi, great video, I recently bought one of these, but, if you still delve into this, how do you get the audio from the camera to the VTX? can you just splice it onto the Modules output?
regards and thanks bob
+martie405 depends if the camera has a audio out..
Since you made this review, what are your thoughts on the better AAT products to work with? I’m aiming to get into long range FPV and can’t yet pick them apart. Open to any thinking on this. Thanks.
I've not looked at any other of their products. I found the manual tracking was a pain to setup every-time. I'm more of a fan of multi-versity (lots of high gain antennas in an array) for this as there are no moving parts and it's easier to setup..
As you friend, this tracker works with any controller and any frequency 1.2ghz or 5.8 Ghz?
Antenna tracker tech has not evolved much over the years. I'm going to buy one soon. Do you still like this one? What do you think about the mfd one? I'm leaning toward the arkbird because I use inav and I dont want to have to learn a whole new system.
I didn't like the work to set it up every time. Diversity recievers are so much easier to use now....
Thanks for this. I'm currently reviewing the Arkbird OSD for my channel and the next step is integrating the AAT (been adding each component one at a time to ensure proper operation). Mine did not come with instructions so I've be deciphering the online PDF. Mine will be connected straight to the OSD so my connections will be a bit different. This is my first experience with a antenna tracker an was curious how it actually worked so I'm glad you posted this information.
I'm sure you've seen they have a firmware update so you can use a ntsc camera with the onboard unit.
Is this suitable for a race/freestyle quad or are there better alternatives? I notice the airside module is rather large.
Not sure, a modern diversity setup is a lot easier to use.. Best of luck!
The on-board module will work with other gps, for example bn 220?
The data transfered from the aircraft is embedded in the videosignal lines, at pal you have more tv-lines, if choosing NTSC there will be lesser tv-lines and more FPS, but the data in the tv-lines compared to PAL is interupted. There should be a fix for that so that you could move the code in the lines so it works.
There is a fix, sorts out the issue. It does involve a bit of work getting ID numbers from both the tracker and airside modules.. Happy flying!
Painless360 Good to know, than I dont have to work it out myself when I buy one =)
But there was alot of buttonpressing to get it working, guess its the same as on a quad when its not that importaint that you do the calibration everytime you fly?
I don’t need to worry about wiring it this way if I’m running 12 V correct?
I've not had this for many years. All I figured out was in the video.. Best of luck!
Have you looked into making your own RSSI tracker?? Looks to be a lot cheaper and with all the information on Github it looks like a better solution .
With the multiple diversity modules around now I’m not this is as relevant as it once was..
Hi,
Do I need a module to go on the plane or can I use the OSD's coordinates?
Only works if you have the Arkbird OSD in the plane..
HK description mentions "assist in locating downed aircraft ". I follow, it's all video info. So my real question is, do you know of a cheap way, easy way to find lost machines? Trackimo does it but for $140 +$5 per month after 1 yr. And TrackR like things, but their bluetooth - short range. ideas?
RSSI tracking using the antenna on the radio is the cheapest but you need to practice with your radio so you know how it works when you need it.. Best of luck!
I prefer to use RG 400 for my feeders and always do a quick TDR test before brining into service. A colleague was surprised to see his high gain 27dbi Yagi was connected to a feeder with a -6db attenuation, down to exceeding the bend radius. The info is out there and all free so no reason toot research and get full performance from system.
excellent, been tearing my head to understand this tech, i wanted to make/get one for my fixed wing the Sonicmodell 900 and the future build a Skywalker x8 but no proper explanation anywhere, thanks to you now i have a fairly good idea, now just need to figure out what sort of 1.2ghz equipment i will be needing and where from like vtx antennas etc and which receiver to get for the tracker as i am now on a budget after destroying my bank account on the recent planes and equipment lol...confusion is like on a Pixhawk 2.1 which will already be running a gps wont this arkbird gps be conflicting with it?
Not sure, I've not had the unit for a long time. See the Ardupilot Antenna tracker id you're using a PixHawk..
@@Painless360 thanks for the reply sir, i really appreciate the work you do for all us RC enthusiasts!!!
What's the magnetic declination for your area? Could that be the reason for the deviation? (magnetic north and GPS north are different directions on most places on earth).
And I'm sure you know this, but far others having problem with a compass (this applies to mag calibration on any craft as well): make sure there are no magnetic objects nearby, which pretty much means keep clear of anything made out of iron. A shelf I have with the vertical pieces made out of iron pipes turns the compass on my phone up to 10° when I come closer than 2m.
Thanks for the idea. May have something to do with it. The deviation in tracking seems to be a lot more than the couple of degrees that the magnetic declination.. Happy flying!
Friend, I can use this tracker antenna with any OSD, or only with Arkbird?
Sadly not, the antenna tracker uses the signal from the Arkbird OSD to figure out where it needs to point to.. There is a brand new antenna tracker coming to the channel in the next few weeks so stay tuned!
Hello, what is the name of the new antenna tracker? Have you done a review on it? Thanks
So does this mean if you lose video and audio signal, that the antenna tracker stops working? Or is the audio and video signal just a backup?
+BWX If it can't get the latest GPS co-ordinates from the plane then it can't figure out where to point so it just keeps the antenna in the same position and waits to re-acquire the FPV video/audio. That's the time to hit the RTH button on the remote ;)
+Painless360 Now that I think about it, you'd want to RTH in that instance anyways, because no vid/audio.. Duh.. LOL.
;)
hey painless do you still have this antenna tracker
No, sorry. It was given away as a prize. Why do you ask?
if the tracker is moving will it still do is job ?
+Doall Kgfun Yep. Happy flying!
happy days thank you it wood bee a good video to
Could I use this tracker with a Cyclops Storm OSD? And if so, do I need to use both the GPS for the Storm AND the GPS for the tracker? Thanks. Great video, as always.
+big5astra Not sure as I don't have a Cyclops unit here. This Arkbird unit is designed to work with their OSD.. I would try with a separate GPS for the OSD and the ATT Best of luck.
Great! Thanks for the confirmation. FYI we have another tracker coming onto the channel soon.. Should be interesting to compare the two..
+awenzl is that ground?And then to the cyclops board,like Y cable..?
+awenzl thank you very much sir!
Will it work with a diversity receiver?
+James Lamb Yes, use one of the antenna connections for the antenna on the tracker, the other one you can fit a circ. pol. antenna for when the model is closer..
+Painless360
That was quick, thanks. As I was typing that last question another sprung to mind .... does it work with 1.2 GHz. 2.4 GHz etc. systems? I just went through the manual and HK listing but neither mention FPV frequencies specifically.
Cheers
It will work with any, remember that the longer wavelengths for FPV (2.4GHz and 1.2Ghz) have much larger specialised box and cross antennas. This will cope with them though..
Can we put the arkbird osd on the plane for tracking? But actually we want to track the rfd900 telemetry??
I've not used this since the review as the setup and use was trickier than I expected. Sorry I can't be more help on this one.. Happy flying!
But.. what if just put the rfd telemetry directional antenna on the other side on the tracker? Because the fpv and rfd is on the same plane.. so its track simultaneously
I was looking at your diagram on how to connect the air module and the VTX. In your setup is it necessary to connect the GND on the right side of the module to the GRD of the VTX? It seems to me the only time you want to use the GND connection would be if you need to power a 12v VTX. Since I am not using the 12v vtx on the right side of the air module, Can I leave the GND disconneted(right side of the air module) and connect only the ground and the 5v directly to the camera? -Thanks
But can I also see my Inav osd with this setup installed?
Not sure. I have this away before getting into iNav.. Happy flying!
Works just fine with iNav OSD
could air module be used to locate downed aircraft? what support equipment/devices?
Only if you were receiving the FPV image really. I'm not sure if you could display the GPS co-ords of the model..
AAT will keep tracker as long as ground system is still have power, and another addional GPS for AAT ground module is need; but I do not think it is a very good idea to track plane because AAT gound is not convenient to take. While this Mini AAT maybe a good choice: www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?2786769-First-View-of-Arkbird-Mini-Auto-Antenna-Tracker/page2#post36550128
Not sure if you have tested this but since the data is sent on the audio channel, can you bypass the on-board module for the video feed? I already have my video feed running through too much stuff and don't want to degrade it anymore than needed.
Possibly, we've not tried. Best of luck!
Hi .. I know this is an old video but purchased one of these recently . I have a 6 pin gps module I want to use for the ground station . The connector on the ground module has printed on it 5v . Ground . RX . ... . There are dots for the last wire pin ... what is that attached to . Is it the TX pin ...? I cannot find out what it is anywhere ... also there is a plug underneath behind the video rca plug . Do you know what that is for . I like the product but the schematics should be somewhere if they are not going to print it on the product . Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated . Thanks
I've not had this for many years, I'd suggest the vendor as your best hope for a speedy reply. Best of luck!
Painless360 Thanks for the Reply . I sent them a message .
is there anywhere else other than hobbyking i can buy this securely?
+Ironiic zero If you're about to get an antenna tracker there are much better versions weeks from release ;)
+Painless360 thanks for the heads up.
what are they? its been a while now.
Delays, delays, improvements, delays.. Sigh. I've been notified that the ones I'm expecting are almost ready to ship.. finally..
Thanks for the reply, will you be reviewing the ones you're expecting? Should I still hold out? I'm always surprised how much these units cost compared to the price of their components.
still worth buying?
Not IMHO. An RSSI based tracker or an antenna array are easier and cheaper..
do you have any recommendations ?
Hi, I'm wondering can you shed a little light on something for me.
I recently bought an Arkbird ATT and while it does work accurately EVENTUALLY it does take me a bit of time each time I fly to get it working correctly.
MY question is..... I noticed there is a small bit of play in Pan servo when you adjust it by hand before you actually here the servo gears moving.
Is this normal or is the greezed up ring on the ATT that the play is in damaged on my ATT.
I've tried finding an answer to this question from Hobbyking where I purchased it and from Arkbird themselves but cannot get a straight answer.
Seeing that you have physical experience using this tracker I'm really hoping you can answer my question.
Thanks in advance, Martin.
Not sure, I gave this away as a prize ages ago. Best of luck!
The specs from Hobby King does not give the specs on the actual max. weight of antenna that its capable of maneuvering or better yet how much force are the servo system able to manage
Not sure here either, we gave ours away as a prize. Best of luck with it!
Understand that it's an old review but I'm curious to know if you're still using the Arkbird system or if you've come across anything better. I've set up 6 meter FPV scale glider with crossfire and 2.4 vtx for long range high altitude thermal flights. I all ready have the ImmersionRC tracker system but found it to be a little unreliable, often loosing line of sight, fortunately having a RTH system onboard I've not yet lost my glider.
I'm not, I found the system to be a pain to use quickly. I've used the half-overlord and other systems that have a number of high gain antennas in an array and switch to the one with the best signal..
Friend where did you buy this antenna tracker?
Can I use with other controller like F4, Cyclops or Fy-41AP?
What do I need for it to work with my FPV system?
I can't remember, detail is all in the video. I gave it away as a prize years ago..
Hello, thank you for all of your videos, I have a little problem maybe you can help me with, your instructions work great when it is a dedicated camera and TX, but in my case, I have the Eagle tree Vector auto pilot , and as you know this set up uses the camera and TX already, so when I tried to "tap" into the camera video and the TX sound, I get the flashing light like if it was working but nothing happens the red flashes slowly, and the yellow does not flash at all on the tracker, I only get the green flashing. and a lot of static on the monitor OSD, but when I disconnect the Air borne module the static disappears, I really really want this tracker to work for me because I'm setting up a RMRC anaconda and want to do at least 10 miles round trip. I do have a PAL camera... Please help .!!!
The ArkBird relies on the frames at the top of the video and the audio channels sending the tracking data so I'd connect the VTX output from the Vector to the arkbird unit on the plane. That way the signals shouldn't be affected. Also make sure that you have things like the vario turned off on the Vector too as that sends sound..
I'm not sure if I'm following. If I take the signal from the Vector to the Arkbird, what would happened to the TX? what would send the signal to my monitor?
Hey, I;'m just guessing here. I was trying to tell you to make sure that the Arkbird system plugged into the VTX and the Vector plugged into the Arkbird on the model. Sorry, I've not tried it. Best of luck!
Painless360 I wanted to thank you, your "guessing" helped me. 😁. It was like that, this is the following order for anyone installing the arkbird ATT module with the Vector.
Vector to Arkbird, Arkbird to TX. Again thank you.
Sir, I need some guidance. I have arkbird auto pilot ver.2 How can I connect the GPS module to arkbird airborne module. Thank you very much
I'm sorry but I've not played with this technology since the video. I'd check the forums for help... Best of luck!
Still not received mine but How to connect to F765 board?
No idea, I've not used it since the video. Modern diversity receivers are easier to use now anyway..
@@Painless360 Witch one you recommend for long range? I have AKK 3W Vtx 5.8
See my video on flying further. 2.4Ghz FPV will get you further. See the range calculator on the MenaceRC website..
Dear friend
How do I connect the Arkbird airside with my MATEK F405 FC?
Need your help please?
I've not played with this for many many years. Sorry I can't be more help
Will this tracker work with 2.4?
Should do, it's using the audio and video data sent as part of the FPV image. I've not tried it though..
Lee is posible to use the dockking from furious rc with this anntena tracker?
Not sure, both aren't designed with the other in mind.. If you get it working, I'd be interested in knowing more.. best of luck!
sir i need some guidance, my vtx is a 1.2ghz and runs on 5v max and the cam is a normal runcam which can take higher voltages, i am now confused on how to wire the vtx with this arkbird system, youre input would be greatly appreciated
I've not had this for many years so I have no idea. Best of luck with it...
Hi painless
Was wondering if you could help ! I have the att my flydream which I have never used. I have a skywalker I have built which used all the tbs components corepro GPS current sensor, and unify vtx
Do you think the att mfd could be used inconjunction with the tbs stuff
Many thanks Gavin
Not sure, the TBS stuff is designed to work together and the ATT uses the video signal and audio channel to send the GPS data to the tracker. If there is no other OSD on the model it may still work.. Best of luck!
Could I use a 1.3 patch and repeat it to my 5.8 rapid-fire in my hd02's
Not sure it would work like that, interesting idea! Best of luck!
does it work on 5.8ghz ?
It works with both 1.2Ghz and 5.8Ghz.
thanks a lot but i ordered one anyway xp
You actually cant have audio with it? I only see the video out at the bottom of the unit.
Will the tracker work with an Different Flight Controller? I just bought a FY-41AP Auto-Pilot/ Flight Controller. And i dodnt think i wanted a Tracker. But now i want one.
+FloresRC the tracker should work with any flight controller. I would look at something like the Overlord now though...
I will be uding 1,3ghz with my Dragonlink. So im still looking in to the Arbird :)
But Thanks for the Answer :))
Hi, I´ve using this AAT for 3 years and works really good for me.
Now, I would like to know if it´s possible to connect this AAT to my netbook, in order to track the plane on real time on some kind of map, like nav link or mission planner does...
Do you know if it is possible?
I email arkbird and no answer was given to me...
Hope you can help me!!!
My set up is:
SKYWALKER 1900 FPV plane
IMMERSION RC 433 long range sistem + Futaba 8FG super
1.2GHz Video Tx and Rx + 8dbi Patch antenna
TORNADO OSD + ARKBIRD Airborn molule
Arkbird ATT + GPS module
Thanks in advance!
Chears from Uruguay
No idea, sorry. Best of luck
You did a good job describing the Arkbird .. but ...seems like a pain to setup ... I am wanting to fly not to sit in the field doing calibrations on either antenna tracker or flying models..
There are better options now and receivers that have two or 3 high Gain directional antennas that give you a fantastic experience but don't need as much setup. Best of luck
Hi, can i use the Arkbird Automatic Antenna Tracker with ImmersionRC DUO5800v2 5.8GHz Diversity Receiver w/TrackerLink and 2 helical antennas to increase the range? if so how far is the range? or any other recommendations? thank you
No idea sorry, we gave this item away in a prize draw months ago. I'm aware of some very cool new antenna trackers about to be releases that look better than this model so I'd hang on.. Best of luck!
+Painless360 im about to get a antenna tracker for my 1.2 fpv system. i was looking at My Fly Dream antenna tracking and now this unit. you think better units coming out soon?
Yep, in a matter of a few weeks - hold your horses!
+Painless360 thanks bud.
É fácil a Configuração ?
Se você seguir o passo no vídeo. Lá estão prestes a ser mais fácil rastreadores de antena disponíveis, portanto, fique atento!
Você tem o Passo a passo em Português?
Estou querendo comprar um desse, mas não tenho certeza da Real necessidade, uso um VTx Lawmate 1.2 Ghz de 1000mw que me da um bom ganho de distancia, mas essa antena tracker vai melhorar minha vida nos Voos?? O que me diz?
Desculpa, só gravamos nossos vídeos em inglês. Boa sorte!
I want to buy one of these trackers but have some questions if anybody can help?
The video mentions that cameras should be PAL. I use a video switch. I can ensure I use a PAL fpv cam but my 2nd cam may be a runcam or gopro HD recording camera with live output. Will using a video switcher cause problems with the tracker? Even using 2 or 3 PAL cameras will the interruption in video signal upset things?
I use eagletree vector. I know that the telemetry stream from the vector must be disabled for the tracker to work. What about audio though? The airborne unit has no audio input, it embeds gps data into the audio then sends it to vtx. Does this mean you can not have audio from the aircraft (either from an osd with voice alerts or a mic).
+Chris Flory I never used a switcher so I'm not sure. This was given away as a prize so I can't check. I'd ask the vendor you are buying it from. Best of luck!
Is this based on open source software? Otherwise, would anyone know of open source code (or a cheap solution) in any platform that would do this? Ideally arduino. Actually, I would like to create an automatic tripod for video recording 3D planes flying low slow from the middle of the field where we are not supposed to stand. I guess the logic and gps hardware would work for both purposes with minor tweaks. It would be a cool project even to implement analog zoom based on distance and smooth out movement through software tweaks.
Dear, buy Arkbird Automatic Antenna Tracker for FPV with 2 GPS modules and need your help to install
I have the osd CICLOPS storm, like that the most efficient way to use this antenna tracker?
atte
Marcelo Paredes
CHILE
+marcelo eduardo paredes munoz We gave ours away as a prize so sadly can't help. All of the detail we used to set up ours is in the video.. Best of luck!
Feels like this should be a diy arduino project lol. I wonder if its possible
Antenna tracker projects are all over the place. There is an antenna tracker setup for Ardupilot software too! Happy flying
hm30 arkbird-aat motul 수신기연결방법
Price-AU340.40
Way to much for something like this.
+Tim Dickinson You've just missed us giving this one away! ;)
+Tim Dickinson wellcome in the RC WORLD :)
+Aron Gatt yeah it's more like welcome to the gouge our customers world.
Tim Dickinson unfortunatly us customers set the price and what your seeing here is the least expensive off all
have a look
www.myflydream.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=1
hahhhhhh money..........
Would it be possible to use telemetry from TBS crossfire (Bluetooth?) with such an antenna tracker?
Is this arkbird compatible with the MFD Auto pilot?
No idea. I haven't had this antenna tracker for a long time. Happy flying