Parabolic range extender with Mavic?

mavic6611 · Apr 17, 2017

I am thinking of buying a parabolic range extender, and I'm wondering does anyone have any idea how effective they are with the Mavic with it using ocusync?

BorisTheSpider · Apr 17, 2017

I think I read somewhere a test where it reduced the range. RF is normally pretty deep voodoo so unless you're putting in place a well engineered upgrade to the existing system minor tweaks like parabolic reflectors seem more likely to do harm than good.

mavic6611 · Apr 17, 2017

Yes I've read extremely mixed stories going for and against also. Ill see what the majority on here say. Failing a conclusion I'll buy one and test it myself and put a post on to let everyone know my personal experience

Capra Vecinului · Apr 17, 2017

If by "parabolic rage extender" you mean those small, plastiky things coated with shiny metal that one places behind the RC antennas, that guy from Drone Valley channel says it helps (they've measured one), for it directs most of the signal towards the aircraft. Personally, I have a set which I've got for free and put them on every time I plan to fly further than usual. Can't say I really needed them, as I try to stay in visual line of sight with my aircraft, so I think it's more for the peace of mind.

tom.cruisin.for.a.bruisin · Apr 17, 2017

I've used them on my P3P. they may help a bit but you have to aim them at the aircraft pretty accurately otherwise your signal will drop drastically. aim is the key.

mavic6611 · Apr 17, 2017

Looks like I'll have to buy one and do a test. Thanks for your input guys

flyNfrank · Apr 17, 2017

Using the one from dynamic 3d solutions, I've been flying out between 14,000-15,000ft which has been the point I get the battery goes to RTH. The signal bars at that point are fluctuating a red 1 bar to 3 bars. Dynamic 3d solutions is also a sponsor here. Dynamic 3D Solutions

mavic6611 · Apr 17, 2017

That's quite a good distance. Is this in an urban area or over more open land? I read they're more helpful in more urbanised areas to help signal stability

flyNfrank · Apr 17, 2017

mavic6611 said:
That's quite a good distance. Is this in an urban area or over more open land? I read they're more helpful in more urbanised areas to help signal stability

My main flight location is on the outskirts of the city. The flight paths I generally take are not over housing editions. They are mostly wooded with some planted fields of corn or soybean. Depending on which route I fly, dictates the altitude I have to ascend to at the 15,000ft distance. Either a house roof a block away or a wooded area to aim the signal over.

So with the WindSurfer from the mentioned sponsor, I find my limiting factor is the battery.
Below is a video of mine showing a 14-15k foot flight. The doesn't look the greatest which I found was due to the 4.0.7 ios app.I have since fixed the issue by rolling back the firmware from .600 to .550, and it is now much better.

mavic6611 · Apr 17, 2017

Great flight, I really liked watching that. 2.7 miles is a long way. What dashware is that youre using?

newnan3 · May 25, 2017

Anyone have any other input on these reflectors?

reckless · May 25, 2017

Wind surfer added at least 50% extra range to my P4. Have a set for the Mavic but can't determine if it does anything as the range of the Mavic is sensational anyway.....

newnan3 · May 25, 2017

Ive run into a situation where I will lose signal about 3,000 ft from the RC. The area in question is on the other side of about 100yards of a very densely wood area. Trees are about 50 ft tall in this area.

I guess I need more penetration (uh huh huh)

tkinva · May 25, 2017

I've been using these: Amazon.com: RCstyle DJI Mavic Pro Controller Transmitter Signal Extend Aluminum Parabolic Ra...
They fold up nicely and work as well as any of the others. I have the ones from Dynamic 3D Solutions, but they were awkward to use.
The furthest I've taken them is about 16K feet out and about 1500 feet up.
Hint: If you're surrounded by trees, you need altitude to get range.
--
- - Art from the Air - -

wayy510 · May 25, 2017

flyNfrank said:
My main flight location is on the outskirts of the city. The flight paths I generally take are not over housing editions. They are mostly wooded with some planted fields of corn or soybean. Depending on which route I fly, dictates the altitude I have to ascend to at the 15,000ft distance. Either a house roof a block away or a wooded area to aim the signal over.

So with the WindSurfer from the mentioned sponsor, I find my limiting factor is the battery.
Below is a video of mine showing a 14-15k foot flight. The doesn't look the greatest which I found was due to the 4.0.7 ios app.I have since fixed the issue by rolling back the firmware from .600 to .550, and it is now much better.

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Cool DashWare. Is that hard to add to your videos?

newnan3 · May 25, 2017

tkinva said:
I've been using these: Amazon.com: RCstyle DJI Mavic Pro Controller Transmitter Signal Extend Aluminum Parabolic Ra...
They fold up nicely and work as well as any of the others. I have the ones from Dynamic 3D Solutions, but they were awkward to use.
The furthest I've taken them is about 16K feet out and about 1500 feet up.
Hint: If you're surrounded by trees, you need altitude to get range.
--
- - Art from the Air - -

yeah I got as high as I could get but the issue was still the same.

TitanDronesInc · May 28, 2017

newnan3 said:
yeah I got as high as I could get but the issue was still the same.

Try Titan Drones' new Control antenna for the Mavic and the phantoms and inspires as well. They are circular polarized, powerful, and lightweight.
Titan Drones, Inc.

newnan3 · May 28, 2017

TitanDronesInc said:
Try Titan Drones' new Control antenna for the Mavic and the phantoms and inspires as well. They are circular polarized, powerful, and lightweight.
Titan Drones, Inc.

Send it to me and Ill try it out

TitanDronesInc · May 28, 2017

newnan3 said:
Send it to me and Ill try it out

Sure thing. Send me your address to [email protected]

Edslittleworld · Oct 1, 2017

I've tried several types of range extenders with my Mavic and Spark. The net gain is minimal. During a recent range test, I went out 16,600' without the extenders and 16,900' with them...before the RTH function kicked in. Not worth the hassle in my opinion.