updated on 3/17/18 DIY controller amp antenna mods only!

[droneuser]

READ THE WHOLE THREAD BEFORE DOING ANYTHING!

I have gotten msgs saying the mavic pro also uses 5.8ghz NO IT DOES NOT!!! meaning when you are using the remote controller! but you can uses a dual band antenna meaning it does 2.4ghz AND 5.8ghz. don't buy just a 5.8ghz antenna cause its not tune to for the 2.4ghz!




if you are looking for bird ant mod then read this post:

Aircraft Antenna Mod

Hi

I thought I would start a thread just for CONTROLLER AMP ANTENNA MODS ONLY! this will help people find this information

Also the mavic has TWO antennas so you will need TWO of everything! meaning amps, connectors, cables, etc!!!!! you will only need one battery!! if the battery has high mah rating

the stock remote output is FCC 26 dBm = 0.398 watts (US)

CE：<=20 dBm = 0.1 watts
SRRC: <=20 dBm = 0.1 watts
MIC: <=18 dBm = 0.063 watts

keep in mind there is some dbi loss when you run it thru connecters, cables

When you post here please post links and what connectors are need

Thanks

iOS/Apple Mod DJI apps for DJI drones web site!

DJI drone web site.

www.hackgoapp.com

 

[droneuser]

Mavic pro uses two antennas! so you will need TWO amps, TWO antennas , TWO pigtail cables, etc! So keep that in mind when you order your parts!!

here is a picture of what i mean! ( picture credit goes to Matash neighbor )

 

[droneuser]

Notes on amps ( wifi amplifier )

1). NEVER turn on a amp without an antenna hooked up!!! the antenna is the "load" for the amp!

2). Look at the voltage that is need to run the amp! case in point the 2 watt amp runs at 5 volts DON'T hook it up to a 12 volt battery or you will ruin that amp!!

3). The 4 watt amp runs warm with some themo drift! At the end of this post check out the test that was done! i bet the 8 watt amp runs even more warm!! I would recommend using a fan on the amps! I would run a fan on any amp! here is a link for a 12volt micro fan! you will need TWO of them! -------->>> 12VDC Micro Fan

4). these amps can use Omni directional and/or Directional antennas ( must be 2.4ghz rating or dual band !!) make sure there is NO AMP on the antenna!!! you just want the antenna! rule of the thumb if the antenna uses a battery then its has a AMP!!! )

5). what battery to get? a 4,000mah should work fine if your amp comes with a AC wall adapter cut the plug off and solder it to your battery! here is a link for 12 volt 9800mah with charger and on/off switch! ---->>>>Pro DC12V 9800mAh Rechargeable Portable Li-ion Battery US Plug Battery Pack EG | eBay

6) if you want to use a 5 volt amp ( like the 2 watt amp is) with a 12 volt battery you will need theses parts don't forget you will have to order TWO of each cause you will have TWO amps!

the package that comes with the volt regular show how to hook it up!! very easy only 3 wires!!! volt in, ground, voltage out which is the 5 volts that goes to the amp! yes you will need the heat sink parts too!!!

TO-220 Mounting Hardware

TO-220 Heat Sink

Caig Laboratories Heat Sink Silicone Grease

5-Volt Regulator
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optional parts:

if you want to put your amps , fan, battery in a plastic box then check the link. just make sure you pick the right size box that will hold all what you need! check the specs on the box

Project Enclosures & Parts

if you want to add a on/off switch along with your plastic box that would hold the amps, battery, fan, etc.... NOTE: the more amps a switch is the bigger in size the switch will be it will be so check the specs of the switch hole size, etc one switch would work for both amps!

Mini Toggle Switch

SPDT 6-Amp Flat Lever Switch

here are many more

Switches
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AMP TEST!!!!

you tube video of a guy Testing a 4w Wifi Booster Amplifier from China with a spectrum analyzer!! specs test not to bad some themo drift but not to bad BUT its does get warm!!! so I would run a fan with it!!! which would help with the themo dift

 

[droneuser]

LINKS FOR BUYING AMPS


here is a 2 WATT AMP the specs are:

Specifications:
- Receiving gain: 10dB
- Transmitting gain: 11dB
- Receiving figure: ≤3.0dB；
- Input power range: 4dBm-20dBm
- Peak power: 33dBm; 2W (input power plus amplifier power)
- Power supply: 3.7-5.5V (High quality UBEC is needed when use a BEC module as power supply)
- Antenna gain: 6DBI
Package Includes:
1 x amplifier module
1 x antenna adaptor
1 x 6db antenna
1 x antenna cable

https://www.amazon.com/Shaluoman-Amplifier-Distance-Extender-Transmitter/dp/B012FL4MHI/ref=pd_day0_21_6?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B012FL4MHI&pd_rd_r=G0YVT757NMQ4ZENNP17F&pd_rd_w=5Tr7R&pd_rd_wg=rb9xv&psc=1&refRID=G0YVT757NMQ4ZENNP17F
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here is a 4 WATT AMP specs are:

Specification:
Frequency range : 2.4~2.5Ghz
Operating voltage : 6~16V
Receiving gain: 10dB +/- 1
Transmission gain : 13dB +/- 1
Input trigger power : Min 3dBm Max : 20dBm
Maximum output Power : 36dBm (4W)
EVM : 3%28dBm 802.11g 54Mbps OFDM 64QAM BW 20Mhz
DC supply current : 435mApout 28dBm 9V
Noise figure: <2.4dB
TX/RX switch time delay : 1us
LED indicator : Transmitter : Green, Receiver : Red
Operating ambient temperature : -40 deg +70 deg
operating humidity : up to 95% rel. humidity
Dimension : 82x50x21mm
Weight: 0.25kg net
5dBi Antenna

https://www.amazon.com/Extender-Repeater-Broadband-Amplifiers-Wireless/dp/B01B94U438/ref=pd_sim_21_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01B94U438&pd_rd_r=KS479CS528S9ETYZHWCT&pd_rd_w=6RrOL&pd_rd_wg=JOB2f&psc=1&refRID=KS479CS528S9ETYZHWCT
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here is a 8 WATT AMP specs are :

Specifications:
Operation Range: 2400-2500 MHz.
Operation Mode: Bi-directional, half-duplex, Auto-Switching via carrier sensing.
Frequency Response: ± 1dB over operation range.
Input Power: 3dBm (Min.)-20dBm (Max.).
Input Power 5 ~ 20 dBm.
Optimal Input Power: 9 ~ 13 dBm.
Output Power: 8000mW/39dBm nominal for 802.11b/11Mbps.
Connector: SMA Receptacle, 50 ohm.
Transmit Gain: 17dBm nominal.
Receiver Gain: 11dBm.
Receive Noise Figure: 3.0dBm nominal.
Operating Temperature: -40 to 70 degree.
Operating Humidity: Up to 95% relative humidity.
Material: Cast Aluminium.
Size:10.3cm x 7.7cm x 2.1cm
6Dbi antenna


WiFi Signal Booster Wireless Repeater 2.4GHz 8W 802.11 Extender Range Amplifier | eBay

 

[droneuser]

Notes: on antennas


what is dbm/ dbi/ db? here it is in simple terms:

A transmitting antenna with a gain of 3 dB means that the power received far from the antenna will be 3 dB higher (twice as much) than what would be received from a lossless isotropic antenna with the same input power. Note that a lossless antenna would be an antenna with an antenna efficiency of 0 dB (or 100%). Similarly, a receive antenna with a gain of 3 dB in a particular direction would receive 3 dB more power than a lossless isotropic antenna.

2.4 ghz Omni directional - are "whip" antennas ( mavic stock antenna is this type)

2.4 ghz Directional - are "panel" type of antennas (means you have to point the antenna towards the drone more...its more "picky" in the direction pointing!)

any 2.4GHZ or dual band ( which is 2.ghz and 5.8ghz) will work! you may have to get an adapter (sma barrel connector) so it will fit on the amp! just make sure there is NO AMP a rule of thumb is if it has a battery then it has a amp!!! you just want a antenna!!!

The more dbi a omnidirectional antenna has the taller/longer the antenna will be!!!

9dbi = 15 inches

15dbi = 23 5/8 inches

 

[droneuser]

LINKS FOR BUYING ANTENNAS


The cable that may come with the antenna may be long! look in this thread on a link to buy shorter
cables!!
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here is a 2.4GHz 9dBi omnidirectional antenna only NO AMP!!! it comes with two antennas

2 x 9dBi RP-SMA Dual Band 2.4GHz 5GHz + 2 x 12in U.fl / IPEX Cable Antenna | eBay
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here is a 2.4GHz 15dBi omnidirectional antenna only NO AMP!!! it comes with two antennas

2 Pcs 60cm 2.4GHz 15dBi RP-SMA Male Connector Wireless WiFi Router Antenna Gain | eBay
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here is a dual band (2.4 and 5.8) 8dbi panel directional antenna only NO AMP!!! you will need to order two of them

2.4GHz 5.8Ghz 8dBi RP SMA Male connector High Gain Wifi Panel Antenna 2400~2500M | eBay

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now if you want a CRAZY set up its not portable lol, you would need a stand/ tri-pod stand..lol you may need an adapter to hook it up to the above amps

you will need TWO of antennas, cables, etc cause mavic HAS TWO antennas!!!!

hook up a 8 Watt amp to a 2.4GHz 25dbi Yagi antenna!!! ( Yagi antenna is VERY Directional antenna!!!)

2.4GHz 25dbi Yagi WLAN WiFi Wireless RPSMA Antenna For Modem PCI Card Router AP7 | eBay

this 10 foot cable should hook up to the yagi ant, then you will need the right adapter to hook up to the amp

10ft 3M Antenna Extension Cable RP SMA Male to Female Adapter Wireless Router | eBay

 

[droneuser]

connectors

here is a "Clean Install Kit" which has all what you need for cables due to it being a "kit" for the mavic pro the price is 24.95 but it does come with Custom washers made for the remote, lock washers, etc if you want to save more money then read below

Clean Install Kit (DJI Mavic Pro)
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what type of connectors do I need? Some of the ads don't say what connector is on the antenna or amps so you will have to look at the pictures that the ad has. This can be hard to see

here is a break down of the connectors that are used for this:

the mavic pro remote controller stock antenna has a U.FL connector on the end that plugs into the circuit board ! So the cable ( pigtail) you will need has to have that connector on one end.

here is a picture





As for the other end this depends on the antenna or amp you are buying

here is a break down on that:

Wireless (WiFi 2.4/5 GHZ) antennas & systems use Reverse Polarity (RP) connectors. A Reverse Polarity (RP) SMA Male will have threads on the inside but will have a hole in the middle.

check this link out for pictures and more info ( the pictures you want to look at are Reverse Polarity RP-SMA Male, Reverse Polarity RP-SMA Female)

Pictures of Coax Cable Connectors - AlternativeWireless

there are times where you can't get a pigtail with the right plug so you may have to use a sma barrel connector (make sure you look at it closely to get the right one, the above link should help you figure out what you need)

here is a link of some of those

sma barrel connectors sma barrel connectors | eBay

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here is a link for buying cables and you can selected the length you need! and what end you need too, these cables would be for the remote controller and antenna (or amp) depending on how you are setting this up!

IPX U.FL to RP-SMA / SMA Female Bulkhead PCI PCB 1.13mm Coaxial Pigtail Cable UE | eBay

 

[droneuser]

Remote controller disassembling



opener tools that should be used, however you can take remote apart without ( check around for prices amazon,ebay, etc)

Professional Opening Pry Tool Repair Kit with Non-Abrasive Nylon Spudgers and Anti-Static Tweezers, 8 Piece Set

https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Non-Abrasive-Spudgers-Anti-Static-Tweezers/dp/B00PHNMEMC/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1520898893&sr=8-8&keywords=iphone+opener+tools



How to take remote controller apart ( take your time and have GOOD lighting!!)

or

 

[droneuser]

DIY amp kit cost

What does it cost to build? well that of course depends on the amp wattage, antenna type, battery etc!

So lets price out a 4 watt amp kit ( reason being that is what most drone antenna mod booster kits are!

This will be a basic kit ( no plastic box, switchs, fans, higher dbi ant) would use the antennas that come with the amp!

price as of 3/17/2018 prices are us dollars

(2) 4 watt amps at 24.95 each = 49.90
(1) 12 volt battery (the link I posted) = 25.95
(2) pigtail cables 5.05 each = 10.10

total $85.95 us dollars ( does not include shipping cost if there is one or tax)

 

[droneuser]

DIY amp VS drone Antenna Mod booster kit

So the question i am sure you are thinking is......So what is the difference between DIY Amp kit compare to a drone Antenna Mod booster kit which price start at 250 and up!

1). I would assume drone ant mod booster kit uses a better amp meaning doesn't have themo drift, a better noise to signal ratio, may not run as hot, may uses a "brand name" battery, may have a faster battery charger, some of them have quick switch mounts meaning a faster and better way to switch antennas out! some of them have a battery level display too!

2). some of the kits have great customer support! if you have a problem you can call them and they will help you! a DIY amp kit you are on your own!

3). their kits come with everything you need!

So this is some of the reasons why those kits cost so much

 

[droneuser]

Here is a link to my antenna build

My amp/antenna build and distance test (I will update as i go)

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if you want more info on dbi and watts and what does it convert to! check this thread out

converting antenna dbi to watts and amp watts to dbi what are you really getting for output!
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if you want info on how to modifty the antenna that is in the mavic pro then check this thread out!

Aircraft Antenna Mod
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here is other thread about remote antenna mods it has a lot of good info!

Antenna mods
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[droneuser]

Please feel free to add any info to this thread

Thanks

 

[droneuser]

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[fileophile]

What is the difference between a transmit antenna and a recieve antenna? Can’t you use the same antenna model for both? (Just feed a signal into one and it is transmit, and output a signal from the other and it is then a receive.)

 

[droneuser]

yes one wifi ant does both meaning transmit and receive BUT the mavic needs two one on each side!!

 

[droneuser]

I should add one ant per output!

edit - Mavic has two antennas you cant use one antenna for both! you have to use two! so that means you would need two amps, two ants, cables, etc two of everything!

 

[droneuser]

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[droneuser]

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[droneuser]

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[droneuser]

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