There is substantial talk on the net about the range extending capabilities of the parabolic reflectors, available from Amazon or Aliexpress for pennies.
They do give an edge in terms of range, but pointing it constantly reduces smoothness of flying on short to medium distances. In the end, I usually fly without them, as I have more flexibility around my starting point.
However, they are invaluable when you fly past your normal range. Instead of allowing rth to kick in and expose the drone to potentially dangerous winds, just stay calm and put the range extenders on at this point. Bang! The signal always comes back and it’s solid enough to let you reverse and navigate back into your comfort zone.
The range extenders proved to be a nifty tool for these ambitious droners with eyesight good enough to do 2 km+ of VLOS flights, but it’s also a reliable emergency solution for everyday MM pilots. Stash one in your pocket next time you’re going to buzz around and witness the magic happening, when your video feed will come back during the most suspenseful moments of your flight.
Don’t fall for the magic though too much, as if you’ll fly behind a solid obstacle, you’ll have less chance of regaining control. Also, don’t go yeehaw cowboy too much and fly constantly with the parabolic reflectors. Once you outrun the range of these, there is little you can do to extend your control distance ad hoc.
They do give an edge in terms of range, but pointing it constantly reduces smoothness of flying on short to medium distances. In the end, I usually fly without them, as I have more flexibility around my starting point.
However, they are invaluable when you fly past your normal range. Instead of allowing rth to kick in and expose the drone to potentially dangerous winds, just stay calm and put the range extenders on at this point. Bang! The signal always comes back and it’s solid enough to let you reverse and navigate back into your comfort zone.
The range extenders proved to be a nifty tool for these ambitious droners with eyesight good enough to do 2 km+ of VLOS flights, but it’s also a reliable emergency solution for everyday MM pilots. Stash one in your pocket next time you’re going to buzz around and witness the magic happening, when your video feed will come back during the most suspenseful moments of your flight.
Don’t fall for the magic though too much, as if you’ll fly behind a solid obstacle, you’ll have less chance of regaining control. Also, don’t go yeehaw cowboy too much and fly constantly with the parabolic reflectors. Once you outrun the range of these, there is little you can do to extend your control distance ad hoc.
