A simple, yet effective Ground Station build in 30 minutes

[timnilson]

I like it !
If I use this ground station in 5,8ghz video and 2,4ghz in tx rx. How to increase the range in 2,4ghz ?

Good question! I've recently switched to a FrSky DHT-U (it's a 2.4 TX and telemetry RX with display in one enclosure)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...y_System_.html

I connect that to my Spektrum DX-7 via the same mini-plug mod that I use to connect my EzUHF.
http://www.fpvmanuals.com/2011/03/17...ezuhf-or-tlrs/

You can then attach a patch antenna to the DHT-U to increase range to a respectable 5km or so. That's probably the most you'll squeeze out of any 2.4 system. After that, you'd have to switch to UHF/LRS.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s..._Modules_.html

The nice aspect to using this solution is that you get RSSI and Lipo voltage to the display with an additional voltage divider that plugs into the RX (no bulky additional telemetry base).
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...y_System_.html

The FrSky receivers are also very affordable. An 8-channel, diversity, telemetry sending capable RX is as little as $25 bucks.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...elemetery.html

This enables me to get the key stats (RSSI and Lipo voltage) without the need for an OSD.

[Hucker]

Just rotate the whole assembly 90 degrees ccw and you won't need another 90degree sma that will put your antenna right next to the metal case of the duo. You'll end up with your SPW nice and high surrounded by wood instead of metal.

[timnilson]

Tim, the reason to make the SPW upright is because you would be flying in the null of the antenna both infront and behind, where you think it would be picking up the signal when the patch isnt.

Yes, I understand. But, if I fly at 8 Feet up to say a hundred feet right behind my GS, the BluBeam would still catch the signal, I think. Hell, at that distance, the patch may even have enough leakage to catch that signal. And, flying in-front of the GS is where the patch antenna will fill the hole that the CP BluBeam will leave vacant in my current set up. Clearly, it would be better if the BluBeam is turned 90 degrees to have it point straight up, like the antenna on the tricopter. I think Alex's idea to add another 90 degree connector is the easiest and cleanest way to make this happen... I will give that a try.

[timnilson]

Just rotate the whole assembly 90 degrees ccw and you won't need another 90degree sma that will put your antenna right next to the metal case of the duo. You'll end up with your SPW nice and high surrounded by wood instead of metal.

That's another good idea. Only slight issue with that is that the Patch I have has a slightly broader pattern horizontally.

[timnilson]

Alex's idea of adding another 90 degree connector works well... looks a bit like a plumber went to town, but the 'run' is still super super short into the RX. But, it added a whole minute to the build time! Make that the "31 Minute Ground Station"

[timnilson]

Clearly, you guys all have the right ideas! I literally threw this thing together in 30 minutes... and spent about 5 minutes thinking about it beforehand. I am sure you guys can tweak the layout of this to make it even more functional. Post your results here so we can see what you came up with!

[timnilson]

I like that you have the high gain and the bluebeam tied in together!

I may have to revisit my recent change - I just added an 8dbi

Nice build! My main goal was to do without the RG cabling. Your build is a good example... The cabling increases your overall size of the GS as there is no easy or good way to run this kind of cable. You wind up with an unwieldy cable coil hanging in free space... you see it all the time. It also degrades your signal.

[IBCrazy]

Ok, so this one takes a bit more thought, but this is what I fly.


No tracking, no diversity. Just a dual band repeater with recorder and voltmeter. It has a 7.5 dbic 3 turn helical and a 8.7dbic 2.4GHz helical mounted to a foldable tripod. The output is run to a FPV Japan DVR and a 100mW Fatshark 5.8GHz transmitter. That transmits to my FatShark goggles so I'm totally wireless.



-Alex

[GregSilver]

Tim, the swp will be effected that close to the rx too. I know this is supposed to be simple setup, but if you were only using the omni, your range may be highly effected. Figure out a way to raise it above, like Alex has it on the repeater for his 5.8

[IBCrazy]

Here's a detailed description of my ground station. Yes I know it is a mess. I would clean it up, but that's just a lot of effort for no real reward. I'd rather be flying

-Alex