Hi Guys,
I thought I would share my successful modification with you: the internal fitting of an ImmersionRC 25mW video transmitter into a Phantom 2.
There are a few reasons why I went for the 25mW version;
Firstly, I did a few baseline tests against which to judge the final result. I fitted the DJI iOSD Mini internally, and attached the video transmitter to one leg with insulation tape. With stock antenna, and Black Pearl with stock antenna, I was able to fly over 700m without significant loss of video until I lost line-of-sight. Turning caused video drop-out as expected but I was still able to get 300m in any direction.
Parts
Note :- Immersion use SMA connectors, not RP-SMA
ImmersionRC 25mW transmitter
4" (10cm) SMA Male plug to SMA female jack RF Coax pigtail
SMA Male to SMA Female 90 degree elbow
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_o...0.TRC0.H0.Xsma+-rp.TRS0&_nkw=sma+-rp&_sacat=0
How to
1) Remove the lid (if you are reading this, you have probably done this before so don't need instructions!)
2) Remove the bolts holding the motors (all)
3) Remove ESC screws. These hold the light covers on the underside, which will also detach. (all)
4) Remove the four screws holding the main circuit board to the body. This also holds my Zenmuse anti-interference board
5) Disconnect the front USB cable
6) CAREFULLY cut through the silicone between the main board and the Remote Control receiver board underneath. The receiver cable is located close so take care.
7) Remove the X1 cable from the controller. Remove the receiver plugs from the controller, note which plug goes where (not obvious without images to refer to)
8) Remove the power connector
9) I would completely remove the board at this stage, although I was hoping to do this without complete removal. You will find it easier if you do. (Note orientation)
10) Dry fitting the transmitter.
11) Remove the fins from the front left. Leave something as this might be structural, although I don't think so, so I left the last fin.
12) Remove the nut from the pig-tail lead and place as flat as possible, close to the power connector support. Use this as a guide. Drill the right size hole for a snug fit
13) Attach pig-tail cable with washer and nut
14) Loop the cable around and lay the transmitter in the gap created by 11). Place the hot part of the transmitter (with the sticker) against the side vents (every little helps)
15) Transmitter in place
16) Replace electrics and enjoy!
I was able to get just over 900m with this setup before the video became unusable. It keep dropping out over houses (WiFi?) but over fields was good enough to prove the installation worked. There will be some losses in the pig-tail cable, and wrapping the cable around the power lead, but hopefully some clover-leaf antennas and a patch antenna will help.
I will also monitor the heat given out, although at the moment it is just above freezing so might not become apparent until the summer.
I thought I would share my successful modification with you: the internal fitting of an ImmersionRC 25mW video transmitter into a Phantom 2.
There are a few reasons why I went for the 25mW version;
- it is the maximum legal power available for 5.8GHz in the UK and Europe (unless I am in the majority who flout the law according to the BBC)
- the lower power will lead to less current draw and longer battery life
- lower power means lower heat making an internal fitting feasible
- there is more to be gained with better antennas than more powerful transmitters
- it was cheaper and I wasn't paying
- as I will mostly be flying line-of-sight with FPV for framing, I don't need huge distances
Firstly, I did a few baseline tests against which to judge the final result. I fitted the DJI iOSD Mini internally, and attached the video transmitter to one leg with insulation tape. With stock antenna, and Black Pearl with stock antenna, I was able to fly over 700m without significant loss of video until I lost line-of-sight. Turning caused video drop-out as expected but I was still able to get 300m in any direction.
Parts
Note :- Immersion use SMA connectors, not RP-SMA
ImmersionRC 25mW transmitter
4" (10cm) SMA Male plug to SMA female jack RF Coax pigtail
SMA Male to SMA Female 90 degree elbow
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_o...0.TRC0.H0.Xsma+-rp.TRS0&_nkw=sma+-rp&_sacat=0
How to
1) Remove the lid (if you are reading this, you have probably done this before so don't need instructions!)
2) Remove the bolts holding the motors (all)
3) Remove ESC screws. These hold the light covers on the underside, which will also detach. (all)
4) Remove the four screws holding the main circuit board to the body. This also holds my Zenmuse anti-interference board
5) Disconnect the front USB cable
6) CAREFULLY cut through the silicone between the main board and the Remote Control receiver board underneath. The receiver cable is located close so take care.
7) Remove the X1 cable from the controller. Remove the receiver plugs from the controller, note which plug goes where (not obvious without images to refer to)
8) Remove the power connector
9) I would completely remove the board at this stage, although I was hoping to do this without complete removal. You will find it easier if you do. (Note orientation)
10) Dry fitting the transmitter.
11) Remove the fins from the front left. Leave something as this might be structural, although I don't think so, so I left the last fin.
12) Remove the nut from the pig-tail lead and place as flat as possible, close to the power connector support. Use this as a guide. Drill the right size hole for a snug fit
13) Attach pig-tail cable with washer and nut
14) Loop the cable around and lay the transmitter in the gap created by 11). Place the hot part of the transmitter (with the sticker) against the side vents (every little helps)
15) Transmitter in place
16) Replace electrics and enjoy!
I was able to get just over 900m with this setup before the video became unusable. It keep dropping out over houses (WiFi?) but over fields was good enough to prove the installation worked. There will be some losses in the pig-tail cable, and wrapping the cable around the power lead, but hopefully some clover-leaf antennas and a patch antenna will help.
I will also monitor the heat given out, although at the moment it is just above freezing so might not become apparent until the summer.
