Best RX Position on a 250?

[NorcoT]

Hey everyone, follow a spate of Rx signal problems on my EMax 250 Nighthawk and an OrangeRx R615 I have chosen to upgrade to a Spektrum AR8000 for use with my DX7s. Part of the problem was shadowing of the Rx antenna in some orientations.

So i';m looking for any advice on the best location for my new Rx setup, the AR8000 comes with the main unit (1 antenna) and then a satellite (2 antenna). I would like to maximise the polarization at any orientation so I guess its most effective to mount the satellite in a different plane perpendicular to the main unit?

Space is limited on my 250 so I plan to mount the main Rx on the aft of the frame sitting on the main plate. But where would I be best putting the satellite?

Interested to see where others position theirs. Unfortunately the antenna are only short so I cant position the antenna away from the quad.

Thanks!

[Revs]

I';d prolly have the speksat on the underside, near the middle to reduce the chance of damage.

[kilby]

I was never entirely satisfied with the 6210 + satellite placement on my 250

I ended up with the main RX on the rear of the lower deck and the satellite close to the front, mounted on the underside of the top deck (and rotated 90 degrees to the main RX)

If I was doing it again I would look at either replacing the existing stub antennas with longer ones that can be extended above the machine, or using the carbon fuselage versions (you can sometimes pick up the discontinued models cheaply)

[NorcoT]

I';d prolly have the speksat on the underside, near the middle to reduce the chance of damage.

This is what I was thinking, but im not sure if this still shadows the antenna when flying nose in as the main rx on the bottom deck of the main plate may be obscured by the top deck/lipo, and the satellite will be obscured by the main deck.

Im hoping in general the AR8000 performs much better for range / signal anyhow so shadowing wont be an issue. I dont plan to fly much further beyond the 250m mark anyhow, which the OrangeRx was just about capable with on my current set up.

If I was doing it again I would look at either replacing the existing stub antennas with longer ones that can be extended above the machine, or using the carbon fuselage versions (you can sometimes pick up the discontinued models cheaply)

I never realised there was a carbon specific version, just splashed £40 on the AR8000. Do you have any good info about upgrading from the stub antenna?

[kilby]

Becasue my 250 was made out of G10 shadowing wasn';t such an issue.

Yeah spektrum do a range of receivers for CF aircraft, and it';s essentially just longer antennae where the last 31mm has had the shielding removed.

Some Spektrum receivers had the mini connectors (don';t know if they still do) so the FrSky replacement 2.4GHz antennas could possibly be used.

If the connector isn';t on the RX board then you would have to solder it into place

[Revs]

I may be wrong but I seem to remember the CF versions being DSM2 only.

I';ve been having slight range issues too (using a speksat). I was flying the other day and didn';t realise the quad was behind me about 200m away. As I went behind a tree it disarmed and fell to the floor. I seems the signal going through me, 200m of air and finally a tree was a bit much to ask. I don';t think it would have been an issue if I was facing the quad, but when you';re FPVing it';s hard to know where it is in relation you you.

I';m on with doing an antenna extension for my speksat. I have a crappy Absima rx I';ve cannibalised for the long antenna. Hopefully that will sort the issue.

[kilby]

I may be wrong but I seem to remember the CF versions being DSM2 only.

Maybe the older ones where but for the last couple of years they have been DSMX (though some of the lightweight glider ones may have been DSM2 only)

The AR6260 is one of the current ones, but a bit of a rip off price TBH

[Revs]

The AR610 has one extended antenna and one short one and is reasonably priced. It';s a good rx, I use them in my planes. No PPM though

[NorcoT]

Hmm, well maybe I will fly ';as is'; seeing as I have already bought and received my AR8000. It should be better than the OrangeRx 615 at least, as the Spek is a ';full range'; rx and I dont think the OrangeRx is.

So Rx on the lower deck at the rear and Sat on the underside and rotated through 90deg. Will give it a whirl!

[Revs]

The AR8000 is a great rx, they';re just pricey. I really wish Spektrum would sort themselves out an get PPM working on their rx';s though.