3DR Solo Range Test - Stock vs. Aftermarket Antennas

Ever wondered how far you can fly a 3DR Solo without losing signal? In this video we test that. And then we put on an upgraded antenna from FPVLR.COM and do the same test. The difference is amazing!

[@robbiemazzoni4381]

Great video you could rest assured I will be ordering the FPVLR antenna right now! Great job guys!!! Thank you!

[@CroMagnun]

Careful, guys, you are affecting the multipath interference by tilting the antennas up or down, and some of the signal fluctuation you are experiencing is typical peaks and valleys that occur due to multipath as you travel outward or inward at a given altitude. You are dealing with a lot of electromagnetic field characteristics at once, and you will probably get very different results in another location. Even standing on a chair (or hill) can impact your performance with either antenna. You might want to test the relative control ranges in a number of terrain settings before deciding which antenna is better. Good video though, it's good to see that the LR antennas are at least not the typical fake science items that are often sold for TV reception. Thanks for taking the time to test them.

[@joeglennaz]

Great! I'll watch for the video as I'm interested in the 3 DR. I got 2 miles out of my Phantom 3 with the stock antenna but I was at 400 Feet!!

[@eg7737]

How far does the phantom 3 pro go in similar conditions

[@emperorkalel]

Great video guys!!!

[@its4michael]

I read on 3DR forums that it is recommended to orient the stock TX antennas down and out 30 deg. Wonder how that would help instead of the up orientation as you are flying there. Have you tried other cloverleaf antennas? Thanks for the vid.

[@dbest1aVlogs]

Good improvement .. Pretty impressive.

[@kevine5626]

According to 3DR the batteries are always in a state of discharge. If it was 2 weeks since you charged them you should have topped them off before flying. That is part of the "Smart Batteries" function.

[@cackychet]

if you can help i love my solo but it will not hook up to wifi to FPV

[@cj2006sd]

While 3DR does say that your antenna should be turned downward...it really depends on the angle of how you hold your controller. For best signal, it is important to keep your antennas perpendicular (90 degrees) to the craft....and the outward tilt of each one is to ensure a decent signal if the craft is banked either way. Downward tends to cover the way most people hold their controller, but if your someone that prefers to hold their controller more vertical than horizontal, you might get a better perpendicular angle while tilting them upward. The antennas pointing upward or downward isn't as important as maintaining a perpendicular (90 degree) orientation of your antennas to the craft. AND directly pointing STRAIGHT antennas at the craft is the worst possible signal you can get. Directional antennas completely opposite...they need to be basically aimed at the craft.

[@DjebiLoftin]

your videos have been very helpful. because of you I got a 3dr solo rather than p4i. 1 question, are you able to resolve or remove the error or message that solo didn't "like" this range extender? any resolution to that? thank u

[@k4jsteward]

Those are extremely directional antennas so you need to keep em pointed as you found out. Great video! Thanks

[@KTHKUHNKK]

I BOUGHT THE FPVLRs FOR THE TYPHOON H I AM CURIOUS TO SEE HOW THEY DO. YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB BUDDY WITH YOUR REVIEW. KEITH KUHN

[@LarryMarshallPhotography]

How do you install the FPVLR on the Solo?

[@krissryanmndz506]

I just bought my 3dr solo ! And my video has no sound ? When im trying to watch it

[@trxxxtr]

what did the error mess end up being?

[@StupidTVclips]

Does it display current telemetry data on screen so you can hunt for it after a crash?

[@JaffreyH]

What is the extended antenna name? Thanks.

[@ErichHaubrich]

If you're using a directional antenna for range it's best to keep the controller stationary. Placing the controller on a tripod can work for this.

[@wolf3755]

Can you put an iPad Air in the holder

[@fawkyooo7377]

what ipad mount is that?

[@drusoltys]

Great comparison vid. Did you have to change anything within the SOLO or just swap out the antenna on the controller?

[@lubedatube]

Did you manage to get further than 200 feet away when operating from your back yard with the new antenna?

[@wokafloka7192]

and how quick did you get bored with this I don't want to buy it and be bored a month later

[@tb5638]

HAHAHAHAH🤣 I love how amazed you are at the distance as you call out the FEET...🤣 that's how I count out my MILES lol

[@readysetdrone]

Ha! 😅

[@chadmcdowell5582]

I got 5600 feet with the ALFA antennas a few days ago. That was 2000 feet high from takeoff going up the side of a mountain while maintaining ~200 feet above the ground.

[@readysetdrone]

Yes - the ALFAs are amazing! Thanks for watching!

[@nabylphotography5671]

igot 8852 with one alfa and one stock no loosing signal and also no losing video feedback

[@Yash-ie8kj]

does it matter which one (left/right) has alfa and the other has stock ? I wonder if one's for transmitting and one for receiving. Let me know what worked for you.

[@chadmcdowell5582]

I don't think there is a difference in that way, but I have noticed I have significantly stronger signal by making sure the orientation has the ALFA logo pointed toward the drone rather than the back side without the ALFA logo pointed forward.

[@trxxxtr]

Chad McDowell I think there is. they have different v's. most drones have them marked which goes where because of this. idk about the 3dr but I'm assuming it's the same

[@AmandaWoolsey]

I got just over 2,500 FT before getting scared and having hard time keeping in sight and manually returned to home. Never lost signal but sure got nervous lol

[@AmandaWoolsey]

^with stock antennas

[@nabylphotography5671]

I got 3280 feet with my stock antenna

[@almostserious75]

Adding mods gets you into building, then the real fun begins...

[@chrisscharfenberger6007]

I don't remember the exact distance but I had mine almost a mile away once. It was over 5000 feet away when I lost signal. It also took a long time to reaquire the signal but the dang thing did come back. They are really amazing machines.

[@douglasauruss]

Can you also upgrade the antennas that are on the 3DR Solo drone and increase the range further? It seems like that would become the limiting factor.

[@maycaroverall6226]

Doug H upgrading the gps is actually very important add the stock one sucks, even the former 3dr Colin knew it was plagued by this. such a shame too, it was a great bird.

[@thetanger]

Thanks for doing that. If you're looking for range though...you gotta go Phantom 3 or 4 w/Lightbridge. I can do 4 MILES one way with just parabolic slip on windsurfers. Also, noticed the 3DR has a bit of jello on the video-is that typical?

[@bkeene12]

Wait, you got 4 miles? What was your battery life at when you reached that point and how long did it take you to get there? Did the drone crash before it got back to you?

[@thetanger]

Turned around at 53% or so and came back at 11% (wind aided return). This was at 400 feet height over farmland/empty fields though.

[@joeglennaz]

Where are you in Texas? In in SW Houston

[@TinHatRanch]

You only have so much TX Power to start with. When you change to a directional antenna, you "focus" that power in a direction. You get longer range at the expense of directionality.

[@freddyphredphred]

So does the Solo just return home if it goes too far and lose signal?? I just got one and am kinda new. I am afraid if it goes too far i'll lose it. I'm in the city by the ocean-- los angeles so there's a lot of interference and i'd be scared to lose it out over the water

[@readysetdrone]

The Solo will return to home if it loses signal. You will want to make sure that you are in a clear area when you take off. But I have flown it out of range before and it did return to home for me. Of course, the safest thing is to keep the Solo in range. Happy flying!

[@seemee548]

I have a Yi 4k camera. I understand I will not be able to pan and do other fun stuff like you can with a gopro. BUT! Will I be able to stream visual flying to my phone/controller without the gopro camera. Thx

[@readysetdrone]

I don't think so. The reason is that the software is designed to work with the GoPro interface and API. I'd love to see what would happen if you try.

[@silbay]

If you have HDMI out you should be able to. You just won't have any camera control

[@karooguy]

Yes, you can stream any camera on the Solo with an HDMI output. However, you can ONLY put a GoPro 3+ or 4 in the gimbal. So you'll need to remove the Solo gimbal and use the GoPro mount or try and install another gimbal. Camera controls will only work with GoPro.

[@silbay]

The GoPro camera does NOT control the gimbal. The bird controls the gimbal. Anything with the proper weight 78-82 gms and that fits will work fine with the gimbal. You just won't have camera control since the GoPro bus is proprietary and clone cameras don't have the bus (yet)

[@darrengilbert7214]

I'm looking to buy a new drone 3DR it has some bad reviews but seems OK ? BestBuy has for $289 Plus Ex Batt. Thx for any helpful info.

[@readysetdrone]

It is not as bad as people make it out to be. Update all the firmware when you get it and it should be fine. I had one for a year (paid $1,200 for it) and it was fine. At $300, it is a very good deal!

[@jeffreyrobinson7896]

Been saving for a Phantom 4 but I think im gonna dip into the fund for an FPVLR antenna for my solo cause lets face it the Phantom 4 it an armored Jeep but the Solo is a Tank, can I get an Amen !!

[@DavidAmmerlaan]

The video goes through the transmitter to the tablet. Good test good video 👍. ‘Ppl have shotguns’. Sad affair.

[@Joe_1971]

FYI...Lipo batteries don't like to be stored with a full charge. If you are going to use the batteries with in a day or so then charge them 100 percent if not they prefer to be stored at 50 percent charge. Probably hard to do with the stock charger so you would probably have to charge to 100 percent and then use the drone to bring them down to 50 percent. Unless they sell some sort of adapter that will allow you to use a auto rc battery charger with the storage function.

[@justintroy9827]

How has your 3DR been so far? Reading a lot of mixed reviews on them. Has your held up? Or is it glitchy?

[@readysetdrone]

It is less glitchy than it used to be due to software and firmware updates. Given the price of them now, I think they are a pretty good deal actually.

[@justintroy9827]

Ready Set Drone awesome, so it's not going to just take off and lose itself or not return home when it looses range? My only main concerns is if follow me mode works and if the drone comes home when it looses range. Which by your video it seems like it has the come home mode down. Does yours have the factory GPS on it?

[@justintroy9827]

Ready Set Drone I found out today that it's not compatible with my GoPro hero 3+ silver. So I'm going to have to go buy a Hero 4. That will put my overall cost around 550 to 600 dollars for the 3DR solo quadcopter. So my question is, should I just shell out the extra 400 and get a mavic or a phantom 4?

[@MorningView]

nope, better to have separate camera from quadocpter.

[@Megamare1]

Speaking of its black color... We bring binoculars are decent monocular 8 to 10 X & very easy to keep track of in the sky ✈️ 🌌 👀

[@Soldier53flyer]

I have a new in the box 3 DR SOLO , W/ Gimble and Back pack. all NEW!!

[@codawson]

So what is the deal - do the antennas need to be pointed down, or up? I intuitively want to put them in the up position. How much does it matter?

[@readysetdrone]

My understanding is they should be pointed up at a 45 degree angle. And that they should be parallel to each other (not a "V" shape). Hope that helps!

[@codawson]

Thanks - that makes more cognitive sense to me - I see people in videos all the time with them pointed down at 45 degrees and in a V. I am going to test it out - thanks for replying.

[@jasonferrier]

The manual from 3DR states to point the antennas 45 degrees down and in the upside down V orientation. 3dr.com/support/articles/208046526/using_the_controller/

[@codawson]

Thank you Jason.

[@Taematoe]

I did a flight 400 ft up, 4000 feet out off a mountain with the Alfa 20.00 antennas. Way better than stock.

[@jman464100]

So after owning this drone for a year or so, would you say you have enjoyed it?

[@readysetdrone]

+jman464100 I liked it. Had some issues with the software, but it got better over time. I hope that 3DR continues to support the product and update the software.

[@maycaroverall6226]

Ready Set Drone so now that the company is no longer supporting consumer drones what's your plan

[@eddiek132]

Still loving my 3 Solos .2.5 yrs still going strong . Open Solo , Greencube, Solex , Side Pilot - she’s far from dead in the water.....I mean , air.

[@korling99]

I am pretty sure that the FPVLR antennas should be pointed at the horizon, not at the quad

[@sadiqbashao7]

I heard there will be no more 3dr consumer drones?

[@readysetdrone]

That seems to be what is happening. Thanks for watching!

[@sadiqbashao7]

😭😭

[@frankefarms5082]

just throwing it out their but for were i live i got my drone to go 3257 feet away with my stock antennas

[@nabylphotography5671]

yes I got 1km = 3280 feet with my stock

[@DavidAmmerlaan]

Not me

[@wokafloka7192]

it sucks best buy had the quad gimble and controller for 299 now its just the quad and controller for 299 or you can get open box for 250 I have a go pro clone with Wi-Fi d you think it will work

[@caudillioski]

I just got the Solo with a price match, 3 extra batteries, gimbal, and also extra pack of props for 410

[@robbiemazzoni4381]

By the way you went up to 160 feet on the stock at about 130 on the FPVLR. But great job. I think you could of went further if you went to the same height as the stock.

[@jeremyboyce1537]

It said Return Home at 14:50 .

[@fouramhq]

Theoretically...if the stock antenna was designed properly and accurately, you should not get much better performance from another antenna due to shape. Antenna size is based on the wavelength of the frequency which you are using. 1/4 wave...1/2 wave..full wave etc. The diameter, or gauge of the wire used to construct the antenna also affects the performance. Antenna theory is very complex. I am certainly not an expert, but from my HAM radio research, this is what i have learned. Did the non-stock antenna you used to get the longer range have an amplifier of some sort? Here is some web info...

[@sanjithtamballa]

Why do you use a GoPro to record

[@2dimples_dad255]

default camera for gimbal for solo

[@jeremyboyce1537]

It did say ,Return Home ,guys .

[@markgiles8527]

Could someone explain to me manufacturing and marketing please. 3DR have, or had, a pretty good, if not great, drone with the Solo. They've designed and built it. The thing flies well, right? It's even been upgraded with the new cube (or at least I think so). So why then if you've gone to all this trouble wouldn't you just keep manufacturing them and selling them? Because there are all these new, cheap drones coming out now that are just Not So Good. If they can do it why can't the Solo? The Solo is a way better design. And I'm pretty sure HEX or Proficnc or whom ever is working on the Pixhawk 2.1 (CUBE) still uses this technology I think in some of its prototypes. But I could be wrong. Point is. I don't think this drone is dead yet. Yet no one is manufacturing it? Crazy world. I just don't understand it.

[@MayooN]

Place you antennas correctly please and repeat the test. Thanks alot for your time still !! #fly3dr

[@MayooN]

+Ready Set Drone oi68.tinypic.com/npl849.jpg 3drobotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/v7_10_20_15.pdf Look under section 4:12

[@Megamare1]

Always helps to put the tab/ phone in airplane mode. Just sayin but seems to help

[@yerfvlogger959]

my phantom 3 standard goes 4500ft away @400 ft up

[@bengivanwyke4545]

how...

[@tonyd112]

yeah... No it doesn't lol

[@maycaroverall6226]

YERF VLOGGER and everyone and their dog has that ugly thing.

[@fjmorgan3794]

Just FYI.. Altitude will make difference... even the 30' difference between these test.

[@readysetdrone]

Good to know. Thanks for the comment.

[@joeglennaz]

Guys take it to 400 feet and then test the distance!!

[@RoadKing05FLHR]

I can fly a mile away and have flown to 7500 feet with stock antennae. IteLite dBs will improve signal level. Not using video, LOS.

[@smeagolyetti4101]

come check out my Solo 3DR video, it flew 40,000 foot. No mods or gimbal.

[@bobreichel]

hey just to say use 1 Alfa antena for $12 and 1 stock antenna and you'll get the same or at least close to the same distance. just saying :)

[@bobreichel]

I've gotten 3842 ft with trees all around me in your condition in the video that is, I'm sure I'd get much further.

[@philosopher1st]

+R Reichel thanks can you please post the link to the Alfa antenna you purchased? I found this one on Amazon but its only $10.99 for 2.4 GHz and 7dBi: www.amazon.com/Alfa-2-4HGz-Booster-High-Gain-Antenna/dp/B003ZWPRUI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1448035501&sr=8-4&keywords=alfa+antenna

[@2dimples_dad255]

+philosopher1st I think any WiFi booster helps. I too bought some cheapo pair for $10 and trippled the range. also there is no reason to go that far as ud have to come right back anyways haha

[@deebodigital]

I got my $400 spark to 11,000 ft

[@kevinknowlton5460]

I own a solo and I hate the range that it has. In town I can only get down the street maybe half a block. I can do that with some of these cheaper $100.00 quad copters.NOT IMPRESSED !! So I punched in wifi signal booster and seen one that caught my eye "BEER CAN WIFI BOOSTER" I watched it and thought W.T.F. i'm gonna try this. I have two antennas on solo so I went and picked up a six pack from the store. After all the beer were gone and to make a long story short I took solo out and tried her. You guys are gonna think i'm full of shit but that night it was 2;30 AM AND -12 out and just a slight breeze I sent solo out and stood beside my car where it was warm. it went 7250 feet when the battery hit 50 % I still had one bar left but I didn't dare to go any further, I hit the home button and back she come. I have made this same trip only twice and am headed for the 3rd go around right now. Oh I might add that I have no gimbal or Go-pro on board it's just solo !...!

[@solen1849]

Yeah just like the dji range extenders that slip over the antennas

[@jmhunter83]

i want a solo, but my STANDARD phantom 3 I got over 4k feet today... In the city... no mods.

[@jmhunter83]

+Ready Set Drone I don't either, if I can't see it I turn around... I am surrounded on the west side of my home by agriculture... So it gives me lot of opportunity to just fly around and practice.. which may occasionally include a length run.. On that same note I think I'd prefer a USA made and / or designed quad ..

[@jmhunter83]

+Ready Set Drone By chance did you test range with your antenna confined how +Mayoo N suggested?

[@henk376]

Very nice video... I like it... I own the Yuneec q500 and the 3dr solo. check my videos let me know what you think... keep up the good work...

[@nabylphotography5671]

haha I do 3280 feet with my stock antenna

[@R1carib]

Too bad it's such a great looking machine :/

[@baden5502]

My DJI phantom 3 pro disappeared when it lost signal and never came home. $500 disappeared in the Tx landscape and is still out there somewhere till this day unless it's on a spying mission for the Chinese 😳

[@1AloneX2]

7188 ft!!! and with the STOCK antenna's! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJaqmaOnea2Ao5I

[@horacegray2417]

wow I'm glad I didn't get this one 3000 feet isn't that great with a antenna mod

[@truettsmith7034]

Crap drone DJI is way better I have the phantom 3 pro and it can go 8210 feet or 2.502408 km

[@__ZANE__]

Hi Truett Smith 2ch! Great work supporting FE Brotha! Over the past 4 months i've been working hard on flat earth cover songs on my channel, hoping they give ya a laugh anyhow, haha. The Beatles, Steely Dan, Tupac, Tom Petty, Nirvana, Billy Joel, The Doors, Metallica, George Thorogood, Louis Armstrong, Waylon Jennings, Motley Crue, and even Dune are all Flat Earthers now! Hope ya enjoy 'em brother! :-) peAce -Zane