AKK Race Ranger VTX - Output Power & Flight Tests

[@rockcityfpv9117]

Never seen a vtx so accurate and that’s with it sitting on the bench... flying it will never get hot

[@furulevi]

The heatsink on my Race Ranger is reversed and thus those solder pads at 0:29 (S,O,O,O,P,V) are not visible...

[@_KSM__FPV]

And mine

[@immortalsofar7977]

I'd rather have a vtx rated for 1600mw and actually outputs 2W versus one rated for 2W and actually outputs 1600mw.

[@cristiammena5130]

Gracias a tu vídeo tome la decisión de comprarlo muchas gracias a tu trabajo hace que todo sea mas fácil para los que iniciamos en esto de los drones. saludos desde Colombia.

[@KremerFPV]

De nada :-)

[@toms755]

Looks like a nice vtx with the cooling build in. I use the X2 and the FX2 ultimate mini and can say Akk makes good transmitters. So far couldn’t find anything better.

[@johncarold]

Well I definitely ordered the wrong VTX. I would like to had remembered this video. I just purchase two AKK X2 for my wing and glider. I know that the X2 is still a great VTX but 1600mw I really would have loved to have tried it. Thanks for the show. And have a Great weekend

[@RyanKao]

Amazing test as always. At this point in time, whats your favorite and best recommendation for a VTX? I think I remember seeing somewhere you said it was the Rush Ultimate Plus? Is that still the case, for long range too?

[@KremerFPV]

Thanks Ryan. The Rush VTXs are definitely ranked high on my list.

[@budoskolok]

Does the smart audio working? I have a AKK VTX which is not working even with the patch.

[@jocelyncloutier]

Very well made! Quick and to the point. Many thanks... like a boss!!!

[@KremerFPV]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@davideindelicato2523]

Anyone tried to use the solder pads, instead of this cheap and short wire ?

[@Kaspurr84]

video noise due to powering method? can be solved with power filtering? thats the only disappointing part I see about it

[@KremerFPV]

Yes, it can probably solved by using an LC filter but I haven't tried it myself.

[@petrokemikal]

You seemed to be getting alot of video artifacts on 1600mw or was that just the light increase from the previous 200mw where it was darker ?

[@KremerFPV]

I assume that it's just the light changing.

[@ho-xo8my]

You could try powering the camara from the 5v bec of the vtx or just add a micro LC filter (1/2€)

[@KremerFPV]

Yes, it might help, but I waned to test it using the same equipment and method that I normally use.

[@danieledalpra4864]

hello, from the attached instructions we read that the vtx goes from 200 to 1600 mw. From your smartaudio it can be seen that it also reaches 25mW. Is that correct, can you confirm it for me? unfortunately in Italy it is not possible to fly more than 25mW of vtx. another question, does it have the pitmode function? Sorry for my bad English. A thousand thanks

[@gingefpv]

I grabbed a race ranger over the winter. I had a chance to fly with it along side my friend who flies digital. He told me I blast him when I power up.. any reason as to why?

[@alessandroposofpv_lecce]

Why can't I see anything in theosd? The signal arrives and even on the radio the vtx is read but nothing in the goggles

[@KremerFPV]

No OSD - just video? Is the OSD signal set to "Auto" in BF?

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic flying and review, Gal!!! 😃 This VTX looks fantastic! 😃

[@johncarold]

Hi Gal Great video for the AKK 1600mw VTX. I have a old one in my Chameleon and it works great. Thanks again for the show.

[@KremerFPV]

Thank you Johnny.

[@SunriseWaterMedia]

Johnny, do you happen to know if 1.6 watts is legal in the USA? I have one capable of it and wanted to see if you know about this kind of thing.

[@johncarold]

@@SunriseWaterMedia unfortunately No !!! Legally you can use up to 1w for any air craft, Drone, Airplane or what ever. But you can run over 1w if it's not going to fly. You can use it for a car , boat ext. I just don't know how much you can use I have a AKK DOMINATOR V1 &V2 both can work as long as I don't go over 1w. My V1 is 1,200mw and the V2 is 3w but it has a fan and that's why I got it.

[@flywithtb5005]

at mine the holes are only 30x30mm holes and they dont fit onto 30.5 x 30.5 stack

[@KremerFPV]

That's strange...

[@flywithtb5005]

@@KremerFPV I just screwed the screws the stack off and on with the thing in place and then it works. But it’s still annoying is there any 30 x 30 stack in this world

[@TheTomeksup]

How to choose this additional lc filter ? What about parameters ?

[@KremerFPV]

I didn't research this topic, I just used random ones so far, as normally either the FCs that I use or the VTXs already have built in LC filters.

[@TheTomeksup]

@@KremerFPV I dont understand. If vtx has standard builded in lc filtrer than why you recomend to use second one ?

[@KremerFPV]

@@TheTomeksup I am not sure that this VTX actually uses a built in LC filter and if it does it didn't work well for me.

[@Reecefpv]

Waiting on mine right now. 🙏🤞 Praying it work out as good as it looks here. Some people's meter tests were bad buy I'm guessing they didn't know how to for it. I trust your tests more.🤘🙌 And supposedly people are having trouble with the smart audio. So we'll see. Thanks for the good review, keep up the good work.

[@KremerFPV]

Thanks. Let me know how you like it.

[@Reecefpv]

@@KremerFPV I got it all hooked up but now I gotta get it unlocked from 1w. But so far it's pret nice. Still gotta do some range tests after I figure out my flight time problem. I'll t went from almost 5min to 2 min. Just switched from kiss to betaflight lol. And it's lighter now too.

[@rhyselliott9170]

How did you like range racer after a year?

[@Reecefpv]

@@rhyselliott9170 I feel like its about as good as all the others lol I'm actually still using a couple of them but not the original one

[@rhyselliott9170]

@@Reecefpv epic man. How far are you getting on the 1.6w power? I'm currently building 7 inch longer range. Cheers

[@spartan-fpv6936]

Gday Gal, great review mate, mr croc certainly gets a work out do have a favorite vtx for a 5 inch quad thats not going to break the bank.👍😀🛸

[@hkagiri5799]

The device you always use to measure the heat distribution on the VTX is what brand and model . Or any new recommendations i could try out. Thanks

[@KremerFPV]

Hi it has been discontinued: bit.ly/DaniuHY18

[@SmudgeFPV]

Why should use LC filter? Is it good for freestyle?

[@KremerFPV]

There is a lot of interference. For close-mid range I suggest getting a different VTX.

[@nicklauslego4229]

Do you happen to have a wiring diagram so I can solder this thing in? I would appreciate it

[@KremerFPV]

Sorry but I don't have it. Let me know if you still need it and I will try to help you out.

[@zhagorazy4628]

Hello gal. I plan to buy this VTX. Does VTX have PIT mode? Because I feel it's very important if it crashes.

[@KremerFPV]

Hi, as far as I know it doesn't have pit mode.

[@zhagorazy4628]

@@KremerFPV Some time ago I read in the manual paper it says it has PIT mode. Some say they have and some say they don't. Which is true? 😅

[@bennedictbyy]

Why is there so much noise in the video feed? Is there any way to remove it?

[@KremerFPV]

you can use an LC filter.

[@napfpv6239]

In looking for an attenuator to use with my Powermeter. Could you link the one that you used in this video? Thanks a bunch for the testing.

[@KremerFPV]

Sorry but I got mine from a friend...

[@mode2fpv]

does it need to be unlocked every time a battery plugs in by pressing the button like AKK FX2 Ultimate to set at max power ?

[@KremerFPV]

As far as I can remember, no.

[@LakayFPV]

Is the protocol really TBS Smart Audio or IRC Tramp?

[@KremerFPV]

TBS SA.

[@johndextersantos9541]

How were you able to capture clear audio on this VTX? mine had both audio and static in the recording.

[@KremerFPV]

I am not sure if it's that clear. Without arming the drone is the sound ok?

[@johndextersantos9541]

@@KremerFPV Hello, I had only checked on the recorded DVR footage. when i plugged the headphone jack while flying, i notice that left earphone was the drone audio and the right earphone was the static (more like the sound you get when there is no microphone on the vtx)

[@ojkolsrud1]

I connected this VTX to a 10V output dedicated for video on my Xrotor G2. 1600mW is not usable. I'm guessing too low input power. Would you recommend connecting it to VBAT instead?

[@KremerFPV]

10v should be enough, but you can connect it to Vbat and see if it works better.

[@kcpab]

Great video, but how many amps draw on respective power outputs ? i didn't found anywhere.

[@KremerFPV]

Thanks. Sorry but I haven't tested it...

[@KC-su9nb]

great range but the video noise is bad.

[@satriyohadim6697]

Nice info for you video, I have VTX AKK race ranger, but I don't work smartaudio and change RaceBand at fatshark, can do you have settings to smartaudio (VTX Table) at Betaflight 4 .1.7. Thank's before. 🤗

[@KremerFPV]

Try these settings: github.com/betaflight/betaflight/wiki/resources/vtx_tables/vtx_table_smart_audio_1_0_us.json

[@hahaha-bc8xh]

well, does this vtx increase the flying distance of the remote controller besides the camera?

[@KremerFPV]

No, the radio control link is not related to the VTX.

[@FunBitesTV]

Hi Gal, thanks for the video. You put better option as AKK Dominator in your links, but this race ranger beat it in terms of power output, no ? thanks

[@KremerFPV]

Hi Mark, you're welcome. The Dominator goes actually up to 2W. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZSZe2SqbM9lY9k

[@FunBitesTV]

@@KremerFPV Hi Gal, yes i see , but in your video , you set it to 2W but only measure 1.6w ....

[@DjArity]

Awesome video... I just picked one up and was wondering if you have any videos on how to apply the LC filter on a build. Thanks again.

[@KremerFPV]

Thanks. I don't, but it's pretty straight forward :-)

[@DjArity]

@@KremerFPV i checked with the Manufacturer and it should be connected on the positive side in from the battery and out to the vtx. I think.

[@raffaeledamino]

1600 mw max 2 km? 🤔🤔🤔

[@FrenzyIncarnate]

Hello Gal. I got this VTX because it was a lot cheaper than Rush Tank. As you recommended I put a LC filter and image quality is really good comparing what you got. I have 2 issues. 1st issue as I commented on one of the guys when I use light bulb smoke stopper it goes very bright. Couldnt understand why it might be happening. 2nd one is the mystery for me. I set up VTX tables from betaflight configurator. And I can see at configurator FC is connected to VTX. However from OSD or Lua scripts I cannot change the channel or power. when I change I can see it changes on betaflight end but VTX doesnt follow. Can you test this out? I saw some people have this problem as well so maybe this one is not good to buy afterall

[@KremerFPV]

Hi, thanks for your input. Other users experience the power issue (where the smoke stopper is activated) and I still didn't test it out. As for the VTX table, are you sure it's configured properly? Unfortunately I didn't include the VTX table in this video but I would double check that you got the correct settings and that the UART is connected correctly and set to TBS Smart Audio. The VTX table can be found here: docs.google.com/document/d/1B97Ol2UQOWj8A2ZzzsRcIU3JlOwlX6hYAzeutjb6c1E/edit

[@FrenzyIncarnate]

@@KremerFPV Hello Gal. Thanks for the reply. I have used the same vtx table . Now I copy pasted it and it worked. Strange... As for the smoke stopper I tested it at some power levels again. at 200 mw it was ok . Yet at 800mw it was very bright . I didnt want to try it at 1600mw .

[@KremerFPV]

@@FrenzyIncarnate Well I'm glad you got it working. As for the smoke stopper, the current draw is probably just high on the higher output powers...

[@FrenzyIncarnate]

@@KremerFPV asked AKK about it . If i get some satisfying answer I ll let you know

[@gpopsk]

i flew 800 mw over 4/5 km :) got battery problem before i could reach the edge :)

[@KremerFPV]

Yes it sounds familiar :-)

[@flyhigh6591]

Hello what was your input voltage when you were outputting 1600 Watts? .. I don't think this could be achieved at 5v?...

[@KremerFPV]

I used a 4S or a 3S battery. 5v input is not supported.

[@ojkolsrud1]

I don't think I have any other option than to connect my VTX to VBAT. That's not a problem, it should handle up to 6S. However, even with a cap, will it produce noise? Have anyone tested? I recently had to get a new ESC, Hobbywing 60A 4-in-1. It doesn't really have a BEC, other than a measly 5V 0.5A. It's meant to be used with Hobbywing G3 FC - which has proper BECs. My G2 doesn't, unfortunately.

[@KremerFPV]

I suggest trying out this setup and in case you notice noise in your video - use an LC filter.

[@ojkolsrud1]

@@KremerFPV Thanks for answering, dude! I see that I've asked you a question on this previously too=) Yeah, I'll do it this way. My soldering iron just died, so no work tonight=P

[@KremerFPV]

@@ojkolsrud1 No worries buddy. Let me know how it goes for you.

[@DarkAnima270]

Amazing vtx, but no pit mode? :( What happens if I get stuck on a tree 1km away with that thing running hot lava at 1600 mw for who knows how long?

[@KremerFPV]

Maybe it's supported but not listed in the feature. I will try to test it and see (currently I'm afraid that I'm a bit overloaded though).

[@TateDK]

That’s just insanely awesome 😎

[@TheDroneNerd]

Link for device you used to measure heat ?

[@KremerFPV]

bit.ly/DaniuHY18

[@priyanshuroy1119]

Amazing 🙌🙌

[@KremerFPV]

Thanks!

[@collinsnjarara3352]

Awesome video.

[@wallaguest1]

why Tx power is not stable?

[@KremerFPV]

When it gets hot the output power drops. When you flying it will get cooled by the air flow.

[@ryanomoso7173]

What is the maximum range for this vtx?

[@KremerFPV]

It depends on your setup.

[@Adexi1]

Why you have 25mw ?? Akk support 200mw 400mw 800mw 1600mw or 1000mw ?? when i set up smart audio i can also set 25mw?

[@KremerFPV]

It's not in use. You can't set the VTX to 25mw.

[@Adexi1]

@@KremerFPV oo ok thanks :D

[@Ray-tr3vl]

잘 보고 갑니다 ^.^👍

[@Alexander-fd5ph]

это аналог или цыфра?

[@coopersharp2921]

How far were you able to go, and on which setting?

[@KremerFPV]

Please check the range test and video description.

[@mitchellroberts7954]

I'm getting nowhere near the same power levels as you, using the same ImmersionRC RF meter. A measely 26dbm when set to 800mw, when it should be 29dbm. Even when "cold" or "warm" and not hot around 50C. I've tried different pigtails with no different, I'm thinking I received one that simply isn't as high quality as yours. Unfortunate.

[@KremerFPV]

Try using a different pigtail (the one from TBS is the best).

[@raffyturc]

thanks for the review Gal 👍. needs an LC filter though

[@KremerFPV]

I agree :-)

[@_KSM__FPV]

An LC filter is different to a capacitor?

[@RealKushrage]

Would you recommend the Rush Tank or this one more?

[@KremerFPV]

I prefer the Rush Tank.

[@RealKushrage]

Thanks for your answer I really appreciate it and I think I will go for the Rush Tank now thank you I love your test and videos please never stop doing them❤️

[@KremerFPV]

@@RealKushrage My pleasure buddy. I will try my best :-)

[@mokshpatel6986]

@@KremerFPV which one ?

[@gregorydobson4307]

Do you have link to your temp / thermal imaging devise ?

[@KremerFPV]

There you go: bit.ly/DaniuHY18 It's sold out buy you can get something similar.

[@RCnerd74]

Pretty noisy... Did you power it directly from the battery without filtering?

[@KremerFPV]

Yes. I use the same setup for most of my VTX tests.

[@RCnerd74]

@@KremerFPV OK, thanks.

[@AfafPrinceOSH]

@@KremerFPV would it make noise if u powered from fc?

[@KremerFPV]

@@AfafPrinceOSH I recommend to use an LC filter.

[@AfafPrinceOSH]

@@KremerFPV both rush tank ultimate plus vtx and akk race ranger vtx reached about near 2.5 km. But which would h recommend?

[@sagnicbasu906]

What antenna did you use?

[@KremerFPV]

Check the video description.

[@ПавелБесик]

Как управлять мощьностью с пульта

[@KremerFPV]

You need to configure the VTX table and Smart Audio protocol using BF.

[@godsun358]

Thanks bro that's a good one but how hot did it get on 1600

[@KC-su9nb]

120.2 degrees if you watched the video.

[@godsun358]

Yeap I watched till the end I was caught up in the flight did not notice temps always good footage.

[@llickmogan]

Did it show 54degrees?

[@KremerFPV]

You're welcome Michael. You can see the temperature in the video (measured in Celsius) .

[@willmartfpv1612]

Very good

[@KremerFPV]

Thanks

[@grabejud]

Too late for me to watch this vid before installing this vtx, its a noisy vtx, i will be adding lc filter to this very soon or probably power the camera from the vtx or both.

[@damianwiecaw492]

quality video

[@Hyprmtr]

Finally some one put the heat sink on the correct side of the board! People always put them on the EMI shiled SMH.

[@KremerFPV]

:-)

[@sketchpv3080]

Monster output but kinda heavy and definitely noisy.

[@_KSM__FPV]

Its motor noise. U see it disappear when he powers off

[@GrrillaFinger]

Meanwhile i go 300ft away with any of my quads and its static city. I swear there is something I've screwed up on all of them or goggles are shit

[@KremerFPV]

☹️

[@KremerFPV]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fprUpGyQgq97hq8

[@DronesYjuguetes]

🎃 Check my review ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppLHnaWMZs1lbq8

[@rorymatheson8583]

It does 2 watts!!!!! Wtf!!!!!

[@gautamkrishna7421]

Try going to a race and transmitting at 1600mw lolol

[@KremerFPV]

LOL

[@jandomingo9806]

Not as good as rush vtx.

[@TheDroneNerd]

Jan Domingo rush doesn’t output 1600mw or 2000mw....

[@davidoconnell3330]

VTX with noise not for me, I will take a Rush Tank at 800 before major noise video.from this VTX . Rush video is super clean!

[@jandomingo9806]

@@TheDroneNerd yes but noise free is way better. 800mw noise free is better than any wattage that has noise. Rush ftw.

[@ho-xo8my]

@@jandomingo9806 well.. it's many ways to avoid that type of noise for 20€ looks like better option than the rush.

[@gragman3010]

this vtx is the worst thing i have ever bought. I don't recommend buying it.

[@808ruddy]

Can i ask why you think this. I also have one and for some reason the transmit frequency doesnt match what is selected.

[@gragman3010]

he has too much weight. performance is low. and the button broke on me. You have to choose the right protocol. SmartAudio and the correct urart .SmartAudio solder cable.

[@novisfpv]

Apart from low perfomance, the rest are just normal fpv hustle. since you need to choose and select the right uart and protocol for every vtx@@gragman3010