DJI HD system first long range test with Cyclops antenna

[@smackfpv]

As soon as this sytem came on the market with the 4 dipoles my first thought was Alex would have antennas built for this that would increase the range... Good work!

[@windrider23]

When I first saw the DJI system. My thoughts were how happy Alex would be that it was still a box goggle. Alex and a few others are not able to fly goggles due to eye problems.

[@s3cr3tsqrl64]

@@windrider23 Actually Alex doesn't have an eye issue he just prefers box goggles. He had Dominators for a long time before trying out the box style and deciding to change over.

[@flyingrock6381]

brilliant stuff, thanks for posting! I suggest a limited run of the Cyclops in black and with the Eye of Sauron in red stamped on it. would look awesome! :) cheers

[@JamesT65]

Awesome, I have Pretty flat land here in the north Philippines out to the sea, and in the middle of building a long-range system; I bought an ASW 28 to get into the fixed wing. It seems the flat wing is the most efficient.

[@DaveMerc]

I know this is about antennas but is the transmission system the DJI OcuSync Air System or the new DJI FPV system with goggles that have 4 antennas. I think I heard you say AIR right?

[@pkvillager]

Its the new system

[@CAGreve1231]

THis is the new thing they brought out a month ago.

[@DaveMerc]

Thanks, I see now how the Cyclops attaches to the 4 antenna connectors.

[@dronecamps]

Nice testing Alex. I've been wanting to try this with my DJI and 2.4 setup.

[@jackbisson9226]

IBCrazy this is great stuff. Its been 30 yrs since EMF theory 1&2 and antenna design. All out of my head now, but love to see your enthusiasm with this subject matter. Some of the most complex stuff on this planet. Keep the magic going and tell me what the best setup is for my DJI goggles and air unit. I really want to test with VAS products. This is great stuff.

[@CAGreve1231]

I ran 2X Minion LHCP antennas on the transmitter and the Cyclops (which is also LHCP) on the receiver. Currently that is the best combination.

[@Noircogi]

I built a new mini-talon with the DJI system on board. I have Dragonlink with full telemetry and a pixracer on it, so running out of video range is no hazard. It consistently gets 4-4.2 miles in each direction before the video cuts out. That's using the stock DJI antennas on the air unit, and 4 of the open-source patch antennas on the goggles. I'm looking forward to trying a cyclops ASAP. The strange thing I found is that the characteristics when running the DJI system on high power are much different than on low. On low, it's usable down to about 1 mBit/S. On high, it seems to fall off a cliff below about 5 mBits/Sec, so the range doesn't scale as you'd expect just by power ratio and the square law.

[@fahrvergnuugen]

Alex, you should reshoot this video and show what happens at 4.2 miles.

[@divingfalconfpv4602]

Isn't this just like having one antenna. Instead of 2 and pointing them out from each other a little to cover more area?

[@Jdogg5343]

Man i have always wanted to fly something long range! I gotta get into this somehow without breaking the bank! This is awesome and would be a dream but for a newb to LR maybe not a good first place to start! Lol thanks for sharing! Love VAS!

[@CAGreve1231]

Best to start with a plane like the ReadeMade RC Stratosurfer or a Spec wing. They both will go just as far as this did.

[@SpicyFPV]

So for clarification... Your RC link was on 433mhz, your HD FPV was on 5.8ghz, and your analog was on 2.4ghz? Was the analog only there in case the 5.8ghz video failed? or I guess I was kind of confused by having both analog and digital on the rig...

[@CAGreve1231]

The analog was already installed in the airplane and was needed to read the OSD. The DJI has no OSD capability so in order to document the distance, we used the 2.4GHz link.

[@SpicyFPV]

@@CAGreve1231 Makes sense! I have the DJI system that I loaded into a race quad (still have my other 15 or so racers on analog) but plan on putting my second DJI Air Unit into a wing! Was just checking to ensure I understood what you guys were doing in case I had to change my plans! Haha.

[@David__]

Now I'm really interested in getting a DJI HD setup :)

[@Dcscockpit]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@carrboro_chapelhillfpv2442]

That is a huge patch. Great name for it

[@CAGreve1231]

The FPV community named it for us. They kept calling it the "Cyclops" and the name stuck.

[@neilfpv]

Amazing! I'm curious to know how your analog receiver/transmitter can still send video with that distance. Is there a special device that you add?

[@CAGreve1231]

Just antenna tech, that’s all. 2.4 GHz video with the right antennas can do some amazing things

[@MrDrivesafe]

@@CAGreve1231 could you recommend a 2.4 or 1.3 video system that would pair well with crossfire? Would really like to pick up one of your pepper boxes that would work well with crossfire.

[@CAGreve1231]

@@MrDrivesafe - To be honest, they all come from the same company (Partom technology) except for the stuff on EBay and Banggood and such. Thus, it doesn't matter who the reseller is so long as they are a reputable dealer like Ready Made RC, Race Day Quads, TBS, or Get FPV. I personally like 2.4GHz video, but it doesn't play well when others are using 2.4GHz for control. 1.3 GHz is awesome, but you will need the TBS notch filter on the RX to keep the Crossfire from stepping on your video.

[@luked7766]

I used to fly fpv back in the day. I’m trying to get back into it doing long range HD. You have to cameras on this screen which one are you actually using to fly? In the googles are you capable of flying out in HD? That’s why I quit bc the video quality back the day was no good especially if you wanted to fly far.

[@planesandbikes7353]

nice. 6km out with digital HD. If I go for this system this winter, I will want antennas like that!

[@bludawg8588]

Will the Cyclops out perform 2 pepperbox extremes, as far as penetration? I’ve tried using the pepperboxs and two triumph on the DJI setup, while better then the stock antennas it wasn’t as dramatic as when I use them on my ClearView ground station. I really don’t know that much about how this all works? Any suggestions from the viewer or yourself would be appreciated. Thanks

[@RyoRex]

oh man this is so exciting!!!

[@BigLewFPV]

Beside the video for hd being cool the flight was amazing and beautiful I do a lot of long range but it mainly beach environments, those mountains were simple breathtaking

[@frasersteen]

I'm loving your planes, That chimera looks super stable. I've persuaded hobbyrc in the UK to get some of your planes in stock. I'm new to fixed wing and wanted something small and easy to launch I asked him to get the 22" ghost so I could setup a dual puller. I'd love to see a vid on the range as a whole, what's suitable for what and why. I'm new to fixed wing and don't have much context.

[@northernfpv9562]

The Chimera is awesome. I had one and it's so easy to cg and launch!

[@frasersteen]

@@northernfpv9562 but......why. I'm a detail guy, I like to understand stuff. Is it the wingspan? the foils? What is the speed envelope like? Can I stupidly overpower it? If not why not. It looks pretty stable there, is it more or less stable than other designs. So many questions.....

[@CAGreve1231]

@@frasersteen - It is the shape and the airfoil. The Chimera is designed to be a smooth HD ship, not meant for speed. Winds were 15mph that day (You can tell if you look at the upper right corner of the screen). However, many people confuse the Wyvern as a mini Chimera... and it isn't anything like the Chimera despite the compound swept wing. That main difference is in the airfoil, but also the airplane physical size.

[@smackfpv]

I have 2 Chimera's that I fly regularly. Great, super tough and stable wings with an awesome flight envelope that looks impressive in the air. This wing does not get the attention it deserves.

[@frasersteen]

@@CAGreve1231 This is the kind of info I'm after!

[@chewy7192]

That was nice for sure! I didn't see any mountains though. A few hills that were purty.

[@julistrauss6106]

hi, Why does the dji system have 4 receiving and two transmitting antennas? And were is the radio rx antenna? On what frequenze?

[@waldemarkraus2855]

So nice, why didn't you test a helical antenna? Happy to see that the dji system has long range capabilities and is suitable for us wing guys.

[@e2346437]

Any chance you will re-test using the 1200mw setting? I’m curious how far it can go with the Cyclops.

[@FaithandActiondotnet]

Awesome! Need to try again without a mountain in the way.

[@pkvillager]

I cant wait to order the Cyclops and a pair of the Minion Pro's. I just need Marc to get back to me on custom length Minion Pro's for my setup! I Question... will paint or stickers degrade reception on the Cyclops? I'm thinking of all kinds of eye stickers or paint jobs that would be fun.

[@CAGreve1231]

Careful with paint. The cover is made from Styrene plastic so just layer it on very thin so the solvent doesn't melt it.

[@-enyo-]

Have you tried the max range again? I've heard 6.5km is max. It has something to do with latency and the protocol.

[@protonus]

It's a real shame that DJI didn't build in headtracking or GPS info into the new FPV Air system, like they had on the prior system Occusync Air and Goggles RE. For those reasons, as well as the lack of rolling shutter and the longer range, IMHO the prior system Occusync Air is still a better choice for long range / fixed wing.

[@dionisiojulaton4128]

The Legendary IBCrazy is still the best

[@EnglishTurbines]

Won't it do a mere 3.5 miles on the 4 standard Goggle antennas?....and 4000 ft altitude?.....Go somewhere flat and not flying on the edge of space to fly it perhaps..? It's a really impressive HD system on a quad, or short range FW rig, but on 5.8G, it's never going to be long range runner IMO. All those trees and foliage must have sucked up the 5.8G transmission too...Im sure you know that though.

[@s3cr3tsqrl64]

He flew behind a mountain. It says it right in the video

[@Airtruksrus]

Video reception like this would be a huge asset for the cockpit trailer, would increase the realism through the roof at longer range. Is it dependent upon a specific video frequency band?

[@CAGreve1231]

The system runs 5.8GHz, if that's what you are asking.

[@Airtruksrus]

Thanks!

[@Bigbeardfpv]

Hey Alex - can you explain the difference between the minion pro and the ion pro? Where would the Ion Pro be a better antenna than the minion pro?

[@CAGreve1231]

Ion Pro is optimized for range and gain. The minion Pro is optimized for clarity and axial ratio. Which one works best for you depends on your needs.

[@Bigbeardfpv]

@@CAGreve1231 for DJI air unit antennas on a midrange quad, would you recommend one?

[@CAGreve1231]

@@Bigbeardfpv - I would use the Minion Pro. You don't need an Ion Pro unless you are doing seriously long range where quads have a difficult time making the distance.

[@Migueldeservantes]

One wonder why your heart departed from Long Range?? I mean 3 years.. ...

[@CAGreve1231]

I got into obstacle dodging ;)

[@MrPinkyRingy]

Keep pushing it! I will definitely purchase the system when its comparable to your pepperbox in 1.3ghz! lol

[@CAGreve1231]

Dude... no way this is going 60+ miles...

[@MrPinkyRingy]

Well.. I’m happy with my 433 + 1.3 VAS ftw 😎🙌🏼

[@HavardStreAndresen]

I think the same. HD would be great, but I need the range and penetration of my 1,3 pepperbox. Lets just call it real fpv:-) Keeping it real and shit;-)

[@steadywhoop]

Does it increase really penetration (building, foliage,....) ? Or just slightly ? Did you test it ?

[@bangdfpv3270]

This is incredible... Can anyone suggest me which antenna will can give me the maximum range with DJI Goggle Race Edition? 2.4Ghz Antenna for both Vtx and Vrx. For your reference, DJI RE has only one external antenna input for VRx. Also how much range can be expected? BTW, My stock DJI 2.4Ghz antenna setup gives me around 2 km

[@CAGreve1231]

I would recommend the BlueBeams or Airblades (either will work). You can expect 5km out of them. If you want to go further, you will need a directional antenna and that will not fit well on your goggles, unfortunately.

[@bangdfpv3270]

@@CAGreve1231 i think I will go for directional antenna using SMA extension line. May I ask two more questions? 1) What range can you forecast if I use crosshire 2.4Ghz in my ground station? 2) because the DJI Air unit(VTx) has two outputs for antenna with mmcx connectors, is it necessary to plug in two antennas for better performance?

[@CAGreve1231]

@@bangdfpv3270 - Range with Crossfire is going to be at least 10km, if not more. And yes you absolutely need to plug in 2 antennas into the DJI or you will burn up the transmitter.

[@denisstepanenko3037]

Isn't simpler to use DJI Occusinc Camera+Air Unit instead (for such long range flights)?

[@CAGreve1231]

I haven't used the Occu-sync, so I cannot comment on it. Perhaps someone else will chime in that can compare them.

[@fpvwing]

Hi - btw youtube vids are blocked on the VAS website

[@daggad02]

Amazing !

[@bumbleboltfpv3707]

Hahahah that same smile is on everyone's face that tries this system for the first time.

[@steadywhoop]

Good work ! is this antenna LHCP ?

[@CAGreve1231]

Yes. LHCP is what DJI uses so we made it the same rotation to be compatible with their stock antennas.

[@steadywhoop]

@@CAGreve1231 thanks. It will be available to buy tommorrow ? For what price ?

[@Red5FPV]

Still thinking it should have been named the Ion Cannon Lol. Cyclopse is apropos though. 🙂

[@richardgunter9944]

I have the DJI system .. And some things I'm seeing just don't add up in Alex's video .. First it looks like he getting ether betaflight or Inav OSD which to my knowledge is not possible yet , and in the video he not wearing the DJI goggles it's kind of misleading for those who don't have the system yet .. please try next time to explain your videos a little better on what and how your doing it ... Now that you have tested the DJI system with a back-up RX successfully I would do a stand alone DJI range test like we're doing at Rotocross Racing .. Thank You

[@svosprey]

FYI- Video Aerial Systems 1 week ago The analog was already installed in the airplane and was needed to read the OSD. The DJI has no OSD capability so in order to document the distance, we used the 2.4GHz link.

[@JoshWeaverRC]

@@svosprey Battery voltage through Betaflight.

[@jr555se]

Cool! How did you add the osd stuff? or have they finally added support for it :)

[@CAGreve1231]

That's from the 2.4GHz video link installed on the airplane. It wasn't part of DJI's system.

[@DaytonaJim78]

Awesome any plans for a close range goggle antenna

[@CAGreve1231]

Minion Pro or Mad Mushroom V2 would be my choices.

[@DaytonaJim78]

@@CAGreve1231 thanks!

[@SonAndDadFPV]

I m going to wait for a stand alone receiver like the Prosight for long range HD

[@NerdyFpv]

hope this guy pulls that off soon.. fpv.blue/

[@SonAndDadFPV]

@@NerdyFpv much better on 2,4 GHz 👍

[@fogar6538]

Hi do you think we can also adapt to googles re always dji? thank you

[@CAGreve1231]

Probably not. The system is quite complex and it would require more than a small module to use in standard goggles.

[@bludawg8588]

They are sold out. When will they be available again?

[@neilmorehouse6340]

I have a couple

[@jaysongilroy]

Haha awesome..we been waiting for you to do this🖖🖖

[@edwardrharevichjr.8490]

Wow!

[@sergio5825]

Idk hd is nice but it’s still 5.8 kinda need antenna tracking for it to be best. That height tho I never been past 1100 I’m gonna have to try it out lol

[@CAGreve1231]

You don't really need tracking for long range. Just point your antenna where you intend to fly and you're good to go.

[@DaytonaJim78]

Where you using crossfire

[@themaydaypilots]

Super Nice ;)

[@caymandiver75]

Cyclops already sold out?!

[@CAGreve1231]

That didn't take long... Luckily we have the parts to make plenty more of them. Sean (Vanguard) has a few on his bench he is finishing up. Once completed, tested, and passed through QC, they will be back on the website again.

[@MichaelRyannz]

@@CAGreve1231 Keep the stock updates coming please.

[@eolinium]

The truth is that DJI FPV doesn't work beyond 4 miles no matter what antenna or transmit power. This has been tested with various antennas and in various locations. There is some inherent limitation in their tech. Watch this video to see what happens: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZuql2SahtVqjJY

[@fpvdaniele98]

Did you put inav on DJI cam? Is pissible?

[@CAGreve1231]

I have no idea. I don't run any stabilizers or auto pilots. I just run straight sticks.

[@MacksDad]

Where in Virginia was this?

[@CAGreve1231]

Northern Bedford county, Virginia.

[@mymovietube]

U just running first firmware wait for the next one will be better

[@HuitoFpv]

I want it BUT in RHCP !!!! ;)

[@ernestfpv8540]

When will you restock Cyclops?

[@CAGreve1231]

We should have more by Friday.

[@ernestfpv8540]

@@CAGreve1231 leave me 2x Minion Pro then too plz :)

[@ZenMountain]

That music ruins everything man :(

[@dingr]

I may be mistaken... but your Cyclops antenna appears to be angled slightly downwards rather than directly at the mountain top. Would this have affected the reception a little?

[@CAGreve1231]

Yes. This was simply the prototype we made for testing. The production antennas have a slightly different bracket that angles the antenna upward.