FPV 5.8GHz helical antenna shootout

Here are three 5.8GHz FPV helical antennas that were sent to me for review.
The bottom line is that all three antennas provide a very worthwhile gain over the basic omnidirectional skew-planar or clover-leaf antenna and all had quite a wide beam-width.
The standout winner was the antenna from Circular Wireless - but it's also the most expensive, by a significant margin so in terms of value, the other two rate very well also.
No losers in this shootout.
The 7/8 turn helical is from Circular Wireless
www.circular-wireless.com/en
The 5 turn helical was from Simon in the UK who sells them (as bignose13) via the FPVHUB website:
www.fpvhub.com/index.php/topic...
The 3 turn helical was from ryan and can be seen (along with other CNC-made stuff) here:
www.fpvca.com/shop

[@chorianopoulos2002]

Bruce, please don't stop the Sense and Avoid work. Its very much needed and will revolutionize the field.

[@xjet]

Well I wish someone would tell CAA, MFNZ and the local district council -- all who seem to think that the SAA system is far less important than preserving a particularly unhealthy monopoly in respect to RC model flying at/near airfields.

[@chorianopoulos2002]

***** Progress cannot be stopped. I think the answer is to stay under the radar with mini quads for this technology. Testing with mini quads and SAA should go unnoticed.

[@xjet]

Chris Horianopoulos No, still can't fly miniquads at the airfield (where my test gear is located -- not practical to relocate it) so that's no help. And remember -- CAA bitched and whined about me flying an AXN in a tropical cyclone -- even though: probably every other full-sized light aircraft in the country was grounded due to the weather, I had a radio, I had an observer and I was under the supervision of a "wings" carrying MFNZ member. Their bitch? The wings-holder was standing too far away from me. There are some (me) who can do no right, and others (everyone else) who can do no wrong -- at least in the eyes of MFNZ and their buddies at CAA.

[@chorianopoulos2002]

***** This is ridiculous. Maybe its time to build a company that develops this technology and is situated outside this constraint.

[@xjet]

Chris Horianopoulos Ah... that requires money :-) Unfortunately, with MFNZ working so hard to stop me earning a living from my chosen vocation (promoting and educating the hobby), money is in rather short supply right now. I don't need money though -- I just need people to get out of my way and stop acting like grumpy old men :D

[@rctv-uk3126]

Please don't give up Bruce, that would be giving them what they want. I don't see you being the kind of guy that would let them win and we'd all miss your channel if it went. ATB Malc RCTV-UK

[@aboveview]

Bruce, please don't stop the videos. Thank you very very much for everyone of them . your time and hard work you have dedicated to them is very much appreciated .

[@Hoverbot1TV]

One of your most applicable FPV videos ever Bruce. Thanks,

[@warp00009]

Thank you once again for the most interesting video! Please don't let the locals discourage you too much, you'll always have an appreciative audience here!

[@versask8td]

Bruce thank you so much for the work you do for the hobby. I really hope that the powers that be can get off your back and let you continue your progress in helping the RC community forward with awareness to safety and do it yourself fixes to common problems. You're one of a kind sir and I hope you can continue your passion.

[@martinward7239]

I commend you whole heartedly. Your videos are utterly sublime and you are considered the best at what you do in the entire world. Keep at it. We need you and you have our support.

[@gwatson426]

Got to admire your tenacity Bruce! Interesting topic, thanks for the time you put into these videos.

[@rasmusgupta4778]

Great work! I very much like your way of presenting, you seem very enthusiastic and knowledgeful which makes it a joy to watch and learn from you. Don't let grumpy people let you down, keep up the good work and spirit! :)

[@JonathanPopZAR]

Great work as always Bruce. Please don't stop

[@lancethrustworthy]

Forward, ever forward! ;) Thanks for enlightening us about antennae. You're an asset to RC hobbyists everywhere.

[@lumeah4]

All the manufacturing stats we read are interesting but your applied tests are BRILLIANT. You're worth more money!

[@lasersbee]

Thanks for the info on the helical antennas Bruce. You just steered me in the direction I was not sure about using on my Hex Quad FPV setup. Great job on the tests and explanations as usual ;)

[@f18hornetm]

Love the video Bruce. Really interesting topic. I have learned so much about electronics from your videos. Can't wait to see part 2 and best of luck with everything going on. No matter what happens please keep up the bench videos. They are an extremely interesting and educational look into the details behind rc.

[@clintw5751]

Love the videos/reviews. Thank you for taking the time to make/post the videos. I've learned a lot from the videos and ALWAYS looking forward to the next one. Thanks again...........

[@CaallMeeMrrD]

Please continue to do what you do now, you are one of the great hobbyist out here (internet)

[@laneboysrc]

Thanks for the comparison. Never having done FPV myself I found the comparison using an actual image quite interesting -- and more useful than the RSSI. Keep going!

[@nelsonromero7398]

You have inspired me to take a course on electronics. I'm presently looking for a certification course I could take to better understand my new way of life. Your a great teacher and I would be honored to make your acquaintance. Keep the tutorials coming I look forward to them as they poses a vas deal of knowledge, and you make them so easy to comprehend. You are my go to guy when I need clarification on RC. Teacher of the year :-)

[@spocktra50]

Very nicely done Bruce.

[@OOKH1]

I'm new to the hobby and value very much these educational video's for my up coming purchase of a vision + quad copter for videography. FPV seems to be the logical choice for this. The information that you are providing is invaluable to the layman such as myself. I'd much rather hear it from someone that knows what they are talking about over the guy in the field or salesman in a store. 5.8 GHz helical ant 7/8 rap a long with the omni directional ants seem to be the way I want to go now. Thank you for you time in making this and the other videos that you've done. Bruce, please don't stop making them because all you are doing is passing a long information in an understandable manor for all us noobs to understand. A teacher of sorts. I have to say that I'm look forward to getting more educated through more of your videos. Thanks again. Don

[@SuperBigCamel]

Hey Bruce, I love your videos. Your commitment to the hobbie is very much appreciated! Thank you very much!

[@justinwood2]

Thank you so much for this video, as it is the most informative one i have seen for helical vs clover leaf.

[@agentbertram4769]

Thanks Bruce. Some good pointers for my future builds.

[@1Logan338]

It's always one of the very first of the Freedoms to get attacked, free flow of information. Don't stop the videos, their some of the best I've seen. Thanks from the States.

[@ScottElder]

Thanks for doing that experiment Bruce. _Good to know._

[@billsomrak]

Thanks for the video review. Just now researching various RX antenna platforms to maximize my range for FPV with my aerial camera UAV (XK X380).

[@niallfinn7109]

Nice work Bruce. Very interesting as usual. You certainly have rattled some cages over there. Definitely time for them to start building bridges!

[@tokoam]

I learn so much from this guy please don't go away :(

[@marcoaurelioxaviermoreira4631]

Congratulations Sir to a well done episode ! Keep Walking...... Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@Dianaranda123]

I always love these reviews, even as a total noobie, I recently bought a Bixler2 lots of work on it to make it upto the specs that I want, such as making the easy to take off and fit into a Backpack, together with all the other smaller stuff.

[@philliprporter]

keep up the great work your doing educating our future generations.

[@peterlucleis3736]

Never give up Bruce

[@BreatheRC]

nice one bruce i always check in on you before i buy anything please keep up the good work i am sure you can overcome your obstacles and you are doing it for the greater good ie:us many thanks you are very much appreciated all over the world mate

[@el8rg8r]

Great video Bruce! Keep up the good work!

[@NormanLedoyen]

Thanks again Bruce. Well done.

[@ikariku]

Excelente video, muy ilustrativo.

[@LWJCarroll]

Another excellent video...keep on trucking Bruce...Rgds...Laurie

[@Junkheadrocks]

Well done Bruce. Thank you.

[@meottome]

Really enjoy your videos. Thanks.

[@Glofilter]

Thanks so much Bruce!

[@xavier_arthur]

How do I decide on LHCP or RHCP helecals? Also how can I extended my Controller range 2.4ghz range, same helecals in 2.4ghz?

[@IvanLayton]

Very interesting. You're good for the hobby, pity people cannot see that.

[@hiwayM9]

who in the world would imply otherwise? Bruce has taught me more about foundations than perhaps any other person. I can honestly say, he is probably responsible for almost all of my successes, and if I had known about him sooner, I suspect I would have had far fewer failures.

[@hotcarp12]

The almost 10,000 people who've watched this video in the last week would probably say that Bruce is good for the hobby! ;)

[@photorocket4550]

Very informative, very enjoyable and very entertaining

[@Deceptive24]

Thanks once again for an informative, engaging and inspirational video. Your teaching style is perfect. I am born and have lived in NZ for 30 years, I see that "respectful fun" and people that try to promote the concept (which can stem education, innovation, entrepreneurship, a different contribution to our economy - and not to mention a happier society) are being taken out of the equation, ever so slowly, one by one through various methods. Commonsense and personal responsibility is a thing of the past. People telling you how to operate (people that have little to no idea themselves) will be a normality soon - if it isn't already. With bureaucrats its not so much about the facts, its all about schmoozing and being schmoozed. You cant apply normal logic to their way of thinking and acting ;) But you already knew that. The power is in the people, always has been and always will be, the people just need to wake up and realise this ;) your wide awake - so keep fighting the good fight!!

[@xjet]

Yes, unfortunately there are too many dim-witted folk (usually in the halls of bureaucracy) who believe that safety is a function of the number of rules you can create. I believe that safety is not about rules but about understanding, knowledge, education and respect. I try to make the hobby safer by educating people and providing them with the levels of knowledtge and understanding they need to ensure that they do not unwittlingly place person or property in jeopardy. Sadly, the dim-witted folk are usually well-funded and backed by more rules (legislation) that allows them to continue dumbing-down everyone else to their level.

[@nigelholland1811]

Thanks for your videos. I hope the SS get of your case soon.

[@CrayonboxAviationAdventures]

Buck to the binch. Thanks Bruce!

[@TheDanishCore]

Bruce, you are this hobby's Albert Einstein, it's unfortunately with your current situation in New Zealand. Just so you know, you have my deepest respect and support here from Denmark. It would be great if all viewers just donated a small amount for you so you can continue the good work. Best regards Jan Sig, Denmark.

[@rockyesperon6470]

Great video!

[@HarleyFPV]

keep em coming Bruce LOVE ure vids :)

[@HallmarkAust]

I have the CW 5.8 helical and I'm not prepared to say the range I get, but the three kilometre test will be aced by this unit no problems!

[@MrBombom25]

very informative,thanks for sharing.👍

[@TAGE_FPV]

give em hell bruce. I love your videos!

[@ulightme]

keep on keeping on

[@ikkebuyckx]

Thanks! Been trough lots of your vids, you brightend so mutch for me i really apreciate, mostly in FPV, Hope u carry on your work for a long time... And dont let the haters get u down!!! Karma comes back around some day.

[@dezent]

To be honest Bruce, you do not need to fly to make one of the best rc youtube channels right on par with flitetest! you are brilliant! Still sad that you can not fly but your videos are great anyway.

[@grahamweaver7180]

Hi Bruce , good vid mate , I have made a 4 turn helical to try on the 1.29 diveristy circuit you made . I have 2 RC 805 and a skew for the other antenna , cheers G W

[@petedread]

A few people making video's like yours, with the reviews and testing and explaining stuff. BUT none as in depth and explanatory as your vids. Your the best! Top of your game. Leader of the pack. Have you heard of the ImmersionRC transmitter-Flysight 32 channel monitor issue? Perhaps you could do a vid on this. It seems to me (i'm a noob) that the cheapest way to fix this would be to replace the ImmersionRC transmitter with a different brand. Instead of replacing the expensive monitor. But I don't know really. Many people with this set up having range issues (antenna not the problem), could get a lot of views.

[@biscuitbassbroom7306]

I agree give me hell ......... What yr doing helps a lot of people........ Even the ones who don't fly Rc FPV it's al EDUCATIONAL in my books that works 👍

[@jet210251]

Great vid Bruce. Man you are the best. I sure hope they get a change of heart so you can put up more flying vids. Come on guys if you don't have something positive to say how about keeping it to yourself. Bruce produces good content and outdoor vids have challenges. Get over it boss you can always go to another channel with sound quality you can live with.

[@christopherstaples6758]

might try these out

[@amiramziv9864]

Dear Bruce The information that you are providing is invaluable to me and I believe for many many others.I had gained most of my knowledge in RC flaying from your in-depth and interesting tutorials. Please keep up with your excellent job !!!! for our worldwide community.I live about 12.000 km (7500 Miles) East to you and steel have good "reception", audio and video, of the materials you are "transmitting" (talking about the FPV Helical antennas discussion). Thank you so much

[@ryanbellyt]

Hi Bruce what about the Immersion RC RF meter it can tell you the VSWR and other details for a moderate price. It can also tell you the mw from vtx's so you can test the power from those 200mw micro tx's. Great video and hope you get the sense and avoid working.

[@Tryin2FlyII]

I don't get a lot of time to "tinker" much anymore but I love R/C & electronics I really enjoy your build videos as well as your way of explaining it all -But WHY on earth would anyone try and "STOP" what you are doing??? I just don't get it it is a sad thing if you let them achieve that goal but I also understand that's how it go's sometimes Just wanted to say Thanks for all you have taught me and you have my support in what ever direction you choose

[@TeamIcarusRC]

Bruce- wondering if that video from when I met you might be up soon:) Really looking forward to it and it would really help out my channel. Thanks!

[@haveric24]

thankyou sooo much

[@InformationTooMuch]

Hi great video, there is a new 5.8 vTX available by Flysight called the Black Mamba. This vTX supposedly will get you as far as 9km with the stock antenna. 2000 mW

[@konturger]

Maybe you want have a look to the immersionRC rf meter. With it you will be very well able to meassure the receive power. Cheers.

[@christianferrazgruner]

Extremely cool and informative videos with great humor! In the end of this video you mention trying a lefthand circ pol antenna with a right hand counterpart. But I can't find that video. Can you do that experiment? :D

[@link69096]

You can notice that the signal (voltage) is linear with the number of turn of the helix antenna. We may conclude that the quality and the performance of the three antenna is similar.

[@Ashley389100]

Has the review for the Hitec Aurora 9x been published? Hope you can continue with your invaluable KZbin show

[@jackevans2386]

Throw your receiving antenna at the focal point of a 600mm satellite dish. Now we have some gain, with a narrow beam width !

[@RustyHero]

Great video Bruce! Have you ever tought about making a DIY antenna tracker? I loved your DIY diversity controller, and it would be a great sollution for allot of us who dont have the budget to buy one!

[@sloperdude]

What surprises me is how wide the beam is on these helical antennas. Using receiver diversity with a cloverleaf on one receiver and a helical on the other, I may not even need an antenna tracker.

[@sloperdude]

Absolutely.

[@servoman11]

Very good demo of rhcp helicals.I really like using the 305 receiver(rssi) out to compare the antennas. Can you also use the (305) receiver for other type antennas in the 5.8ghz band?

[@cup_and_cone]

Did a group ride once where a guy pulled out a McDonalds hamburger from his back pocket and started eating it halfway through. Was pretty ungentlemenly of him not to offer me any. Smelled amazing.

[@HerbertKojetin]

Hi thanks for the video, did you ever do a video to explain/ demonstrate left hand polarised and right hand polarised antennas?

[@HansMilling]

If the FPV goggles has only one antenna input, could you attach both a clover-leaf and a helical and have some electronics choose the best signal?

[@George-nt8uw]

I have been watching your KZbin presentations and must say that I am learning a lot about this new hobby of mine. I have a need to use a small transmitter in a stationary position and a receiver stationary as well. In order to not interfere with others on the spectrum, I would like to use as little power as possible. Everything is line-of-sight and up to 600 meters at ground level. I would like to use Helical antennas on both ends. My question is, would there be a problem using the "Aomway FPV 5.8g Helical Antenna 11dbi Right Circular Polarization" antenna on both transmitter and receiver? I am concerned with damaging the transmitter mainly. Thanks for all you do and hope to see much more of your work.

[@charliespann3967]

Thanks Mr. Bruce. Very interesting. Has any one thought about making a tracking system for these antennas? I'm sure you could figure it out. thanks again from Texas.

[@agentbertram4769]

Great stuff Bruce. I really enjoy your videos. I'm new to the sport as you know... So please may I ask some daft questions? What does the 2.4gHz antenna do? Is this for the mechanical controls? Are there better options than the standard black finger shaped antenna that came with my Hubsan X4 H109s without using an amplifier? Amusing stroke of bad luck. My Hubsan arrived yesterday. I put the batteries on charge. I oiled the motors. Now a 70mph gale has blown in and looks set to stay for the next four days. Bum Bum Bum!!!

[@ninnada1198]

Hi! Fantastic work. I wondered why you are using an antennuator on the reciever?

[@scottthompson2481]

Bruce , will you ever do a helical antenna build video , or could you tell us what is the correct wire and bottom plate to use for best results ? many thanks Scott .

[@RubensCampello]

Which receiver points the wires must be connected to measure the multimeter ? We imagine the boscam 200mw model 5805 receiver for example ...

[@fullmetaljacket7]

Bruce, please do the followup video on this one. I'm very curious to see how the chinese antenna performs against the others.

[@AppliedMetaphysician]

As with many things, "best" depends upon use-cases.

[@Karlemilstorm]

Did you ever test the cheap antenna?

[@DobyxRC]

Looking forward to the second part Bruce! I find this subject very interesting indeed. I have one of those helical antenna's from Circular Wireless and I've just received my SkyZone goggles (thanks to your review) and will use that antenna in conjunction with IBCrazy's 5 Lobe Mad Mushroom on the Vxt. I was going to use a antenna tracking system but I will wait to see the results of your "Part 2" to see if it's worth it. Which brings me to a question: If I do use a tacking system can I use a higher gain 9 coil or higher for further range? Is there a limit to turns on these antenna's i.e. can you make a 15 turn 35db with a 12 degree field ?. Thank you for doing these video's I always learn a lot.

[@benlyons83]

Do I need of these helicoil antennas for both the RX and TX? or just on the RX? Im using the DJI's AVL 5.8 FPV kit at the moment.

[@iandavidson99]

Great video Bruce, but I believe you should have put your attenuator on the TX and not the RX, as currently you are attenuating the noise floor level too (as well as the received signal), which isn't ideal.

[@xjet]

The atmospheric noise (ambient) on 5.8GHz around here is negligible. I tried the receiver with a shielded 50-ohm terminator instead of an antenna and the noise level (RSSI) didn't change at all which indicates that the noise floor is lower than the noise generated by the reciever itself. The FPV backpack I used has a hard-wired antenna so it was easier to throw the attenuator on the receiver.

[@xjet]

al Cella Without the attenuator, the transmitter would have to be much, much further away to get a sensible reading because the RSSI figures would all be "maxed out" (and thus, all the readings would be the same) due to the strong signal the receiver would see.

[@healingbench3198]

Bruce, changing channels will also change the SWR. what i dont like about the antenna manufacturers is they never provide the SWR for the optimal channel so its hard to match antennas. If you ever do this again, can you switch the channel too

[@MrPoulsenNiels]

@Bruce .. Does the 20db attenuator sma give a stronger signal ? im Trying to do a fpv Rc Car and only get around 100 meters signal on Video.

[@JasperJanssen]

Any chance that for the next video you could remove the protective film off your multimeter screen so we can get a better picture?

[@MrTaz0079]

In regards to what Antenna to use, How about trying the TBS patch that comes with the TBS 5.8Ghz Module for the FatShark Dominators?? Would be very interested in seeing your results.

[@knwest2012]

Great video. I recently lost a model and am researching how to avoid this in the future. I bet this would be right up your alley! Thinking of going the beacon route. Any advice ?

[@MrKizior]

Helo. What kind of (left/right polarized) antenna should I use on receiver with clover leaf antenna on transmitter ?

[@ryantaylor4120]

Hello Bruce, a little late I know, but the HobbyKing video says that the Circular Wireless antenna includes an SMA to RP-SMA adapter in the box, is that true? Love all your videos man keep up the good work!

[@VideoInked]

Hey! I love your videos! Quick question: what gauge is the copper wire used in these ? are they the same?

[@MrHandsomejackuk]

Hi Bruce.... i have had a go at making some 5.8ghz clover leaf with some success... i just wondered.. why is it that a cloverleaf appears as a dead short on a transmitter / receiver, and a normal dipole doesnt. ? I understand that it would be a dead short. due to the construction of it... but dont really understand the theory...please explain Thanks Al...

[@coriscotupi]

Good video. Did you ever get around doing the 3km range test? If so, can you post a link to the video? I looked around and didn't find it. TIA.

[@meickus85]

Great video. What kind of antenna did you have on the TX while doing this review? Cloverleaf I take it?

[@muaz9921]

Sorry for asking a lame question but I'm still new in this kind of thing . Can you explain the function of this item and the items needed to work this thing on a drone esp quadcopter .