Why two omni antennas vs. omni and patch?

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Why are some pilots using two omni antennas on their diversity modules, instead of an omni and a patch? Here's why. And when should you use two omnis, and when is an omni and a patch better?
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[@mike94560]

I like keeping a patch antenna on hand in case I lose a quad. I can direction find it. Take off all the omnis and put just the patch on. Turn head toward best video signal. Walk that way.

[@HelloDroneRC]

There is only one condition - the battery can not get out of the drone... it often happens to me: /

[@thirtythreeeyes8624]

I take the antenna off entirely it's much more sensitive at that point and super directional. Now if I'm out a mile than a directional antenna could work but, at that point I'd probably be using the gps from the osd because if you're flying more than a half mile or so you should really have a gps on it.

[@Adam-zh4hm]

@@_antwonTT6 also you can get GPS for like 10 dollars

[@MatthewTaylor3]

@@_antwonTT6 For a RX, it doesn't cause any damage as it isn't transmitting anything.

[@billybbob18]

That's the best way. Also, turn down your video transmitter to 25mw when you get closer (if you have smart audio.) This allows you to better differentiate a bad signal from a good one. If you had it on 800mw, then you'll get very clear video no matter which way you turn.

[@quadrohazard6970]

Reasons I’ve been using two axii stubbies: 1) i don’t have to take them off to put the goggles in my bag.

[@michaelbryant3643]

How do you attach 2?!! I even bought a wrench and the second antena has no room! Am I crazy or what

[@lorenzolofino722]

@@michaelbryant3643 I have the same problem! Did you find a solution?

[@CHDGREATEST]

How to fit the direction of the antenna? Can we turn it 360⁰ until fit the direction toward the sky?

[@JThemelis]

@@michaelbryant3643 easy! Just use an extender! Ive been doing this since July and ive had great results w the Wildfire (until just 3 days ago where i pushed my limits and was shocked that my reception wasnt better!)… ill keep the antennas but swapping out my module for the Rapidfire).

[@pablowasserman]

lol i was thinking the same thing. do they fit right on a skyzone sky0x4 pro?

[@Rcschim]

Josh, try the following: use a patch and an Omni on a long coax. The coax should be long enough that the ant sits over your head. Now what I’ve noticed with the rapid fire: even if you go behind the patch, the module still prefers the patch while it is definitely weaker (which I see with the bars). That fact alone shows that this module is not really good in getting the most out of the theoretical dream team (patch and Omni on a long coax). So now I use the 15cm coax Omni and a tiny stubby. The long coax is easily bendable and can stay on as well. Sorry for my long comment, greets, Mario

[@Nick-xe2hu]

JB that was the best damn cliff's notes easy to understand way of explaining this stuff. The flashlight focus analogy of antenna db was spot on. Great video.

[@theibault]

JB, helping all the Stevie Wonder head movers out in the FPV community.

[@TateDK]

Theibault 😂

[@Yota_Freak]

This video helps a lot. Just got into freestyle quads and picked up HDOs and a rapidfire module. Thank you

[@jasonnell1477]

Well done JB! I just had this question so this is awesome timing! Thank you

[@argyleskyfpv461]

Great video Josh. My awesome wife just bought me the ev200d and some patch anntennas for my birthday. Steppin up from some cheap box goggles. Cant wait to improve my reception!!!!!!

[@markking4755]

Thanks Mr.Bardwell... you are very fast with your responses... unlike some of those other guy's... thanks again.

[@BrianKai]

So this is one of those things that I always wondered about, because it made perfect sense, but it made so much sense that I assumed it would be in the common sense category. Yet so many pilots, if not all, highly recommended omni and patch so I just kind of took them at their word. I'm glad I'm not the only one who questioned it.

[@prozay6856]

I have a Foxeer Lollipop Stubby and a Foxeer Patch antenna. Taking into consideration of Your video explaining antennas and placement, I have my patch antenna facing the Omni’s weakest point. I’ve always never felt comfortable flying behind me, but this video help me feel more confident in the choice I made: Fatshark Hdo Rapid Fire Module Foxeer Patch Foxeer Lollipop Stubby. Works as explained in this video; I don’t feel comfortable flying behind myself as I always fly in the same direction I am facing.

[@wallaceanjinho]

Thanks for this video Joshua! Very helpful for me! Hugs from Italy and happy fly.

[@MysteryD]

Dude. I was just wondering about this yesterday. Thanks a ton for the video.

[@soli3605]

Man your cicadas sound SO pleasant compared to the screaming banshee's that we have in AUS Loved the video Josh, glad to he a Patriot of your channel, trying to catch one of your Monday steams but in always working haha Keep it up! Hopefully all is well after the tough times last week Happy Flying!!

[@ghall05]

Just got a rapid fire and discovered the following: when using the frame combining mode (as opposed to traditional diversity), the signal is fantastic while flying in the area the patch is pointed (obviously), but when flying behind the patch, the signal is much worse than if I was using a non-diversity rx with just an omni. I believe this is because the module is blending in some frames from the patch even when it is breaking up badly. Switching to 2 omnis completely solved this. The difference was amazing.

[@gasser5001]

I lost it when you were all '...AND THERE HEADS ARE ALL LIKE THIS! *looks straight down*'. I literally bust out laughing. It's so true.

[@jackiemonroejemfpv4204]

Thanks JB , been asking about that subject. But no one ever wanted to explain why they were doing it.✌️😎

[@gonun69]

Years ago I read that diversity is used to reduce the effects of destructive interference where part of the signal reflects of something and therefore arrives a little later at the antenna. Because the paths don't have the same lenght anymore, constructive and destructive interference can occur. So you use two antennas that are spaced out a bit, so that when one experiences destrucive interference, you can switch to the other that hopefully doesn't. My guess is that if you use two omnis, you get reduced interference problems, which in some cases might even be better than a patch.

[@arsonistsavior]

3 years later after video i finally understand a little more. great content man. fyi ive been watching jb for 1 year almost and watch his latest stuff.

[@Bwp110]

Deffently picking up a set of these. Thanks jb

[@leblan2823]

Thank you “know it all”. I have been wondering about this. The stubby would be a lot nicer in the bag. Im switching mine out like this to see how it does.

[@MrBEEFCAKE26]

Love you videos so helpful can’t thank you enough love from uk. Keep up the great work

[@edelossismuut3680]

Du machst gute Arbeit mit dein Videos 👍🏻 You make a good job!!

[@dirtfpv]

One of the most basic concepts from getting your ham license is the higher the antenna, the better reception. It makes a lot of sense that putting the antennas closer to your face and goggle is going to result in weaker reception. I find too often that I'm looking down and flying behind me, and my omni isn't tall enough for that. Gotta make that effort to keep my head up. Good info, as always, JB.

[@tjburke79]

I run two TBS triumph’s on my rapidfire, works fantastic!👌

[@JaraFPV]

6:30 "oh boy" that reaction you know something is absolutely broken.

[@jeffvenable3845]

Thanks JB....i always appreciate the info.

[@MCsCreations]

Great to know, Joshua! Thanks a lot! 😊

[@FarmerFpv]

I Run Two TrueRC 5.8GHz X²-AIR Antenna's On my Laforge. I Love It Never Looking Back, The Image Is So Crisp For Days. Even When A Few Miles Out.

[@kuzyatron]

I use Rapidfire and have been refusing to switch to the two omni setup (although I see everyone else at races doing it), precisely because I did a similar side-by-side comparison and didn't like what I saw. Glad to know that it wasn't because I somehow didn't have my trial two omni setup right. My setup: one omni with ~3-inch extension (the one that came with TrueRC X-Air) to clear the goggle and my head, bent slightly backward to compensate my looking down + one directional, aiming ~30-degree up. Works GREAT

[@leeroyjfpv8820]

As always thanks Bardwell!

[@gavlarfpv7841]

Been using 2 omnis for a while now, seems to work great on eachine goggles 2, 1 straight and 1 bent over, aomway rhcp

[@MrDetectorist]

good stuff, i'll have to try two omni's and see if they work for where i fly.

[@mikeoleksa]

Good stuff, as always, Joshua!

[@dmitrychoglo4782]

I was watching this at night (I was sleepy), so after he dropped the antenna, like a minute later I was like, "Wait, didn't I drop something, I should probably look at what I dropped." And I literally started looking around my bed.

[@martindragoun2911]

Thx for your videos Joshua, they are all very helpfull 👍🏼

[@averycaron5462]

I use an Omni and a patch, and I usually have my head down out of habit from my box goggle days. The way I counteract this is I use a 45 degree sma adapter on my patch so that it points forwards. The adapter came with my True-D so it works out well

[@Life_a_bike]

Thx. I learned something today. I stick with a VAS Crosshair extreme & ion v2 👌

[@robertgoldbornatyout]

Excellent info thank for the upload .

[@sleepyheadfpv6301]

I always have a patch on hand, and normally did run a true rc one. But now that the v2 axii2 are out I run one stub right angle and a normal stub. Best ever!

[@Jessiezamarron]

I learned something today! Thank you 🙏🏽

[@NoName-hx4hm]

I run a crosshair extreme and a 3 turn helical with my rapidfire... Hands down best antenna combo I have tried.

[@MrJdmzach]

great and informative video as always man! thank you

[@Fr3dGarvin]

An issue I’ve been wondering about, thanks

[@TweakRacer]

For the bottom omni, just use the regular stubby (not the right angle one). Still 90 degree to the top one, without the fitment issue. The other reason to use two omnis when racing is because the range/penetration of the patch isn’t needed. And the patch’s high gain can be a detriment when a competitor’s quad flies close to you on the near side of the track. Yes, even if they are on a different but nearby channel, it messes with your video signal. BTW, works great with a standard diversity module too. Not just for Rapidfire.

[@mannyvarela1326]

TweakRacer this is what I wanted to know. For the bottom antenna just use the regular short stubby and for the top a 90 degree one. Thanks

[@johnvodopija1743]

Thank you JB. I learned something today for sure 👍😎🇦🇺

[@mhsandifer]

Awesome, thanks Joshua

[@gabrieldavila9446]

fantastic video! def learning a lot from them. Cheers.

[@Streifenprinz]

I would like to use the moment to contribute the following: Hats off for the amount of content you uploaded here in the last days. Keep it up :P (btw -> will you upload a review of the "Caddx Dolphin" as soon as it is available? ;) )

[@bitvasconcelos2031]

thanks for this, I really appreciate this video

[@OverdriveTech]

Very informative as always!

[@rickjames8897]

I have the aomways and I primarily fly in front of myself, so I run a triple feed patch and the stock aomways patch.. works for me lol

[@drone1477]

Always love your content, and your info helped me build my first quad. Remember how you got here... being real.. this is-1st vid I’ve seen where it’s seems like ur pitching or angling for something down the road. Or maybe, you’ve got your first $ deal to continue.. in which case, I’ve been there and understand. You’re content has always been the best, but want to make sure you stay on path as a business owner.. I can’t wait till the next vid, as always.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

I don't know what you think you're picking up on. This is just a video explaining why people are using two omni antennas. There's no pitch or angle here. The video was sparked by the release of the Lumenier stubby, but you can do this with whatever antenna you want.

[@drone1477]

@@JoshuaBardwell Thanks for your reply. Not sure either.. just seemed a little weird. Maybe bc I am used to seeing you at your desk. My apologies for assuming commercial motives- don't really know what I was thinking. Also, just watched your apology video. -- From the viewers perspective: We don't care about any of that; just love your vids. I didn't know anything about it until I saw your vid about it. And who the hell does this other guy think he is... Don't forget---YOU ARE JOSH F*%&^%^* BARDWELL- You're the man and don't have to put up with some whiney-a** small-fry business owner. Just crush him and forget it. Delete anything you want on your platform. You built it with hard work, (not him) so delete any comment that gets a little lippy, with a tone you don't like. Including mine. All the best

[@raykeogh1972]

Thanks that’s helping understand more. Great video

[@mmichaelsen69]

I'm a newbee... this information was perfect. Thanks!

[@marinehm]

Excellent presentation!

[@Ryasis12345]

I just pre-ordered my HDO2 and ordered a patch and an Omni on my TBS fusion. We shall see!!

[@SCFPV]

Love my TBS fusion. I flown with 2 omnis since starting fpv almost 3 years ago. I now use a Long range lumenier axii 2 and a lumenier axii 2 stubby, with a long range axii2 on the quad. It's awesome!

[@aminbehravan]

thank you Joshua

[@m1sh]

since I use rapidfire I´m always using two omnis...its so much more comfortable for everyday use and it doesnt affect reception in low range freestyle

[@srqcrna]

Thank you so much!!!

[@S700KYFPV]

On my RF I fly a MenaceRC Periscope on the top, and a Lumenier AXII normal stubby on the bottom. Found it perfect for racing.

[@jayg9209]

Great video. Still relevant over time. Would love to see a updated for digital systems n hope to see new giant quad pathes or double decker lollipop designs are almost awe inspiring. But are they practical 🤔 one must only wounder n buy n try..

[@GroundControlRC]

I've never understood the use of a patch on FPV Goggles for the reasons you mentioned. With the 90 degree offset omni antennas, you're using the same principal we've used for years with our aircraft receivers to get better diversity. I think the patch would be best served on a ground station when doing long range FPV. Good explanation. See you in the Air!

[@MrCrowleyandhisdrone]

Great vid, thanks

[@Hyprmtr]

Anyone else hear the crack when he cranked down on that antenna? OMG Then there was no more DVR footage on the video. I bet he broke the Rx. 😂

[@rickjames8897]

Oh something broke for sure.. kinda want an update of that Joshua, what broke?

[@mikotomisaka-kbhd-3975]

I dout it, if anything it just sounded like the shell over twisted and popped slightly

[@mc-dev]

@@RobbieFPV Haha, he already dropped that too

[@scottoneal2744]

Been wondering about this!

[@wild_lee_coyote]

Using the stubbies does make it easier to store, especially in a back pack. Long stems antennas will give you better reception because you get away from your radio absorbing melon. But you have to remove or cleverly pack our goggles with long stem roses. So it’s a trade off, what works best for you is totally up to you and how you fly.

[@weberentertainment2962]

I started to use 2 stubby omnis on my realacc achillies, just for the convinience of not having to screw on/off my antennas all the time, as I don't usually fly far from myself the range is acceptable, oven though it's not the best range wise.

[@mpickering54321]

Always need to pick the antennas for your environment too. I know a lot of people stopped using patches at races, lots of people + high gain antennas means that you might pick up other people's video as well because the antenna is so sensitive. Also, with something like rapid fire, certain situations it might be better to have a left omni and a right omni, or even no antenna believe it or not in a really high multi path environment, eg CDRA Nationals inside the football practice area indoors.

[@notice_fpv]

I know it's 5 yrs old, but this video is timely. I'm about to switch from omni/patch combo to 2 stubbies, but I'm going to use extensions to get them above the goggles and my big, water-filled head.

[@dmarko326]

You should check out the FXT HD-DVR for recording. I am very pleased with the output on processed videos. Better than the actual fpv feed.

[@zombiedisposalsquad4706]

I have a patch and look down a lot, but was smart enough to get a 45 connector so its pointed to where im flying

[@ruftime]

Nice test Josh! That head full of water attached to the goggles probably does more RF blocking than the goggles ?

[@MrStevegibb]

well it depends but at least it doesn't have a significant EMF like the electronics in the goggles

[@SpudNickFPV]

My head is full of hot air...

[@dndon2007]

great info thanks

[@MattyFPVx]

Hey JB, I use the menace RC periscope, designed to go above your head. I also use an aomway antenna, as I had a fake axi, an Uxi, and I got better range with the aomway. I may try my patch from menace RC when I go back to the spot, see if it does me any better.

[@h2o-fpv623]

Good video thank u.

[@MattxFr]

Thanks for the very good demonstration! As long as the same problem of gain direction if affecting the transmitter antenna, do you think that one day we will see diversity transmitter? Perhaps it requires using 2 different frequencies..

[@JaraFPV]

8:19 hahahaha SO TRUE!!! I usually have my head down when flying so my antennas are angled correctly.

[@wedgie502]

I cracked a vrx like that once... once, lol. I have the older true-d 3.8 for attitude and use immersion rc omni and Spiro net patch. I have satisfactory reception but when I crash and have to use the drone finder in my goggles, I have to use a patch. And I do like using a stubby on my quad.

[@carnagefpv8256]

I run an ION positioned vertically with a triumph horizontally in front of and below it (coax is bent like a ?) To use the triumph to take care of the ION's big null and crosspolarization all at once

[@tanahhuat1757]

Great review Sir. Any suggestions for Eachine EV800DM antennas upgrade..?.

[@Halfrightfox]

I'd like to see you redo this test with 4 omni's on the HDZero

[@RickLaBanca]

One issue with antennas that metal I proximity will affect it also not just block. (Detuning and absorption I believe). Rule of thumb is 2 wavelengths. That would be 12 which is pretty long but shorter is still going to help vs right on the goggle. Same for the quad in proximity to the carbon/electronics I’m thinking.

[@Spideystrat]

Helpful

[@ZachRice]

I've always flown with an omni and a linear for that very reason - that half the ding dongs at races with patch antennae fly with them pointed straight at the ground. I have fewer video problems than most people and I swear the linear is my secret weapon!

[@HaveFaithInGod]

What antennas do you use?

[@ChrisJohnsoniShootnRaw]

I only use patch Antenna when doing mid range flying or flying some sort of bando. Other than that I use an Omni and 5 or 7 turn helical

[@marsmachine1156]

Great Video Joshua! First good video talking about stubbies! Can you also compare the tx antennas? I got a lollipop stubby for my Kopis 1, as the antenna placement is akward. Couldn’t test it yet though...

[@Bournefort]

Great advice as always but what was up with that minute long setup at the beginning? Lol

[@ricky4682]

Hey josh.. ive watched your videos and learned from you never ending search for "science" based facts.. and it never occured to me to subscribe.. however this is the day.. thanks for all your help over the years with useful information.. i know if i have an issue joshua bardwell has done a video on it..

[@SkyGizmmo]

Wearable base station signal tracking switching (hat) with an array of patches and onmis? withRF shield in hat... Just a thought. I know face the direction of quad is a seemingly simple discipline.. So if I learn something ....always do. I will want to improve on and with that. Thanx JB

[@bunbunson27]

I have a stubby axii on my quad and it is a drastic decrease in reception. With a stubby on a quad the frame and battery itself becomes the interference. switched to a 3 inch longer axii and the reception is now very clear in the same area as nothing blocks the antenna reception. never used a stubby before....will not again lol

[@hateeternalmaver]

It's funny, I recently tested this myself. Got very linear, snowy noise with two omnis. Totally flyable. But I got this abrupt breakup, felt like it's going away completely any moment with an omni and a patch.

[@JPspinFPV]

Wow, Bardwell from 3 years ago. Covid was good for the hobby game. I can't lie, that's how I found FPV.

[@s52ft]

Best combination for me is one rhcp antenna and one GP antenna. Circular and vertical polarization.

[@crudboy12]

I run two omni antennas and two patches, one super high gain and one medium gain. Loving the EV-200D goggles!

[@DingDongDrift]

just hate that i have to use RP-SMA to SMA adapters

[@laurentdinodrone7111]

you put 2 omni at same side or you mix ?

[@crudboy12]

@@laurentdinodrone7111 I think it would work either way but I usually run an omni and a patch on each side. I just forget the patches for miniquad stuff tho. With patches I can have acceptable video at over a mile, assuming I point my head in the right direction.

[@laurentdinodrone7111]

@@crudboy12 ok thanks

[@macdet2004]

thx, great

[@jurijperkus3180]

I think that those are all rational and logical anwsers u give us, i mean it's not about having all the best gear, but it's about how u use it, where and when...

[@dizze8001]

I like that purple Rapidfire cover, did you paint that or is there a link to purchase them?

[@loiczeq5551]

Good viedo as always :)

[@elgee1976]

Oh boy im going to learn something today