Just wired up my quad diversity 'uber portable' ground station.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/27/yqa6ujed.jpg)
I really like this setup.
The quad diversity allows loads of flexibility in antenna arrangement.
I currently have 1 clover, and 3 five turn helical.
The system feeds into a 10mw relay, making me wire free :)
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Right.
I took a flight today with the quad antenna system.
What can I say. I am VERY HAPPY :P
The system is so compact. It can pretty much all break down into a small tripod bag. So very portable.
Performance wise..
my current layout gives me a good 200 degrees of excellent quality. So every thing in front of me!
The actual signal goes to about 330 degrees, but quality does degrade a bit.
the clover acts as a backup, giving me 400 or so meters behind me.
These are my rough calcs on the matter based on the fact that the 5 turn helicals I use are rated at 110 degrees of signal (60 degrees excellent)
Flying today using the system was superb. I fly in a field that is backed by trees, so the 200 degrees good cover is perfect for my needs. If I did go behind me - the trees would wipe out the signal anyway!
I took time to move at distance the whole length of the beam. There was clear and smooth degredation as you get to the edge. Just a gradual fading of the image quality. Turn round and move back into the main beam - and wham. Video was superb again.
I was only flying my Z-84 - so juice was in short supply. To add to the problems, following my 'bump' yesterday, one of my antennas has been chopped by the prop, so I decided to play safe and listen to the rf low warning! (not really) I took the model out to 700 meters (my personal best) - about 200 meters past the 'low' warning, and did a long cross beam run checking how it all works.
SUPERB!
Excluding the fringe areas, the signal was good. No break up. Just clean distortion free images.
As a ground station, this setup really has allot going for it.
- simple
- wire free
- easy
The only negative one of these quad systems has to a tracker is that you do not auto 'tilt' as you go higher.
As an added bonus, I have one of these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131029313650?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131029313650?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649)
on route.
Because I relay the signal, this will act as an hd ground station / recorder for any video I relay. Result. Another wire free link - and no need for video distribution systems etc..
Rob
Looks nice Rob, very light and you seem thrilled with the results, well done :)
I am.
Silly thing is I only purchased the receiver on an impulse.
I should have just got one and saved all the money I spent building a tracker! But hey.. It works, and I have had fun making it.
I do quite like this system. Less to go wrong, and small enough to pack on a holiday!
Rob
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(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/11/abe3ygaz.jpg)
Just reworked my antenna arrangement on my quad receiver.
It has 4 3 turn he locals to give 360 cover.
Job tonight was to make the box to mount the antennas too.
Seems to hold together well :)
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