IBCrazy's LRS/UHF Shoot-out - Comparing different systems.

[DaveyLC]

Pretty interesting video comparing LRS systems!

FPV LRS shoot-out

In this video we put the 5 biggest names in the LRS business to the test. The last 7 minutes of the video is our complete overview (so you can skip to that for a short overview). We spent over 100 hours editing and testing to make this video and are receiving no compensation of any type. Please enjoy and keep your comments respectful

Below are the merits of each system in a nutshell:

EZUHF - A bit pricey, but rock solid. This is the best LRS for really tough RF environments.
OpenLRS - Cheap and it works. Best bag for the buck. Upgrade to the OpenLRSng firmware for best results. DO NOT use a transmitter exceeding 1 Watt with this system and it is a good idea to coat the RX in epoxy to keep it from breaking.
RangeLink - Inexpensive and it works well. The only issue is that there are harmonics on the 1.3GHz and 900MHz bands that is going to limit your ultimate range a bit.
DragonLink - Moderately priced but serious harmonic issues. This system has extremely long range capability but DO NOT USE 1.3GHz video or your range will be severely weakened.
Scherrer - Expensive but long range. Only very slight harmonic issues measured. The weakness of this system is other transmitters on 433 MHz.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1905389

[DaveyLC]

Added some more details as my post was a little be vague :D  :laugh:

[Coyote]

A long video but interesting findings

[dogzilla]

Yeah interesting watch. Shame there weren't tests on other frequencies, would like to see one with 5.8ghz.

My experience anyway is a bit different, DragonLink works great in London. EzUHF falls on it's arse. I've been meaning to plug my EzUHF system back in and try the latest frequency hopping software.

[DaveyLC]

Pretty pointless testing on 2.4 and 5.8ghz video as the harmonic effects of UHF are negligible..

The interesting part of that test (for those of us who don't use 1.2/1.3GHz video) was the affect of other frequencies around the 70cm band on our UHF links.

@Dogzilla: Were you using the UK firmware for EzUHF? That would probably be shockingly shit in London also on 433 most UHF systems would be swamped. If you try your EZ again try it at full power and use the bands between 433 and 459.

[Zeeflyboy]

The extreme hopping is pretty good, I definitely recommend you give it a try.

Some environments just aren't UHF friendly though.

[dogzilla]

@Dogzilla: Were you using the UK firmware for EzUHF? That would probably be shockingly shit in London also on 433 most UHF systems would be swamped. If you try your EZ again try it at full power and use the bands between 433 and 459.

Tried all combinations of firmwares and frequencies. Tried various monopoles and dipoles. There is like 2000kw of TV output power less than 5 miles away starting at like 470mhz so it's bound to create issues.

That being said my DL works really well, still get the occasional failsafe on low power but never on high.

I will give the EzUHF firmware another chance. given the choice of DL or Ez, I'd prefer the EZ because I suspect it's got a bit more longevity in terms of supply of RX's etc... Took nearly 3 week to get a DL RX from Florida.

[DaveyLC]

There wont be 2MW of TV output anymore  :P

The lower end UHF stuff was all switched off last year for digital.

[Dizzy]

Be nice if it was a fair system comparison i,m certainly not convinced by such a simple test I think the proof still lies with the systems that are out there and running now  :)

Just one point how old was the thomas unit he was using i didnt regognise it.  tbh things have moved on a long way especially with the thomas scherrer systems

Interesting though all the same :)

Just my two pennies worth :)

dizzy

[Randall]

Im in the market for a UHF system to take my FPV'ing the the next level, im fairly sure im going to stick with IRC stuff it just always seems to "work" not after monster range but a solid 3km is what im after and as much as i trust my fasst system and am fairly sure my kit will keep achieving this at my flying location moving about the country you can never be sure