I had my P4 for 6 months and have 140 flights, all in all I felt quite content flying it, since I purchased the P4P I have had problems with total loss of signal at 500m clear line of sight distance and 113m height and RTH was initiated by itself, luckily it made it back to me.I am now constantly looking at the signal meter when flying and it is constantly keeps dropping down even though I have good line of sight and never more than 400m away, the meter is always dropping and quite often to one bar, which in turn starts to put me on edge and changing positions of the RC to try get signal to improve, all the times I have flown the P4P it has been set on 5.8GHz has anyone else had these same problems on the same setting ? When I get the chance to fly again I will be setting it to 2.8 to see if I still get the same signal loss.

As i mentioned in other post i was having almost the same difficulties while flying in 5.8GHz - connection lost while my drone was about 100m in front of me, then RTH.
Weather was perfect and i was flying on large field.

Those issues dissapered while i changed to 2.4 ( in midflight, i wasn't even landing )

But i thought that 5.8 should be "the better" one.

The higher the Ghz, the less distance you will get out of it.  2.4 is going to go much farther than 5.8, at the same wattage.

method007 Posted at 2016-12-12 14:48
The higher the Ghz, the less distance you will get out of it.  2.4 is going to go much farther than 5.8, at the same wattage.

Then why did they add 5.8?

I think you must be mistaken.  The Phantom 4 uses only 2.4 ghz for both Lightbridge fpv and control signals.  The Phantom 3 4k uses 5.8 ghz for control signal and 2.4 ghz for wifi fpv.   In no case is it user selectable.  

The p4 Pro has both, yes.  I should have read your entire post before replying.  Have you verified proper antenna orientation?  You should see better range on 5.8 for sure.  Less crowded.    But if it is a problem you could " *cough cough, search ebay for 5.8ghz bi-directional 5 watt amplifier cough about 60 bucks cough cough".  I would never suggest doing anything illegal however.

5.8 GHz offers less interference, so when in an "RF congested" area this would be a good choice . However, all things being equal, when there is no issue with interference, 2.4 GHz will provide a longer range due to the lower frequency.

CW Hobbies Posted at 2016-12-13 04:39
Then why did they add 5.8?

It's so that you can minimize interference when flying in areas that may have an abundance of 2.4 GHz frequencies.

DJI-Jamie Posted at 2016-12-13 00:32
It's so that you can minimize interference when flying in areas that may have an abundance of 2.4 GHz frequencies.

I live in a rural area with little interference and only had issues with the P4 P when I chose 5.8 GHz... Looks like a possible DJI glitch??

JWC P4 Posted at 2016-12-13 15:31
I live in a rural area with little interference and only had issues with the P4 P when I chose 5.8 GHz... Looks like a possible DJI glitch??

How far out are you able to go before the unit initiates RTH? Did you make sure that the antennas were positioned for the most optimal signal?

When I flew my p4p there was a few house dotted around over where I flew but none around where I was flying from, it was in open fields, all of a sudden there was no signal and after a few seconds it initiated RTH I was only 500 metres away and clear line of sight being over 100 metres up, I will be trying 2.4 hopefully tomorrow

Snowwolfwarrior Posted at 2016-12-14 03:35
When I flew my p4p there was a few house dotted around over where I flew but none around where I was flying from, it was in open fields, all of a sudden there was no signal and after a few seconds it initiated RTH I was only 500 metres away and clear line of sight being over 100 metres up, I will be trying 2.4 hopefully tomorrow

Please keep me posted.

DJI-Jamie Posted at 2016-12-13 20:49
How far out are you able to go before the unit initiates RTH? Did you make sure that the antennas were positioned for the most optimal signal?

Hi - yes the antennas are correct.  I have not flown far off with the transmitter on 5.8 as it starts to moan as from take-off.  As from about 100m from me I get intermittent connection lost messages.  Checking the status on the app indeed confirms in red that 5.8 has poor signal strength.  Now I start off with 2.4 and like with my normal P4 I have no issues.

Kneepuck Posted at 2016-12-12 16:03
I think you must be mistaken.  The Phantom 4 uses only 2.4 ghz for both Lightbridge fpv and control signals.  The Phantom 3 4k uses 5.8 ghz for control signal and 2.4 ghz for wifi fpv.   In no case is it user selectable.  

The p4 Pro has both, yes.  I should have read your entire post before replying.  Have you verified proper antenna orientation?  You should see better range on 5.8 for sure.  Less crowded.    But if it is a problem you could " *cough cough, search ebay for 5.8ghz bi-directional 5 watt amplifier cough about 60 bucks cough cough".  I would never suggest doing anything illegal however.

Next time instead of " cough, cough " next time try " wink, wink" I find it more effective.

Just an update

Took the p4p out today and this time set it to 2.4 and not 5.8 and had no trouble with signal losses, I will not fly 5.8 until DJI sort out the problem, I flew 1.25 kilometres away with not even one bar drop in signal,
I had signal drop at 200 metres on 5.8 and also a complete loss of signal and RTH at 500 metres definitely something wrong.

Don't worry OP, you are in the UK (Europe) same as me, we are screwed as Europeans using 5.8 Ghz, take a look.

Max Transmission Distance        2.400 GHz - 2.483 GHz(Unobstruoted, free of interference)
FCC: 4.3mi (7km);
CE: 2.2mi (3.5km);
SRRC: 2.5mi (4 km)
5.725 GHz - 5.825 GHz(Unobstruoted, free of interference)
FCC: 4.3mi (7km);
CE: 1.2mi (2 km); <--- JOKE
SRRC: 2.5mi (4 km)

Transmitter Power (EIRP)        2.400 GHz - 2.483 GHz
FCC: 26 dBm; CE: 17 dBm; SRRC: 20 dBm
5.725 GHz - 5.825 GHz
FCC: 28 dBm; CE: 14 dBm; SRRC: 20 dBm

Imo, with this rating of EIRP for Europeans (which is a joke for 5.8Ghz), it would be even better if DJI added a Function so the Firmware permantently Disables 5.8 Ghz when detecting through GPS that you are located in Europe.

Never use 5.8 Ghz, you won't get far no matter what you try

yeah 5ghz has a much shorter ranger either LOS or not.

are you cats putting the RC in AUTO mode or are you choosing one over the other manually?

whenever possible,  just start of with 2.4 right off the bat. 5ghz if you plan to do some short/close runs.

saying "never" use 5ghz is a bit dramatic. 5ghz works fine if you understand its limits. antenna placement/location really matter more because 5ghz is highly directional vs 2.4

get the app inSSIDer from the android/ios store. it has a nice GUI showing the spectrums around your area. easy to understand. yes the gji go app has a similar option but inSSIDer is more detailed.

Kneepuck Posted at 2016-12-13 05:03
I think you must be mistaken.  The Phantom 4 uses only 2.4 ghz for both Lightbridge fpv and control signals.  The Phantom 3 4k uses 5.8 ghz for control signal and 2.4 ghz for wifi fpv.   In no case is it user selectable.  

The p4 Pro has both, yes.  I should have read your entire post before replying.  Have you verified proper antenna orientation?  You should see better range on 5.8 for sure.  Less crowded.    But if it is a problem you could " *cough cough, search ebay for 5.8ghz bi-directional 5 watt amplifier cough about 60 bucks cough cough".  I would never suggest doing anything illegal however.

Have you seen a doctor about that cough?

I just got my P4P a week ago. Also having TERRIBLE signal on 5.8. I've lost signal and it went into RTH at just 75m. My phantom 3 Pro outperforms this drone in almost every aspect except flight time and camera quality. But in signal, and performance it is far superior. I'm not sure how this is advertised as getting a 7km range. I hope they can resolve some of these issues with firmware updates.

Its its anything like Wifi, then 5.8 should cut through interference but the radio drop off is so extreme almost not worth it unless you have a mesh. 2.4 is subject to that interference but hangs in there waaaaay longer.

I notice decreased range on 5.8, but it is more solid with no break-ups.  I know they boosted the 5.8 power output, but it can't compete with the 2.4 range.

Oh!  5.8 works great behind close buildings.  I'm amazed that I'm on the other side of a 2-story house or small building (no LOS) with no loss of control or video.

2.4 is the absolute way to go. I usually keep it on auto and its always on 2.4 and never switches to 5.8. Sounds like i might just pop it manually into 2.4 and leave it at that.

Kneepuck Posted at 2016-12-12 14:03
I think you must be mistaken.  The Phantom 4 uses only 2.4 ghz for both Lightbridge fpv and control signals.  The Phantom 3 4k uses 5.8 ghz for control signal and 2.4 ghz for wifi fpv.   In no case is it user selectable.  

The p4 Pro has both, yes.  I should have read your entire post before replying.  Have you verified proper antenna orientation?  You should see better range on 5.8 for sure.  Less crowded.    But if it is a problem you could " *cough cough, search ebay for 5.8ghz bi-directional 5 watt amplifier cough about 60 bucks cough cough".  I would never suggest doing anything illegal however.

I'm glad you are making no suggestion since an amplified signal on only one end of of pairing doesn't offer much help for two-way communication.   

gvgeorge Posted at 2016-12-16 18:56
I'm glad you are making no suggestion since an amplified signal on only one end of of pairing doesn't offer much help for two-way communication.

I believe I said bi-amp, and it does help prevent loss of control signal, Not much help for the video but is very good on control.

Im in the UK and flying a Phantom 4 Pro, i am only getting around 3500 feet on 2.4ghz and 5400 feet on 5.8ghz before losing all control of the drone and it returning home. Test flights performed over open water with no obstructions so i think these figure are rather poor. Is there anything i could do to improve the signal? i would ideally like to get the range up to around 8000 feet if possible? thanks for your help. Regards. John.

CW Hobbies Posted at 2016-12-12 14:39
Then why did they add 5.8?

Duh! did you really ask that Question!!! They added 5.8 because WAIT FOR IT!..........Just in case there is too much interference on 2.4 ALMOST EVERYTHING IS ON 2.4MHZ.....Computers, Bluetooth, Electric Company Smart Meters, ETC...ETC...ETC.... I hope I have painted a clear picture for you! NOW YOU ASK!!! Why would they produce another product on 2.4MHZ. if it's so widely used...WAIT FOR IT!!!!!!!!! That's because it's a FREE UNLICENCED FREQUENCY!! and anyone can use those Frequency's for anything they want too!

John1979 Posted at 2016-12-18 16:42
Im in the UK and flying a Phantom 4 Pro, i am only getting around 3500 feet on 2.4ghz and 5400 feet on 5.8ghz before losing all control of the drone and it returning home. Test flights performed over open water with no obstructions so i think these figure are rather poor. Is there anything i could do to improve the signal? i would ideally like to get the range up to around 8000 feet if possible? thanks for your help. Regards. John.

Buy a Wifi Repeater, yes they run on AC Voltage buy a DC Inverter to plug it into the inverter is about $50 bucks here in the US a 700watt inverter should be enough. They also make a Antenna Reflector that goes over the antenna's on the controller they do help some, but the repeater would give you a lot better range probably double what you get now or more.

P4PCommander Posted at 2016-12-19 23:56
The Lower the Frequency the better the penetration thru Buildings Trees Etc. All an XRAY MACHINE is, is a LOW FREQUENCY TRANSMITTER around 30HZ I think....

Actually X-rays are extremely high frequency, between 30 petahertz and 30 exahertz.

Can I ask a silly question re standard 3. I have argtek aerials that have two 2.4 for wifi and one 5.8 aerial for RC. I have a spare 2.4 aerial, so if I put that on the middle slot for the remote instead of the 5.8 will that work better for RC loss of signal issue I get or am I getting confused.

AwaDrone Posted at 2016-12-16 01:43
I just got my P4P a week ago. Also having TERRIBLE signal on 5.8. I've lost signal and it went into RTH at just 75m. My phantom 3 Pro outperforms this drone in almost every aspect except flight time and camera quality. But in signal, and performance it is far superior. I'm not sure how this is advertised as getting a 7km range. I hope they can resolve some of these issues with firmware updates.

Don't put up with it! SEND IT BACK! a problem right out of the Box will only lead to more problems down the road!

Trouble is, there are a lot of owners with this same problem so I guess it is not a hardware problem, if everyone sent their drones back that could not do the IMU calibration when the P4P came out it would have been ciaos at DJI a simple update cured that problem, if you sent it back the new one will arrive with the same 5.8 problem, fly it at 2.4 for now and wait for a fix, to be honest, I flew my P4P set on 2.4 last week and I flew the furthest distance ever without any loss of signal.

fans40120d72 Posted at 2016-12-19 12:16
Actually X-rays are extremely high frequency, between 30 petahertz and 30 exahertz.

My Bad and you are correct

Kneepuck Posted at 2016-12-12 15:03
I think you must be mistaken.  The Phantom 4 uses only 2.4 ghz for both Lightbridge fpv and control signals.  The Phantom 3 4k uses 5.8 ghz for control signal and 2.4 ghz for wifi fpv.   In no case is it user selectable.  

The p4 Pro has both, yes.  I should have read your entire post before replying.  Have you verified proper antenna orientation?  You should see better range on 5.8 for sure.  Less crowded.    But if it is a problem you could " *cough cough, search ebay for 5.8ghz bi-directional 5 watt amplifier cough about 60 bucks cough cough".  I would never suggest doing anything illegal however.

LOL, A 5WATT AMP. for 60 bucks! if they actually made a 5 watt amp. they would be sold out at that price YOU MIGHT FIND A 1 or 2 WATT AMP! But it would be several hundred dollars......

So why is 5.8 not getting good range? Is this problem in America too? Sorry to hear about this issue in England... Anyone have a chart of 5.8 ghz vs 2.4ghz American? Thanks

Ange1walk Posted at 2016-12-14 17:51
Don't worry OP, you are in the UK (Europe) same as me, we are screwed as Europeans using 5.8 Ghz, take a look.

Max Transmission Distance        2.400 GHz - 2.483 GHz(Unobstruoted, free of interference)

I'm in the UK and have just learnt this on my second P4P+ flight using 5.8GHz, signal loss with aircraft about 10 metres away from me at a height of about 300 feet, completely unobstructed - really?

Stick to 2.4 in the U.K. Or you could come unstuck with total signal loss, but it will initiate RTH I never trust RTH and like to be in control

guys is it the same in the usa?

P4PCommander Posted at 2016-12-20 09:11
LOL, A 5WATT AMP. for 60 bucks! if they actually made a 5 watt amp. they would be sold out at that price YOU MIGHT FIND A 1 or 2 WATT AMP! But it would be several hundred dollars......

Yes, I actually have one.  But, if it makes you happy to believe they don't exist,  that's ok too.  You can find one for yourself on ebay if you like.  I have used mine on my Standard, and am limited only by the Phantoms battery life, not by range.

I thought I was going to see this thread about February, not in December!

My P4 Ultimate Add On Mod should also help the new P4P owners(I am going to a third shift operation soon):

But seriously,

Losing control in such a small distance, sounds more like a hardware or antenna mismatch issue to me.
In theory, the design has many merits: Having a higher frequency to be used when the P4P is in close range and it is around interference, which is mostly in the 2.4 GHZ range.  Then once the distance increases, which usually corresponds to higher altitude, then the lower frequency allows for increased range.

BTW: The 5 GHZ is also starting to get crowded now over the last 3 years (at least in the USA).  So do no tthink that there is no higher frequency interference.

I'm also getting interference at 5.8 with video break-up. I see in the RC settings in the app where you can choose your preference. However, I've also read somewhere in the DJI literature where it switches on its own if there is interference, so why aren't we seeing this happen?

DJI: "The Lightbridge HD video transmission system used in the Phantom 4 Pro uses TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) to transmit signals, allowing it to send controller signals and receive video transmission signals at the same frequency. When switched on, the Phantom 4 Pro evaluates local signal levels, automatically choosing the transmission frequency with the lowest level of interference. This ensures the optimum range of a maximum video transmission of 4.3mi (7km)*."