I had my P3S about 2 weeks before I got my Argtek Antenna setup. The changes I have noted are that in areas where you do encounter terrestrial interference the Argtek gives you that extra boost to get through it. So even in areas where you might only get 300m distance due to interference the Argtek simply allows you to go farther but also have that confidencethat even when getting weak signal messages it is not losing signal. The original setup did not allow long distances.

Here is a 2.3km distance flight I did with a friend.  This is in an area where you really get no interference.  
I believe the max range is something like 2.5km.  Argtek advertize that you "may" get up to 4 times the distance over the standards
original antenna setup.  I find this to be true but there have been areas with a lot of interference that 1km is the max you can get.

I've done some flights where I needed to climb 380m just to clear the clouds and then to 500m max to get my video then also fly some distances.
Not possible with standard setup. First video is launch at 2600m or around 8600ft and climbing 500m to get to 3100m or 10200ft.
Not a chance I could get with video without the Argtek. For me a worthwhile investment to change the P3S into a better drone.

http://healthydrones.com/main?fl ... _id=GENERALOverview

So you really don't have a question.  Is that right?

Mark The Droner Posted at 2017-2-18 18:06
So you really don't have a question.  Is that right?

That's for you to decide.  Have had a few pm's about my Argetk so decided to put it up.
I have seen some threads where people claimed their Argtek made no difference to original setup.

2.3km distance flight.  

I too had significant increase with Argtec ... my best so far is 2493m as indicated on display.

This is with a CE unit boosted to 27db with Icarus software and standard Argtec gear.

Nigel

i got 1500ft stock and 700 ft argtec never beter got a dbs mod and just atached it to the Argtek mount and got 3600ft ft. screws the argtek antenna back on back to under 700ft

Steve-76 Posted at 2017-2-19 09:09
i got 1500ft stock and 700 ft argtec never beter got a dbs mod and just atached it to the Argtek mount and got 3600ft ft. screws the argtek antenna back on back to under 700ft

Strange I get 7500ft distance yet you say only 700ft.  Tens times less does not make sense unless you got a faulty panel or RC antenna as the antenna is 10dBI

I always like to see what type of area people report range in ...

I had basically 600m+ in urban area stock ... but very unreliable video.

Flying the same with Argtec and Icarus - I hit the Airport Geofence at about 1000m and turned away. Full control and video. (Airport is rarely used and I have full contact with manager)

Flying the river over rural terrain - I had over 2493m ... with average 1800 - 2000m stable flights.

Nigel

i have seen "Icarus" mentioned in a few posts by advanced users......what is it, and what does it do ?

solentlife Posted at 2017-2-19 10:40
I always like to see what type of area people report range in ...

I had basically 600m+ in urban area stock ... but very unreliable video.

Yes distance depends on lots of factors.  My long distance flights have been in the mountains where I live and I have good LOS to the drone.

There are places that have a lot of interference so the Argtek is so much better than the stock setup as it gives you that extra needed signal in areas with signal interference.

timnwcove Posted at 2017-2-19 16:09
i have seen "Icarus" mentioned in a few posts by advanced users......what is it, and what does it do ?

Use power magic for phantom by papa tita, easy to find and make patch instead of icarus. This patch make amplifier power to 27 db as u are in us, not in Europe.

fans4c281ddf Posted at 2017-2-19 19:37
Use power magic for phantom by papa tita, easy to find and make patch instead of icarus. This patch make amplifier power to 27 db as u are in us, not in Europe.

Why advise against Icarus ?

I used both and found Icarus much easier to use and also it can stay on your Android for use even in the field ... but Magic Power only works via a PC connected to the gear.

OK - Icarus is no free ... but then again most good software is not ....

As regards power changes .... Icarus can go up to 30db ... but not advised. It also gives OPTION on Telnet ... reports tests on AC and RC ...

Nigel

Using the Argtek with the latest firmware and DJi Go app, I hit 7000 feet (2133 meters) with a solid FPV.
Still had full RC signal, and was able to fly 11000 feet (3352 meters) before I kicked in the RTH.

Next, I am going to run some tests with MagicPower to increased the FPV range but so far I have seen great improvements with the latest firmware and app for the FPV.

solentlife Posted at 2017-2-20 05:51
Why advise against Icarus ?

I used both and found Icarus much easier to use and also it can stay on your Android for use even in the field ... but Magic Power only works via a PC connected to the gear.

im new to all this , ...so icarus is an app that will let you boost the rc signal up a bit with no added hardware?

Icarus is a paid utility for android that boosts 2.4 video / telemetry signal up to 30db, but its recc'd not to go above max designed 27.
It can stay on your android ready to be used if you want to change power setting at any time. About $30 downloaded direct.

Magic Power is a free utility to boost to max 27db but needs a PC to do it - it doesn't care about android or iOS.

Personally as an android user - I find the Icarus worth paying for and easier to use.

Both utility's can be used with whatever antenna system you have.

Nigel

How good is the Argtec ?

Judging by posts on various forums - there is a division of results that I find strange. Many report good results of 2 ... 3 .... 4x range improvement, while others report zero or even less !

There are claims that copycat Argtec gear does not work well ....

Personally and I do not wish to insult those who have poor results with Argtec - but I cannot help but feel installation is the main fault.
The antenna leads terminate in the controller with blobs of glue over them. If the glue is not removed properly - then it is possible to have plug appear connected but in fact not fully home. Those 3 plugs must be all the way home and need pressing squarely into place.
Argtec themselves even highlight this on their website.

It is easy to think all is connected well even with opening up again and checking  - but still have poorly connected leads.

Nigel

solentlife Posted at 2017-2-20 22:52
How good is the Argtec ?

Judging by posts on various forums - there is a division of results that I find strange. Many report good results of 2 ... 3 .... 4x range improvement, while others report zero or even less !

Argtek does work as long as you connect correctly and seal the connections.
DBS Mod is better, but I have reached 2+ miles with the Argtek so to me I am a happy camper till I upgrade to the Mavic Pro.

Microcyb Posted at 2017-2-20 08:48
Using the Argtek with the latest firmware and DJi Go app, I hit 7000 feet (2133 meters) with a solid FPV.
Still had full RC signal, and was able to fly 11000 feet (3352 meters) before I kicked in the RTH.

Let us know how that goes.

Icarus and Argtek together?

Microcyb Posted at 2017-2-21 08:56
Argtek does work as long as you connect correctly and seal the connections.
DBS Mod is better, but I have reached 2+ miles with the Argtek so to me I am a happy camper till I upgrade to the Mavic Pro.

2 miles.  Damn.  I've done 2.7km and happy with that.

blackcrusader Posted at 2017-2-25 03:59
Let us know how that goes.

Icarus and Argtek together?

Argtek and MagicPowerv5

Microcyb Posted at 2017-2-27 08:13
Argtek and MagicPowerv5

On a Phantom 3 Standard?   Maybe not needed in Taiwan as we are FCC mode anyways.

blackcrusader Posted at 2017-2-27 08:18
On a Phantom 3 Standard?   Maybe not needed in Taiwan as we are FCC mode anyways.

Yes on a Phantom 3 Standard.  Did another flight test and was able to have FPV and RC signal reaching 1.8 miles (2.89 Kilometers).
After the FPV went out and flying just on RC alone, pushed forward till the RC went out and hit 2.7 miles (4.34 Kilometers) with the bird still recording the flight.

So I think I pushed this little guy as far as it can go before upgrading to the Mavic Pro.

blackcrusader Posted at 2017-2-25 03:59
Let us know how that goes.

Icarus and Argtek together?

Absolutely .... belt AND braces !!

I have been using both together for ages now ...

When I get my 'fly-leads' to connect my 2.4 and 5.8 boosters - the Icarus will stay  installed ...

Only problem I reckon I will have then is make sure I don't go too far and not make it home !!

My intention actually is reliable consistent values of 2000m in town and country.

One word of caution to anyone 'boosting' ...... pal of mine was flying a boosted 5.8Ghz wing other day near town ... it affected a local Port terminals comms link ...
He had a tap on the shoulder from a 'friendly' advising him not to do it again ... turns out they monitor the 2.4 and 5.8 here in Latvia.

What they do elsewhere I have no clue ... but worth being aware of.

Nigel

I resorted to the Argtek system, not for range but to increase the signal reliability, both 2.4 and 5.8. I have, so far, not had the urge to fly beyond LOS.

MerlinL14 Posted at 2017-2-28 10:40
I resorted to the Argtek system, not for range but to increase the signal reliability, both 2.4 and 5.8. I have, so far, not had the urge to fly beyond LOS.

Stay with what you are happy with.  I use my drone to survey roads and farms for friends.

Having the extra signal even when just flying a few hundred meters is great.

solentlife Posted at 2017-2-20 22:44
Icarus is a paid utility for android that boosts 2.4 video / telemetry signal up to 30db, but its recc'd not to go above max designed 27.
It can stay on your android ready to be used if you want to change power setting at any time. About $30 downloaded direct.

Nigel, where can I find the Icarus software to purchase and download? Will it work in US?
Thanks

stuka75 Posted at 2017-3-1 05:21
Nigel, where can I find the Icarus software to purchase and download? Will it work in US?
Thanks

https://play.google.com/store/ap ... phantom3s&hl=en

I'm currently looking to purchase the Argtek antenna, but i read above that there may have been people who bought a 'copy' of the Argtek, and are not having great results. Obviously i'm looking on Ebay, but just want to know what to look out for so that i buy the genuine article and not some copy brand. I've tried zooming in on images provided by the seller, but can't see the words 'Argtek' on the items any of the photo's. What do i look out for to make sure it's the real deal? Also doesn't help that looking at the items description for Brand, most just say 'Unbranded'.....and other titles say stuff like 'For Argtek DJI Phantom' etc...
If anyone can let me know what to look out for, that would be great.

DJ Nee Posted at 2017-3-2 03:45
I'm currently looking to purchase the Argtek antenna, but i read above that there may have been people who bought a 'copy' of the Argtek, and are not having great results. Obviously i'm looking on Ebay, but just want to know what to look out for so that i buy the genuine article and not some copy brand. I've tried zooming in on images provided by the seller, but can't see the words 'Argtek' on the items any of the photo's. What do i look out for to make sure it's the real deal? Also doesn't help that looking at the items description for Brand, most just say 'Unbranded'.....and other titles say stuff like 'For Argtek DJI Phantom' etc...
If anyone can let me know what to look out for, that would be great.

Yup I live in Taiwan where they are made as it's a local Taiwan company. So if not made in Taiwan and made in China, don't buy it.

Did a nice little flight today. Just under 3km Max Distance
9,962 ft into a head wind of 19mph. Got low battery warning at 52% showing red. That's because software calculates at current usage current consumption. Flew back with that tail wind of 19mph at Max Speed 42.66 mph or 65kmh and arrived with green power level at 35%. So spent more flying time around some tea farms nearby my home point. Total Mileage 24,583 ft. dang.
Go P3S. Argtek antenna kitted. Could have gone much farther out if no head wind and also not wandering around taking in the sites lol.

Oh...no idea how i'm going to find out where it's made from an Ebay pic
Anyone here in Australia bought a genuine Argtek? If so, where from!? Thanks

Errr...to make it easier, can anyone can confirm that this Ebay sale is genuine Argtek before i spend my dollars? Thanks in advance... http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ARGte ... -Omni-/272375966180

DJ Nee Posted at 2017-3-3 05:06
Errr...to make it easier, can anyone can confirm that this Ebay sale is genuine Argtek before i spend my dollars? Thanks in advance... http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ARGtek-DJI-Phantom-3-Standard-WiFi-Signal-Range-Extender-Antenna-Kit-10-dBi-Omni-/272375966180

I know this one is Legit as I bought from them.
https://www.amazon.com/BlueProto ... tenna/dp/B01BAEGRZ6

blackcrusader Posted at 2017-3-2 03:58
Yup I live in Taiwan where they are made as it's a local Taiwan company. So if not made in Taiwan and made in China, don't buy it.

Did a nice little flight today. Just under 3km Max Distance

Bet those flights look awesome

Microcyb Posted at 2017-3-3 06:32
Bet those flights look awesome

I am lucky to live where I do.  Get some great flights up here. Also lucky that even on long mileage flights lots to see.

That's really far! I'm scared to take my p3s out of line of sight even though I know nothing bad might happen.... Might.... But still, cloud surfing? That looks like a great video. Looks Professional

Brayan2134 Posted at 2017-3-3 17:33
That's really far! I'm scared to take my p3s out of line of sight even though I know nothing bad might happen.... Might.... But still, cloud surfing? That looks like a great video. Looks Professional

After a few flights you get over not being able to see where your drone is.

I'd been droning maybe 3 weeks when we took those above the cloud shots at Yushan. It's the drone that is professional.  I'm still in newbie mode.

Microcyb Posted at 2017-3-3 06:32
Bet those flights look awesome

Argtek are going to be sending me a  car boosted antenna system to test in a few weeks.

That should be really nice.

As related to Magic Power and/or Icarus - Can it be applied to P4? Or maybe similar software for P4?

adrian8891 Posted at 2017-3-28 11:06
As related to Magic Power and/or Icarus - Can it be applied to P4? Or maybe similar software for P4?

This is for the P3S. P4 uses a different system I believe.

solentlife Posted at 2017-2-19 10:40
I always like to see what type of area people report range in ...

I had basically 600m+ in urban area stock ... but very unreliable video.

I did another distance run this morning. 4.55km or near 15000 ft   I may have gone farther but battery was letting me know it's time to come home

Brought the bird home with plenty of battery left.  

2574m in rural area with altitude at max around 136m .......

Nigel