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Video antenna fell off in flight!

Discussion in 'Video Assist & Video Accessories' started by Steve Maller, Dec 16, 2014.

  1. Steve Maller

    Steve Maller UAV Grief Counselor

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    I vaguely remember fiddling with my vTX antenna in the shop whilst moving things around on the copter. But whatever the reason, today when I was testing my heavy lifter, the damn thing just fell off. Fortunately I was only 20 feet or so off the ground, and maybe 30-40 feet away from my launch position. But the funny thing is that the GoPro that was hanging under the copter caught the whole thing.

    Not exactly a classic "brown trousers" moment...more like a "WTF" moment. I'm sure glad I'm flying a X8 coax, or else that big RHCP 1.3gHz antenna might have made a mess out of one of my props (or worse). As it is, it just fell harmlessly to the ground. :eek:

     
  2. Andy Johnson-Laird

    Andy Johnson-Laird Administrator
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    Check your transmitter is still working properly, Steve -- typically transmitters get very upset when there is no antenna presenting an electrical load to the final output stage. You may not notice a problem until you get the transmitter some distance away from the receiver.

    Andy.
     
  3. Steve Maller

    Steve Maller UAV Grief Counselor

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    Good point. It was working just fine after I reattached it, but I was still quite close in.
     
  4. Andy Johnson-Laird

    Andy Johnson-Laird Administrator
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    I've also noticed that those small screw-thread SMA connectors can vibrate loose -- so I secure them with a piece of PVC tape (aka "bodge tape" by glider pilots) around them.

    Andy.
     
  5. Ryan McMaster

    Ryan McMaster Active Member

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    I dab some hot glue on the end. Same basic idea though=)
     

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