Range checking with a 2.4 Tx module conversion

Browsing through this conversion on U tube clips .someone showed removing the actual aerial ( it simply screws onto the replacement module )to do a range check at the usual 30 metres or so . Sounds a bit dodgy to me but what do you clever guys out there think ?

Myron

I've run Corona and other brand 2.4GHz modules without the aerial, usually when setting up servos in a new model or to drive a flight sim. The module have always remained cool to the touch and I've never had one fail si I don't think it's a huge risk to the module.

 

However -

I'm really surprised he could get 30 paces without the aerial, and even then it's not a proper reduced power test as it will not show up a fault in the aerial itself - not an unknown problem as the coax can fracture where it passes through the bendy bit. I'm sure he would look suitably surprised to find he had the same range with or without the aerial.

Bob

Thanks for the info .So it wouldn't overheat . Yep, I was a little surprised about the 30 paces bit .I think I'll stick to getting 'er indoors to go for a walk If the distance is disputable ,then there's not much point in doing it is there?

Myron

I seem to recall that Corona suggest a range check by putting both Rx Antennas together (if you are runnng a twin antenna Rx), the pointing the ends of the Tx and Rx antennas at each other and putting distance between Tx and Rx. This is logical to me, asthe least signal is tranmitted and received at the ends of the antennas, so this is a deliberate worst case situation.

Given that the 2.4 GHz power output is minimal, I logically don't see a problem with taking the Tx antenna off - it's akin to testing 35 MHz with a short antenna and probably wouldn't harm the RF output stages of the Tx, but intuitively I wouldn't like to do it for too long.

Thanks Toni

I'll try it .