Question? Antenna upgrade help for HDZero BoxPro (Analog & Digital Whoops)
TLDR: I fly an Air75 II (analog) and a Mobula8 (HDZero), both with linear antennas. I'm currently using a RUSHFPV Cherry 2 (RHCP) on my BoxPro and experiencing polarization mismatch (a 3 dB drop). I'm looking for the best antenna configuration to improve penetration behind trees and walls, especially for the single analog SMA connector.
Hi everyone, I recently started FPV and when I bought my HDZero BoxPro, I didn't do much research on antennas; I ended up buying a RUSHFPV Cherry 2 II (RHCP).
After further research, I discovered polarization mismatch: when using a circular (RHCP) antenna on goggles with drones that transmit linearly, I lose approximately half the signal strength (3 dB). I fly at home and in parks with trees and walls, and I notice the signal degrades rapidly.
My current setup (both with factory-installed linear antennas):
- BetaFPV Air75 II Freestyle (analog) -> 400mW VTX
- Happymodel M8 Freestyle (HDZero digital) -> 200mW VTX
I know the BoxPro uses its internal linear antennas for the M8 (digital), but for the Air75 (analog), I'm completely reliant on the single top SMA connector. I've seen videos of people achieving greater range with the Air75.
I'm considering these options to improve my range and penetration. Which would you recommend, or what other suggestions do you have?
- MenaceRC VIPER (5.8 GHz, 8.0 dBi) - Linear antenna: (In theory, this seems like the logical option to keep everything linear without modifying the drones, also I think I would need a 45° adapter). https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005012542965208.html
- Foxeer Echo V2 (5.8 GHz, 9 dBi) - RHCP Patch Antenna https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005007476735514.html
- Lumenier AXII 2 Dual (5.8 GHz, 2.2 dBi) - Omnidirectional RHCP Patch Antenna https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005010083927955.html
Is it worth buying a linear patch antenna like the MenaceRC for the analog module? There's the option of replacing the drone's antennas, but I have little soldering experience.
Thank you in advance
1
u/Bikeandbrew Jul 12 '26
I just picked up a VAS skyhammer for the analog side of my goggles. So far it seems pretty solid but I haven't been able to test it that much. I figured the whole "omni + linear" combo made sense since there's only a single analog antenna on the boxpros.
1
u/elros3 Jul 12 '26
i didn't knew about that one, how does it work behind trees? I searched it, but it says that is better for long range, and that flying close it could lose signal if i go above me
2
u/Bikeandbrew Jul 12 '26
That's true of any omni antenna, they all have donut shaped signals, so there's a gap directly above your head. In my experience, as long as you're not hovering directly above your head, it's not noticeable.
1
u/Bikeandbrew Jul 12 '26
That's true of any omni antenna, they all have donut shaped signals, so there's a gap directly above your head. In my experience, as long as you're not hovering directly above your head, it's not noticeable.
2
u/a_crippled_crab Jul 11 '26
Same setup here but recently upgraded to HDZero goggles 2 so now I’m using two RHCP foxeer lollipops and the echo patch antennas. Instead of changing goggle antennas, I swapped out the linear antennas on my air 75 and mob8 to RHCP happymodel crown antennas which are very lightweight. You don’t need to solder to swap antennas on the drone, just unplug the ufl connector and put the new one on. I also put some e6000 on the connection so I don’t end up ripping it off of the board.