This looks great...but one question. Is the amp strong enough that we no longer need an antenna?
Greg
Yeap!
I just finished testing the range comparing it indoors with walls and such in the way. The new module using the stronger amp does indeed out performed the original transmitter even though we are using a pcb on board antenna. The original modules had no power so I had to add an amp and this meant hacking the antenna off and rednecking a connection to the amp. Now the connection could not be perfectly tuned so there was losses. Then the amp I used had an output of about 40 MW in perfect conditions which we were not so likely we had about 30 mw output or less.
This unit has a perfect matched antenna with a 100mw amp and so it out does the other hands down. The antennas are much less direction on it also so this is also a benifit.
The other issue we saw was variations from builder to builder on the range. Most got about what I was seeing but some had very bad range. Like 50 - 100 feet. Since this is what the unit with no amp does I expect they were having issues with the amp being damaged.
This gets away from the builders needing to modify the Rf module and leaves no room to detune it. The range should be repeatable on every unit.
This unit cost less and has better range. On top of this the new units amp works when receiveing also which the original did not so when using a Ver 2 TX with a ver 2 standalone RX the two should be very impressive for the cost. The testing I just did was using a new Ver2 TX and a version 1 EX/RX receiver on an express and the difference was very noticeable testing in the worst situation (walls/doors/ect in the way).
I also want to point out that a few people I spoke with that were not happy with the range of the original had unrealistic goals for the units. I had posted many times that they are not suppost to be able to sit in your brick house going out through the walls and make it through trees while you stand front of it. These are line of site units. They should be able to see each other. You can get away with some stuff but do not over estimate what the microwave signals can go though.
Mount these things outside up high looking out over your show and they will work as they did for most that used them this way. These new units will let you get away with more but to be reliable use them correctly. Do not expect them to go through cars and other solid metal objects ect.
As happy as most users where with the wireless they will love these new units.
RJ
