Antenna Placement Mistakes on FPV Wings and How to Fix Them

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Introduction

Flying FPV (First Person View) wings is a thrilling experience, offering long-range flights and agile performance. However, one common issue many UK-based hobbyists and makers face is poor video or control signal quality due to incorrect antenna placement. In this guide, we'll explore the most frequent antenna placement mistakes on FPV wings and provide practical fixes to improve your flight experience.

Common Antenna Placement Mistakes

FPV wings have unique airframe shapes, often with thin wings and compact fuselages. This can make antenna placement tricky. Here are some common errors:

  • Mounting antennas inside the fuselage or wings: Many pilots place antennas inside carbon fibre or plastic parts, which can block radio signals.
  • Not separating video and control antennas: Placing your VTX (video transmitter) and control antennas too close can cause interference.
  • Wrong antenna orientation: Using antennas with the wrong polarization or incorrect alignment reduces signal strength.
  • Neglecting antenna clearance: Antennas too close to electronics, batteries, or servo wires can experience noise or reduced range.
  • Failing to secure antennas properly: Loose or dangling antennas risk damage or poor reception during flight.

How to Fix Antenna Placement Issues

Improving your antenna setup doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these simple steps to maximise your FPV wing’s signal quality:

1. Mount Antennas Externally and in Clear Line of Sight

Always place antennas outside the fuselage or wings, preferably on top or underneath where there’s minimal obstruction. Avoid carbon fibre parts as they attenuate radio waves heavily.

2. Separate Video and Control Antennas

Keep at least 10–15cm (4–6 inches) between your VTX antenna and your RC control antenna. This reduces interference and improves both video quality and control reliability.

3. Use the Right Antenna Type and Orientation

Match the polarization of your antennas — typically circular polarized antennas (RHCP or LHCP) for video and linear polarized for control. Also, orient antennas vertically for control signals and as recommended by your video antenna specs.

4. Keep Antennas Away from Electronics and Power Sources

Try to position antennas away from power wires, batteries, and ESCs to minimise electrical noise. Twisting motor wires and using ferrite beads can also help reduce interference.

5. Secure Antennas Properly

Use heat-shrink tubing, zip ties, or specially designed antenna mounts to keep antennas rigid and safe during flight. Avoid letting antennas swing freely as this can cause unpredictable signal loss.

Bonus Tips for UK FPV Wing Pilots

  • Check local regulations for allowed frequencies and power output.
  • Use antenna diversity receivers if possible for better signal stability.
  • Test your setup on the ground before flying to spot weak spots.

Conclusion

Proper antenna placement is crucial for a great FPV wing flying experience. Avoiding these common mistakes and following the fixes outlined above will help you enjoy clearer video feeds and more reliable control signals. Happy flying!

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