Does your Whoop have limited range? Forget a new vtx - try THIS instead!

by Jack

Introduction:

TinyWhoops are arguably one of the most fun ways to experience FPV in a safe, cheap way. But, like all quads, they have their pros and their cons. If there's one common issue with all them, it would have to be the vtx range. With whoops shrinking in size and weight, it's not always possible to upgrade the vtx, and most of them are locked to 25mw which provides very little range. A few months back, I was searching for goggle antennas, and I found a total game changer for our whoops! Let me introduce you to the Menace RC Bandicoot Linear Patch antenna. 

Background Info:

TinyWhoops generally use linear whip dipole antennas, and these are a great choice as they're durable and light. However, when paired with traditional goggle antennas that are RHCP or LHCP, the range is effectively HALVED to only 12.5mw! This is because the linear antenna is broadcasting both signals left and right, so the traditional antenna will only pick up half of the signal. The bandicoot antenna is not RHCP or LHCP, it is a linear antenna which means that it is capable of picking up the whole video signal. 

Tinywhoop style linear antenna

Unboxing:

The Bandicoot antenna is priced at an affordable 12 USD. I ordered 2 of them, as my goggles are non-diversity. They come in plastic bags with a sticker thrown in as an added bonus. If you're using box goggles like me, you'll need to also purchase a 90 degrees sma adapter so they face the right way. The antennas have an adjustable male sma connector on the back of them. All that is required for assembly is simply screwing them on to the goggles and adjusting the direction to your liking.

Sticker and 90 degree SMA adapters for box goggles (sold separately)

Usability:

I was a bit skeptical at first as to whether the bandicoot patch antenna would really be any good or if it'd live up to all the hype, and I was completely taken by surprise! In a spot where I'd normally only get a measly 20 metres of range with my previous antennas, the Bandicoot allowed for 50+ metres! I can't even explain how taken aback I was! You really have to experience the comparison in real life to see how much of a difference the Bandicoots make. As they are patch antennas, if you're used to the ease of use of omni-directional antennas, you will have to remember to point them in the direction you intend to fly. Saying that though, I did a little range test behind the Bandicoots and, to my surprise, I was still able to get at least 20 metres of range, similar to with my old antennas!

With the antennas arranged this way, you can get range from both sides

Some people recommend using an omni-directional antenna and a patch antenna, but after getting the same range with my old antennas BEHIND the patch antennas, to me it is a no brainer to pick up two of the Bandicoots. The best arrangement that I tried is as pictured above. Utilising this setup can allow you to double your range yet again by standing in the middle of a field.

Are there any negatives to the Bandicoot?

I have tested them for about two months and I am yet to be let down in any aspect by them. I would not even think about switching back to my previous antennas. Goggle antenna durability is not something that is usually talked about, but I have actually (accidently) durability tested these antennas multiple times and they are still holding up very well. 

Should you buy the Menace RC Bandicoot Linear Patch antenna? 

For TinyWhoop pilots and anyone who has a quad with a linear antenna, this is probably the single best investment you can make into your video system. At 12 USD each, it's a no brainer to pick up two of these considering the improvement they will make to your experience.