This is a companion topic for our recent blog post on blog.unmanned.tech
Digital FPV enthusiasts often ponder the pressing question: why on earth do some VTX units flaunt two antennas? Well, it turns out that antenna design is rather crucial for signal quality and range—important when you’re careering through the skies at breakneck speed. In essence, dual-antenna setups can use either spatial diversity (sending the same data twice to improve reliability) or spatial multiplexing (sending different data streams simultaneously for a boost in throughput). But don’t get too carried away—the tangible benefits in real-world conditions can sometimes be as elusive as a decent cup of tea at a motorway service station.
For those sticking with single-antenna VTXs, like many from Avatar HD and DJI, you’ll find they manage their signals through one port, which is akin to having a chat while taking turns—rather quaint, really. While this simplicity reduces complexity, it also caps how much data can be transmitted at once, much like trying to squeeze an elephant into a Mini Cooper.
Now, dual-antenna VTXs do come with their tricks. Spatial diversity enhances reliability with redundancy, while spatial multiplexing pushes throughput, though the latter risks packet loss—so it’s a bit of a balancing act. Manufacturers like DJI likely tinker dynamically between these methods to ensure you don’t lose your feed mid-flight. However, it seems Avatar prefers a more straightforward approach, much like a trusty old car that just gets you from A to B without any fuss.
In any case, if you’re lucky enough to have a dual antenna setup, make sure both ports are connected—running on a single antenna can lead to performance woes akin to trying to drink tea from a leaky cup. Ultimately, while dual antennas offer advantages, they’re not a magic wand; the difference in performance is sometimes a mere whisper in the wind.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmx3cASb0b0
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