Drone Antenna Replacement- I think it's similar to a WiFi/RF antennas

[Ndog-ray]

I've broken the flight control antenna on my Eachine Wizard X220s. Which antenna do I need to replace it with? How do I know which connector to buy? It looks similar to other RF antennas on WiFi kit. I think it's an IPX but there seems to be several types and I have no idea which one it is. 

 

This is the spec for the drone

 

https://banggood.app.link/YvL8Ygks5db

 

Thank you 

 

 

 

 

[LAwLz]

Did you break the antenna or did you break the cable that goes into the circuit board? Judging by the picture, you just ripped the cable from the board. If that's what happened then you need to reattached it, not get a new antenna. Getting a new antenna probably won't help because you will just end up in the same situation as you are right now, with an antenna not connected to anything.

[AbydosOne]

18 minutes ago, LAwLz said:

Did you break the antenna or did you break the cable that goes into the circuit board?

The antenna is broken off the U.FL/IPX connector.

 

 

39 minutes ago, Ndog-ray said:

This is the spec for the drone

 

https://banggood.app.link/YvL8Ygks5db

The product page isn't very clear as to what frequency it operates at (2.4 or 5.8GHz), but U.FL antennas aren't that expensive. Just Google the frequency and connector type; usually you can find a whip or PCB antenna.

[Ndog-ray]

3 hours ago, AbydosOne said:

The antenna is broken off the U.FL/IPX connector.

 

 

The product page isn't very clear as to what frequency it operates at (2.4 or 5.8GHz), but U.FL antennas aren't that expensive. Just Google the frequency and connector type; usually you can find a whip or PCB antenna.

I tried soldering it back in but it just comes back out after a few flights. I was very wary of dropping any solder on the PCB. Is the u.fl connector the one that's on the board and the ipx connector the one on the antenna itself? And are all ipx connectors the same? I've seen some micro ipx ones sold on Amazon but from googleing I can't find anything else about them 

[AbydosOne]

19 minutes ago, Ndog-ray said:

Is the u.fl connector the one that's on the board and the ipx connector the one on the antenna itself?

U.FL and IPX are synonyms. I think U.FL is the original trademark name.

 

22 minutes ago, Ndog-ray said:

I've seen some micro ipx ones sold on Amazon but from googleing I can't find anything else about them 

This looks like a place to start. Make sure you measure the size of the connector to ensure it's actually U.FL and not the smaller variant that's now in use.

[LogicalDrm]

-> Moved to Hobby Electronics

[artuc]

Looks like an SMA connector on the antenna end ?

 

That IPX connector has got IPX stamped in it, but as @AbydosOne has stated there are several variants of that style connector so you may need to confirm.

 

It's going to be easiest to just get a whole complete cable than soldering it up preferably.

 

Something along the lines of this, check both connectors are correct. The seller may tell you what type you need or be able to sell it to you... ?

 

Be aware that SMA connectors can have different gender centre pins in some configurations. Just to mess with your head I think.

 

 

 

 

[ColinLTT]

The above is a SMA to uFL antenna. Not exactly what's needed. 

You need a uFL antenna with a polarity that matches your transmitter's (LHCP or RHCP) 

 

[AbydosOne]

52 minutes ago, ColinLTT said:

You need a uFL antenna with a polarity that matches your transmitter's (LHCP or RHCP) 

Huh, I learned a thing today...

[artuc]

On 2/24/2021 at 7:43 AM, ColinLTT said:

The above is a SMA to uFL antenna. Not exactly what's needed. 

You need a uFL antenna with a polarity that matches your transmitter's (LHCP or RHCP) 

Huh ?

 

I was suggesting he replace the pigtail as it looks to be an SMA antenna on a bulkhead connector on the frame ?

 

Not that I'm certain that is completely the correct type but the general vibe looks right.

 

 

 

 

Yeah didn't know LH/RH circular but knew horizontal/vertical linear polarisation.

[ColinLTT]

6 hours ago, artuc said:

Huh ?

 

I was suggesting he replace the pigtail as it looks to be an SMA antenna on a bulkhead connector on the frame ?

 

Not that I'm certain that is completely the correct type but the general vibe looks right.

 

 

 

 

Yeah didn't know LH/RH circular but knew horizontal/vertical linear polarisation.

Sorry, didnt realize this kwad had a shorty extension. 

[artuc]

1 hour ago, ColinLTT said:

Sorry, didnt realize this kwad had a shorty extension. 

 

All g. You probably know more on the subject I just checked some photos.

 

[Dumb_Ass]

Don’t wanna sound stupid but, can u remove board from quad and undo shrink wrap on it really and remove  connector from the board. And share pics of connector with the rest of the antenna. Just to be on the safe side.
By the way re-soldering it while it is connected to board is no go cause board will act like heat sink. That’s why is brakes off again and again. Cold joint.  
 

[Kadzo]

On 2/22/2021 at 8:42 PM, Ndog-ray said:

I tried soldering it back in but it just comes back out after a few flights. I was very wary of dropping any solder on the PCB. Is the u.fl connector the one that's on the board and the ipx connector the one on the antenna itself? And are all ipx connectors the same? I've seen some micro ipx ones sold on Amazon but from googleing I can't find anything else about them 

The issue you have for coming out again after a few flights  that's because the cable is not only soldered it also crimped i worked in auto industries and you have special presses that you crimp the cables for the connector after soldering or welding it. 

If you didn't find a replacement try unplugging the yellow connector for the PCB, open the ears of the connector (those 2 little tabs) solder it and then use a hand crimping tool (pliers can do in a pinch but don't recommend them) and be aware of the pressure you are applying, you easily sever the connection on the cable if you you to much.