Radio signal

[rob]

Hi all,
my robot only works when i am less than 12ft away, anything over this distance its like it receives no signal. any suggestions on what i can do to improve the operating range.
thanks,
ROB....

[cavecrusher]

Radio signal

buy a spektrum,

but a more serious answer, try moving the antenna more outside the robot. armour and reception arent real good friends

[rob]

Radio signal

i have fitted an external aerial, before this it only worked when i stood next to it.

[typhoon_driver]

Radio signal

Got any pictures? Specification of the robot? what radio gear are you using?

[rob]

Radio signal

receiver
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x44/robertlewis_98/DSC00057.jpghttp://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x...8/DSC00057.jpg

aerial
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x44/robertlewis_98/3611-001.jpghttp://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x...8/3611-001.jpg

robot
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x44/robertlewis_98/DSC00045.jpghttp://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x...8/DSC00045.jpg

the radio gear is the technobots skysport4

[john_frizell]

Radio signal

No sign of your external antenna on the photo (unless I am missing something). How is it fitted? Is it insulated from the metal armour?

[rob]

Radio signal

yes its insulated
here is the pic

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x44/robertlewis_98/DSC00058.jpghttp://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x...8/DSC00058.jpg

[typhoon_driver]

Radio signal

Have you put capacitors across the terminals of your drill motors? They generate large amounts of noise

Is the total length of the aerial coming out the receiver the same as it was when brand new? ie did you cut the original aerial to take into account the addition of the metal aerial?

[rob]

Radio signal

there is no capacitors on the drill motors and the i have not cut the original aerial.
what make or type of capacitor do i need all i know about them is that they have an ability store charge.

[grant_ploughbot]

Radio signal

Hi Robert. As said before, the main thing that will cause you interfierance will be having no capacitors on your motors. Im not sure which ones you need but someone will have the answer on here. The other thing is that your receiver is really close to your speed controllers. Try and keep it as far away from any major current drawing wires or components. Another thing that helped me when i used to have these problems was to keep all the wiring as minimal and tidy as possible(it also helps when trying to fault find!)
Also, its been mentioned above but a spektrum DX6 is a VERY worthwhile solution to any of your transmitter problems - theyre so good that anything but 2.4ghz is now banned on the combat scene in America!

[woody]

Radio signal

http://www.fightingrobots.co.uk/documents/emi.pdfhttp://www.fightingrobots.co.uk/documents/emi.pdf

10 nf max across between the motor terminals ...page 4 / 5

There is LOADS of other info in the document that should help you solve your problems.

[dragonmaster_1]

Radio signal

Not quiet true Grant only for RoboGames and Combots.

[rob]

Radio signal

try moving the antenna more outside the robot.

tried that and placed the receiver anywhere i could inside and out, the only place i have not tried is putting it where the sun dont shine.
if i dont get no joy fitting a capacitor to the motors i will see if i can get a spektrum DX6
Thanks for all your replies
ROB....

[geeza]

Radio signal

What is the overall length of your ariel? If memory serves it should be about 40cm long.

[rob]

Radio signal

its aprox 83cm long