Hubsan Zino - An Experiment on Range.

This is an experiment to show that the Zino range is constrained by the link budget. Increasing the path loss by 1dB gives a corresponding reduction in range, exactly as calculated.
Please try this and post your results below.
Enjoy

[@r.3424]

Great test. I agree with you, no firmware limitation on zino range.

[@IdahoQuadcopter]

I don't pretend to fully understand the formula and path loss etc. I will say however that the fact that you are able to predict the range on each channel tells me that your assertion that range is not software limited is spot on.

[@randoneur]

Thanks Marcus. I've already proved to myself, however some people insist I make this stuff up and spend hours of my life creating false videos :-)
This is an experiment that anyone can do. If the range varies between frequencies, then it can't be a firmware geo fence, unless of course the software developers have gone to great pains to program in a different geofence for each individual channel :-)

[@chrislloyd3198]

That's very informative. I didn't think the channel selection would have any impact, but clearly the laws of physics are well demonstrated here. As an aside I wish there was a way to stop the drone from returning to home at regular 5 percent battery increments once you get below 25 or 30 percent. I would hope that once you cancel the return to home it would stay that way.

[@acquariavarese5059]

Clever!

[@klausst.8510]

That was a good idea and I think the result is valid, therefore from now on I will use the lowest frequency in order to have the best connection, thank you !

[@randoneur]

There is a problem with the lowest frequencies!
Channels 36 - 48 are very widely used by other mobile devices. There tends to be very little usage of 149 - 165 in many places however :-)
I'd check the actual usage in your area before making a decision.

[@klausst.8510]

@@randoneur yes, certainly, but as I only fly within viewing distance, I'll probably stick at the preset channel

[@ernieschatz3783]

OK, so you have accurately predicted the distance difference between the two frequencies using the multipath loss formula. I get that, but what if Hubsan's limit is set at say 1300 meters and you merely lost the signal because if mulipath error, etc?

[@chadk727]

I have a USB 5.8g wifi repeater and power bank would this extend the range?

[@gadgetman404]

If going up comes down in range come down in range would that go up wot is different in Zino pro as should go 4km

[@randoneur]

I've no idea what the Zino Pro contains hardware wise. FCC documentation has not yet been published, I haven't seen anyone opening one up, and I don't own one or expect to :-o
However Hubsan have said they are using a new protocol (LEAS) not wifi. Wifi as standard is constricted in range to approx 1600m due to the time it takes to acknowledge packets, but changes in the wifi protocol or a new protocol LEAS?)could easily give a 10 dB improvement and remove the 1600m limit. I'm sure someone with a pro will eventually do a full breakdown of what it contains and how it works.

[@baab6403]

I saw your 4 month before videos which shows you fly max 1700 meters, but this video test seems not consistent with that video

[@randoneur]

This video changes only the frequency of operation and kk reps all other parameters the same. 1700m is performed differently 😉

[@baab6403]

@@randoneur if i understand correct, according to the calculation 1700 is not possible