My Evo went to warranty for a problem with the barometer, not the antennas. I took advantage and got my antennas replaced, since they started showing cracks. My complaint with them is lack of communication and turn around time. The Evo will perform even if the antenna was hanging from the controller, since what sends and receives signal is the wire inside.
That was my point, too. The antenna cracks are cosmetic, and unless they are affecting performance, don't waste your time sending them in for replacement. The replacement antennas are the same, and will likely crack, too.
I have, but I like having the option of the compact stock RC size, which installing after market antennas would sacrifice. Maybe a second controller is the solution. In the mean time, I purchased the LifThor EVO mount, which also protects the fragile stock antennas, but my initial range results using it were worse than without the LifThor. LifThor says their mount cannot interfere with signal. Still trying to determine if the problem is an app issue with Android or my Android tablet, as the LifThor tablet mount presses on the power button of my Android tablet, because of a weird location of the mount arm. Unfortunately, the LifThor mount is too large for my iPhone, to test it on the LifThor, and the LifThor ball mount is larger than others, so my many phone holders won't fit on it to test it. However, I just found a phone holder I bought for my ebike that does, in fact, fit, even if it weighs a ton as it all metal. I also updated my Mini 4 to iOS 12 and it will now allow me to synch my EVO flights, so I have some testing to do with the iPhone, the Mini 4, and another Android tablet. Ideally, the Mini 4 will be the solution, as it has a compass, and is far better than the Android devices that I only got because the iOS Explorer couldn't record flight logs at the time. I'm going to solve the problem one way or another! Have you modded your RC yet?
How would they know, if you purchase a second stock EVO controller for the mod, or after there is an EVO issue?
skydronesusa.com
Cool! That's the definitely the direction I was already leaning in!I too had problems with antennas, and I solved the problem!
I procured a second controller for portability and I replaced the antennas of my original controller by:
Now I have 2 controllers, one for long range and the other with standard antennas for portability4Hawks Autel EVO II Raptor SR Range Extender Antenna
With an antenna upgrade to the 4Hawks Autel EVO II Series range extender antenna, you can now reach further distance than with the standard stock antennas provided by the drone manufacture.
Very happy with my setup.
Sorry it didn't go well. I will likely pay a professional, who has successfully done it many times before, to do the antenna mod for me, for a small labor fee. Best not to learn all the pitfalls of the install on your own equipment! I know my limitations! I have no doubt the DBS-02 antenna improves range, as it did with all my "other" equipment, before Occusync.
Completely stock, the EVO is rock solid out to a mile, which is the range within which it excels. Labor to do the antenna mod is $99 at maxxuav.com if you send them the EVO controller you want modded to accept external antennas.
I've successfully had it out to 3 miles, with clear LOS, with no problems, and, then, each time, suddenly, for no apparent reason, on the return trip, when even closer, with no intervening obstructions, signal will drop, FPV goes to black and white and freezes, RTH engages, and FPV is not restored until half a mile away, even though signal is restored soon after the RTH, allowing RTH cancelation and control, but no FPV. Autel could find no problems during antenna replacement, but the issue remains. Weird.
