Longer range analog goggles?

[rain tinsel]

Ok I'm very new to fpv and have been trying to figure out everything I can. I do have one question that I'm hoping someone can answer: I have opted to look into an analogue system because I really don't think the resolution is going to bother me, and like probably most people, I want to get into freestyle while not spending a fortune. Despite this, I think I would like the longer range/less video disruption. Maybe I misunderstood everything, but what made sense to me was that a 2.4g ELRS analogue system would have quite long radio range, but limited video range (because of 5.8g goggles?). What analogue goggles would be the best for longer range when paired with a 2.4g ELRS system (if that even makes a difference)? Feel free to correct me with anything, I think I know the basics but there are some things that are still quite unclear.

[rain tinsel]

Longer range analog goggles?

[quiet dove]

ELRS is not an analog protocol, and it only does radio

It has nothing to do with video

[rain tinsel]

Ok, yeah that makes sense. But regarding the goggles, are there some that may boast a farther range over others? And how would you distinguish them?

And am I correct that the video transmission would break up before the radio?

Or is it mainly the transmission system on the drone? Or both?

[quiet dove]

Yes, your radio link is on 2.4ghz which on itself can further than 5.8GHz. The radio also send out a lot less data, and that data is less noticeable when something gets lost along the way here and there. ELRS, (as is pretty much every radio protocol) is digital, meaning it can deal better with signal loss

To increase the video range, you can:

• buy an external VRX module, some of the ones out there use some advanced techniques to combine the video received from the two antennas
• get good quality antennas, and/or at that you can also get a high dB directional antenna to boost your range in one direction
• and lastly you can also use a good quality vtx, and put it to its highest output power

What sort of video range do you expect/want

[rain tinsel]

Well, I've heard that around 500m is expected for a 5.8g system, without obstructions--I don't know if that is totally true. Ideally, maybe 5-10x that (is that ridiculous?). A quick google search indicated that analog has the potential to transmit over 20km, although that must be with external modules, etc. as you said(?). I am trying to stay below a $700 price point: I have selected the Nazgul5 v3 and RadioMaster Boxer--am still deciding on goggles. Any suggestions?

[timber wing]

I got a RUSH Ultimate Tank II as my VTX (800mW) and a cheap foxeer Lollipop 15cm antenna, also 1 omni and one patch antenna (TrueRC X-Air Mk2 for the patch, omni doesnt matter for long range) for my Skyzone SteadyView X VRX. The other day I flew 2+ km and the video was very clear, the only limiting factor was my 100mW elrs transmitter (unlocked it to 250mW now though)

[rain tinsel]

The drone I am looking at has a BLITZ 1.6W VTX, which is a very good VTX from what I hear. I'm guessing the goggles will be the limiting factor, if I go a bit lower-end. I guess my questions is: How do I know what goggles+module will get me close to the range that the VTX on the drone will allow?

Thank you for the info by the way!

The elrs will not be the limiting factor for me, I'm looking at a 1W transmission; I'm more concerned about the VTX range

[timber wing]

I hope you learn from my mistakes and dont cheap out on the goggles, I know the Eachine EV800D gets thrown on reddit around a lot so I bought them. However I absolutely hated them because of the poor battery life (i knew I could battery mod them but just wanted better overall goggles). I can recommend the Sky04X (i got those), however my mate has the Sky04L and they are basically the same except the 04X are OLED while the others are LCOS (similar to LCD). You could try getting the Ls in used condition, maybe for around 200-250 bucks? I think they are well worth it and since they have HDMI in, you could also fit a digital VRX later on.

Dont get me wrong though, if you are really on a budget the Eachines are well worth it. The reception is similar to my good Sky04X, the diversity receiver is really good

However there are 3 things i would not cheap out on: Battery charger, radio controller and the goggles, including antennas for the goggles (i cheap out on drone antennas because I tend to crash a lot, lol). Drones come and go, however ground equipment stays

[rain tinsel]

I will definitely take that into account, thank you! I am looking at a solid radio: RM Boxer, but still haven't decided on the goggles. Will definitely look for some skyzones or fatsharks. Thank you, it has been a big help. I'm still wondering about the external modules; do those make a big difference? And what specification (if any) will be a tell on the range improvement?

[timber wing]

I think the modules are important as well, that's why I originally eyed the skyzone goggles: They have a very good VRX already built in. The fatsharks dont, and in my country (germany), you can barely even get TBS Fusion or rapidfire used (dont even think about getting one new)

[idle goblet]

I have the Ev800D and I actually really like it. Yes the battery is not the best, but if you don't record your dvr it's not going that fast. If you just charge them at the same time you charge your drone lipo/battery they are really good for the price.

The only thing I switched out were the antenna's, I switched them out for TrueRC's (which are one of the best) If you decide to go for the Ev800D make sure to post it here before you checkout, there are alot of clones out there. Banggood has the real ones

https://streamable.com/svfqgj This was today, 2 km out. I don't dare to fly further atm since I don't have a gps 😛

note:"the quality in the actual goggles is a bit better

[half olive]

that is some really crisp analog

[rain tinsel]

That is actually very surprising, thank you for the information everyone!

[rain tinsel]

Oh! Sehr cool! Ich bin halb deutscher und es wäre gar nicht so schlecht zu wissen wie die EU Drohnen regulieren. Ich bin jeden Sommer ein Monat in Deutschland, vielleicht kann ich da ein bisschen fliegen. Es ist viel schöner als hier wo ich bin in Amerika. Ich denke aber, dass ich nicht mit die Batterien reisen kann.

[idle goblet]

You have these lipo safe bags, which may help with the airline. But still you'd have to check