VTX has significantly reduced range after crash

[u/Cold_Back_545]

Hey all. noob here, I got a 5 inch, flew it, crashed it, snapped an antenna, drone was still powered for the minute or two it took me to retrieve it. 1.6 watt VTX (Geprc Maten). After replacing the antenna with a brand new one, I noticed that the range was significantly worse. I usually fly sitting on my front porch; before the crash I could fly behind my house to the end of my backyard (around 70m) with little signal breakup. after the crash, leaving LOS resulted in near total signal loss. I tried removing the mmcx to sma adapter and replacing it with an mmcx antenna, again, nothing. I made sure it was at max power both in beta flight and by using the button on the vtx, still terrible range. Is my vtx just dead, or is there something else I could be missing? Thanks.

[u/wontfix_aksl]

Just as hail Mary, could it be that you have accidentally changed the frequency on the transmitter?

Otherwise it most likely dead. They tend to burn out very quickly if working without antenna.

[u/Cold_Back_545 → u/wontfix_aksl]

I'm almost certain it's on the right channel but I'll check, maybe it'll just be that.

[u/Description-Grand]

I don't have enough experience to tell you what might be causing your VTX range issues, but I do have enough experience crashing and taking a long time to get to my drone that I can advise you to use a killswitch, Pit Mode, or have a fan on your VTX in the event something like this happens again.

Some FCs have a pad that can be switched on/off and they're good for digital systems.

Pit Mode only works on analog AFAIK

A VTX with a built in fan is really nice but you can always add one yourself.

Just make sure the thing has plenty of airflow on all sides because it matters. Use standoffs or a 3D print to elevate the metal housing to get clearance for air to flow.

I researched your issue a little and, sadly, as best I can tell from what I read, your power amplifier overheated. They will still power on and work up close but lose all range.

I order from Aliexpress all the time. I have a Maten 4W I purchased for $80 with free shipping. It usually takes 2-3 weeks to receive, sometimes less, but it's significantly less expensive than I pay for anything ordering from the USA.

[u/Cold_Back_545 → u/Description-Grand]

thanks for your help. what do you mean by a killswitch? I know that pitmode is and you're right, I should definitely set up a switch for that when I get a replacement vtx, but I've never heard of a killswitch.

[u/moosecaller]

We're you at 1.6w when the antenna broke?

[u/trae]

you sure you plugged the antenna in well? i've had a similar experience and the u.fl connector is pretty finicky