FUTABA T8FGs with 1W WiFi Booster - DIY

FUTABA T8FGs 1W booster upgrade.

Futaba T8FGs is a great 2.4Ghz system with nearly endless programming options, the range on the other hand is not endless. Its decent and will work with no problems at all with normal flying (line of sight).

But when u have a fully operational and tested flight controller with a RTL/RTH fail safe function, you become more fearless in terms of going to the range limit. I fly FPV and i have gone to the limit of the Futaba's range some times now, and I want to give it just a little extra range without a LRS (Long Range Systen #4xx Mhz )

I will buy a LRS at some point but for now this will have to do.

I havent tested the range limit with the booste yet due to bad weather. But the indoor test was a success.

There are some problems with some of the pictures on mac devices, no problems on PC and android.

I didnt care to open the Futaba Radio to see the connector type before ordering IPX/SMA. I gambled and predicted that it was the same as on the 7C model, and luckely for me I was rigth. but check it out before ordering if you want to be 100% sure not to order parts in vain.

Parts 

1W wifi Booster http://www.bevrc.com/1w-24g-booster_p390.html

Any 6V UBEC. 

RP-SMA female plug center nut bulkhead to IPX U.fl 1.13 pigtail cable 20cm from Ebay.

1100mAh 3S LiPo ( or other 12V bat).

Futaba T8FGs

Inside the box

1W Wifi booster includes. 

1W Booster. (SMA in # RP-SMA out)

Antenner for booster (SMA Normal antenner connector).

SMA to RP-SMA cable.

220V power adaptor.

Lets take a look at how to install the 1W booster, step by step.

Always start with unplugging the battery/power when ever you work with electronics.

Disassemble your Radio, and do not lay it on the sticks while workng with it, I but mine on a emty duck tape roll.

The Futaba T8FGs is really easy to open, nothing is connected or attached to the back plate. 

Drill a 8.1mm hole in the backplate for the RP-SMA female plug center nut bulkhead to IPX U.fl 1.13 pigtail cable. Make sure that there is space enogth inside for connector, and thats there is enogth length on the cable.

Screw the RP-SMA female plug center nut bulkhead to IPX U.fl 1.13 pigtail cable in tight (but not to much) 

 I just followed the antenner cable back to it's IPX pigtail connector, witch is connected to the radio's Transmitter.

Put the cable through the same way the stock antenner cable goes in to the ( No space issues )

Disconnect the stock cable ( be gentle at this point )

Connect the IPX buckelhead SMA.

Cover the stock IPX buckelhead with tape.

Screw it back together, ensure to that nothing gets clamped under the screw pressure points.

You dont have to attach the booster like i do, I just didn't want to drill more holes in my dear T8FGs. So I made a "BOOSTER PLATE" to attach everything to. 

Layout the equipment, mark cable length and mark for ziptie hole.

When you know what length you want your cables, you migth as well solder them before moving on with the rest of the "BOOSTER PLATE"  

Power is needed to drive the booster. the adaptor says its gives 5V 2A DC.

Make sure that you connect the rigth polariteis ( + center - / GND outer ) and it gives 5.25V DC.

I skipped some steps with the soldering pic. If you cant make sense of the pic, you need to see some soldering DIY's. :-)

Output side.

Input side.

UBEC all done.

I run my booster at 6V

Lets go on with the Booster plate, now thats everything is ready to be attached.

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Velcro battery on, zip the UBEC on.

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NEVER power on a transmitter without antenner on, EVER!

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For normal operation I use a rubberduck stock antenner from my BOSCAM video TX, it's better than nothing. and just fine for my short range use.

Hope this will help others thinking about doing this upgrade.

By

Christian J. Jeppesen