SPIDER Automation | 5.8GHz LHCP Albatross FPV Antenna | 150mm Omnidirectional Circularly Polarized Antenna for RC Systems
Product Overview & Antenna Design
The SPIDER Automation 5.8GHz LHCP Albatross FPV Antenna is an omnidirectional circularly polarized antenna designed for compatible 5.8GHz FPV video transmission and reception systems. It uses left-hand circular polarization (LHCP) and is intended for integration with compatible RC platforms, including FPV racing drones and quadcopters.
Its omnidirectional radiation pattern is designed to provide RF coverage around the antenna rather than focusing the main radiation direction into a narrow beam. This characteristic is useful for mobile platforms that change heading and orientation during operation. The antenna has an extended 150mm overall height, allowing it to be positioned according to the mounting and RF clearance requirements of the platform.
The assembly includes an RP-SMA male connector and a 12.5cm integrated cable for connection to compatible RF equipment. With a specified radiation efficiency greater than 50% and an operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C, it is intended for RF installations designed around these operating characteristics.
Technical Features & RF Performance Characteristics
- 5.8GHz Operating Frequency: Designed around a 5.8GHz centre frequency for compatible FPV video transmitters, receivers and wireless video systems.
- Left-Hand Circular Polarization: Uses LHCP polarization for compatibility with RF systems designed around left-hand circularly polarized antennas. Polarization matching is important when selecting the antenna at the opposite end of the communication link.
- Omnidirectional Radiation Pattern: Designed to provide RF coverage around the antenna rather than concentrating the radiation pattern in one narrow direction. This is beneficial for mobile platforms that change orientation during operation.
- Extended 150mm Profile: The antenna has a specified height of 150mm. Its extended profile should be considered when planning mounting position, available clearance and mechanical support.
- Radiation Efficiency Above 50%: The stated radiation efficiency is greater than 50%. This parameter describes the antenna’s radiation performance and should not be confused with total RF system efficiency.
- Axial Ratio Characteristics: The source describes the antenna as having a good axial ratio. Axial ratio is an important parameter for evaluating circular-polarization quality, but no numerical measurement is provided.
- Low Standing-Wave Characteristics: The design is described as having low standing-wave performance. Since no numerical VSWR or return-loss measurement is supplied, a specific impedance-matching figure cannot be stated.
- Smooth Omnidirectional Coverage: The antenna is described as having a smooth radiation pattern intended to provide consistent coverage around its installation axis. Actual coverage depends on antenna orientation, mounting conditions and nearby structures.
- Integrated 12.5cm Cable: The cable provides the RF connection between the antenna assembly and compatible equipment, allowing the antenna to be positioned according to the platform’s installation layout.
- Wide Temperature Operating Range: The specified operating range of -40°C to 85°C provides the stated temperature limits for compatible installations.
Connector & RF Compatibility
The antenna is equipped with an RP-SMA male connector. An RP-SMA male connector has a male threaded connector body with a female centre contact. This differs from a standard SMA male connector, which uses a male centre pin. The mating interface on the transmitter or receiver should therefore be checked carefully before connection.
The antenna uses LHCP polarization. For compatible circularly polarized FPV links, use an LHCP antenna at the opposite end of the RF connection where matching polarization is required. The connected transmitter or receiver must also support operation in the 5.8GHz frequency band.
Mechanical Design & Installation
The antenna’s 150mm height provides an extended installation profile compared with compact short-form FPV antennas. This allows it to be positioned at a suitable location on compatible RC platforms, subject to available mounting space and mechanical clearance. Its 13g weight should also be considered when selecting the mounting arrangement.
The integrated cable provides a 12.5cm connection between the antenna and the RF equipment. During installation, avoid sharp cable bends, crushing or excessive tension around the connector junction. Secure the antenna appropriately so that vibration and movement do not place unnecessary mechanical stress on the cable or RF connector.
Applications
The 5.8GHz LHCP Albatross Antenna is intended for compatible omnidirectional FPV and wireless video systems. Potential applications include:
- FPV Racing Drones: Antenna integration on compatible racing quadcopters using 5.8GHz LHCP video links.
- FPV Freestyle Quadcopter Platforms: Omnidirectional antenna coverage for aircraft that frequently change heading and orientation during flight.
- RC Quadcopter Video Systems: Use with compatible 5.8GHz video transmitters and receivers supporting LHCP polarization.
- Multirotor FPV Systems: Integration into compatible multirotor platforms requiring circularly polarized 5.8GHz antennas.
- FPV Aircraft: Antenna installation on compatible fixed-wing aircraft with suitable mounting clearance.
- FPV Video Receivers: Use as a receiving antenna with compatible 5.8GHz receiver equipment and matching LHCP requirements.
- Wireless Video Transmission: Integration into compatible 5.8GHz wireless video links using LHCP antenna arrangements.
- RC Communication Prototypes: Use in compatible RF development and testing setups involving circularly polarized antenna systems.
Package Includes
- 1 × 5.8GHz LHCP Albatross FPV Antenna with RP-SMA male connector and integrated cable
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Omnidirectional FPV Antenna |
| Antenna Model | Albatross |
| Centre Frequency | 5.8GHz |
| Radiation Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Polarization | LHCP (Left-Hand Circular Polarization) |
| Radiation Efficiency | Greater than 50% |
| Connector Type | RP-SMA |
| Connector Gender | Male (male body, female centre contact) |
| Integrated Cable Length | 12.5cm |
| Antenna Length | 14mm |
| Antenna Width | 16mm |
| Antenna Height | 150mm |
| Antenna Weight | 13g |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to 85°C |
| Shipping Weight | 0.015kg |
| Shipping Dimensions | 16.5 × 7 × 1cm |
Installation & Operating Recommendations
Correct connector selection, polarization matching and mechanical installation are important for reliable RF performance. Follow these recommendations when integrating the antenna into an FPV or 5.8GHz wireless video system:
- Verify RP-SMA Compatibility: Confirm that the connected equipment has the correct RP-SMA mating interface, including the centre-contact arrangement.
- Match LHCP Polarization: Use an LHCP-compatible antenna at the opposite end of the wireless link where matching circular polarization is required.
- Confirm Frequency Compatibility: Ensure that the connected transmitter or receiver is designed for the 5.8GHz band.
- Provide Mounting Clearance: Account for the antenna’s 150mm height when selecting the mounting position and checking clearance from surrounding structures.
- Route the Integrated Cable Carefully: Avoid sharp bends, crushing, excessive tension or unnecessary mechanical stress on the 12.5cm cable.
- Secure the Antenna: Use a suitable mounting arrangement to minimise unwanted movement caused by vibration or airflow.
- Maintain RF Clearance: Position the antenna away from unnecessary conductive obstructions and other RF components where practical.
- Observe Temperature Limits: Keep the antenna within its specified operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C.
