When looking to keep your FPV multirotor as light as possible, every gram counts. And when every gram counts, a tiny FPV antenna that uses a much lighter connector goes a long way towards getting your weight down. Both the Lumenier AXII MMCX and the VAS MinIon MMCX fit that bill very well. Both are among some the smallest FPV antenna that I have ever seen, and the first with MMCX connectors that I have had the pleasure to use. For more on different antenna connectors, see our article: Choosing the Right FPV Drone Antenna Connector. I put both antennas through their paces under different circumstances to test them out, however let’s take a quick look at each of their specifications.[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”2240″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
VAS MinIon MMCX
The VAS MinIon is more than just a cute name, it’s a miniature version of the VAS Ion. Created by Alex Greve, aka IBCrazy, of Video Aerial Systems, a well-known name in FPV antenna innovation. It comes in three different forms, an SMA connector, a U.FL connector, and an MMCX connector. Right now, they only come in right hand circular polarized, however there are plans to offer a left hand version in the near future. There’s a lot of hype surrounding the MMCX connector, and with good reason, as it offers the same mechanical longevity as an SMA, but in a much smaller and lighter form factor. The VAS MinIon comes in at 2.8g, and 105mm in length. Of that length, 75.5mm is the antenna cable and connector, while the other 30.5mm is the antenna element. The antenna element has a diameter of 15mm.
Specifications
- Gain: 2.25dbic
- Axial Ratio: .92
- Polarization: Right Hand Circular (RHCP)
- Connector: Straight MMCX
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Lumenier AXII MMCX
The Lumenier AXII antenna has been around a while, and has quite the reputation for quality video transmission. It was among the first in the miniature FPV antenna’s, and because of that, has a very large following. Created in collaboration with Hugo Chamberland of TrueRC, the Lumenier AXII comes in a variety of options, including an SMA version, a “Stubby” SMA, a U.FL connector, and two versions of the MMCX connector, right angle and straight. It also comes in both right hand/left hand circular polarized versions. Lumenier boasts the smallest and lightest FPV antenna in the world, and I am definitely inclined to agree. With a weight of just 2g, and an overall length of 76mm, it is definitely tiny. 61mm of length comes from the cable and connector, with the remaining 15mm coming from the antenna element. The antenna element has a 16.5mm diameter.
Specifications
- Gain: 1.6dbic
- Axial ratio: 1.0 (near perfect)
- Radiation Efficiency: 98%
- SWR: <=1.5:1
- Connector: Straight MMCX
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Initial Impressions
When I first opened both of the boxes for the antennas, I was truly amazed at how small they were. I usually fly with TBS Triumph antennas, so by comparison, both the VAS MinIon and the Lumenier AXII were microscopic in comparison. Having just received a Lumenier TX5GS for review as well, I immediately plugged them both in. One of the nice thing about both these antennas, is they are built for direct connection to whatever style of VTX that you are using. Have a SMA VTX? Get the SMA version! U.FL VTX? Get the U.FL version of the antenna. As the Lumenier TX5GS is an MMCX compatible VTX, and as I wanted to try out this newer style connector, I went with the MMCX antennas.
Right away, there is a few noticeable differences between the two antennas. Firstly, the antenna cable on the VAS MinIon is about 15mm longer than the Lumenier AXII. This could work for you or against you, however the cables are fairly flexible, allowing you to suck up that extra length depending on your use. The antenna element on the VAS MinIon is about double the height of Lumenier AXII but I would not call it large by any stretch.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2247″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
MMCX Connector
The MMCX connector offers a balance between the tried and true SMA, and the lightweight and space saving U.FL. When I first plugged both of these antennas into the VTX, I noticed a distinct difference in the mechanical retention of the antenna when compared to the MMCX pigtail that the Lumenier TX5GS came with. The pigtail was a nice snug fit, and took a decent amount of force to remove it from the connector of the VTX. However; both antennas were much easier to insert and remove. My first thought was that there was a difference in the quality of the connectors used between to two different parts.
After closer inspection though, the MMCX uses a split collar ring as its mechanical advantage for retention. The rings on both antennas were more tightly crimped than the one on the pigtail, offering a lower mechanical retention. This is good, and this is bad at the same time. The lower retention can act as a strain relief for your antenna and VTX an instance where you hit something and your antenna gets ripped out. On the other hand, you don’t want this lower retention to allow your antenna to just fall out of the VTX, as this could render your FPV feed useless, and potentially burn up your VTX. If the mechanical retention is too low for you, you can try expanding the split ring collar slightly but be careful, it’s tiny![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2248″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Testing
I put both the VAS MinIon and the Lumenier AXII through some basic use tests to discover where these antennas excelled. Honestly, I went into these tests not expecting them to perform as well as some of the larger antennas I have used. There’s something about the “bigger is better” mentality that I couldn’t shake from my mind. I will say that I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong!
Testing Setup
When conducting a test, I feel it’s important to be transparent, as conditions and equipment can have distinctly different outcomes. For all tests, I used the Lumenier TX5GS as my VTX, which offered me a direct connection between the antennas and the VTX via MMCX. It also offered a variable power output platform for me to see how the antennas performed at different power levels. For more information on the Lumenier TX5GS, see my review article: Lumenier TX5GS Video Transmitter with MMCX.
Each test was performed with Laforge V2 Diversity modules with an ImmersionRC SpiroNet RHCP antenna and an ImmersionRC SpiroNet Mini Patch. The only test to differ from this was test number 5, in which I did no use the patch antenna in order to judge output and range for both antennas using a basic setup.
Test 1:
- Power Level: 200mw
- Environment: Flat farmland
- Obstacles to Transmission: Two large farm tractors directly between me and the end of my flight path
Test 2:
- Power Level: 200mw
- Environment: Park
- Obstacles to Transmission: Trees both large and small
Test 3:
- Power Level: 25mw
- Environment: Park
- Obstacles to Transmission: Trees both large and small
Test 4:
- Power Level: 25mw (no patch antenna)
- Environment: Open Field
- Obstacles to Transmission: None
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Test Results
Test 1:
Here, I flew approximately 1300 feet out directly from my location across flat farmland. There were two tractors out about 200 feet in front of me that I positioned the multirotor behind. Right behind the tractors, the VAS MinIon gave me significant static, whereas the Lumenier AXII did not. I also had solid video all the way out on the Lumenier AXII. The VAS MinIon was mostly clear, but right at the quarter mile mark, started dropping out quickly.
Test 2:
Here, both antennas performed almost equally well. Flying behind the trees provided a bit of static, but no solid drop outs. Cruising around some of the denser areas of trees got a little spotty. Ultimately, the Lumenier AXII has less overall noise in the feed when flying behind dense areas of trees. It seems to handle penetration a little better, but only just.
Test 3:
Same as above, only with a more limited range from the 25mw power setting. Dense areas of trees proved to be a little much to penetrate though.
Test 4:
Being as the antennas up to this point were a fairly even match, this was a very surprising test. I shut down my patch antenna, and reduced the power to just 25mw. Here I flew with no obstacles between me and the multirotor out to a quarter of a mile. At about 1100 feet out, the Lumenier AXII started to drop out, forcing me to land my multirotor. The VAS Minion however, was as solid as it was 100 feet from me, with no indication of dropping out.
Final Thoughts
Did one antenna ultimately fair better than the other? Yes, and no. Personally, I feel that the Lumenier AXII deals with penetration of objects slightly better. However; it’s pretty apparent that the VAS MinIon has a higher dBi gain on it, as evidenced in test 5. Both are fairly close in price, with the VAS MinIon at $14.99 and the Lumenier AXII at $19.99. When it comes to a light weight racing rig, you could not go wrong with either. The VAS MinIon might have a place in my mind for a longer range build, as the higher gain will result in slightly longer ranges.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”40″][vc_separator][ultimate_spacer height=”40″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2253″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”]Buy the VAS MinIon MMCX[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”2252″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”]Buy the Lumenier AXII MMCX[/vc_column][/vc_row]
how were the antennas mounted on the quadcopter? Is it possible to get pictures of how they were mountd? Do you think that using newer, higher quality antennas (such as a triumph, or an ion) on the receiving side would have made a difference? How about a newer laforge set up? I understand you sell both, but with Lumineer being a house brand, how much bias towards one or the other is there?
For me personally, I wanted to test with the same setup that I currently use everyday. That being said, you are right, different receiving antennas with a different dBi gain on them will definitely have an impact on signal quality and strength. When it comes to bias, there is none. I am under no obligation to say the Lumenier product is better than any other gear, if it truly isn’t. In fact, the Lumenier dropped out way sooner than the MinIon did on the last test, I had no qualms about showing that. If a product doesn’t perform, I will say so.
I think you should revise your test procedures as there are sooo many outside factors to FPV. Start with pictures of the quad itself to show gear as well as placements of things like antennas. You could easily have one slightly lower then the other and at a certain angle have a battery or frame in the way.
Next is the flight paths varied a LOT. Its not a valid test when there is that much variation. Maybe start from take off and have a set test pattern visibly marked so a true comparison can be made at specific points like behind obstacles and such or straight line distances.
Finally go to google maps and draw out the flight path so people have a better idea of where it went and how far away from the base it happened to be.
Until you have consistency in your testing its all basically you out flying and stating an opinion with nothing solid to back up your efforts
William, thank for the feedback! You are correct that I may need to refine the way that I conduct tests going forward. I appreciate you pointing out where I could have done things better, and will look to take yours, and everyone’s feedback into consideration when testing products. I am still relatively new to the testing cycle, and have much room to grow!
I get roughly the same video quality with the VAS minion as I do with a traditional clover leaf or pagoda.