{"id":2230,"date":"2018-05-08T01:00:51","date_gmt":"2018-05-08T01:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/?p=2230"},"modified":"2018-05-18T20:26:13","modified_gmt":"2018-05-18T20:26:13","slug":"vas-minion-mmcx-vs-lumenier-axii-mmcx","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/fpv-product-reviews-and-comparisons\/vas-minion-mmcx-vs-lumenier-axii-mmcx\/","title":{"rendered":"VAS MinIon MMCX vs. Lumenier AXII MMCX"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When looking to keep your FPV multirotor as light as possible, every gram counts.\u00a0 And when every gram counts, a tiny FPV antenna that uses a much lighter connector goes a long way towards getting your weight down.\u00a0 Both the Lumenier AXII MMCX and the VAS MinIon MMCX fit that bill very well.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 For more on different antenna connectors, see our article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/fpv-essentials\/fpv-drone-antenna-connector\/\">Choosing the Right FPV Drone Antenna Connector<\/a>.\u00a0 I put both antennas through their paces under different circumstances to test them out, however let\u2019s take a quick look at each of their specifications.[vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;2240&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;link_image&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2>VAS MinIon MMCX<\/h2>\n<p>The VAS MinIon is more than just a cute name, it\u2019s a miniature version of the VAS Ion.\u00a0 Created by Alex Greve, aka IBCrazy, of <a href=\"http:\/\/videoaerialsystems.com\/\">Video Aerial Systems<\/a>, a well-known name in FPV antenna innovation.\u00a0 It comes in three different forms, an SMA connector, a U.FL connector, and an MMCX connector.\u00a0 Right now, they only come in right hand circular polarized, however there are plans to offer a left hand version in the near future.\u00a0 There\u2019s 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.\u00a0 The VAS MinIon comes in at 2.8g, and 105mm in length.\u00a0 Of that length, 75.5mm is the antenna cable and connector, while the other 30.5mm is the antenna element.\u00a0 The antenna element has a diameter of 15mm.<\/p>\n<h3>Specifications<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Gain:<\/strong> 2.25dbic<\/li>\n<li><strong>Axial Ratio:<\/strong> .92<\/li>\n<li><strong>Polarization:<\/strong>\u00a0Right\u00a0Hand Circular (RHCP)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Connector:<\/strong>\u00a0Straight MMCX<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;2243&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;link_image&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/lumenier-axii-straight-mmcx-5-8ghz-antenna-rhcp.html\">Lumenier AXII MMCX<\/a><\/h2>\n<p>The Lumenier AXII antenna has been around a while, and has quite the reputation for quality video transmission.\u00a0 It was among the first in the miniature FPV antenna\u2019s, and because of that, has a very large following.\u00a0 Created in collaboration with Hugo Chamberland of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.truerc.ca\/\">TrueRC<\/a>, the Lumenier AXII comes in a variety of options, including an SMA version, a \u201cStubby\u201d SMA, a U.FL connector, and two versions of the MMCX connector, right angle and straight.\u00a0 It also comes in both right hand\/left hand circular polarized versions.\u00a0 Lumenier boasts the smallest and lightest FPV antenna in the world, and I am definitely inclined to agree.\u00a0 With a weight of just 2g, and an overall length of 76mm, it is definitely tiny.\u00a0 61mm of length comes from the cable and connector, with the remaining 15mm coming from the antenna element.\u00a0 The antenna element has a 16.5mm diameter.<\/p>\n<h3>Specifications<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Gain:<\/strong>\u00a01.6dbic<\/li>\n<li><strong>Axial ratio:<\/strong>\u00a01.0 (near perfect)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Radiation Efficiency:<\/strong>\u00a098%<\/li>\n<li><strong>SWR:<\/strong>\u00a0&lt;=1.5:1<\/li>\n<li><strong>Connector:<\/strong>\u00a0Straight MMCX<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;2245&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;link_image&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2>Initial Impressions<\/h2>\n<p>When I first opened both of the boxes for the antennas, I was truly amazed at how small they were.\u00a0 I usually fly with TBS Triumph antennas, so by comparison, both the VAS MinIon and the Lumenier AXII were microscopic in comparison.\u00a0 Having just received a Lumenier TX5GS for review as well, I immediately plugged them both in.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Have a SMA VTX?\u00a0 Get the SMA version!\u00a0 U.FL VTX?\u00a0 Get the U.FL version of the antenna.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n<p>Right away, there is a few noticeable differences between the two antennas.\u00a0 Firstly, the antenna cable on the VAS MinIon is about 15mm longer than the Lumenier AXII.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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=&#8221;2247&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;link_image&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h3>MMCX Connector<\/h3>\n<p>The MMCX connector offers a balance between the tried and true SMA, and the lightweight and space saving U.FL.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 The pigtail was a nice snug fit, and took a decent amount of force to remove it from the connector of the VTX.\u00a0 However; both antennas were much easier to insert and remove.\u00a0 My first thought was that there was a difference in the quality of the connectors used between to two different parts.<\/p>\n<p>After closer inspection though, the MMCX uses a split collar ring as its mechanical advantage for retention.\u00a0 The rings on both antennas were more tightly crimped than the one on the pigtail, offering a lower mechanical retention.\u00a0 This is good, and this is bad at the same time.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 On the other hand, you don\u2019t 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.\u00a0 If the mechanical retention is too low for you, you can try expanding the split ring collar slightly but be careful, it\u2019s tiny![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=&#8221;2248&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;link_image&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2>Testing<\/h2>\n<p>I put both the VAS MinIon and the Lumenier AXII through some basic use tests to discover where these antennas excelled.\u00a0 Honestly, I went into these tests not expecting them to perform as well as some of the larger antennas I have used.\u00a0 There\u2019s something about the \u201cbigger is better\u201d mentality that I couldn\u2019t shake from my mind.\u00a0 I will say that I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong!<\/p>\n<h3>Testing Setup<\/h3>\n<p>When conducting a test, I feel it\u2019s important to be transparent, as conditions and equipment can have distinctly different outcomes.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 It also offered a variable power output platform for me to see how the antennas performed at different power levels.\u00a0 For more information on the Lumenier TX5GS, see my review article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/fpv-product-reviews-and-comparisons\/lumenier-tx5gs-video-transmitter-mmcx\/\">Lumenier TX5GS Video Transmitter with MMCX<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Each test was performed with Laforge V2 Diversity modules with an ImmersionRC SpiroNet RHCP antenna and an ImmersionRC SpiroNet Mini Patch.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n<h4>Test 1:<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Power Level: 200mw<\/li>\n<li>Environment: Flat farmland<\/li>\n<li>Obstacles to Transmission: Two large farm tractors directly between me and the end of my flight path<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Test 2:<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Power Level: 200mw<\/li>\n<li>Environment: Park<\/li>\n<li>Obstacles to Transmission: Trees both large and small<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Test 3:<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Power Level: 25mw<\/li>\n<li>Environment: Park<\/li>\n<li>Obstacles to Transmission: Trees both large and small<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Test 4:<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Power Level: 25mw (no patch antenna)<\/li>\n<li>Environment: Open Field<\/li>\n<li>Obstacles to Transmission: None<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=&#8221;https:\/\/youtu.be\/_Q-QoR_8QtU&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2>Test Results<\/h2>\n<h3>Test 1:<\/h3>\n<p>Here, I flew approximately 1300 feet out directly from my location across flat farmland.\u00a0 There were two tractors out about 200 feet in front of me that I positioned the multirotor behind.\u00a0 Right behind the tractors, the VAS MinIon gave me significant static, whereas the Lumenier AXII did not.\u00a0 I also had solid video all the way out on the Lumenier AXII.\u00a0 The VAS MinIon was mostly clear, but right at the quarter mile mark, started dropping out quickly.<\/p>\n<h3>Test 2:<\/h3>\n<p>Here, both antennas performed almost equally well.\u00a0 Flying behind the trees provided a bit of static, but no solid drop outs.\u00a0 Cruising around some of the denser areas of trees got a little spotty.\u00a0 Ultimately, the Lumenier AXII has less overall noise in the feed when flying behind dense areas of trees.\u00a0 It seems to handle penetration a little better, but only just.<\/p>\n<h3>Test 3:<\/h3>\n<p>Same as above, only with a more limited range from the 25mw power setting.\u00a0 Dense areas of trees proved to be a little much to penetrate though.<\/p>\n<h3>Test 4:<\/h3>\n<p>Being as the antennas up to this point were a fairly even match, this was a very surprising test.\u00a0 I shut down my patch antenna, and reduced the power to just 25mw.\u00a0 Here I flew with no obstacles between me and the multirotor out to a quarter of a mile.\u00a0 At about 1100 feet out, the Lumenier AXII started to drop out, forcing me to land my multirotor.\u00a0 The VAS Minion however, was as solid as it was 100 feet from me, with no indication of dropping out.<\/p>\n<h2>Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n<p>Did one antenna ultimately fair better than the other?\u00a0 Yes, and no.\u00a0 Personally, I feel that the Lumenier AXII deals with penetration of objects slightly better.\u00a0 However; it\u2019s pretty apparent that the VAS MinIon has a higher dBi gain on it, as evidenced in test 5.\u00a0 Both are fairly close in price, with the VAS MinIon at $14.99 and the Lumenier AXII at $19.99.\u00a0 When it comes to a light weight racing rig, you could not go wrong with either.\u00a0 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=&#8221;40&#8243;][vc_separator][ultimate_spacer height=&#8221;40&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;2253&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][dt_default_button link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.getfpv.com%2Fvas-minion-mmcx-5-8ghz-antenna-rhcp.html||target:%20_blank|&#8221; size=&#8221;medium&#8221; btn_width=&#8221;btn_full_width&#8221;]Buy the VAS MinIon MMCX[\/dt_default_button][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;2252&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][dt_default_button link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.getfpv.com%2Flumenier-axii-straight-mmcx-5-8ghz-antenna-rhcp.html||target:%20_blank|&#8221; size=&#8221;medium&#8221; btn_width=&#8221;btn_full_width&#8221;]Buy the Lumenier AXII MMCX[\/dt_default_button][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When looking to keep your FPV multirotor as light as possible, every gram counts.\u00a0 And when every gram counts, a tiny FPV antenna that uses a much lighter connector goes a long way towards getting your weight down.\u00a0 Both the Lumenier AXII MMCX and the VAS MinIon MMCX fit that bill very well.\u00a0 Both are &#8230; <a title=\"VAS MinIon MMCX vs. Lumenier AXII MMCX\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/fpv-product-reviews-and-comparisons\/vas-minion-mmcx-vs-lumenier-axii-mmcx\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about VAS MinIon MMCX vs. Lumenier AXII MMCX\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2274,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[134],"tags":[2671,2669,2668,421,2674,420,2303,2670,2675,2676,685,2672,684,2666,2663,2667,2023,2673,2664,2665],"class_list":["post-2230","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fpv-product-reviews-and-comparisons","tag-alex-greve","tag-antenna-comparison","tag-axii","tag-drone","tag-drone-antennas","tag-fpv","tag-fpv-antenna","tag-fpv-antenna-comparison","tag-fpv-drone","tag-fpv-system","tag-getfpv","tag-hugo-chamberland","tag-lumenier","tag-lumenier-axii","tag-lumenier-fpv","tag-minion","tag-mmcx","tag-truerc","tag-vas-minion","tag-video-aerial-systems","infinite-scroll-item","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2230","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2230"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2230\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2383,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2230\/revisions\/2383"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2274"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2230"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2230"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2230"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}