Cyberbrick with RC range and compatibility

MakerWorld CyberBrick
1

3 quick questions about Cyberbrick RC.

  1. is it working with standard RC transmitters? e.g. Flysky AFHDS etc

  2. if not, what is the range of the cyberbrick transmitters?

  3. Are there interference problems when using multiple machines in the same area?

1 Like
2

I know the answer to questions 1 and 3. No, it does not work with standard rc transmitters. and number 3, there are not interference problems.

3

Thanks for information. Was helpful.

4

The communication method is Bluetooth when setting up and WiFi when in actual use. I

So, for number 2, that is the distance limitation. 100 metres in ideal circumstances without additional assistance through external equipment (repeaters).

1 & 3 have been answered.

5

no problem at all! happy to help!

6

Decent antennas would do it, too.

While the Brick’s communication protocol is not compatible with any RC transmitter protocol, the antennas RC hobbyists use to increase their model’s operating range would do the same here. Use a directional antenna like a helical on the transmitter, could probably double or triple the range.

Except the high frequency used by WiFi is easily attenuated by obstacles in the signal path. RC uses the same frequency, but it’s not as much a problem because the model being controlled is up in the air. Running on the ground, if you don’t have a clear line of sight from where you’re standing to where the vehicle is located, you’re going to have control problems no matter what.

I have a RC race truck I built for “FPV” (I drive it using a camera in the truck, wearing goggles so I can see what the camera is seeing. Same transmitter I use for my airplanes and helis and drones, where I get a few miles of range easily. On uneven ground, that’s reduced to a few 100 feet.

The helmet is attached to an RC servo so I can swivel the head left/right as I drive.

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7

Unfortunately, there are no connections to allow for an external antenna of the CyberBrick boards.

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Any attempt to do so will void the warranty, require damaging the board and risks reducing the range if the change is not perfect.

The CyberBrick Multi-Function Core Board (XA003)
is equipped with a fixed on-board PCB antenna. It does not feature a standard, built-in external antenna connector (such as a u.FL or IPEX socket).

While the board lacks a native plug-and-play port, connecting an external antenna is technically possible through advanced hardware modification, though this is not recommended for most users:

Connection Methods & Technical Constraints

  • No Native Connector: Official documentation identifies the antenna type strictly as a PCB Antenna. Unlike some other ESP32-based boards (like the ESP32-CAM), it does not include an IPEX/u.FL socket.
  • Hardware Modification (Advanced): To add an external antenna, you would need to:
    • Cut the PCB trace for the existing internal antenna to disable it.
    • Scrape the coating off the remaining trace to expose the copper.
    • Solder a u.FL socket or a pigtail cable directly to these exposed pads.
  • Performance Risks: RF (Radio Frequency) circuits are extremely sensitive. Poor soldering, improper impedance matching, or leaving the original antenna connected in parallel can actually reduce range or damage the chip.
8

Instead of modifying the transmitter, can you not have another device that “just picks up the signal and retransmits it with more power” ?

9

Yes, as stated.

As the in-use signal is WiFi, adding WiFi boosters or repeaters will make that signal go further.

It is the 2.4ghz band, not the 5ghz one.