I got mine also. I will plan to build this weekend.
That's actually why I put the holes in the pads. I thought I put that technique in the assembly docs but apparently I didn't, I'll update it.
Got my kit today, thanks for the heads up Cris. I will start with the GPS module tomorrow and stop when I get to the 330 ohm resistors. I have some 330 ohm resistors, but they are 1/4 watt, twice the size of the tiny ones in this kit. I'm reading through the operators manual now, and found a problem I hadn't considered. I'm planning on putting mine in the N/C of my 3" Darkstar, which has a 1/4" all thread rod right up the middle of it. Can't get 2" of separation inside the N/C, so I will need to add the RP-SMA connector and move it away from the all thread. So I'm looking for suggestions on where to locate and what to use for the TX antenna. Even a 1/2 wave antenna is only about 6" long, so I might run a coaxial cable out the bulkhead and thread the antenna into the shock cord. Still have hardware (eyebolt and quick-link) on the bottom of the bulkhead, but if I run it down the shock cord a ways...?
The RP-SMA connectors are required by the FCC, in lieu of a non-removable antenna. Be careful when you buy connectors and antennae from eBay, some of the discount sellers will say that it's RP-SMA when it's really not. An RP-SMA FEMALE connector (that mounts on the board) has outside threads and a center pin; an RP-SMA MALE connector (like an antenna or pigtail) has inside threads and a center socket. Think of an RG59 coax like cable TV; those are "normal" polarity, the female connector (like on your converter) has outside threads and a center socket, and the mating male connector (on the cable) has inside threads and a center pin. It's all very confusing...
BTW, I have sent out the replacement resistors to everyone that purchased an Eggfinder.
I think you'll be amazed at the range of the wire antenna, I know that when I was testing I expected about 5000' out of it and I've gotten nearly 10,000' without significant drop-outs. I mailed out the resistors, but if you can't wait you can try a 1/4W; it might not fit, however. Radio Shack sells the 1/8W 330 ohm resistors, that's what I ended up buying to replace the bad ones because I didn't want to wait for Digikey or Mouser. They get $1.49 for five of them... 30 cents per resistor is a lot more than the 1 cent that they cost when you buy 1,000 of them.
I'll look at Xastir for sure. Most of the sites that we fly HPR out West don't map very well anyway... the direction and distance is more important than landmarks.
Which RP-SMA connector did you use? Anyone have a link to an antenna?
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