FPV Link Budget & Range Calculator

Common values: 25 mW (race / EU restricted), 200 mW (analog VTX low), 600 mW (DJI O3 max), 1000 mW (ELRS / Crossfire mid), 2500 mW (long-range).

Lower frequency travels further at the same power. 900 MHz beats 5.8 GHz by ~16 dB of free-space loss at the same range.

Stock dipole / linear: ~2 dBi. Pagoda: ~2.5 dBi. Patch (directional, not for craft side): ~8 dBi.

Goggle dipole: 2 dBi. Patch: 8–14 dBi. Helical: 11–14 dBi. Use the directional antenna you'll actually aim at the craft.

Analog VTX: −85 to −90. DJI O3: ~−105. HDZero: ~−97. ELRS @ 50 Hz: ~−112. ELRS @ 500 Hz: ~−105. Crossfire 150 Hz: ~−108.

Cable, connector, polarisation mismatch losses. 1–2 dB for short, well-made setups; 3–5 dB if cables are long or connectors marginal.

Safety budget for multipath, atmospheric loss, and pilot orientation. 6 dB minimal, 10 dB sensible, 15+ dB for HD or BVLOS.