VAS Pepperbox XTreme 5.8GHz - 20mm RHCP/LHCP SMA

VAS Pepperbox XTreme is a directional antenna with circular polarization, an SMA connector and a gain of 13,25dBic for the 5500-6000MHz band. It is intended for the receiving side. FPV goggles, ground station or diversity receiver. It works with both analog and digital video transmission in the 5.8GHz band.

The main advantage is the unusually wide beam. In the horizontal plane it covers 165°, in the vertical 65°, and the -3dB drop occurs only at a deviation of ±55° from the axis. Most directional antennas with similar gain have a beam only a few tens of degrees wide and require precise aiming at the model. Pepperbox XTreme is therefore significantly more tolerant to model movement and imprecise head orientation.

The antenna is based on patented vector-phasing technology (“vector-phasing”), which VAS also used on the Crosshair Xtreme model. Conductive elements are arranged radially above a metal reflector and fed by a coplanar waveguide, a design protected by patent US11442130. The result is a measured axial ratio of 0,99 and a very clean circular polarization, which allows the antenna to suppress reflections and opposite-polarization signals more effectively.

Dimensions are 103x52x20mm, weight 32,8g. Thanks to its low weight and flat shape, it can be conveniently mounted directly on FPV goggles; use on a tripod or ground station is of course also possible. 

Despite the wide beam, the antenna remains directional and we do not recommend using it as the only receiver antenna. The ideal setup is a diversity receiver combined with an omnidirectional antenna, for example VAS Ion Pro or Victory. The directional antenna provides range and signal penetration through trees and buildings, while the omnidirectional one covers the nearby area, takeoffs and landings.

Video Aerial Systems (VAS) is an American company focused on antenna development and production. It owns several of its own patents and its antennas are among the absolute top tier.