Limited VTX power to 1W

ZDRONA · January 26, 2025, 3:40pm

Hello,
I’m using a 2.5W VTX Rush Tank Solo in my drone. I recently started using the SmartAudio connection. I am able to change the frequency, channel, band parameters and power. Unfortunately, I noticed that Ardupilot limits the power to 1W.
After setting the VTX_POWER parameter to 2.5W, the VTX only reads 1W.

Is the VTX power limit to 1W a software bug or is it supposed to be like that?

andyp1per · January 26, 2025, 9:10pm

No, its because the VTX doesn’t follow the spec. Try setting to 800mW and see if that gives you the full power out.

ZDRONA · January 27, 2025, 8:31pm

Nope, 800mW is not read by this VTX. I am able to control 25mW, 500mW and 1000mW. If I enter the value of 2500mW nothing happens.

I am able to set 2500mW only using the button on the VTX housing.

tl-tovstyi · February 24, 2025, 2:50pm

I also have the same issue with AKK Ultra Long Range 2.5W on SmartAudio protocol, after setting 2500 mW to VTX_MAX_POWER osd vtx_power_level label starts blinking and real max power set with 1W instead of 2.5W.

Is there a solution for the unlocking vtx power? Any ideas to solve?