I have never had distance complaints. Mine routinely hits 2000 feet on stock antenna, and for my purposes I never require more distance than that.
Over the years I have read about the wifi card upgrades, seen a few people ruin solos doing it and some reported no real gains.
But from everything I have read I'm considering upgrading the controller card only
waste of time?
Pyrate, You must have "Tinkering" in your blood!
You have more projects going to then most here. LOL
I have upgraded the WiFi cards over a year ago & not never a problem.
As to any increase in distance, not to much.
I live WIFI city, & i used to get about 1400 Ft. before upgrade of WiFi cards & X2 Alpha antenna's, since then, in the same area, consistently get 2400 to 2800.
Over the bay or ocean I got over a well over mile.
All this said, The wattage "TX" isn't increased, same as standard. although I head that it's possible to do so, but with the small & constricted space & no venting in the Controller, may cause a heat problem.
Since the TX power isn't changed, Many of the other's who did the upgrade have concluded that all have seen a increase in distance, Video Feed & contributing this increase to a better REC receiver circuitry & in turn helps with noted increases performance
I Never read of anyone removing these cards do to problems.
Instaling them is a 7.5 on the difficulty scale, in my opinion.
Hope this helps