Using the construction drones mod (but I've noticed it with other personal drones) the range gets nerfed to about arms length.

Interesting. I will look into what could be causing it. I see you mention the mod, construction drones, but have you confirmed this bug with only this mod installed?

Could you upload a copy of your saved file so that I may look at all the mods you're currently using? I seem unable to reproduce your issue.

https://imgur.com/a/42gE9fl

It would seem as though you're not the only person having this problem. Looking at the videos linked and his save file in this discussion he does not have this mod installed. Therefore, I believe this to be an issue linked to a different mod. I will keep watching the discussion.

It seems to be the mod Walls Block Spitters. Are you also using this mod?