I have flown an rc plane a couple of times, but now I want to get one of my own. I would like to put a camera on the plane, and have the video feed into a laptop. I would like to use a USB joystick to control the plane. Also I would like it if the camera could pan. Any ideas on how to do this???
Thanks

What you are describing is a UAV, not an RC model.

Yes, what you describe is a UAV. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are prohibited under the AMA and have completely separate liscensing/usage guidelines.

ok... so where can I find out how to make one?

It might be a good idea to get one of your own and learn to fly it with precision before attempting to fly one through a computer. There is much to learn before you will be able to accomplish what you wish. Flying an RC plane "a couple of times" will not prepare you for some of the problems you will no doubt have setting up an aircraft with a video camera, transmitter, gyros, and gps etc etc etc. It sounds as if you don't fully grasp the complexity of what you seek to do.

Aren't all flying model aircraft UAVs? What's the difference besides where the antenna is plugged in? On one it's on the controller and on the other it's a seperate piece that also attaches to the laptop. From cardinalfan's post, it sounds like he just wants streaming video from his airplane and a laptop seems to be the perfect way to do that.

If the original poster just wants to shoot video from an R/C airplane that's one thing, but when you start to add realtime video capabilities as well as control from a computer the line becomes blurred. It comes down to a range issue. With the computer and video a pilot has the potential to control the airplane beyond his line of sight, which is a big no-no.

No all RC model aircraft are not UAVs.
UAVs are defined as systems (what ever the heck that means) and with this definition the FAA is free to interpet the definition however they want to at the time.
As other technology gets smaller, lighter, more Rf friendly, and is being installed on RC model airplanes the lines between our toys and UAVs are becoming more blurred.
A streaming video feed, a computer, and a USB joystick controller clearly puts this into the UAV category. Depending on the RF band chosen and the power of the equipment this would have "over the horizon" capability. Again something a UAV is capable of but not a toy RC model airplane.
I know quite a few people take great offense at the notion that our RC airplanes are toys, I suggest that we all get on the bandwagon that these are in fact just toy airplanes and nothing more than toy airplanes.
I cringe every time someone asks how to do what the original poster asked. As a group we need to avoid promoting any such marriage of technologies. Not only is building and operating a UAV illegal if it is built from one of our toys it lends weight to the FAA to regulate us out of business.

You are probably just a harmless person that thinks this would be a fun thing to do.
However what you are asking is not something that the vast majority here supports or thinks is a good idea, or has the expertise to execute.
I am not suggesting that you intend to use it for anything other than good clean fun, but such a system does have the potential to be used for nefarous purposes.
I pulled the info bekow from another section of RCU ... I don't know how accurate it is so you will need to investigate it yourself.
Since you have internet access you can look this stuff up as easily as I can.

As an example of the complexity of this project: Who will write the software that will translate joystick movements via USB and the laptop to actual input to the transmitter encoder? This person is not aware of all that is required. I doubt this project will go very far.

Sort of like someone wanting to build a 100 mile per gallon pick up truck in their garage. Not totally impossible but highly improbable.

This is far from a beginner question. I recommend you go read the Aerial Photography and Video forum (http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/forumid_81/tt.htm).

UAVs in this country are in a gray area from a regulatory standpoint. The FAA, AMA, AOPA, and several industry big-boys are working together to develop regulations that will permit UAV flights while preserving the hobby use we enjoy. As long as you are flying IAW the FAA Advisory Circular and the AMA Safety Code, your OK.

Having said that, what you are proposing falls outside the AMA Safety Code IF you use the video downlink as the sole means of piloting the vehicle. If on the other hand, you set the system up such that a master pilot can take control of the plane and fly it without visual aids, then you are in accordance with the AMA Safety Code. The capability of the system does not determine whether your in compliance. Its how you use it.

There are other regulations you must factor in as well. Specifically, the radio link you want to establish. The systems we currently employ are allowed under part 15 of the FCC regulations. You are not permitted to alter those systems unless you are an FCC licensed technician, and then the alterations must be in accordance with any other applicable parts of the regulation.

You're probably not going to get a warm welcome to your question in this forum because we are all concerned that the availability of the technology does not match the skills of those looking to use it, and it won't be long before somebody screws it up for everybody. Therefore our recommendation is going to be - join a club, get on a buddy box, and learn how to fly properly. Then worry about the more advanced things you would like to do.

FWIW, I have a video system, have flown it FPV as described above, and its a great attention getter at fun flys. We just have to be careful about abusing the freedom and inviting regulation.

Brad

i dont care about the laws or anything like that right now. I just want to know how to make it.

Seems kinda silly to me but hobby lobby just came out with something very similar to what you want to do. GL

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/fpv.htm

at least your attempting to answer my question

If you want to do this I would recommend some kind of pre-made setup like that to start with. Start small and work your way up.

Honestly, I would learn to fly to a high degree of precision without the extra equipment first. The extra equipment really complicates things. I think I'm a pretty good pilot and, frankly, I don't think I could pull this off.

Place a question in the aerial photography section as well. I'm sure many of those guys could give some really insightful information.

This thread is way beyond the scope of the Beginner's Forum. But with comments such as this I don't see any reason to leave this thread open. You asked a question and the people here informed you of the laws concerning your questions, but you reply that you care about the laws. The RCU Community Rules clearly state that discussions of illegal activities will not take place in the forums here. We aren't going to continue any discussion where the laws in this area are disregarded. I'm closing this thread.

Thread locked.

Ken