Radio range
 

Hi!

I'm new at this, and would like to know if there is a difference in ranges between the popular radio brands like airtronics, futuba, etc...

If I would get a RD6000 Sport for my self.... what would be the typical range for that system? Is there any way I could increase it?

Thanks a lot!

(I want to a wireless camera that has a >5 mile range.. and I don't want my plane to fall out of the sky or fly into the sunset).

Oh yeah... one more thing... will I be able to fly both helis and airplanes with the RD6000 Sport?

Home on the Range
 

This is one of the subjective areas of our hobby. Normally one should follow the manufacturers instructions for that particular system. That is, antenna collapsed, antenna removed, antenna with one section out, transmitter held at arms length, model 3 feet off of the ground etc. etc. The gyst of range checking is sort of like always using the same scale to weigh yourself on. You are interested to note any significant changes (reductions) in range. Brand "x" may get 150' while brand 'y" gets 100' and they both fly the model fine! Different areas of the country get varied readings. Suburbs or country, dirt or grass or hard surface. Common sense is a great tool here also. An experienced modeler can just tell when things don't look right. For instance, jittery servos at 40 or 50' kind of thing. Just keep a close eye on your batteries and range, and enjoy yourself. One of my R/C mottos to live by, is to get the absolute best radio equipment you can afford. It is the only link we have between fun and disaster.
Take care_bob

Radio range
 

In general, all current RC transmitters are capable of the same range as all put out the same power. The difference is in the receivers, some are much better than others. Doing an accurate measurement on this at the power levels we work at is very difficult at best and few if any modelers have the equipment that will do this. Check the sensitivity of the receivers as quoted by the manufacturer, this is usually quoted as microvolts/meter or millivolt/meter. This is far more accurate than anything most of us are capable of measuring unless we have access to a very expensive RF lab. Also remember, running your transmitter with the antenna at any position other than fully extended does put additional strain on the output stage of your transmitter and is not recommended for more than a minute or two for quick range tests. You have probably noted that the back of your transmitter gets hot when you run with the antenna down. Don't do it unless you have to and then for very short periods of time. Mean time to failure approximately doubles for every 10 degrees C of temperature rise in the output stage.

thanks
 

thanks guys.. so what would be the typical, safe range for a $200-$300 6 channel FM system?

and by how much can I increase that range by tweaking the system and getting a strong reciever?

Thanks again,

Radio range
 

Any of the popular brands (Futaba, Airtronics, JR, HiTek + others) will control your plane farther than you can see it. Why worry about range when it is so much more than you need?

LOL
 

sorry, this is really funny!

I always get this reply!!! (I asked this question several times in other areas.....everybody seems to answer the way you did)

I don't blame you.. so let me clarify..

I won't need to see it.. cause I'll be operating a wireless camera with a range far beyond any radio. I can get one with a range of 1 to 20 miles..

So that's why I would like to know the range on these radios.

Preferably. the "standard" range that I can get... and the range that I can get by "tweaking" the system.

Radio range
 

Sounds like you are trying to come up with a poor mans RPV. I wouldn't trust a stock radio to work past a mile with plenty of elevation and no outside interference, and that may be pushing it.

cool
 

so what radio would meet my needs? or may be I should ask.. without going into detail, what are the basic modifications that I would have to make and by how much would this effect the range?

Long Range radio
 

The only person I know who specialises in this sort of stuff (here in Australia) is Bob Young.

Go to:

www.silvertone.com.au

and you will see the sort of gear you need. There may be a similar type of business where you are.

As for the legailities, check with the FCC or equivalent in your country.

Radio range
 

You know... if you have access to, and licensing for, equipment that will send video that far,
you should know the answers to your questions better than the rest of us ;)

Not trying to be sarcastic... just stating facts here.
If you don't have the license already, I doubt you'll find anyone, with enough knowledge
to help you, who will actually spend the time to help you... until you acquire it.


I see that you're not here in the states, so the above may or may not apply to you.

Radio range
 

the cameras i have access to are 1 to 20 miles.. and yes.. these are some powerfull things... These cameras are available on the internet for ALL of us, just as long as you get an Amateur Radio License.

I have no expirience in r/c, no expirience in wireless technology, but I have a vision :)

That's why i'm asking these quesions...

Are there any stock radios with a long range... say more than a mile?

thanks
 

Thanks fiery!

Great website...

Radio range
 

I am not sure (can't point to the exact words) but think that the power output on the 72 and 75 MHZ bands is limited by law to 1 watt input to the final. If you try to use a power amplifier, you will be in violation of the law in the USA. Again, I am not sure, but believe you can get an HAM license and use a lot more power but you should check out the rules for sure before trying. There are probably other criteria governing such applications that you propose as well.

Radio range
 

Those that fly on the ham ban here in the United States can transmit with more power than what is available in a stock radio. I'm sure some of the more technically minded could come up with an amplifier to boost the output. I'm also sure you could increase the range with a better antennae on the transmitter. When Maynard Hill set the model aircraft ailtitude record back in the sixties (0ver 27,000 feet if I remember correctly), I think I remember pictures of him have a large ground mounted antennae. Keep asking and I'm sure someone can give you the information you need.

Radio range
 

The stock radios are limited to 750mw output, I think.
Licensed ham radio operators can use an additional 250mw for a total 1W output.

Amplification beyond that would not be legal for model control.

Radio range
 

Have you flown anything at all. I ask because you have or are building a 4 * 60 and that's all I've seen you comment on.
Good luck with your sim training and your flights with the 4 *, if that's your plan. :)

Radio range
 

I'm curious about your camera system, obviously a ATV system of some sort, what type? What is the weight? I've done some experimenting with it also but there is a big problem of range vs weight vs runtime. Increase one and the rest are all affected.


Ryan
kc0lmo

Radio range
 

RPV with off-the-shelf radio equip?

Don't even try it. You are running the risk of law suit on your hand. Not that there is anything against mounting a remote camera on your model, but how well can you control your model using JUST a camera when it is out of sight. Real RPVs used by the army or for scientific research are control by GPS satellites when they are out of the pilot's sight. Altitude control is completely under computer control via info from GPS satellites. They only take off and land visually by real pilot. Note, human distance of sight is about 1/4 to 1/3 mile. Your rc radio operates at 0.75kW (less than 1.5 miles). You are running a great risk of RF inteference beyond 1 mile. Just my own 2 cents.

Radio range
 

4*60 ---> yes. that's the only plane.. i'm just building it now..I'm gonna practice on trainers that i'm hoping to borrow for a couple hours from the instructors.. and then the first flight on the four star i will ofcourse do with an instructor by hand... but a 4*60 is a very nice, stable bird.. so I shouldn't have TOO many problems.. considering I will practice on a trainer for a couple hours.. and all the sims training at home.. a lousy sim though.. FMS... not as good as real flight. but hey.. it's too ex*****ve.. i might try to get it free from the net.. but I had no luck yet

****************************************
RKRAMER ----> go to wirelessvideocameras.com and take a look at their systems.. they have stuff ranging form 1 mile to 20 .. fun stuff.. I'll tell you what I know so far.. the transmitter doesn't have to get bigger and bigger.. the antennas do.. and specificaly on the reciever... i'm considering of getting one with a range of about 2-6 miles.. just to be sure that I always have good quality footage.

****************************************
LQUAN ---> You can get all that stuff and put it on your plane.. meaning a GPS module.. which has altitude readings.. and direction. All the gyros and sensors don't weigh that much.. an extra pound maybe.. not sure.. go to this page.. (bordelon.net/freespace) they have a wicked RPV that is controled from a laptop.. and gives a lot of flight data.
I don't think I'm gonna get into any lawsuits.. since firstly, I live in canada.. and our laws are not as stringit as yours.. we can much more power to play with.. second.. if it requires a license, i'll get it.. not a problem

one more thing
 

and honestly guys.. I don't know about you.. but I get very excited when I think about controlling my plane with a camera. There is just something about wacthing that colour screen.. seeing everything from the sky.. it's just a much better experience....it's almost like you are in that seat... That is why i'm conserned about the ranges.. both for video and radio.... i don't want to lift off.. start getting fuzzy video.. fly out to just 3000 feet and have my servos start fluttering.. and be obligated to turn around and fly back to the same spot that I've already seen from the sky a 1000 times...How great would it be to just fly straight for 5 minutes in one direction.. observing everything below.. ofcourse that's a littlle exageration....I don't think i'll be able to acomplish that.. but to go out of my regular range.. i'll do everything to acomplish that...

Take care!

Eugene

Radio range
 

Operators on the "HAM" frequencies are limited to the same "less than 1 watt INPUT" as on 72 or 75MHZ!

Radio range
 

Not that it matters, 72/75Mhz is limited to 750mW, per FCC Part 95 Sub C. USA Amateur Radio Operators (hams) are allowed 1W on 50/53Mhz, per FCC part 97.

For R/C applications, neither may use anything fancier than a whip antenna on the Tx. Furthermore, unlicensed 72/75Mhz users are NOT allowed to modify ANYTHING related to the transmitted signal, including antenna tweaks.

There are commercial licenses available that will allow more power (special FCC part 90 license) on 72Mhz, such as is used by industrial equipment operators. These frequencies are offset from standard R/C freqs (those under channel 41) by 10Khz.

I would like to chat
 

I'm working on something similar in Arizona......(Not for commercial gain) I would love to know what youv'e found in terms of a long range video transmitter and Radio control solution. I would like to be able to fly about 2-5 miles not necessarily line of sight, and be able to keep control of the plane as well as receive video back from it. Thanks!

What if?
 

Sounds like fun until the dead stick landing at 3 miles out.