Illinois Kite Enthusiasts

One important bit of info, is to stay away from radios in the 72mhz band if possible. These are reserved for RC aircraft (channels 11-60).

The academy of model aeronautics requires a 3 mile separation between flying sites, to prevent frequency interference with radios on the same channel. Just something to be aware of if you think you may be near an RC field. I have seen folks loose very expensive aircraft due to frequency issues.


In case anyone is interested here is the AMA member manual. Pages 9-12 cover radio operation.

Chris wrote:One important bit of info, is to stay away from radios in the 72mhz band if possible. These are reserved for RC aircraft (channels 11-60).

The academy of model aeronautics requires a 3 mile separation between flying sites, to prevent frequency interference with radios on the same channel. Just something to be aware of if you think you may be near an RC field. I have seen folks loose very expensive aircraft due to frequency issues.


In case anyone is interested here is the AMA member manual. Pages 9-12 cover radio operation.

Yup, I selected a "surface" frequency. I got channel 67.

In researching, I found that 2.4GHz spread spectrum is becoming more popular. As more people move to this technology, it will eliminate the kind of interference you can see now with people sharing frequencies.

The best radio solution would be a Spectrum or DSM radio. They secure two or three open channels, and will switch to the back-up frequencies if notices a problem. The local hobby shop carries a Spectrum radio, it is a single plane/car/kite, with a reciever and a couple digital servos for $125. It can be used for more than one thing, it just needs to be bound every time. not a big issue. They make the radios all the way up to 12 channels. It would solve any problems with crossing channels, and they have a higher resolution on the servo controls. better for fine adjustments and for holding a position.

Chris wrote:One important bit of info, is to stay away from radios in the 72mhz band if possible. These are reserved for RC aircraft (channels 11-60).

Chris wrote:One important bit of info, is to stay away from radios in the 72mhz band if possible. These are reserved for RC aircraft (channels 11-60).

Excellent advice. We have several folks in our RC club who have in excess of a thousand dollars tied up in their planes ... one plane is well over two thousand. Think about a carbon fiber $65 prop and a $75 aluminum spinner. Our club rule, as in most clubs, is if you cause the interference and shoot it down, you pay for it!!!

If you can specify the radio frequency or buy your RC equipment separately, you should consider purchasing a 2.4 GHz system ... FASST, Spread Spectrum and DSM are some of the names associated with 2.4 GHz equipment. There are several different technologies based on the brand. Futaba has the most experience in this area. All transmitters are manufactured with a different and unique electronic address. The receivers go through a "binding" process where they learn the address of the transmitter they're to take instructions from. Thus, each radio/receiver combo has a unique working relationship ... unique world wide.

At each point in time, Futaba's radios transmit/receive on two different channels in the 2.4 GHz range. Each of those two channels change to another channel after 1/500 of a second. If, by accident, there's any interference on a channel, you're past the problem in 1/500 of a second. The receiver compares the new data to the data received in the last 1/500 of a second and ignores bad data. Plus, it compares the data from the two channels and picks the strongest, cleanest signal to process. So, if any interference happens, you'll never even know about it.

The 2.4 GHz stuff is rock solid and will not interfere with other equipment nor be interfered with by other equipment. Two pilots can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with exactly the same equipment and have no interference problems. No concern about nearby airfields or a nearby park flyer ... just a good solid connection.

Cheers,
Tom

yup - great advice for sure.
i found the hobbyking.com 2.4gh basic system which is a no frills low dollar system. so far so good in the way of the radio/tx/rx but not getting the shutter to remote through the usb trigger. ill keep chipping. gosh its a challenge to type with one hand!!!

Mux11 wrote:... gosh its a challenge to type with one hand!!!

Well, you gotta learn how to ride your bike without falling down!

Any news on your arm?

Mike wrote:Any news on your arm?

broke & displaced the radial head. screws and pins on Thurs. will kepp ya posted

now that i have a bit of free time ive been working on my rig. i did find out the cam is working right with the chdk. i got an alternate build to try.
jp