Laser Tracking System

[jswayze]

Any thoughts on how to implement an optical tracking system for planes? The two applications that come to mind are photography (or videography) and directional antenna aiming.

I would imagine a reflector of some kind attached to the plane and a gimbal-mounted laser and receiver on the ground that tries to keep up with it. I don't think the hardware would be that big of a deal, it's just the feedback algorithm that would take some effort.

Is anything like this already out there? Any thoughts?

Jeff

[Andy W]

I've thought about an off-axis RF detector that would allow a platform to track an RF source. Then you just put your wireless video Tx on the model and it will always have perfect reception, as well as optional ground-based video tracking.

.. how to implement, however, is beyond my ability.. :)
..a

[AndyOne]

The kind of doplar system that is used to track stolen cars has also been used to track full sized planes. If the antenna array is pointed at an RF source then using a sensitive phase detector, an out-of-line signal can be sensed and compensated for using a servo system.

Andy.