Simple radio project

[tn299200]

Hello, I have a question that is somewhat related to aircraft radios. Basically, I am trying to design a lightweight radio receiver that could be used at a range of several hundred feet to simply switch on/off a light source that will be attached to a kite. I suppose I would need to design a transmitter as well. I have no limitations for the weight or size of the transmitter/antenna. I have looked at a lot of websites about basic electronics, but I just don't really know where to begin with this project, because I don't know much about electronics, and I have never done anything like this before. Any ideas or links that you could contribute would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

-Troy

[dj2u]

hi troy

try to use either a basic, cheap am rc radio with a servo and a switch or a speed control(esc) or use lpd/pmr/cb/babyphone/garage door opener/rke... radios with some electronic stuff e.g. a relay or so.

but i think a car rc set with a servo flipping a switch is the easyest way if you don't know that much about electronics

diego

[micsaund]

You can also hunt around and find little xmitter/recvr sets which use a remote similar to what a car FOB is. The xmitter is completely assembled and the receiver usually just needs you to connect wires to whatever you want to control. You have to set the "security codes" to match on both halves.

I got mine imported from some guy in Taiwan directly for $20 per set (years ago), which was a great deal, but there are nicer/more expensive ones also. For example, transmitter (http://www.hvwtech.com/products_view.asp?CatID=0&SubCatID=0&SubSubCatID=0&ProductID=274) and receiver (http://www.hvwtech.com/products_view.asp?CatID=0&SubCatID=0&SubSubCatID=0&ProductID=273) (note that I've not used either of those - they are just for example). Both of these would be small enough to embed in many projects IMO.

Mike

[micsaund]

Here is another system (http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?category=search&item=RC-10&type=store) I just found which you might like - a simple 12v on/off relay system with the car-type FOB transmitters. Again, I've not used it, but the sub-$20 price makes it something you might want to experiment with.

[Nightz]

www.rentron.com

[tn299200]

thanks for all of these ideas; i will look into them. I guess what is most important is range, since this kite will reach altitudes of at least 300 feet. Thanks again