questions

[sodman12]

Hi,

I have a few questions regarding transmitting information over a long range.
I would like to transmit live video over 10 miles from my plane to me on the ground so i can fly it first person. i have been told that 900mhz is the range that i need.
Questions are,
-What type of equipment do i need for this and where can i buy it from.
-Are there any good sites to help me with the building procedure.
-how can i make this video signal hook up from my computer to a camcorder or digital camera.
-how can i also make my remote control that signals the servos piggy back(so to speak) the video signal which will be able to cover the distance.

i have learned a lot about radio transmission so i am not totaly new to the subject.

I know this is a lot of imformation and questions but if someone can give me a starting point i would be extremly thankful.

thanks in advance

[sodman12]

is this the wrong forum to put this question?

if anyone has anything to point me into the right direction it would be nice. and i mean anything

[Unterhausen]

I don't know if the AP or UAV forums might get you more answers or not

[jeffs555]

You might try RC-CAM's web site. www.rc-cam.com He has a lot of video transmitter info, and has a forum on there where you may be able to get some help.

[Malc C]

I would like to transmit live video over 10 miles from my plane to me on the ground

Its hard enough trying to see a real plane that's 10 miles up, let alone a small model !!

Also, I'm not sure, but I don't think a standard RC transmitter has that sort of range (seem to remember its something like a mile high and half mile radius on the ground ??)

Edit:
Another possible forum to ask about this sort of thing would be the model Rocketry forums, as they use video downlinks and some of their rockets reach high altitudes (maybe not 10 miles though ??? )

[Miami Mike]

Your project may or may not actually be illegal, but the AMA specifically forbids it in the National Model Aircraft Safety Code, which can be found in the membership manual (http://www.modelaircraft.org/PDF-files/memanual06.pdf):10. The operator of a radio-controlled model aircraft shall control it during the entire flight, maintaining visual contact without enhancement other than by corrective lenses that are prescribed for the pilot. No model aircraft shall be equipped with devices which allow it to be flown to a selected location which is beyond the visual range of the pilot.In this age of hysteria, it's possible that you could cause major public relations problems for our hobby. In my opinion it would probably be better if you dropped the idea.

[sodman12]

Well im ont a member of the AMA. sooooooo i think ill keep at it. Its not that i need 10 miles but i would like to be safe than sorry and 10 was the first number that came to mind. where i will be flying there are no people and no houses, just very tall trees.

[vintage1]

10 miles is beyond the range of most radio control sets anyway.

So unless it has a GPS or something to get it where it wants to be, it will crash before it gets that far away.

I suspect the ham bands and an amateur licence is the only way to get adequate power on a given frequency to do this sort of range for video, as well.

In short, you are out of the toy plane box, and into UAV territory. I suggest you contact Israeli intelligence, and buy something from them ;)

[sodman12]

acatually i ran into an Isreaeli site that was sell this stuff. 1/2 the site was for comerical and the other half was military.

OK you seem to know more than i do vintage. how far can i get without the hassel of a ham licence. 1-2 miles maby?

[Lakc]

Quite possibily, if you fly out of sight you will be considered a UAV, and if you think a ham license is a hassle, wait until you have a sitdown with the FAA.

I am not saying this cannot be done safely, or without benefit to man and modeling kind, but.....
a)You are entering an area that requires advanced work in multiple disciplines, its not a one person project.
b)It is a rather sensitive area from a security standpoint, and quite possibly has been neglected due to the easily forseeable negative consequences to our hobby.
c)It will fall into the realm of several different government agencies, who will more then likely be glad to accomidate you, provided you follow their rules and regulations, obtain the necessary permits, demonstrate that you have done a whole hell of a lot of homework, and will not endanger anyone.
d)Ignoring the first three points and plodding along alone into this will at best waste a lot of your money, and at worst kill innocent bystanders, spend thousands of dollars of taxpayers money, and force legislation restricting our hobby.

Pay close attention to d) and you see why advice may be reluctant in coming. There are several companies full time involved in trying to do what you want to do, with many smart people, and they have spent thousands of dollars in the necessary insurance and permits, yet they still fail.

[Eric_N57105]

Pay close attention to d) and you see why advice may be reluctant in coming. There are several companies full time involved in trying to do what you want to do, with many smart people, and they have spent thousands of dollars in the necessary insurance and permits, yet they still fail.

Another one man high tech aerial adventure:

http://www.odysseyballoons.com/pelicans/lawnchair.html

Eric
www.ke6us.com