DX7 added to tested and flown UAV

[RaptorAP]

I just started using the DX7 with my helicam, it works wonderful. I started looking at the rest of my fleet and I forgot about the LT-40 UAV I hadnt flown in a while. It flew great, I did have the issues with the Futaba PCM/CPD4 copilot. Im thinking of installing the AR7000 and test flying it with the PDC-10 and co-pilot, should prove interesting, especially the fail safe, I can see for myself the true range of the DSM2 system with the ability of failsafe activating the PDC10 and returning it home.

Mike

[d_wheel]

I just started using the DX7 with my helicam, it works wonderful. I started looking at the rest of my fleet and I forgot about the LT-40 UAV I hadnt flown in a while. It flew great, I did have the issues with the Futaba PCM/CPD4 copilot. Im thinking of installing the AR7000 and test flying it with the PDC-10 and co-pilot, should prove interesting, especially the fail safe, I can see for myself the true range of the DSM2 system with the ability of failsafe activating the PDC10 and returning it home.

Mike

Are you using video down link? If so, which one?

Later;
D.W,

[RaptorAP]

All my video downlinks are on 2.4ghz, which is a problem, the DX7 also is on 2.4ghz. If I downlink video on any of the Spektrum systems-equipped aircraft Im going to switch to 900 mhz for video.
The UAV will probably use an onboard camcorder and no downlink.

Mike

[d_wheel]

All my video downlinks are on 2.4ghz, which is a problem, the DX7 also is on 2.4ghz. If I downlink video on any of the Spektrum systems-equipped aircraft Im going to switch to 900 mhz for video.

Mike
Same problem here. That's why I was asking.

Later;
D.W.

[RaptorAP]

Probably the 900mhz transmitter from Rangevideo.com, for helis the 100mw transmitter should be fine, 500mw for fixed wing.

[d_wheel]

Probably the 900mhz transmitter from Rangevideo.com, for helis the 100mw transmitter should be fine, 500mw for fixed wing.

I've tried 900mhz in a plane, but it didn't end well. You can see it here:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6726032&postcount=1082

I think I will be ready to give it another try just as soon as the weather breaks.

Later;

D.W.

[RaptorAP]

Try and separate the two as much as physically possible, if I go 900mhz this is good to know, thanks for sharing that. You have a microwave receiver trying to not be overloaded by a near microwave transmitter reaaaly close by, its a difficult setup I know.
Mike

[aviatordave]

All my video downlinks are on 2.4ghz, which is a problem, the DX7 also is on 2.4ghz. If I downlink video on any of the Spektrum systems-equipped aircraft Im going to switch to 900 mhz for video.
The UAV will probably use an onboard camcorder and no downlink.

Mike

Mike,

Have you tested the compatibility fully with the DX7 / 2.4 Ghz video downlink? I'm trying to hear from anyone that has.....

Not a fact...but from what I heard is that you can power up the DX7 after the downlink is on and it wouldnt cause interference due to the channel searching function. Can you agree/disagree with this?

Thanks in advance-

Dave

[RaptorAP]

Im not sure, Dave. Im just looking at it from a ham's perspective: Front end overload is a danger, I just didnt want to take a chance with a transmitter and a receiver on the same band right next to each other on the same aircraft while trying to control it from a quarter mile away. Im sure youre right about the DX7/AR7000 seeing the video signal and responding by hopping to another pair, I just worry about it decreasing range.
So, no, I havent tested the compatibility yet.
Mike

[aviatordave]

So your honest opinion is it probably isnt a good idea? I've considered the DX7/ .9 Ghz route as well....

[RaptorAP]

I just wouldnt trust it, I do know someone who tried a 2.4ghz video link and a DX6 radio system that ended up in a crash due to loss of control, mind you it was the DX6, the park flyer system.

[RaptorAP]

AR7000 installed in LT-40 UAV, will test fly tomorrow. The weather has been nice down here for the last few days, hope it stays that way through this weekend.
Ill post my results after the test flight, I have a couple of AP jobs to do also...
Mike

[RaptorAP]

A resounding success! The AR7000 and the PDC10 worked together and I actually had to turn the gain down a little on the PDC10 to make the orbits a little bigger, I had one waypoint programmed into the Geko 301, if I would have had an altitude hold device I wouldve laid the transmitter down. As it was the plane climbed a little with over half throttle and became really small. I cut the throttle to idle and the lumbering LT40 actually soared a bit and refused to come down, it stayed right in its orbit though!
So the answer is yes, this combination works really well together.

[RaptorAP]

A couple more: