Radio law in UK

[300s]

Hi to anyone I have not said hi to before firstly.

I wondered if anyone knew any upto date info regarding the radio law in the UK, regarding 2.4 Ghz. Is this safe to use I have not read any info on this.

I know that 72 Mhz is not supposed to be used in UK with out a license. But people still sell the 72 Mhz kits as they do 2.4ghz here.

[Highlander1]

Sorry I haven't got a clue I would be interested to know the outcome though.

[Hueyguy]

Sorry I haven't got a clue I would be interested to know the outcome though.

Yes, it is perfectly legal to use 2.4Ghz RC equipment in the UK, but the CE certification should be on the product. There is some debate about the different power outputs on some of the TX's: 10mw. 100mw, 1000mw. Some of the TX's are imported on the 'grey' market from the USA & the power levels of some exceed our European regulations. Buy from a reputable dealer & you'll be ok.

[300s]

Thanks, I would be using a module hitec may have/or are manufacturing @ 2.4 ghz compatible with my optic 6, as this would be the wise thing to do I would think and should keep cost down. But have since been told they maybe abandoning the idea :mad: Might have to buy a 2.4ghz Transmitter after all.

[pentaxman]

There are other people who make modules for the Optic, Spektrum now do one as do Extreme.

I am just waiting for the dust to settle before deciding which way to go.

However it is not a total solution, 2.4Ghz units like cameras do interfere with the radio signals and can washout the Rx so you still have to be careful.

[300s]

I saw those Extreme modules. It seems that modules designed to fit Futaba fit Hitec TX too.

I'm staying put on 35Mhz for the time being. I'll see how that pans 2.4 Ghz technology pans out first after all I will have to change all of my recievers too, something I don't want to do yet.
I'll just buy a frequency checker on 35 mhz for now.

[AndyOne]

2.4GHz is really for the American market because they have powerful industrial users between their 72MHz model frequencies we just don't have that problem with 35MHz in the UK. So if you fly at a properly regulated club with a frequency control system you don't need to change other than for reasons of fashion.

Andy.

[300s]

well computers wi - fi use the 2.4 ghz range, but as for modulation & all that business, I'm not sure whats what. Though I know it would switch channels if it got a cross.

Saying that I have had trouble on 35 mhz at the field (electric flight) while a truck driver was using his laptop at the side of the road in his cabin, it glitched all over the place.
And when he came out to watch the plane & switched off the laptop it returned to normal again. It was pretty obvious the laptop caused it as we flew there before many times with no probs with the same setup radio xtals & all.

[AndyOne]

300s

Sounds like a coincidence to me, if it wasn't, I suspect there may be something wrong with your receiver or his laptop. There really isn't anything in a laptop that should radiate signals on 35MHz.

Andy.

[stuart warne]

Well I had been flying 35mhz for 10 years and got glitches (mostly only minor) and I switched to 2.4 two months ago. Completely glitch free.... I didn't do it for fashion reasons I did it for the promise of glitch free fly and that's what I've got. Best thing in R/C since brushless IMHO.

[AndyOne]

I've been flying on 35MHz for since 1991 with Futaba FF series radios without a glitch but I do use mostly PCM receivers. Every time I hear someone complain about glitches I ask them what receiver type they are using and it's always PPM or an inferior make of radio.

Andy.

[ajayhp]

I just wanted to ask why they have to check a 72mhz radio and not a 2.4gz

[TrevC]

A full set of info on UK model frequencies can be found on www.ukrcc.org. I don't know where the info on 72MHz came from - it's an American band and has never been legal in the UK. None of the UK model frequency bands need a licence, but the gear must be "Type Approved". I think this is covered by the CE label.
Like some of the folks above, I've flown on 35MHz for years with few problems, especially with PCM Rx's. However, I use a Spektrum DX6i in my T-Rex electric heli because I couldn't eliminate the odd glitch, even with a good quality Rx. The other benefits are no aerial wire to route away from rotors, and no chance of someone else accidentally switching on on my frequency and shooting me down. If you've not yet made a big investment in 35MHz gear I reckon 2.4 is the way to go

[TrevC]

Just found some further info on rules and regs from OFCOM - www.ofcom.org.uk/radiocomms/ifi/licensing/classes/rlans/technical/ofw311/