I am working on a project of controlling a UAV over long ranges, for example would it be possible to control a UAV Via wifi?. 2.4ghz has a range of 140 mile with the proper equipment, so would it be possible to operate a UAV within this hotspot?. Once I figure out the range issue the next step would be to figure out how to control this UAV via Windows PC with joystick and throttle. I really think this can be done with the technology we have available to use, but I am new to the R/C scene and I may be wrong.
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@Docmafia: did you get it working? I'm currently working on my final year project and was thinking about doing something similar to what you are talking about
Just had an idea that might help you on this - first check out "Internet Enabled UAV" Posted byMichael Cottier in this same thread, and then my post "Magnetic induction recharging and cell phone towers"
Thank you all for your input, I think I am going to have to study on radio waves and transmission or hire someone here locally to help with this project.
Get a 3g cellular aircard (e.g. Verizon EvDO) and do everything over IP or get a Technician Amateur radio license (assuming you are in the US).
The power for a remote control link under amateur radio rules is limited to 1W (no limit on antenna gain and you have lots of frequencies to choose from). I believe that you could get away with putting a fast scan video transmitter on the UAV and then using the telecommand rules (97.213) to implement a control link between your "control station" and the UAV.
In all cases you are going to have to do a data link rather than pwm/ppm for control.
Both these solutions are going to require a significant amount of engineering, if you are new to the RC scene then start with a standard short range RC system, learn to fly, modify the airframe to use a data link/autopilot, only then start thinking about long range operation.
Be aware that there are new rules in process that will place restrictions on the operation of UAVS at long range, and there are already lots of restrictions relating to airspace rules (and lots of federal employees with no sense of humor about airspace incursions).
Replies
@Docmafia: did you get it working? I'm currently working on my final year project and was thinking about doing something similar to what you are talking about
Just had an idea that might help you on this - first check out "Internet Enabled UAV" Posted by Michael Cottier in this same thread, and then my post "Magnetic induction recharging and cell phone towers"
- Practically Unlimited range!
Hi Docmafia
Have you seen my solution? It's very simple and "unlimited range :-)
Are you talking about UAV, or FPV, or R/C?
You would not be controlling a UAV with a joystick... that sounds like FPV or just plain R/C.
There are many forum threads here dealing with increasing the range of the many radios which need to be used for control, video, and telemetry.
There is whole rcgroups discussion on that.
Get a 3g cellular aircard (e.g. Verizon EvDO) and do everything over IP or get a Technician Amateur radio license (assuming you are in the US).
The power for a remote control link under amateur radio rules is limited to 1W (no limit on antenna gain and you have lots of frequencies to choose from). I believe that you could get away with putting a fast scan video transmitter on the UAV and then using the telecommand rules (97.213) to implement a control link between your "control station" and the UAV.
In all cases you are going to have to do a data link rather than pwm/ppm for control.
Both these solutions are going to require a significant amount of engineering, if you are new to the RC scene then start with a standard short range RC system, learn to fly, modify the airframe to use a data link/autopilot, only then start thinking about long range operation.
Be aware that there are new rules in process that will place restrictions on the operation of UAVS at long range, and there are already lots of restrictions relating to airspace rules (and lots of federal employees with no sense of humor about airspace incursions).
With this equipment you can also fry chickens.
Search for LRS systems, like Scherrer LRS. It's all done.