Does anyone have experience flying in close proximity (within 4 metres) to High Voltage power lines? Specifically 110kv towers.
I have read that the lines can output a certain amount of RF, but I'm not sure what the nature of this RF is, and if it would cause problems with either any of the radio systems on a copter, or if it would act on the FC itself to cause problems.
Interested to know if anyone has any suggestions for the best technique for operating around them.
Cheers
Replies
I've never had any trouble with waypoint based or 2.4 ghz. I think I was running near higher than 120. They were much bigger.
Other than that 4m is exceptionally close. You maybe looking at the ability to do visual inspections of the line or tower. But really I think you need a camera with a zoom lens and get back to a safer distance. If you touch the line and cause it too break, the outcome could be catastrophic.
If its just flying for fun, you should find somewhere else to fly.
Also I just did some research and you can incur a $10,000 fine (or $50,000 fine if a company) for being within 8m of a pole greater than 66kV or 12m of a tower in NZ.
Well that's promising. What vTx are you running? 5.8? I assume 2.4g for control?
Cheers
edit: damn this thread layout...
I have done some very tentative testing. In a very remote area I've flown under HV lines (within 10M), above them (again within 10M) from a distance of about 500m with standard futaba gear and full fpv setup. I didn't have any problems at all.
I also tried getting closer whilst standing close-by - again no probs.
To be honest i was quite surprised, and can't guarantee the safety, but i had no break ups, no loss of control, nada.