I have a general class license but what I'm not sure of is how I can use it to use more frequences or power. When you buy a transmitter they seem to be locked to the frequences that are open to everyone. How do I unlock them? Do I have to build my own equipment to take advantage of my license?
-Thanks
Replies
Use an ATV transmitter for FPV/video. With the nice low 400mhz frequency range and as much power as you can reasonably put in the sky you'll have a range nobody can beat.
I'd throw a 4W ATV transmitter in a plane.
I tend to agree with John that the rationale for utilizing Ham bands for RC Tx has faded with the advent of the 2.4 GHz systems, but there are still advantages. For example, a number of FPV transmitters require at least a technician license for legal use in the US, and you can also get ATV/SSTV transmitters that have significantly better power output than most FPV transmitters for use with a higher-class license. In addition, you can help to mitigate the risks of a flyaway by including an APRS or DF beacon on your aircraft without too much size, weight and power (SWAP) impact. With proper coordination, you can fly a cross-band or simplex repeater in a reasonably sized airframe for a fast way to a 400' antenna.
Bottom line in my opinion is that there are many benefits to having a Ham license that play well with RC/UAV applications, but controlling the aircraft with Ham gear probably doesn't have the return on investment that most folks are looking for.
72 Mhz FM TX/RX's have a crystal in them that determines the freq. You can order the appropriate crystal to change the channel/ freq of your TX and RX. Just order one that is for the 50 Mhz band and swap them out for the ones that came in your radios. You have to make sure you get the right crystal for your radio though. Generally they are accessible without taking anything apart. Just look on the front or back of your radio it should have the freq. list on it. Some of the newer radios you change the whole radio module instead of just the crystal. I think it might be getting harder to find them. but here is a link to a futaba RX crystal for the ham band, http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXBFK6**&P=0
Although there is a ham band in the 2.4 Ghz range there isn't much if a reason to use it for RC since sharing channels is not a big deal in 2.4 Ghz. Also, I'm not sure if those radios can be changed to another band or not.
hope that helps,
73 de NO8T