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Telemetry and HD video over 4G

Posted by Charles Linquist on January 16, 2017 at 2:21pm

I am successfully using a 4G LTE network connection to send bidirectional telemetry AND HD (1280X1024 / 25fps) Video from my drones.  The video is perfect, the telemetry is perfect - regardless of range (assumes 4G is available).  I use my cell phone as a hotspot and connect using MISSION PLANNER on my laptop. The video is "snow free" and is viewed  on CHROME or FireFox browsers. 

The cost of all the equipment is under $100, but I do have to pay for a data plan ($15-$50/month) - and a small monthly amount for server time. The server setup is special to allow for the 4G<->4G connection.  The telemetry data is encrypted, the video data is not (at this time, anyway).  The system camera is non-standard but tiny.I can control the drone with a joystick connected through Mission Planner.  The latency is 0.8 seconds - max. The total weight of the system is 100 grams.  No equipment other than a computer running Mission Planner is needed on the "ground side" (except for a cell phone or other hot-spot).

I was thinking that others could use my setup as well. In that case I would have to set up multiple accounts on the server and manage them.  Before I take this any further -

Would anyone else be interested in the setup I have?

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Replies

  • MR60
    Hugues January 17, 2017 at 8:42am

    interesting. What hardware (i assume a 4G dongle on a companion computer ?) and software is needed on the drone side ?

  • Marc Dornan January 17, 2017 at 8:26am

    Charles,

    This is very interesting. I was actually looking at some sort of system to have failover to 4G telemetry with video as an option and a gamepad as a backup. Also a RFD 900+ is part of my equipment.

    There are a few now that allow you to put an android in you plane and do this. Here is one quite mature option from some clever guy in Egypt. Check out his thread: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?2301482-Andruav-Unli...   and his app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=rcmobile.FPV&hl=en

    I would be interested in seeing your setup. You should do a posting. At some point I do want to get this working as I am planning some long range FPV flying over water.

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  • Richard Huang January 17, 2017 at 7:40am

    Hi Charles, can I get an account for the server? Mind telling me the model-name of Logitech game controller? I'll try to buy one by local store.  Cheers.

    Richard

  • Charles Linquist January 17, 2017 at 6:23am

    The stability of my server is 100%.  I'm using Amazon web services.  

    Mission planner is designed to use a Logitech game controller connected to a USB port.  Not the best, but it does work.

  • Richard Huang January 16, 2017 at 11:18pm

    Hi Charles, it sounds very interesting.  0.8 second latency, pretty cool. I would like to try the stability of your server? BTW,  how you connected the joystick to Mission Planner. Since I don't have joystick, I wonder if my RC transmitter (Turnigy, 8 channels) may replace it.

    Good job!

    Richard

  • Charles Linquist January 16, 2017 at 2:44pm

    I should add that telemetry only is a lot easier - and cheaper from a data usage standpoint.

    I also have a RFD900 on-board.  My setup can use either.  Currently, the failover isn't totally seamless, but I'm working on that.

    So if I'm running close-range, I use the RFD900's, but if the radio goes out of range, I can switch to 4G in about 20 seconds.

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