Comments

• 

  AndrewF November 3, 2011 at 10:23am

  Many people are currently using Xbee radios for telemetry that are capable of communicating with a UAV beyond visual range.  Using a cell phone would just be an alternate way of implementing the telemetry link (albeit with the potential for MUCH longer range telemetry). It doesn't change the fact that it would still be up to each user to be aware of laws in their area.  Having the capability for the UAV to access data from the internet, such as maps, or other databases might allow for some really cool features.
• Dara Shayda November 3, 2011 at 10:13am

  Hello Mr. Chan

   

  Please consult with Mr. Anderson here, I believe you cannot operate recreational UAVs if you cannot see them with unaided eyes as the operator. 

   

   
• 

  Ellison Chan November 3, 2011 at 10:11am

  @Dara Shayda

   

  Very interesting reading Dara.  Thanks for the links.

  According to this excerpt:

  How unmanned air vehicles are different from model aircraft

  "Model aircraft" means an aircraft, the total weight of which does not exceed 35 kg(77.2 pounds), that is mechanically driven or launched into flight for recreational purposes and that is not designed to carry persons or other living creatures. Although some micro unmanned air vehicles may weigh less than 35 kg, they are operated by research institutions and other organizations for non-recreational purposes.

   

  In Canada, we fall under "recreational purposes".  If I plan to run Arducopter in a non-recreational purpose, I need to apply for a license.
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  Rob_Lefebvre November 3, 2011 at 9:49am

  That very clearly states that if it's for recreational purposes, it's not a UAV, and therefore all the rules regarding UAV's, including the need for an SFOC, do not apply. 
• Dara Shayda November 3, 2011 at 9:32am

  Here is an example from CANADA TRANSPORT:

   

  I believe American FCC is quite a bit more restricted.

  http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/standards/general-recavi-broc...

  Unmanned Air Vehicles Operating Beyond Visual Range

  More and more UAV operators are making applications for Special Flight Operations Certificates (SFOCs) where the UAV is to be operated beyond visual range.  Once the applicant demonstrates the ability to conduct a safe operation, the Minister shall issue the special flight operations certificate.  The SFOC process allows each application to be considered on it's own merits, and the operator must evaluate the risks associated with the proposed operation and provide satisfactory risk mitigation measures.

   

  Until that time arrives, UAV operators proposing to operate beyond visual range need to be aware that, depending on the mission and the operating environment, it may not be possible to find ways to safely integrate the operation with the manned aircraft.  Each SFOC application will, of course, continue to be assessed on an individual basis.

  
  
• Dara Shayda November 3, 2011 at 9:25am

  http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=service_home&id=...

   

  In USA and I believe in Canada you cannot remote control any device, other than for short distance, specially if they are vehicles.

   

  And if you decide to do so, and if you have the hardware to do so, you need FCC license and permission, which is only obtainable via manufacturers application e.g.

   

  http://www.prlog.org/10751411-new-dial2open-gsm-remote-control-now-...

   

  Or individual applications. 

   

  The ruling in North America is something as follows: You cannot remote control or have any autonomous vehicle which drives off the visual field of the operator, unless by individual licensing for individual operations.

   

  I would like to see the success of ardu families of products, and I do not wish few bad experiences by misinformed operators to alarm some politician to pass laws to ground all our vehicles (Which is being lobbied seriously by many concerned parties including the CNN dingbat journalists) , hence my motive for this discussion.

   

  Cell phone control of a vehicle falls off the FCC mandate on the line of sight and SHORT DISTANCE requirements. 

   

  You can remotely control a vehicle several hundred miles aways using the techs presented here, I believe that is illegal in North America.

   

  You CAN ONLY remotely control the vehicle if you can visually see it by means of unaided eyes as the operator. 

   

  This is my take after reading the FCC and CANADA TRANSPORT documentation, I am not a lawyer, I could be mistaken, my motive is to reduce any chance of future legal limitation on the flights of non-military UAVs.

   

  Dara

   

   

   
• 

  Adli Shahnaz November 3, 2011 at 1:35am

  @Mike: Just wondering.....
• Moderator

  Michael Pursifull November 3, 2011 at 1:02am

  @adli: at least try to read the manual please

  How about looking at a screenshot?

  http://code.google.com/p/arducopter/wiki/AC2_First
• 

  Adli Shahnaz November 3, 2011 at 12:27am

  Hi all. Just a thought. Can I configure the arducopter from X to Y? Has anyone tried before? If so, what do I need in order to do it? Right now, I only have three good arms and esc.
• 

  Ellison Chan November 2, 2011 at 8:10pm

  @Dara Shayda

  If you want to have a better idea of how to control the drone with a cell phone (Android in this case), check out what is being sold at the DiYDrone store:

  http://store.diydrones.com/PhoneDrone_Board_p/br-phonedrone.htm

   

  They are calling it the phone drone.  There are no legal issues with using this.