I set up a 5k circuit of waypoints, with a max distance from the ground station of 1.6k, and set the Raptor to fly it, and continue to fly it, even if it lost radio signal on the Tx or the Telemetry connection.
The 9x started losing signal about 1.6k or 1mi away, while the 100mA 900mhz telemetry held strong at about 60% during the longest range points.
I'll have to try it a little further on the telemetry to see what it's maximum range is.
Thank you to all the support on getting the Failsafe to work correctly: http://diydrones.com/group/apmusergroup/forum/topics/continue-mission-on-signal-loss
-Trent
Learn More:
Raptor Details: http://www.mygeekshow.com/theairplanes/Raptor.html
USA Trip Details: http://www.mygeekshow.com/usatrip/
Equipment Used:
Autopilot: APM2 (no longer sold, visit http://store.3drobotics.com/products/apm-2-5-kit)
FPV/Onboard Camera: http://www.foxtechfpv.com/horyzonhd-full-hd-1080p-fpv-camera-v3-p-877.html
Radio Tx: ParkeFlyer Turnigy 9x Tx: http://parkeflyer.com/
Reciever: 6ch FlySky http://www.hobbypartz.com/79p-r6b-receiver.html
Telemetry: 915mhz 3DR http://store.3drobotics.com/products/3dr-radio-telemetry-kit-915-mhz
Battery: 2.2Ah 30C Sky Lipo: http://www.hobbypartz.com/77p-2200mah-3s1p-111-30c.html
ESC: 30A Brushless http://www.hobbypartz.com/07e04-proton-30a.html
Motor: 2220 1800kv brushless http://www.hobbypartz.com/75m55-optima450-2220-1800kv-2.html
Prop: 8x4 APC Style http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__23610__APC_style_propeller_8x4_E_USA_Warehouse_.html
Servos: 9g http://www.hobbypartz.com/topromisesg9.html
UBEC (for FPV camera): 3A http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=4319
Follow the Show:
Website: http://www.mygeekshow.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MyGeekShow
Twitter: http://twitter.com/mygeekshow
Google+:http://plus.google.com/116950154481685699344
Skype: MyGeekShow
UStream: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/mygeekshow
Filmed, Edited, Produced and Published by Trent in Arkansas, USA
Comments
very nice to see this test of the range. Gives confidence that using telemetry in place of an rc transmitter is maybe not a bad idea long term. At least in terms of range (not so sure about speed).
your turns look like they have tons of overshoot. You may want to lower your nav tuning.
Perhaps it is the best idea for your project just to rely on telemetry connection since that Turingy RC stuff is just adding weight, rf noise, amp draw and another point of possible failure. From what I understand you plan a big cross country flight that will happen beyond LOS most the time so normal 2,4 ghz stuff will be of limited use anyway? Normally APM should land your plane at designated coordinates - like shown in "James Mays Toy Stories - Flight Club" brilliant episode. And if something really screws up in apm you can be sure to be put out of control anyway. Laggy, 2Hz manual Joystick control should also be possible with that telemetry link.
I'm sure you would get better results with HQ antenna. The Stock antenna you use are OK for ~ LOS. So if you want to get longer range with the same Output Power, then you might go for better antenna. I'm sure you can be inspired by the work from IBcrazy. He made some good stuff for 433Mhz.
Range = Antenna, antenna and antenna.
It was helpful, but unfortunately I didn't get to meet local HAMs and get feedback on my set up, I was afraid they would misunderstand... so my knowledge is still pretty book smart, and now I'm slowly building the experience aspect of it.
Oh I beg your pardon Trent you are doing this right!
@Gary Agreed... orientation, altitude, RF Interference, etc. Its a little of a dark art. I actually received my technician class license last year, and it was very, very helpful in understanding signal propagation.
Working fast again Trent, there is a great deal that can be done to improve radio performance. It could be an entire series in itself. Might be worth looking at doing a ham radio course to help you understand a little more deeply whats what. Also as you fly across the country you will have access to a network of soldering iron friendly folk...