UAV Audio Broadcasting and Recording

I just came across this Wired.com article and it made me wonder if there are any projects out there in the DIY community that have a radio/audio broadcast or recording theme?
http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/03/secret-libya-psyops/

Although the article focuses on people who scan radio frequencies my thoughts jumped to a having the actual vehicle broadcast music or some message over a radio frequency (think pirate radio a la Pump Up the Volume except mobile and less powerful). I'm not sure of the distance but I was kind of thinking of a modified iPod FM transmitter that is used to broadcast your iPod music through your car speakers.

I'm also actually interested in knowing if it's technically possible (and financially possible from a DIY'ers budget) to record audio on the ground from the flying/hovering uav? Tons of challenges e.g. size/weight of antenna and microphone, noise from the vehicle itself etc...

Anyway, interesting article that immediately made me think of both 'Pump Up the Volume' and Coppola's 'The Conversion' and if anyone has thoughts or comments regarding the broadcast or recording of audio via UAV systems please comment. It's an angle I hadn't really thought about until I read this article.

- Stan

PS I can't think of any practical reason to have a flying pirate radio but the ability to do it still seems cool for some reason.

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Comments

hamish March 28, 2011 at 4:01pm

when i'm rich, i want to make a big(-ish) slow electric glider to relay comms from a small UAV to ground. Similar to what duane says. put pan/tilt directional antennas on the glider and have all the range you could ever ask for!

I hope nobody steals my super awesome idea now
Ritchie March 28, 2011 at 3:49pm

I am planning an imaging system (to put in my Skywalker this summer) that will use audio as its storage mechanism. This gives me two methods for collection: a recorder or a transmitter. The recorder needs to as high fidelity as possible as the details are the important parts. The transmitter will only be any good if I can get a clear enough signal as this will cause errors is processing the signal.

I've got one somewhere which I don't use so when I find I'll whack it in for a giggle
Duane Brocious March 28, 2011 at 1:15pm

Ground TX to Air RX to Air TX (on separate freq.) back to ground RX.

Check here for info on the IPod/MP3 Player Transmitters

Lots of tiny and legal low watt audio FM TXes and RXes out there.

Be careful that you don't interfere with any radio stations or the FCC will definitely come after you (not like the FAA).
Ethan Ferrell March 28, 2011 at 1:07pm

That does sound cool. I'd be worried about the FCC shooting down your UAV though.

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