Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / April 2009

You can, but I'd think that one of the ham radio groups would be a
better choice, as anything you find that meets your specifications is
likely to be on the ham band.

Without using ham band equipment, your best bet might be a cell phone
with a modem of some sort.

That 5+ km requirement is the problem -- you can find 900, 2400 and
5800 MHz radio gear that will give you the desired data rate, but
their ranges are likely to be less than one km due to the very limited
power.

(I'm assuming that the situation is the same over in Australia as it
is here in the US.  I don't know for sure.)

And then there's the issue of a UAV.  Over here in the US, the FAA
generally leaves us modelers alone, as our planes are always under
direct control and in visual range.  But UAVs operate under different,
far more restrictive rules, and while the line between the two is
rather vague, it's generally less about size and more about how the
plane is controlled and how far away it can operate.  If your plane
was 5 km away, I seriously doubt the FAA would consider it to be a
normal model airplane anymore.

Maybe things are signifigantly different down under.  But I doubt it.

Jeff -- You might contact the Aeronautical Engineering group here at the
University of Florida http://www.ufl.edu  They have been designing UAVs for
some years now and compete and have won in the worldwide competitions. I
believe the latest winner had a maximum dimension in any direction under 5"
and carried a TV camera and transmitter -- it was flown with virtual
goggles. Drop me a note and I'll give you the addy of one of their
professors.

Cheers -- \_________Lyman Slack________/
                \_______Flying Gators R/C___/
                   \_____AMA 6430 LM____ /
                      \___Gainesville FL_____/
Visit my Web Site at www.LymanSlack.com

http://www.xtremepowersystems.net/index.php It is the best and most cos
effictiv

--
Owild