Isn't it strange.
We have rc systems that feedback data about just about everything - altitude (vario), battery condition, GPS position, rpm, you name it.
Except the one thing that is vital for an rc system - signal strength.
That has to be a rc system manufacturers job, as it's internal to the TX/RX.
So come on manufacturers, lets have some feedback on when your signal is about to drop out.
Ron
It's called RSSI, Received Signal Strength Indication
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Received_signal_strength_indication (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Received_signal_strength_indication)
Haven't got it on my system.
Do other systems have it - Futaba, etc.etc?
Ron
There's telemetry systems available such as FrSky which make the transmitter beep when you're running out of range...
I use frsky ,
comes pretty much standard with all there new stuff and is compatible with most makes of radio, beeps when you get to your range .
limit.
http://www.giantshark.co.uk/frsky-24ghz-communication-system-module-only-p-406135.html (http://www.giantshark.co.uk/frsky-24ghz-communication-system-module-only-p-406135.html)
http://www.giantshark.co.uk/frsky-d6fr-24ghz-communication-system-p-405726.html (http://www.giantshark.co.uk/frsky-d6fr-24ghz-communication-system-p-405726.html)
And before that I had rssi out from my corona receivers displayed on my OSD, like steve said.
I don't find it to strange most models do not fly out of range be Jets or Gliders only FPV pushs out further.
If you need signal strength get an OSD that uses it so you can see it real time not just a beep.
Thanks.
All good stuff.
I was thinking, perhaps, that as with any rc TX/RX system the worst thing that could happen is you lose signal, and almost/all 2.4GHz systems have telemetry, the manufacturers could build in, as a standard feature, an 'S' meter on the TX front panel.
Ok, with audible beeps if you like, or even vibrate the TX case when the sig is getting low.
Ron
My Dx8 has telemetry with signal strength displayed on the screen. Ive never really tested it tho as the range is far more than youll ever be able to fly LOS.
For FPV i have RSSI on my EZOSD.
I have to say anyone who thinks have signal strength on the Transmitter screen you have to look at thinks thats good I'm almost incline to take the p1ss....
So you have a nice plane there you take off its a glider nice and big and white but to be fair the colour doesn't matter..... your up and your high and your soaring away and think ah I'll just check my signal strength you look DOWN at your transmitter.
Now you try and find that dam plane in the sky because theres a bloody lot of sky up there... plane Lost... end of...
Have stuff displayed onto the transmitter screen thats real time data that you have to look away from a model when flying is pure stupidity in my opinion and asking for trouble.
You never look away from your model? Its not hard to do lol. Its similar to looking at the stereo/mirror/pretty woman when youre driving a car.
Saying that, i do agree with you tho. Like i said ive never really even tested my signal strength, there is no point to it. I do however look down at my timer and battery voltage. Not once have i ever come close to losing a model in the sky, but again, im not flying high enough to worry.
Fair enough.
Each to his own I guess.
Personally if I want to look at something on the TX I hold it up near my line of sight and take a quick glance.
Quote from: Coomkeen on January 27, 2013, 05:05:45 PM
Fair enough.
Each to his own I guess.
Personally if I want to look at something on the TX I hold it up near my line of sight and take a quick glance.
If you need to look at Signal strength close in you need to change your radio gear :o
Quote from: Ratty on January 27, 2013, 04:00:49 PM
You never look away from your model? Its not hard to do lol. Its similar to looking at the stereo/mirror/pretty woman when youre driving a car.
Saying that, i do agree with you tho. Like i said ive never really even tested my signal strength, there is no point to it. I do however look down at my timer and battery voltage. Not once have i ever come close to losing a model in the sky, but again, im not flying high enough to worry.
I do not look away from my model correct, The only time I'd look away if some one shouted move or run to me to avoid something hitting me. Even then I'd probably not look away.
I Never look down for my Timer when its reached its time it beeps
Battery voltage of the Transmitter well I do not fly if I'm not happy it will last and that has a beep warning when it hits low voltage. Check before your Fly is my advice :)
I still see no reason to look at the transmitter when flying LoS...
WATCH YOUR MODEL not the Transmitter ;) ;) ;)
FPV have it on the OSD is not a bad thing and helps a lot
I meant battery voltage of my plane/heli not the Tx, i always make sure its charged before flying.
I agree, there is no reason to look at the Tx, it can beep and vibrate to warn me of anything im looking to check. I just like to look sometimes.
I also like to look around to make sure its clear to land. There are alot of people (morons) that walk across my runway.
Ah the flight pack on the plane. Errr check it before take off :)
I've had it where horses have invaded my Pitts before and landing spot....
Dog walkers are as bad and dam dogs
But I just do a low pass and check as I fly low then when clear come round and land.
I now have a battery checker so always check my 2 flight packs and transmitter before take off as part of my pre flight :)
I always check my batts before flying too, im slightly anal about my lipos lol. The telemetry is nice as it will warn me if a lipo goes dud or something similar during flight. Not had that happen yet, and the Tx will beep at me if it does, so i dont need to look. I just like to check.
Dont even get me started on dogs and dog walkers, they are a nightmare at my local club. :laugh:
The little battery checkers are excellent. I have a couple as they are so cheap. Not accurate, but can easily see the diff between a charged and not charged batt.
Get yourself a fusion smart guard 2 For checking batteries
Works very well :)
Thanks, will check um out.