I'm just starting out with fpv and currently fly with a Futaba 35mhz TX. I can't afford some funky Video Specs as yet so I have my video feed displayed on the Laptop.
As Im sure you know, keeping the sun off your screen is a must so what I want to do is setup my ground station in the back of my van and pilot from inside.
I always have a spotter with me to keep LOS for safety and exiting the van in a hurry is no problem. What I want to know is how much will being inside a van affect my TX range and is there an easy way to mount an antenna on the roof and connect it to the TX.
Obviosly 35mhz TX's dont have extenal sockets for an antenna like 2.4Ghz modules do so how can this be done?!?
Thanks in advance,
Kieran
Assuming the van is made from pressed steel, transmitting from inside it is not a good idea because of the screening effect, greatly reducing the range. It would also affect the propogation pattern of the antenna giving unpredictable effects.
Whilst it is possible to fit a socket on the transmitter with a feed to an external or van mounted antenna, it would invalidate the type certificate of your transmitter. In fact any modification to a transmitter, other than swapping plug-in modules specifically approved for that transmitter would invalidate the type certificate. So what as long as it works you might say. Well if you had a flying accident and had a claim against your insurance you would be on a sticky wicket. Insurance companies exist to make money and will try to avoid paying out. Unauthorised modification to radio gear = no insurance. You don't want to go there.
If this all sounds rather pessimistic, ask anyone who has had to fight an insurance company, even when that person is 100% correct. I have had to quote insurance company's own terms and conditions back to them sometimes to get them to budge : car insurance, holiday insurance.... :(
Thanks elecrotor!
Sound advice it seems. It does raise another question though: if modifying your TX in that way raises the issue you have mentioned, what level of modification of the plane and equipment is acceptable?!?
I myself have replaced both the stock power system and wings on my EZ as well as increasing my RX antenna from a 1/8 wave to a 1/4 wave. Does this cause the same issues??
Chrisbrit81, you my friend are a genius!!
The thought never even occured to me :)
I have all the gear as I'm currently teaching the guy who spots for me.
Thanks!
As far as I am aware the model and motor are not subject to type certification. The radio gear is, because there is legislation concerning frequency, power output and type of use (land based models, airborne models, etc.).
As regards insurance, the type which most of us have is third party liability, be it through the BMFA, FPVUK, LMA, etc. You personally do not make the claim - it is up to the injured party to make a claim against your insurance. Should your insurance manage to get out of paying, the injured party would then make a claim against you personally and you consider leaving the country on the next available flight. Mercifully accidents which injure people or damage property are few.