UK OpenLRS Guide and Future Development

[thundead]

Added the link in Spare parts section of the 3rd post.

Back on subject...

I found a UK supplier for the RF module, should anyone be unlucky enough to destroy theirs - or maybe you want to make a hack module for yourself?

http://proto-pic.co.uk/rfm22b-s2-smd-wireless-transceiver/

Nigel.

[Devonian]

Melih from Flytron has got back to me and is willing to upload files to the main Google repository.
However, as he points out, the files are really for developers as it's opensource after all, and doesn't want to have a sub section for 459 end users only.

I have started a new thread on Flytron forum dedicated to UK 459 users and have attached my version of basic 459MHz files.
I hope Melih will follow the new thread and as new versions of firmware are released and we ammend them for UK use, post them to the forum thread and he will then load them to the Google repository.
They can be downloaded from here and used to load into the Tx and Rx to get you running on 459MHz...
http://forum.flytron.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=134

You use them at your own risk and I accept no responsibilty from the use of the files.

If anyone spots any errors in my files, let me know and I will ammend them.

Nigel.

[Devonian]

Melih has now placed my 1.8 version of UK 459MHz firmware on the Google repository:
http://code.google.com/p/openlrs/downloads/list

Nigel.

[TeeJay]

I'm still a bit confused on this 459mhz stuff...

If it's not long range and only has about 2km range then why would I want to use it instead of my 2.4ghz system ?

Not being funny, I just can't see/understand the benefits ?

[thundead]

Well first you can use a 2.4 video system that will give you better range and  the system probably can go much further than 2 km. no one has actually tested it yet. :)

I'm still a bit confused on this 459mhz stuff...

If it's not long range and only has about 2km range then why would I want to use it instead of my 2.4ghz system ?

Not being funny, I just can't see/understand the benefits ?

[Devonian]

Benefits of OLRS for me are:
1)  Much less risk of being shot down by someone (as is possible on 35Mhz).
2)  Gives me more freedom of choice for video link - I now have 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz
3)  OLRS has the possibilty to be programmed to do many things, e.g. built in Rx stabilisation with IMU's, 2 way telemetry, etc.
4)  It's open source as opposed to closed souce, so I have the freedom to add as much as can be developed for the system.
5)  Potential of 'long range' - so far it has gone out to 4km, with probably more to be had with effecient antennas.
6)  It's currently the cheapest and UK legal UHF system on the market.
7)  I enjoy the challenge!

Nigel.

[Coyote]

I think its a point some people miss being a 459 uk legal system.

Range really shouldnt matter at all, if the whole point of it is legal uk frequency then the user would of course be flying legally, so realisticly, anything over 2km is more than enough for Uk legal flying.

Its rolling along quite fast now, more brains make for lighter work :)

[Splashy]

I believe so, as OLRS can also be driven from the trainer port with compatible PPM signals and suitable power connections.
I really don't know Spektrum Tx's, so check some more before commiting to the 'buy' button ;)

You will have to make some kind of adapter lead and suitable mount for your DX8, because, as you noted, it's for Futaba Tx with plug in module (or with the adapter PCB, for JR/Turnigy 9x).

You will need a varying degree of soldering/electronics/computer ability whatever way you decide to go.

OLRS is not a 'plug n go' system.

That said, there is a growing UK interest and wherever we can, we will help.

Nigel.

The plug in module does sound a good idea. I might look at getting a Futaba TX from eBay. Which model should I go for bearing in mind that I would be using it exclusively with the OpenLRS.

Trevor

[Devonian]

Personally, I'd say a T9C - has all you will need and some.
Will also take the Spektrum 2.4GHz module, Frsky 2.4GHz module, OLRS UHF module + others and of course all the Futaba modules!

Another source is:
http://www.bmfaclassifieds.co.uk/

HTH

Nigel.

[Asomaro]

This is fascinating and I will be looking at this is a bit more detail.

Thanks very much for posting the information  :)

Cheers,

[Devonian]

New v2 Rx is due for release - read more...
http://forum.flytron.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=142&sid=a0e6eccd5f4a22f888327e4e64ed3904

Nigel.

[simondale]

Hi guys,

What is the score with antennas?  Is there a commercial source of 459MHz antennas anywhere?  Can the supplied antennas be modified in some way to be optimum for 459MHz?

Devonian: Do you know where we stand on transmitting telemetry from the air legally?  I think I remember reading that 433MHz is OK for telemetry.  I wonder what the other (JETI?) telemetry solutions use?

If it is the case that 433MHz is the allowed frequency is it possible to have the Rx receive on 459MHz and transmit telemetry on 433MHz (and vice versa on the transmitter) or am I dreaming?

Now to solder on the pin header to my OpenLRS and get stuck in!

All the best

Simon

[Devonian]

Simon,

I make my own 1/4 wave antenna's using an SMA connector with a bit of wire @ 163mm inside a bit of pushrod tubing pushed into the SMA connector and then all of it is covered with heatshrink (Sander did a good tutorial on 'How To' somewhere on RCG).
Even better would be a 1/4 wave with radials for the RF ground return - this would provide maximum radiation/reception.
I haven't opened up the supplied 433MHz rubber ducks but guess they could be cut off a bit and re-tuned to 459MHz.
Others on UHF systems have used Ham whip antennas for 70cm (most are 1/2 wave and with a bit of tuning would work on 459MHz).

To be honest, I have no idea where we stand with transmitting telemetry back on 459MHz, but my gut feel says if it's not strictly in the rule book, it'll probably be a grey area.

I don't think it will be practical to programme the system to Tx and Rx at two differing frequencies.
I'm no programmer, but imagine there would be timing issues between the 2 components (when should one Tx and the other Rx and vice versa).
Some form of control must be implemented right now as the 2 components Tx & Rx on 459MHz - so maybe it's do-able on 2 different frequencies as well??? (although antenna matching comes into question...)

Nigel.

[simondale]

Interesting stuff.  I'll see if I can turn up Sander's tutorial.

Good point on the multiple bands and antennas.

I just found this page regarding model control and telemetry: http://hoylakemodelboatclub.com/OFCOMINFORMATION.aspx

It says: The 458/459 MHz band is also allocated to Industrial telemetry and telecommand devices between 458.5 and 458.95 MHz, and to specialised telemetry between 458.95 and 459.1 MHz. While the potential for mutual interference is minimal, model controllers should avoid the specialised telemetry part of this band.

It being a boat club website it doesn't go on to give any advice on airborne telemetry unfortunately.

All the best

Simon

[Devonian]

I'm staying with the 459MHz and telemetry (for now at least).

Sander style UHF whip, ignore his dimensions as it's for 433MHz - I used 163mm...
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1413650

Nigel.