Checking a couple of things...

[Scottofthewhatever]

Hi Guys,

New to UHF RC control, and FPV in general.  I'm looking for a long range control system for my aircraft.  I plan to use this in a legit manner for some mission demos and as standard equipment.  As I understand it, it is legal for me to control an aircraft using 459MHz at 100mW without an additional license.  Is this a correct assumption?

If the above is correct, does the group think that the EzUHF is currently the best system to use?

Thanks in advance for helping a newb!

[Coyote]

That is correct for legal flight, but no licence will increase the mW you can use, its 100mW or nothing.

EZUHF is fine with 459MHz aas is the open source UHF but obviously more involving.

[BigT]

I have the Rlink system now retailed by MyFlyDream. This system is so simple to set up. The transmitting waveband , channel assignment, hopping range etc can be changed by using Ms Notepad, is diversity, 14channel and cheaper. I use it on a ground FPV rig and have used it airborne on 459. One comment to make on your question though. If you tend to fly a UAV or UASV further than line of sight in the UK you will be illegal anyway so why worry about the frequency? Of course you probably won't otherwise why would you advertise it on a public forum. :-)) if you are just looking for a reliable radio then there are plenty of reliable 2.4 kits around

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[Billy_boy_2010]

is it possible for ezuhf to run on 459 mhz  100mW but the power output switch to still boost to 500mW?

Or does the high power switch do nothing on 459?

Seems sensible to be running 459 100mW and then as an emergency you can switch to 500mW

[Brucey]

Power switch does nothing

[English Turbines]

is it possible for ezuhf to run on 459 mhz  100mW but the power output switch to still boost to 500mW?

Or does the high power switch do nothing on 459?

Seems sensible to be running 459 100mW and then as an emergency you can switch to 500mW

   The 459mhz Firmware on the EZUHF locks the RF output to 100mw only. Yes, the Hi power switch will do nothing.

  Even so, with a decent Dipole on your RX and an SR771 on your TX, the range will still be pretty good I would imagine.

  459MHZ was legal years ago, as far back as when 27mhz and before was legal in the UK....In fact I used to fly using the Reftec UHF Radio back in the 35mhz days, still have it in fact....Antiques Roadshow..?...hmmmm.

                                                                                               
                                                                                              :vulture:

[BigT]

   The 459mhz Firmware on the EZUHF locks the RF output to 100mw only. Yes, the Hi power switch will do nothing.

  Even so, with a decent Dipole on your RX and an SR771 on your TX, the range will still be pretty good I would imagine.

  459MHZ was legal years ago, as far back as when 27mhz and before was legal in the UK....In fact I used to fly using the Reftec UHF Radio back in the 35mhz days, still have it in fact....Antiques Roadshow..?...hmmmm.

                                                                                               
                                                                                              :vulture:

Yes we had a few Futaba ones to try out back in the day, never caught on for some reason. Out of interests how far do you intend to fly and demo for who?


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[Scottofthewhatever]

All, thank you for the responses.  OK, good that I'm clear on this.

How does this situation work for telemetry on 433MHz? 

I note that the Scherrer UHF uses frequency hopping on 433-440MHz  I would need a ham license for this?

If I'm successful in application the demos will be carried out for public sector rescue services in the UK as part of an exercise.

[Coyote]

You can not legally use 433MHz airborne, licence or not, it's for ground use only.

Even if a Ham allowed you too, you can not legally fly out of Line Of Sight so being legal would be irrelevant.

I did several ground tests with 459MHz when I was looking into it and found 8km range over testing terrain, you really by the sounds of it won't need anymore than that.

[BigT]

All, thank you for the responses.  OK, good that I'm clear on this.

How does this situation work for telemetry on 433MHz? 

I note that the Scherrer UHF uses frequency hopping on 433-440MHz  I would need a ham license for this?

If I'm successful in application the demos will be carried out for public sector rescue services in the UK as part of an exercise.

To be clear and to reiterate what has been said:
459 @ 100mw is the only legal UHF frequency and power for airborne operation in the UK, but it is illegal to fly an airborne unmanned aerial vehicle I.e. fixed wing plane or "drone" out of unaided sight of the pilot in command or qualified observer.

Future legislation will demand that the pilot of said vehicle that weighs over 250 grams, is registered, has a safety qualification and adequate insurance and that the registration number and probably the insurance details will be displayed on the UAV and that the UAV or UASV will be operated in compliance with the ANO and associated CAP. Exceptions to these regulations may be granted to military and associated services. Some of these  regulations are already in place and there have been several successful criminal prosecutions in the past 2 years.


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[Scottofthewhatever]

Thanks again for the replies.

Just so we're all clear, legalities etc will be dealt with by working directly with the CAA.  I am an aerospace professional by trade and will not be risking reputation by falling out with the CAA.

[FPVSteve]

Well don't forget OFCOM, they're the ones who control the airwaves, not the CAA.

[SnoozeDoggyDog]

All, thank you for the responses.  OK, good that I'm clear on this.

How does this situation work for telemetry on 433MHz? 

I note that the Scherrer UHF uses frequency hopping on 433-440MHz  I would need a ham license for this?

If I'm successful in application the demos will be carried out for public sector rescue services in the UK as part of an exercise.

Successful in your application for what if you don't mind me asking? Whatever you're applying for or bidding for to provide a service for the emergency services you'll need to be pfco qualified prior to any talks or meetings. If you're applying for exemptions from the CAA you'll be paying through the nose for it. A standard permission is about £120 raising to £173 in the near future ... any application for exemptions can send the final number up to about £1300. And try telling your insurance company you have an exemption to fly within 50m of persons or BVLOS ... 💲💲💲

The emergency services have a broad exemption  but only if a ranking officer deems it appropriate and there is risk to life.

P

[Bill Hall]

Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader is attributed to having said;

Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the obedience of fools.

For those of you whom understand the legal position...

Is this a valid defence?

:laugh: