Dragon Link in the UK - whats the deal?

[Amped RC]

Hi guys was wondering if these are legal here in the UK?

If not is there away around this?

Or are there UK legal alternatives out there?

Cheers guys.

[simondale]

They are not legal AFAIK (please correct me if I'm wrong).  They work on 433MHz (which is not legal here) and they are way over power.  I did ask them if they could do a special UK version of the firmware (or hardware) sometime back and they said it wasn't possible.

459MHz up to 100mW is legal however and I did manage to persuade ImmersionRC to make a suitable firmware for the EzUHF: http://www.firstpersonview.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_bundle_info&cPath=60_61&products_id=402

There is also the OpenLRS which Devonian and Thundead have managed to get working on 459MHz also.  There is a thread all about that here: http://www.fpvuk.org/forum/index.php/topic,5002.msg58368/topicseen.html#new

All the best

Simon

[Amped RC]

I noticed (according to ofcom) that 433mhz can be used for transmitting and receiving telemetry data - http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archive/ra/publication/ra_info/ra60.htm

So why cant it be used to control aircraft?

Who/what currently uses 433mhz?

Does anybody know what the range of the 459mhz @ 100mW system is?

Cheers

[Coyote]

EZHUF - 433 mhz 450 mhz customizable
TLRS - 433 mhz only
Chainlink - 433 mhz only
Chainlink Dare - 433 mhz only
Rangelink - 433 mhz only
Dragonlink - 433 mhz only
OpenLRS - 433 mhz 459 mhz 435 mhz

Not many people are going to admit to not using 459 mhz systems

I have ground tested OpenLRS on 100mw to 8km

[Amped RC]

Thanks for your reply Coyote.

So there are guys in the UK that use 433mhz? Obviously this will never be condoned by this forum and its members.

Thats an impressive range for the OpenLRS and more that enough for 99% of FPV flyers.

Had a look at the Thundead's thread and it completely went over my head (Eminem watch out!)

I wouldnt know how to flash the FW or even know where to download the FW from. Would love to give it a go as this seems like the best (and most legal) option.

[Coyote]

Yeah there are loads.

Here is my 8km range test :

OpenLRS range test

The openLRS isnt too hard to flash here is an example :

OpenLRS Rx v2 Programming

Roughly 30 sec per flash

[Amped RC]

Sorry a rookie question here!

Is the range test video (first video) testing the video TX range or radio control range?

I noticed you were using  433mhz. So what could be the consequences of using this frequency in the UK ie could it affect normal operations of some important systems, air traffic control, police etc...?? (yes I am a rookie - I know)

Have you been ever questioned by somebody before regarding what frequency you are using, I dont see much frequency police about! lol

Cheers

[Coyote]

Testing the Openlrs range only for failsafes. That was testing Thundead`s code more than the frequency though. Papa_Lazerous has done more extensive tests and flights with 459 firmware loaded and has had great results

433 is used by armature radio users, you would not effect them, but user can use up to 35 Watts of power on that band and there are 433 repeaters which would knock your plane clean out of the sky.

Yes I get asked all the time about what frequencies I`m on. The frequency police are called Ofcom and can and do prosecute people using illegal frequencies / power levels

[Amped RC]

Yes, indeed not worth the risk!

Is there a place where I can purchase an "out the box" 459Mhz 100mW OpenLRS system? As I am not sure about flashing firmware. When it comes to computers I am not the best!

Cheers

[Amped RC]

Where can I download this FW? Also will I need that USB cable/connector in your video to flash? If so where do I get this?

Thanks

[Splashy]

You will also need a 3.3V FTDI (little board that goes on the end of USB cable and plugs into holes in OpenLRS.

You can get it from here http://proto-pic.co.uk/ftdi-basic-breakout-3-3v-new/

You will also need a pin header http://proto-pic.co.uk/break-away-header-6-pin/

[Coyote]

The firmware is available

http://code.google.com/p/openlrs/downloads/list

[Zeeflyboy]

Your list is slightly out of date I believe coyote - I seem to remember tslrs now has 459mhz firmware available since the latest revision.

Think the power is still too high to be 100% legal however.

[Coyote]

Really ? I do not see any information on his website or RCG that says its anything other than 433Mhz only

[Amped RC]

The firmware is available

http://code.google.com/p/openlrs/downloads/list

I take it it is the Zip file at the top of this list? The "FINAL" one?

Cheers for all your help so far!