Hello everyone.
As a new to the hobby FPV pilot, I thought that I would give a quick update on FPV in equipment in the UK.
NOTE: Please read disclaimer at bottom. It will tell you important info regarding the latest channel updates. Thanks.
Currently the options to buy video transmitter/recievers revolve around 5 diffrent channels:
- 900 MHZ
- 1.2 GHZ
- 1.3 GHZ
- 2.4 GHZ
- 5.8 GHZ
These are all accesible from websites and shops, however there are many rules in the UK about what frequency/channels you can use.
Currently the 900 MHZ is the best channel, unfortunatly like many good things in life, this channel in the UK has been sold to mobile companys so that they can use them for 3G. I myself am not happy, as I had to return my equipment, as it was not legal. REMEMBER TO CHECK BEFORE BUYING. I really should have, but luckily my friends at the club were quick enough to point this out before it arrived,so I returned as soon as it arrived. Sad faces all around.
Moving on the to the 1.3 GHZ band, this is another disappointment. This band is currently not legal as well, as it is currently used for military puposes. The myth regarding 1.3GHz comes mostly from our American friends, because, if they have a ‘HAM’ licence, they can use 1.3GHz for FPV. For UK, you are allowed to transmit from the ground to another ground station. As soon as it is used for aerial work, its illegal in both the UK and USA (Without appropriate license, ONLY IN AMERICA).
Now the 2.4 GHZ band. Ahh, the 2.4 GHZ band. 2.4Ghz video equipment is very popular. Its the most commonly made equipment and generally is the cheaper of all the bands to buy. It has good range / power ratio and is sought after by many.But,Yes you guessed it, there’s a problem. The problem with 2.4ghz is that with the launch of the Spektrum and Futaba 2.4ghz radio control equipment you cant use your 2.4ghz video equipment around any 2.4ghz radio user. The radios will interfere with the picture, and spoil it. If however, you don't use a 2.4 GHZ radio, you MUST STAY IN LINE OF SIGHT OF THE AIRPLANE, DUE TO ITS POOR OBJECT PENETRATION. Also, be warned, it might interfere and bring the plane down, so please, please don't use it with others using 2.4 GHZ as well.
FINALLY! A band with no rules govening, and no interference (hopefully). 5.8GHZ. 5.8 GHZis growing in its popularity. This band is useful because its off the 2.4ghz that most flyer’s will be on so that’s that problem solved. It did have poor reception due to polarization and multipath, this now has been solved with the rise of the circular polarized antennas. It can now be used practically to great ranges without issue and has now proven itself well worth considering amongst FPV pilots.
To some up:
- 900 MHZ: DO NOT TOUCH. ILLEGAL IN THE UK.
- 1.2 GHZ DO NOT TOUCH. ILLEGAL IN THE UK.
- 1.3 GHZ CAN'T BE USED LEGALLY IN THE AIR IN THE UK.
- 2.4 GHZ NOT REALLY WORTH IT, UNLESS DIFFRENT CONTROL SPECTRUM.
- 5.8 GHZ BEST POSSIBLE OPTION FOR UK.
There it is. Quite a disheartining feature for anyone, but I promise that FPV is a must have experience for any RC pilot. Contary to the Flite Test videos, many planes have crashed as a result of radio/mobile phone towers in the UK. If possible, please try to avoid them, not just for the risk of interfeerence, but because it also intefeers with your flying space.
I have gavered this info from the UK OFCOM website. Knoledge also optained from VERY expierienced FPV flyers in the UK. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOSS OF SIGNAL, LEADING TO DAMAGE TO PERSONS AND PLANES. I AM NOT AN OFCOM REPRESENTATIVE, AND I DO NOT HOLD ANY SPECIAL IDENTIFICATION, THEREFORE NO LEGAL BLAME CAN BE PLACED ON ME.
25mw max tx power I'm affraid, and line of sight only
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