Drones and radio range

oldbilbo

oldbilbo

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I'm well aware that the standard expression for expected VHF working range is given by 'Line of Sight = √ (2*height1) + √ (2*height2)', sometimes described as 'quasi-optical'. I'm also aware of atmospheric anomalous conditions modifying that simple idea on frequent but unpredictable occasions, and the effectst of the 'Inverse Square Law' on signal strength.

It is suggested that cellphone range at sea is governed by a similar expression and, as I find it useful to pick up weather charts, etc. using a cellphone/smartphone, am wondering if we might in future be able to extend the range-at-sea of our phones using some form of drone....

See here:

http://tinyurl.com/o94a3tn

Thoughts? Informed opinion?
 
The US tried it for TV signals in rural areas back in the 50s or 60s.

(Actually on second thoughts I think the aircraft may have been manned.)

Worked ok, but far too expensive to continue. I imagine much the same would apply to the idea of extending mobile phone signals out to sea - not many customers, so no economic reason to do it. They've already said that about the idea of base stations on wind-farms, which on the East Coast at least would probably cover most of the southern North Sea.

Pete
 
Fun question.

In the UK you are limited to a height of 400ft with radio controlled models, and there are complete exclusion zones within a few miles of airports, military or civil (I think the rules for the two are different).

If you have a very high antenna over the sea I would expect other problems - essentially various forms of multipath which will probably cause difficulties - salt water is probably a reasonable radio reflector if it is not too rough. (The wifi range record of around 150 miles was done in a desert with very big antenna).

You could start by trying to hoist a mobe up a mast and seeing if that helped. (However, I'm still a fan of radiofax...)

Happy new year
 
I think a kite could be your answer.


Say 200ft height, that gives you a bit of 16 nmiles, in contrast to a HofE of 8ft at 3.3nmiles.


I have a 4ft wide parafoil, which can lift 1 kg easily, so all we now need is a YAPP that picks up a phone signal and directionally re-broadcasts the link to the boat down below.


Trouble is at long distances from a cell phone mast, the signal is so tiny that you need an amplifier.
 
sarabande said:
I think a kite could be your answer.


Say 200ft height, that gives you a bit of 16 nmiles, in contrast to a HofE of 8ft at 3.3nmiles.


I have a 4ft wide parafoil, which can lift 1 kg easily, so all we now need is a YAPP that picks up a phone signal and directionally re-broadcasts the link to the boat down below.


Trouble is at long distances from a cell phone mast, the signal is so tiny that you need an amplifier.
Click to expand...

Attach mobile to kite and relay audio And UI stuff up and down to the phone, far easier.
 
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