VE6AB Mobile Ops
APRS Radio Controlled Sailplane In The Works
This photo finds me having just finished flying my radio controlled model sailplane searching out updrafts over the slopes bordering the valley that the Bow river located in southern Alberta flows through.
I mentioned in another posting in my VE6AB Technical gallery, that I have just returned to flying radio control model airplanes after many years away from the hobby.
This time I plan on combining the hobby of amateur radio with flying RC model airplanes, and this sailplane will be my first go at installing an APRS flight-pack in the payload bay of the sail.plane.
None of the APRS equipment that I have on hand is suited to being placed in this size of a model airplane, so I have been researching different types of APRS gear, and I found exactly what I was looking for in a complete all up APRS package that incudes a miniature transceiver, a TNC with included lithium-Ion battery, and a GPS receiver, all combined weighing in at less than 2oz.
The transceiver and GPS receiver will be powered from the on-board battery pack, that powers the receiver and servos as well as the electric motor of the sailplane.
Of course the output power of the transceiver being limited to aprox 300mA would normally be a problem as far as getting in to the APRS network, but in my case its not a problem as I will use my mobile as a fill in digi allowing the beacons from the sailplane to show up on the map at aprs.fi.
Meanwhile I'll continue to fly this sailplane where hawks soar, while I await the arrival of the APRS flight-module to be installed upon its arrival.
Click on the photo for a closer look.....
Another view with words.....
http://www.jerryclement.ca/HamRadio/VE6AB-Technical/i-G3bs9VB
