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 Amateur LicencesGenerally speaking, household consumer video transmission equipment will not be suitable for use on model aircraft. Apart from obvious problems like weight and size, their output is sometimes too weak for the distances involved. Why are they weak? They're weak because they have to comply with laws. There are different standards governing RF power output in different countries around the world. These standards specify a device's maximum legal RF power for unlicensed use. Consumer equipment is obviously being operated by unlicensed people, so must comply with these laws. In Australia and many European countries, the maximum power for 2.4GHz consumer equipment is 10mW E.I.R.P. (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power). In the USA, it's specified differently: a field strength of 50,000 µV/m measured 3 metres from the source. It turns out that this is far less than 10mW E.I.R.P. More power needed! It's generally agreed that for model aircraft use, it's nice to have 50mW or more of transmitter power. And that's where the licence comes in. In many countries, it is possible to gain an Amateur Licence, allowing you to transmit at higher power levels (and on more frequencies). Generally, you are limited to non-commercial activities. Usually, to obtain an Amateur Licence, you simply study the relevant material and then sit a test. Most people report that the process is enjoyable. Almost universally, the ham radio community is a very friendly and helpful group. They will be happy to answer questions and point you in the right direction. Below are links to some amateur radio web sites around the world. Some of them have online sample tests. From those sites, you should be able to contact people who can help you get started. We hope to add more countries to the list. Please contact us if you can recommend other sites. USA Note: In the USA, for operating high power 2.4GHz transmitters, you only need to obtain the Technician Class licence. http://www.arrl.org American Radio Relay League (ARRL) http://www.arrl.org/hamradio.html ARRL - How to get started http://www.arrl.org/pio/bwhatis.html ARRL - More info on how to get started http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/pools.html ARRL - Amateur Exam Question Pools http://www.eham.net eHam.net - Ham Radio On The Net http://www.eham.net/newham/howtobecome eHam.net - How to become an amateur http://www.eham.net/exams/ eHam.net - Sample exams http://www.qrz.com/ham/ Practice Exams at QRZ.COM Canada http://www.rac.ca Radio Amateurs of Canada UK http://www.rsgb.org Radio Society of Great Britain http://www.radiolicencecentre.co.uk Radio Licensing Centre http://www.ukradioamateur.org The UK Amateur Radio Project Australia Note: In Australia, for operating high power 2.4GHz transmitters, you need a licence in the Advanced category. http://www.radioelectronicschool.com "Radio and Electronics School" run by volunteers. An excellent place to start. http://www.wia.org.au Wireless Institute of Australia http://vkfaq.ampr.org Amateur Radio in Australia http://www.acma.gov.au Australian Communications & Media Authority New Zealand http://www.nzart.org.nz New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART) http://www.nzart.org.nz/nzart/exam/Amateur Radio Study Guide/Introduction.htm NZART - Study Guide (good online theory course) http://www.nzart.org.nz/nzart/exam/ NZART - Examination Information |
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