User's Manual

44
11. The system in use
11.1. Post Office Regulations for the U.K.
Radio controlled models are of two types - those which operate on the ground or on
water, known as „surface“ models, and those which operate in the air. The first group
includes model cars, trucks and buggies, and also model boats of all types. The
second encompasses fixed-wing model aircraft and rotary-wing machines (mainly
helicopters).
The frequency bands available for radio controlled models are 26.960 to 27.280 MHz
General use, 40.665 to 40.955 MHz (Channels 50 - 79 incl.) Surface only, and
458.500 to 459.500 MHz General. Since the 26/27 MHz band is also allocated for
Citizens Band radio and other users, and the 458/459 MHz band is also available for
use by telemetry and other equipment, radio controlled vehicles are generally
operated on the the 40 MHz band.
As of 1 January 1981 model control equipment was exempted from the licensing
requirements of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949. This simply means that no licence
is required to operate RC equipment in the U.K. If you need further information
please contact:
The Low Power Radio Section, Radio communications Agency
Room 712, Waterloo Bridge House, Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UA
11.2. Range testing
The range check is one those procedures which make an important contribution to
the operational security and safety of your model. We have many years of experience
in this matter, and have carried out many measurements; the result is an effective
recipe for a range check which will always keep you on the safe side:
§ Collapse the transmitter aerial completely and switch the transmitter on.
§ The test should be carried out with the model’s motor running.
Ask your assistant to hold the model, or pack it up in such a way that the
steering system and driven wheels can move freely.
§ Check that there are no large metal objects (cars, wire fence etc.) in the
vicinity.
§ Ensure that no other transmitters are switched on - even on other channels -
otherwise the test cannot be expected to give meaningful results.
§ Switch on the transmitter, then the receiver. Walk away from the model
holding the transmitter, and check the controls constantly. You should
obtain a safe range of about 30 m between transmitter and car, with the
model still responding immediately and correctly to control commands,
without making any unwanted movements.
' TIP !
If the effective radio range is inadequate, check the following points:
v Electric motors and electrical ignition systems may not be adequately
suppressed.