yb2normal
Senior Heliman
Location: Broomfield, CO
| The camera available at helihobby incorporates the same transmitter I offer as the "Spidermite". Both of them put out 10mw, and both require a HAM license to operate legally. Most vendors of these small all-in-one systems neglect to mention this fact. The reality is that you will probably never be caught while operating one of these systems so the issue has never really caught anybody's attention.
If they claim that the transmitter does not require a license, then ask them for the FCC ID number of the product. The FCC ID number (which will be visible somewhere on the product) indicates that the device has been tested by the FCC to be in compliance with the rules governing these devices. For consumer grade electronics, the ID will generally be issued under the "Part 15" rules. The power output of a Part 15 device is generally around 1mw. That sounds small, but with a good high-gain antenna on the ground, you can get some very respectable distance out of it.
The only vendor I know of that offers a Part 15 approved transmitter for our hobby is Monte over at www.wirelessvideocameras.com ...perhaps some forum members who have his license free system can pipe in with some examples of the video you can get from it. If you consider his system, be sure to upgrade to a CCD camera, as mentioned earlier this is really the only way to go in our mobile applications.
Lastly, take a look at my 200mw unit, while it does require a license to operate legally, it is very small and weighs 0.8 ounces with the antenna. The tx is so small that half the weight is the antenna!
The first two videos on this page will give you an idea of what the equipment is capable of:
http://blackwidowav.tripod.com
Regards,
Bill |
