I've never tried it, as I use Spektrum RC equipment. But a quick Google for frsky arduino turns up quite a few hits to start you on your way.
You should also read up on PPM (pulse position modulation) which is typically used for the transmission of digital data from transmitter to receiver.
Most 2.4GHz transmitters and receivers use spread spectrum techniques (where the data switches across different channels to avoid interference). Without spread spectrum, you're likely to suffer badly in terms of interference and if you lose connection, your plane will crash. Using off-the-shelf transmitter and receiver will be your best bet.
Just to come back to the point of where you intend to fly. The legal limit is 500 meters and you must be able to see it (or, as I've mentioned, if you're flying FPV, a spotter standing next to you needs to be able to see it). That means no flying behind obstacles. Maximum altitude is 400 feet (1000 for FPV).
but im not sure how to use it for what im doing (sending values of different sensors, buttons etc. So the plane knows whether to go up left, right or down etc), remember im quite nooby when it comes to arduino code,
Also after reading about what you said on that spectrum stuff or something like that, Im not sure if what im doing would be worthit.
I would just buy a turnigy 9x 9ch transmitter amd turnigy receiver, but all of these transmitters with mode 1 are all sold out. Know any good alternatives?
I had a quick look at that article. It refers to the FrSky Telemetry Protocol. This is used to send sensor information BACK from the plane to the transmitter (so you can monitor things like battery level, engine speed, altitude, etc - depending on the sensors that are onboard). It's not a control protocol (it's not intended for sending commands from the transmitter to the receiver). So I'm not sure if it would work for you.
Regarding the Tx, are you used to using Mode 1? Most transmitters are Mode 2 these days; Mode 1 is more popular with people who've been on the scene a long time. Those that use Mode 1 do tend to swear by it, but if your muscle memory isn't already tied to it, you might be better off with Mode 2.
Lol, I thought that mode 1 was the good one that every body likes and mode 2 is for lefties or something. But although I am used to using mode 1 with things like rc cars, Ill try to get used to mode 2.
Also, thankyou for showing me the ppm stuff. It is what i will now like to use for the receiver. However, I realised (regarding the transmitter) that with turnigy, frsky transmitters etc. all you have to do is plug those jr module transmitters in or whatever you call them and happy days, Theres no pin for each button that will be transmitted - (By this i mean there will be a pin for left, a pin for right, up left etc. which u would have to connect a wire from to the main transmitter.
How can i transmit a persific message for each sensor
Reading. By this I mean sending like signal 1, signal 2, signal 3 etc. To the receiver which will be sent to the arduino so i can know the signals of each sensor or button and use this for the output to the components (servos etc.)
I understand what I understand is practically gibrish but im not too technical when it comes to understanding these stuff. Please may your try your best to understand me.
So, I looked at the JR Module pinout and the signal is sent as a digital serial data stream on the MOD pin. From the transmitter's perspective, it doesn't matter what the format is, but the receiver needs to be able to decode it.
So, take a look at generating a PPM signal from the transmitting Arduino, into the MOD input on the JR Module. You then need a corresponding receiver on the plane that will reproduce that PPM signal and feed it into your receiving Arduino. Again, not something I've ever done, but there are PPM libraries available for Arduino.
A quick Google turned up this thread, which may be of some use...
The good thing is, you can build a test system with two Arduino boards, a transmitter module and a receiver and prove that all of the data that you send from one is accurately received by the other.
Thankyou soo much once again, nicely explained to,
(Gosh if i had known there was this much helpful people on forums I would have been here much easier )
I will explore the forum you tagged.
But just saying, do you think it is really worth it me making my own controller (since it is a challenge) or is it not worthit with all this spectrum stuff?
I'm glad that you have taken the time to read up on the CAA rules and regs. Just for your info because of the drone/fpv issue EASA now have proposals to make it a legal requirement to register every rc aircraft over 250grams
This is a huge sore point to those that have been flying rc aircraft for many many years at flying clubs
Coming on here and saying that you don't care if it is legal or not hit some nerves. All the best for experimenting and developing something but keep it within the rules
IMO, this is not an Arduino question, and would be better posted in a specialist drone forum.
Bear on mind that if you don't have line-of-sight to the device, you are by definition acting illegally.
An inexperienced person who thinks its OK and presumably safe to put together a few bit of electronics and use it to control and fly an RC plane across a busy city, should not be encouraged in any case.
DMKL:
But just saying, do you think it is really worth it me making my own controller (since it is a challenge) or is it not worth it with all this spectrum stuff?
It depends very much on how far you want to pursue your goal.
If I'm truly honest, I think that getting your Arduino pair to adequately control a model aircraft is unlikely to be successful. Real-time control is complicated, which is why mass produced hardware is still complex and relatively expensive. It's really for that reason that I'm less concerned about the legal implications than some.
However, as an experiment to transmit and receive data over significant distance is in itself a worthwhile exercise.
As much as anything, this is an opportunity for you to expand your knowledge into some really interesting areas. And who knows? With the rate that drone and FPV development is advancing, there may well be some opportunities to realise your original ambitions in the not-too-distant future.
Think of it as a foray into the exciting world of the Internet of Things and enjoy it.
An inexperienced person who thinks its OK and presumably safe to put together a few bit of electronics and use it to control and fly an RC plane across a busy city, should not be encouraged in any case.
The chances of it actually happening are extremely low. If the builder gets far enough to try to fly the device, most likely it will crash immediately.
Thankyou for all your help. I plan on buying a turnigy 9x 9ch radio system instead. However, I will mod it in the future adding maybe an extra joystick etc.
And yes, Ill try my best to keep it legal.
Oh and jrmingybreathton,
Im not a 2 year old, I dont just stick a few things together and expect my plane to soar in to the night sky. I know how to build an rc plane. I was just thinking about making my own remote control to challenge myself and make my project a bit more unique.
Remember, i would like to keep things as SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE. Make sure the terms you use aren't to complicated otherwise i will struggle to understand you.
Some lora sx1278 claims 10km of range, but its with minimum data rate and payload i guess, nevertheless you could achieve 1 or 2km maybe sending 4 or 6 integers.
If , like you said, you are not good with programming i would advise against autonomous stuff.
Regarding flying , if you want to build your project good , at least you are doing something at 14, just fly in a safe area ,no houses or people and be carefull with high temperatures and dry forest , some crashes can lead to fires.
At 14 he is doing pretty good. In Australia it IS legal to fly any aircraft on your own land. Plenty bigger places have own unregistered ultralights and they crash regularly with a pilot sitting in them. It is not easy to fly which is why there are rules regarding flight near people. Try ardupilot and rc plane forums. Plenty of rc use arduino type com's like xbee, even lora. Try 2.4 freq coms,its close but relatively cheap. Keep it simple and cheap like you said, even join rc plane club, I near guarantee ring them they started out just like you and have second hand gear, not to mention multiple crash's which they have learnt from and have sussed out a good spot to fly.
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