Long Range Data Transmission

Hi everyone, I'm working with a team that is aiming to build a high-end drone (with NVIDIA Jetson module, AI, Satellite Interface, etc), but first we would like to build a much simpler one to test some of the functionalities we're developing. This drone has to be controlled remotely with a computer software so we need relatively high speed data transmission (for sensors data, video, general control) and reliable functioning in a range over 5 km. The onboard controller will be Arduino, which RF system ("arduino compatible") would you recommend? Than you.

Read this drone-code.

Their number 1 rule is "Always keep your drone in sight".

I don't think that 5km classifies as being in sight.

You might also want to read what the Civil Aviation Authority say about flying drones.

Our drone is intended for engineering purposes (power line maintenance, difficult access or human hazardous operations, etc), not for flying around

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I suggest using some of the high power XBee modules. I think some have up to a 40mi range (if I remember correctly).

The Arduino can't handle video, or images of any sort. No one uses them in high end drones because they are too limited in CPU power.

It is clear from your post that you are way out of your depth.

Jremington is very correct; you might want to check out Raspberry Pi's instead of Arduinos. Although RPIs are harder to use, they have a LOT more computing power for not much more cost than a mega (for instance).

I'm working with a team

Not to offend you but would be nice to tell us what kind of team, age, responsibilities, being a newbe
here it's kinda strange ppl asking for such projects.

I got ideas using on my own project with range of 5km 10km 100km but I need more info what
exactly you planing to do with it sharing such info there is a huge risk to use it for other things.

Another thing

Our drone is intended for engineering purposes (power line maintenance, difficult access or human hazardous operations, etc), not for flying around

You actually flying around and having a even 1km range you will not be able to see you drone with your
naked eyes you will need a way to have video feed back and take manual control in any case.

2nd You should have a way to tell the ground altitude and avoid altitude errors/buildings and stay under
100meters/ground lvl.

jremington

The Arduino can't handle video, or images of any sort.
No one uses them in high end drones because they are too limited in CPU power.

I agree about the video.
But arduino itself can handle and control drones/quadcopters/airplanes. What do you think they
use to build fly controllers ? Most of the fly controller for quadcopters companies they use atmega328.

Me, myself I use atmega328 to build my own quad fly controller.
It has plenty of processing power.

D.60

I suggest you talk to your military friends (if any ).

This

A/ isn't easy.
B/ is capable of misuse. ISIS seem to have got the hang of it.

Allan.

What do you think they use to build fly controllers ? Most of the fly controller for quadcopters companies they use atmega328.

Most high end quadcopters (and many cheap ones too) use 32 bit MCUs like this one; some use ATMega2560.

Most high end quadcopters (and many cheap ones too) use 32 bit MCUs like this one; some use ATMega2560.

That's only because the circuit is bigger and used not only for quads but hexa, octa copters.
Atmega328 can handle really easy a quadcopter or tricopter.

You will not use a motorbike engine to drive a 50ton excavator of you will need a bigger and more
capable engine but there is no point as well to put a 2 ton engine on a motorbike. Hope you get the
point.

Even if you want to use like multy sensors on your quad they still use a dual atmega328 thru I2C.

D.60