ATV   Amateur Television

By: Cletus Berkeley, 9Z4CLB

It's a new year and I'm having another Amateur Radio Moment. I have been into Model Airplanes all my life and been around Radio and Electronics equally as long. Therefore it's no surprise that I have a flair for the unusual. So, here's my 2003 project: Goal: To outfit an R/C Model Aircraft controlled by a 72Mhz FM signal, with two Cameras, Camera Switching, Video Character Generator / Interface, GPS Receiver an Amateur Band 1-watt UHF TV Transmitter and a UHF Vertical Dipole. Get the thing flying reliably (hi hi ...no pun intended) and receive realtime video on the ground with superimposed realtime GPS tracking data (Lon., Lat, Speed, Heading,Alt., Date, Time and Call-sign). This UHF signal will be received via a ground based Antenna System, Downconverted to CH3 TV, fed to a VHS VCR (recording) and monitored on an NTSC Video Monitor. The R/C pilot may readily switch between Camera 1 (with the GPS Overlay) which gives a "thru the cockpit" view or a "belly" mounted Camera 2(without GPS) view which captures the terrain below.                                                                                      TO BE CONTINUED! .................

Chronological Log of the project: December 10, 2002 - Decided to go with the project. January 01, 2003 - Put general concept on paper. January 05, 2003 - Announced on 2-meter net the project concept ... Eric, 9Z4CP expressed his delight and interest. Jananuary 06, 2003 - Spoke to Steve Lutchman of the  R/C Model Airplane Club (he's smiling). Jananuary 08, 2003 - Identified equipment needed and made "Grocery List" (Just need MONEY). January 10, 2003 - Finalized design & made flowcharts for posting on ttars.org

Real-Time Video and Data quality anticipated (Large) Photo courtesy:  P.C. Electronics    Tom, W6ORG

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