Legal Frequency?

[Gyro]

Is 35 Mhz the only legal frequency for R/C in the UK or would it be OK to use 72Mhz?

Thanks.

[Gyro]

No need for reply, I found this:

http://www.bmfa.org/handbook/hbook_13.html

[G-DAVE]

B.M.F.A. says
Contrary to some peoples belief, 72 MHz IS NOT A LEGAL FREQUENCY FOR MODEL CONTROL IN THE UK. A manufacturers development license is available (under very strict conditions) to bona-fide designers/manufacturers from the DTI. Anyone using 72 MHz without such a current special licence is operating illegally and may face a fine and confiscation of the equipment.

Dave

[Raptorite]

Hi Chaps,

As I understand it the usable RC frequencies in the UK are, 35Mhz - Aircraft, 40Mhz - Boats and water born models and 27Mhz - Cars and land based ground models.

These are the only legally alloted frequencies for RC modelling, any others used or if the existing ones are used for purposes other than above is strictly illegal. So for example although the use of 27Mhz for RC cars is a valid and legal frequency, it becomes illegal if it were to be used in aircraft or boats and vice versa.

Cheers,

Pete.

[G-DAVE]

NOT CORRECT Raptorite ops:

35 Mhz for Aircraft only
40 Mhz for surface
27 Mhz for Aircraft and Surface

Thats my understanding
Dave

[Stuart]

Its all here:-

http://www.ukrcc.org/index.html

[Stuart]

1. Introduction
This information sheet serves two purposes. Firstly, for those who are new to the use of radio for controlling models it answers the basic questions about the frequencies and technical restrictions that apply. Secondly, for existing users it explains the additional frequency bands that have been made available for radio controlled models because of interference problems in the 27 MHz bands.

2. What are radio-controlled models?
Radio controlled models are of two types - :

those that operate on the ground or on water, known as "surface" models; and
those that are airborne.
Typically, radio control is used for model cars, ships (including steam, motor vessels and yachts) and aircraft. Radio-controlled models are often entered into competition, and the frequencies that are now available will facilitate their operation in European competitions.

This information sheet is directed towards the serious use of radio-controlled models. Toy radio-controlled models tend to operate at 49 MHz, where a small band exists for general-purpose low-power radio devices. Technical details of this band can be obtained from the Radiocommunications Agency - see Section 10.

3. Do I need a licence to operate model control equipment?
No. Model control equipment was exempted from the licensing requirements of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 on 11 January 1981. The current regulations are contained in the Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003 No. 74). Copies are available from any Stationery Office Bookshop.

Although licences are not required, equipment must still meet the technical conditions set out in the Regulations - see Section 6.

4. What frequencies are available?
The frequency bands available for the use of radio controlled models are shown below, with the maximum effective radiated power output of the transmitter measured in milliwatts.

Frequency
(MHz) Use Effective radiated power (mW)
26.96 to 27.28 General 100
34.945 to 35.305 Air 100
40.66 to 41.00 Surface 100
458.5 to 459.5 General 100


The 26/27 MHz band is also allocated for Citizens' Band (CB) radio and for low-power telemetry and telecommand devices, as well as for model control - see Section 7.

The 458/459 MHz band is also allocated to general telemetry and telecommand devices between 458.5 - and 458.95 MHz, and to specialised telemetry between 458.95 - and 459.1 MHz. While the potential for mutual interference is minimal, model controllers should avoid the specialised telemetry part of this band.

The use of the different bands is important. The 40 MHz band is dedicated solely to surface modelling. It consists of 34 channels with a 10 kHz channel spacing; the centre frequency of the first channel is 40.665 MHz. The 35 MHz is dedicated solely to aeronautical modelling. It consists of 36 channels with a 10 kHz channel spacing; the centre frequency of the first channel is 34.950 MHz.

5. Can I transmit data from the model?
Yes. Telemetry can be transmitted from general, surface or air models back to the controller. The band is 433.050 to 434.790 MHz; the maximum channel spacing is 25 kHz and the maximum radiated power is 10 mW. Please note that the band is not exclusive to model controllers - it is shared with other users, who are permitted to radiate relatively higher powers, so you must take care when selecting a channel for use in a particular locality.

6. What technical conditions do I have to observe?
Firstly, all model control equipment must operate within the frequency bands shown above. Secondly, the effective radiated power of the equipment must not exceed that shown alongside the frequency band in the table above.

These technical conditions are laid down in the Regulations, which have exempted model control from licensing. The Regulations also contain other conditions; most importantly, model control equipment must not cause undue interference to other wireless telegraphy equipment.

In addition, the organising bodies for the various sections of the model control hobby have established Codes of Practice and preferred band plans, designed to ensure the successful operation of models. Details are available from the UK Radio Control Council - see Section 9. In particular, to ensure safe operation it is necessary that no two modellers in the same area try to use the same frequency at the same time.

7. Interference in the 27 MHz band?
The 26.965 to 27.405 MHz band is allocated for CB radio, in accordance with a Recommendation put forward by the Conference of European Posts and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT). The 27 MHz band is still available for model control but interference may be suffered from the other users of the band.

Within the model control band, there are five 10 kHz-wide channels that are used by low-power telemetry and telecommand devices but are not operational channels for CB. These have centre frequencies of 26.995, 27.045, 27.095, 27.145 and 27.195 MHz. While these channels may also suffer from interference, they should provide the best operating frequencies for model control within the new 27 MHz band.

In view of the problems associated with the 27 MHz band, frequency bands were made available at 35 and 40 MHz for model control. Just as CEPT CB was introduced on new frequencies to allow European harmonisation, the release of the frequencies at 35 and 40 MHz has brought the UK into line with other European administrations.

8. Is 35 MHz just for aeronautical modelling?
Yes. The Exemption Regulations make it clear that the channels at 35 MHz are solely for aeronautical modelling. Surface modellers must not use these channels. Similarly, aeronautical modellers must not use the allocation at 40 MHz, as this is reserved for surface modelling.

9. What is the UK Radio Control Council?
The UKRCC consists of representatives of all aspects of the model control hobby. It meets the Agency from time-to-time to discuss model control interests. It was from consultations in this forum that new frequencies were made available. Further information about the UKRCC may be obtained from:

Mr. D. W. McQue
The Secretary
UK Radio Control Council
6 Laburnum Grove
Bletchley
Milton Keynes MK2 2JW.

Tel: 01908 378277

E-mail: g4nju@aol.com
W ebsite: www.ukrcc.org

10. Further information
Enquiries about information given in this information sheet should be addressed to:

Science and Technology Unit
Radiocommunications Agency
Wyndham House
189 Marsh Wall
London E14 9SX

Tel: 020 7211 0153

Fax: 020 7211 0162

[G-DAVE]

Any Questions ??

[Raptorite]

Hi Dave,

I am sure the only legitimate and legal frequency for RC aircraft is 35Mhz.

There was a case about a year ago where a chap was importing and selling small RC indoor helis operating on 27Mhz. He was successfully prosecuted by the BMFA, for marketing and supplying RC model aircraft operating on illegal frequencies for UK comsumption, the result was the operation being shutdown.

Cheers,

Pete.

[G-DAVE]

Brief out-take from the B.M.F.A. Hand book -:
"The 27 MHz band is legally shared by other users, in particular, model cars, model boats and citizens band operators. It may still be used for model aircraft but great care should be taken by model flyers, especially near urban areas. Many clubs in this situation have found the need to ban this frequency band from their flying fields on the grounds of safety."

As you can see 27 Mhz is still a legal frequency for aircraft - and most of the Ready To Fly ( which include Radio gear fitted ) models on sale in all your local model shops are on the 27 Mhz band.
For this reason I would avoid it like the plague.
Dave