I read somewhere that it's wise to use a radio scanner before flying to check how many people (if any) are also flying using the same frequency. I understand too many signals can cause issues. Does anybody scan for other radio signals?
Anybody use a radio scanner?
- Thread starter Grae
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You would need a radio capable of seeing 2.4GHz signals. Not your typical scanner.
DJI has said you can have some unclear number of Phantoms in the same area - something like six. You would probably see that level of activity. Most of your interference is going to be from other 2.4 GHz transmitters - WiFi and other radio transmitters.
The DJI Go app has something of a 'scanner' function - go to AIRCRAFT STATE -- AIRCRAFT STATUS - Radio Channel Quality. If there is a lot of interference, you will see that on the screen. Look at that screen before every flight and get an idea of how crowded your local area is.
DJI has said you can have some unclear number of Phantoms in the same area - something like six. You would probably see that level of activity. Most of your interference is going to be from other 2.4 GHz transmitters - WiFi and other radio transmitters.
The DJI Go app has something of a 'scanner' function - go to AIRCRAFT STATE -- AIRCRAFT STATUS - Radio Channel Quality. If there is a lot of interference, you will see that on the screen. Look at that screen before every flight and get an idea of how crowded your local area is.
N017RW
Premium Pilot
The Phantoms use various versions of Spread Spectrum technology. In this scenario you are actually spreading the signal over numerous frequencies or channels to avoid jamming/interference/etc. In order to make any sense of the frequencies or 'band' the Phatoms operate in you'd need a Spectrum Analyzer to be able to see the entire band simultaneously so as to observe channel useage.
This is the beauty of Spread Spectrum is that many users can share the channels without interference.
Older flyers will recall channel number and color flags attached to the Transmitter's telescoping antenna and the need to obtain the proper 'pin' to attach to your transmitter before you could turn on your Tx. This prevented you (in the pits) from interfering with someone flying and thus a 'shoot down'.
This is the beauty of Spread Spectrum is that many users can share the channels without interference.
Older flyers will recall channel number and color flags attached to the Transmitter's telescoping antenna and the need to obtain the proper 'pin' to attach to your transmitter before you could turn on your Tx. This prevented you (in the pits) from interfering with someone flying and thus a 'shoot down'.
Ironic you mention Spread Spectrum Technology. Just watched a documentary today how actress Hedy Lamar invented that technology to avoid jamming of radio controlled torpedoes .
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Just seen a video where a drone pilot loses control of the drone and it slams straight into a house roof. Somebody commented wondering if the drone honed in on a WiFi signal that was coming from the house. Could a Phantom pick up a home WiFi signal during flight and then go crazy?
N017RW
Premium Pilot
A wifi scanner app on your phone would be more effective.
Still if you do own a scanner they still can hear interesting stuff. Locally the PD operates on 170mhz wireless mic's that are used by the undercover cops posing as prostitutes.
Still if you do own a scanner they still can hear interesting stuff. Locally the PD operates on 170mhz wireless mic's that are used by the undercover cops posing as prostitutes.
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