Long range RC car - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Remark
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2023, 05:13:17 pm
content: Hello,I have been thinking about designing a long range RC car for some time now. However, I don't know where to start when it comes to radio communication.I want to control the RC car and send video data from it in real time. There is no need for high data speeds. Just to be able to see the view from the RC car, where it is, and what environment surrounds it. The distance between the control panel and the RC machine would be a maximum of 2 km.Is this even possible to achieve? Where can I start?Thanks for the answers,Remark.

author: Infraviolet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2023, 05:26:17 pm
content: " Just to be able to see the view from the RC car, where it is, and what environment surrounds it"Video, or even images once a second, is a pretty high data rate for the information going from car to controller. The controlelr to car data rate might be a lot less though.Look in to pre-made radio modules, though I'm not sure many could provide the data rate you want.

author: IvoS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2023, 05:50:44 pm
content: ExpressLRS can go to 50km and more.......obstacle dependent of course. In 900MHz it would get you 2Km without issue. There are many options for VTX as well.

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2023, 06:10:39 pm
content: Quote from: IvoS on July 30, 2023, 05:50:44 pmObstacle dependant is the problem. Drone to ground video is easy to do, up to considerable range. If anything gets in the way, like trees or buildings, the video dies, but you can usually arrange a clear path. Ground based vehicle to ground receiver video can be very hard, unless the receiver is high above, looking down at the vehicle.

author: Manul
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2023, 07:40:55 pm
content: For 2km distance and on the ground level, it is tricky. Obstacles will be a problem. So in my opinion just go with 3G - 4G cell connection (mobile internet connection). It might have some lag, but I really don't think there is any other good and affordable solution.

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2023, 08:45:37 pm
content: I really don't know but I would think to use celluar system using 5G.

author: donlisms
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2023, 10:42:27 pm
content: Ahem -- somebody mentioned drones! Maybe send one along as an observer? Then the problem becomes "How can I get my drone to follow my car?"

author: Infraviolet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2023, 08:59:17 pm
content: Could always put the RF equipment on a helium ballon and attach that by a wire to the car, if the car is heavy enough and the RF stuff is lightweight enough.

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2023, 09:05:27 pm
content: For the video portion simply have a cell phone on the car to stream the video. I think you could have a device on the car connected to the internet via 5G and you can do the control. As long as you have a cell tower near your car you can control it from just about anywhere in the world.