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Copyright © 1996 by Virtual Publishing Co.
The following images were taken by a B&W television camera mounted to both a remote controlled model helicopter and to a radio controlled model aircraft. The images were transmitted in real-time from the aircraft using a 434 MHz Amateur Radio television transmitter.
Note: Ham radio operators can and do transmit full motion color and sound television signals. In many areas, television repeaters have been constructed and Amateur radio operators transmit remote television images just like your local TV newscast does for its "live" remote news gathering operation. B&W cameras are often used in projects like the one described in this article because of their low cost and compact size.
Both aircraft were constructed and operated under the direction of Louis Hutton, K7YZZ of Bellevue, WA, USA. We are grateful for his providing us with a copy of the video taken from his model aircraft. The video was originally copied on VHS format tape, then copied to another VHS tape, then copied by us to Hi8mm and then digitized. This results in some loss of clarity.
Here is the remote controlled helicopter. The camera, transmitter and battery package is mounted just underneath the fuselage of the helicopter and weights 8 ounces (about 225 grams).
Once airborne, the helicopter makes a surprisingly stable photo observatory. This picture was taken above a business park adjacent to the model aircraft airfield.
Self portrait of the pilots, as seen by the helicopter!
Self portrait of the chopper's own shadow.
The aircraft shots were taken using this model aircraft. The camera and transmitter assembly is mounted just below the center of the aircraft. This is necessary to ensure proper weight and balance of the aircraft so that the plane can still fly controllably. With the camera positioned in this location, the nose wheel of the aircraft appears in the middle of all images.
Unfortunately, these images are both the first and the last flight of this aircraft. During checkout of the aircraft on its initial flight, the plane was rolled through a number of aerobatic routines. These flight operations over stressed the aircraft and the wings were torn off the plane, resulting in a out of control spin directly into the ground (which was captured by the video). The aircraft was completely disintegrated. According to K7YZZ, he sent the pieces to his brother, also a model airplane hobbyist, and amazingly the aircraft was reconstructed and is nearly ready for its "new" maiden flight.
This looks like the aircraft on the runway, but actually its the taxiway. You can pretend its the take off roll if you want ... the lighting was just awesome for this shot.
Airborne! Just off the runway
Turning onto final approach
Aerial shot of the airfield, buildings and trees in the distance
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