5.8 GHz Above the Clouds?

[ttucker]

Does anyone know what effect cloud vapor has on 5.8 GHz video signal? I know that range issues with 200mw systems have not made this a big issue in past but with my 6 turn IBcrazy helical and clover leaf I'm looking forward to being above some lower level clouds here shortly. I'm thinking video reception will be effected but will vary on cloud density and vapor content, as I believe water reflects 5.8GHz RF. Comments welcome.

[IBCrazy]

Water vapor (ie clouds) can have a seriously detrimental effect on 5.8GHz. Not only do they detune the antenna, they also increase the propagation loss. My advice: Get up there first and see how well it goes. If you lose video, you have a long way down with better video as you fall.

-Alex

[ttucker]

Ha, that's what I thought. Thanks,

[SENTRY]

Here is my advice. Fly out a mile or 2 until you're JUSSSST under the clouds (you see slight fog in the goggles). Do a rudder turn right back towards home and then pop up in/over. This is so that if you drop the throttle to 0 in order to get your video back you are facing home. Look for pockets of light/clearing if you have no artificial horizon. I've noticed that IN a could and OVER a cloud is 2 different types of video signal. Over > IN 99% of the time. Once you get over them it actually clears up.

My 1st cloud experience was amazing. Although I didn't have the patch aimed for it at all, I continued to enjoy it with the fuzz - but I'm poised to find the perfect day/wind to get it right.

DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ABORT YOUR CLOUD HUNTING if you are burning down your battery/range. Just land - and re-attempt. It often will take a few tries to get the perfect range/altitude.


View this video on Vimeo

[Reverand Blue Chip]

My first time was IN the clouds - it didn't work well at all... static.

Next time I did what Sentry just said - I flew just under until I saw a blue spot - then jumped up. Coming back down - I just nosed into a clearing.

It's the best part of flying.

[ttucker]

So to confirm, this is with 5.8GHz video? You're flying 2 miles?

Thanks for advice.

[SENTRY]

The plane I hit the clouds with is pretty stable off-throttle. So on the way down I watched the OSD. I didn't find a hole to come home through. I just zeroed the throttle and rode the rough signal right through the middle of the cloud 5500 - 4900 was almost all clouds. I popped outta the bottom and thought I was in the clear - wrong. I was just in a little pocket but there were clouds below me. I just fell through them (i made strategic turns as-needed) - finally popped out at 2900ft or so. Success.

My video was 2.4 - I've went 6 miles out. I'm just giving you some pointers that I have learned for successful cloud-busting. YMMV on your system. Take baby steps though and keep it safe and you'll be fine. You also have to be patient and wait for the right days/times to fly.

[SENTRY]

Oh - remember a 5mph west wind at 300feet could be a 25mph north wind at 2500feet. Make sure you are aware if you're being blown off course.

[ttucker]

Sentry, how do you like your 2.4 video system? I'm about to spring for another video system and thinking about 2.4 / 500 mw. I could even go with 500mw 5.8 since I already have a receiver, IBcrazy antennas have gone a long way in eliminating the 5.8 multipath issues.

Also, what RC system are you using for 6 mile range?

[SENTRY]

I love 2.4 --- it's the 1st way that I went. I have 900 gear on the bench next. Next will be 5.8 and then finally 1.2 (I want to setup on all teh freqs so I can fly with anyone of my FPV friends w/out issue. I think you will be happ with 2.4 video.

I run a Dragon Link for long-range control.