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Radio-Controlled Models |
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.
Radio controlled models are of two types - :
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 9SXTel: 020 7211 0153
Fax: 020 7211 0162
| RA 60 (Rev 8) February 2003 |
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