Radio Transmitter | 100 km Range, No Altimeter Needed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using a radio transmitter to transmit altitude data without an integrated altimeter. Participants explore the requirements for a transmitter with a range of at least 100 kilometers, focusing on weight and power considerations, while also considering alternative methods for data transmission.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant emphasizes the need for a lightweight radio transmitter capable of transmitting altitude data over a distance of at least 100 kilometers.
  • Another participant questions the practicality of such a transmitter, suggesting it may be impractical.
  • Some participants propose using a cell phone as an alternative method for data transmission, discussing its potential data rates and questioning its range.
  • A participant suggests that high-altitude balloon flights using amateur radio equipment could serve as a model for the proposed application, noting that such setups can achieve significant altitudes and ranges.
  • There is a suggestion to consider the use of telemetry systems similar to those used in high-altitude ballooning, which involve sensors and microprocessors to transmit data.
  • Participants discuss the possibility of using frequencies that do not require special licensing, depending on the participant's location and licensing status.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the practicality of the proposed radio transmitter, with some suggesting alternative methods such as cell phones. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to achieve the desired altitude data transmission.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various assumptions regarding the application, including the potential location of the receiver and the nature of the altitude measurement. There are also considerations regarding licensing and power requirements for radio transmission.

Serj
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I am looking for a radio transmitter to transmit altitude. I don’t need one that comes with an altimeter. The altimeter will change in voltage as altitude changes, so the transmitter just has to transmit that data to a receiver. The transmitter must have a range of atleast 100 kilometers. It should be as light weight as possible including it’s battery power source.
 
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thats 62 Miles !
 
I suppose a transmitter would be impractical.
 
ya think ?
 
How about a cell phone?
you could probably use it to send data at 56k b/s ..
meaning once a day or twice , you could have it call and download you the info it has ..
 
Serj said:
I am looking for a radio transmitter to transmit altitude. I don’t need one that comes with an altimeter. The altimeter will change in voltage as altitude changes, so the transmitter just has to transmit that data to a receiver. The transmitter must have a range of atleast 100 kilometers. It should be as light weight as possible including it’s battery power source.
What application will this be used for? Is the altimeter at a fixed location? How high? Are you doing this for your own experiment?

If you know a radio amateur, many are licensed to operate transceivers that range 100km and more.
This may give you some ideas - high-altitude balloon flights with amateur radio equipment.
Since they are using a weather balloon, their payload is designed to be lightweight. They are measuring altitudes up to 12,000 m. If you were planning something like this, you would have greater effective radiated power (ERP), and therefore not need as much transmitter power to cover 100km.
 
willib said:
How about a cell phone?
you could probably use it to send data at 56k b/s ..
meaning once a day or twice , you could have it call and download you the info it has ..

Dont cell phones only have a range of a couple miles?
Maybe I could use one of those military phones with the 1' antenna
 
Serj said:
I'm trying to do what they are doing, except the goal is altitude, not flight duration.
I see, perhaps this is related to your query on floating into space. Is your receiver going to be located 100km away?

You might consider a design similar to balloon guys I mentioned. All their payload instruments are sensors on ICs that feed into the microprocessor. Telemetry of all the data including altitude may be transmitted via radio beacon. If you wrote to them, I am guessing they would put you on the right track in designing a similar package.

I don't know what part of the world you are in. If you are not a licensed amateur radio operator, there may be frequencies coordinated in your country that don't require special licensing to use, usually at lower transmitting power.
 

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