Radio Controlled Models Information Sheet |
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 IntroductionThe Radiocommunications Agency has produced this information sheet to serve two purposes. Firstly, for those who are new to the use of radio for controlling models it will answer the basic questions about the frequencies and technical restrictions that are applicable. Secondly, for existing users it will explain the additional frequency bands which have been made available for radio controlled models because of interference problems associated with the use of the 27 MHz bands. What are radio controlled models?Radio controlled models are of two types - those which operate on the ground or on water, known as "surface" models and those which are airborne. Typically, radio control is used to control model cars, ships (which include steam, motor vessels and yachts) and aircraft. Radio controlled models are often entered into competition and the frequencies that are now available will facilitate the operation of radio controlled models 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 Agency at the address at the end of this information sheet. Do I need a licence to operate model control equipment?No. Model control equipment was made exempt from the licensing requirements of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 as from 11 January 1981. The current regulations are contained in the Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999 No. 930 as amended by SI 2000 No 1012). 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 "What technical conditions do I have to observe?"). What frequencies are available?The frequency bands available for the use of radio controlled models are shown below together with the maximum effective radiated power output of the transmitter measured in milliwatts.
The 26/27 MHz band is also allocated for
Citizens Band radio and low power telemetry and telecommand devices as well as model
control (see "Interference in the 27 MHz band"). The 458/459 MHz band is also
allocated to general telemetry and telecommand devices between 458.5 - 458.95 MHz and
specialised telemetry between 458.95 - 459.1 MHz. Whilst 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 is solely dedicated to surface modelling. It consists of 34 channels with a 10 kHz channel spacing, the centre frequency of the first channel being 40.665 MHz. The 35 MHz is solely dedicated to aeronautical modelling. It consists of 36 channels with a 10 kHz channel spacing, the centre frequency of the first channel being 34.950 MHz. Can I transmit data from the model?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 a maximum radiated power of 10 milliwatts. It should be noted that the band is not exclusive to model controllers, but is shared with other users which are permitted to radiate relatively higher powers, therefore care must be taken when selecting a channel for use in a particular locality. What technical conditions do I have to observe?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. As well as the overall technical conditions set out in the Regulations the organising bodies for the various sections of the model control hobby have also established Codes of Practice and preferred band plans which are designed to ensure the successful operation of models. Details are available from the Joint Radio Control Users Committee whose address is below. 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 Interference in the 27 MHz band?The band 26.965 MHz to 27.405 MHz is
allocated for Citizens Band 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 which
are used by low power telemetry and telecommand devices but which are not operational
channels for CB. These have centre frequencies of: 26.995, 27.045, 27.095, 27.145 and
27.195 MHz. Whilst it is possible that these channels may also suffer from interference
they should provide the best operating frequencies for model control within the new 27 MHz
band. Is 35 MHz just for aeronautical modeling?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. What is the Joint Radio Control Users Committee (JRCUC)?The JRCUC consists of representatives of all aspects of the model control hobby. It meets from time-to-time with the Agency to discuss model control interests. It was from consultations in this forum that new frequencies were made available. Further information about the Committee may be obtained from:
Where can I get further information from?Enquiries regarding information given in this information sheet should be addressed to:
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