Providing communication with the drone

Question

Do it yourself

Always interested in the issue of communication with the drone!
In space, communication is carried out by a directional channel oriented to the earth (from a remote apparatus flying, for example, to Mars). And what about this on earth?
Directional radio? It is difficult to aim accurately at the drone and back.
Existing networks? Can be hacked/silenced.
Communication via satellite? It is expensive for each drone to launch a group of satellites into orbit :)
So how? There are a lot of people involved in robotics on Habré, so maybe someone will explain, or maybe even write an entire article?;)
Why do I ask? A dream so to speak :) Build your own drone (though not in the near future).

Answer 1

As far as I know, GSM / GPRS base station antennas are specially directed "down" in order to cover only a certain surface. In the sky, I think the signal will be very weak

Answer 2

I once looked for information on how to make something “fly” and ...
In short, I don’t know how crazy it is, but I would not be afraid to send a mobile phone “fly”.
Android + IOIO (http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10585)

Answer 3

The radio pulls for 70 km :)
Plus, other UAVs in the air are repeaters.

Answer 4

The comrades launched completely combat UAV models, they say everything works via a GSM channel, but these were our experimental models. Collected and invented in the Russian Federation.
I would run on Glonass / GPS channels + directional satellite radio. All the same, the satellite is the easiest way to orient and control the UAV. This is the most reliable way from Earth.

Answer 5

I was also interested in a similar topic, but to ensure communication with the weather balloon.
As for military UAVs, as already mentioned above, communication is carried out via satellites.
As for your own drone, it all depends on the distance. For several kilometers there are ready-made 2.4 GHz modules. If within 10 km, then as an option, you can use upgraded radio stations, the same Motorola, plus an antenna.

Answer 6

The main thing is to put an autopilot on board so that in case of loss of communication it returns to the original point, and you can experiment with different types of communication :)