What devices are commercially available to me as a radio controlled
aeroplane flyer that will assist me in determining the exact
orientation, speed and distance away when the plane I'm flying is
further away than I can comfortably judge that with the naked eye?

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Clarification of Question by levitas-ga on 28 Jul 2005 01:16 PDT

To qualify as a commercial product or solution, the product must be
ready for use in the intended situation. In this instance, whether it
be a optical or remote sensing device, should not require manual
control or input during a flight but be able to operate automatically.

binoculars fastened to some headgear.
digital camera with zoom, but maybe you would need to connect a larger
monitor to recognize your plane.

The ultimate would be a radio signal from the plane that showed its attitude:
weight?  does such exist this side of military  ...  which may be a
reason such is not sold.

myoarin-ga - I broke my complex question into multiple parts, this one
particularly focussed at what is available commercially. A commercial
solution to this problem would mean that it addresses my needs
basically straight out the box.

In that regard, remember that the flyer would not have hands available
with which to focus the binoculars, and binoculars do not typically
have zoom ability.

A digital camera with zoom does, but needs to be pointed at the plane,
which would have to be achieved automatically as once again the flyer
can not be expected to manually control the camera as well.

To qualify as a commercial solution, these would need to be thought of
and addressed by the manufacturer already, if not, see one of the
other related questions.

http://www.carvec.co.uk/

It's intended for RC helis, and it's more of a autopilot system. But
I'm sure if you get in contact with him he'll know of something more
suited to what you are looking for.


Cheers, Justin.