AVILOXX HighTec – Tracking System for "Stray" Model Airplanes

I’m sure we’ve all had to search for models in tall cornfields at some point. When flying in alpine terrain, it’s easy for models to fly out of sight. In both cases—and with a little luck—the models may “land on their own” virtually undamaged. Even if a model crashes, you should still try to recover it—not least for environmental reasons. While it used to be possible to find a model only within a limited area and mostly by chance, there is now an excellent, easy-to-use high-tech solution from Austria called AVILOXX.

The model’s landing position data is transmitted wirelessly via multiple channels using frequency hopping, WITHOUT requiring GSM or Internet coverage. This is a major advantage, especially in alpine terrain. A new radio technology enables remarkable ranges of up to 20 km and more with relatively low transmission power.

This technology was developed because, based on personal experience, a model aircraft was lost while flying in thermals—gaining altitude at a breathtaking rate before eventually disappearing from view. Fortunately, it was recovered by chance a few days later, undamaged in a field several kilometers away from the launch site.

The model contains a transmitter unit (you could also call it a black box) that weighs approximately 19 grams. It consists of a GPS receiver and a microcomputer powered by a 3.7V/250 mAh (approx. 10 hours) LiPo battery or higher, which actively transmits the geographic position and other important data.

The pilot, who is frustrated by the loss of visibility, sees the model’s assigned name, the landing point’s position data, the altitude, the signal strength, and the transmitter unit’s battery voltage displayed on a small receiver with an easy-to-read screen.

This data is transmitted via Bluetooth to a special mapping app on an Android smartphone or Android smartwatch—WITHOUT an internet or cellular connection—and used to display a map and provide voice instructions regarding direction and distance from the pilot’s current location. This means that, using the appropriate app on an Android smartphone WITHOUT an internet or cellular connection, you can see your own position and that of the model that has landed in unfamiliar terrain. A map display with routing features allows you to better orient yourself and navigate the terrain.

a model that has landed in unfamiliar terrain. A map display with routing features makes it easier to orient yourself and navigate the terrain.

If, due to adverse conditions (excessive distance, an extremely deep and narrow valley, terrain obstruction, etc.) direct radio contact between the lost model and the pilot is still not possible, there is another option: using a second model aircraft equipped with a repeater (approx. 12 grams) that has uplink and downlink capabilities to the pilot. This increases the radio line-of-sight range from the flight altitude many times over, thereby enabling location even in terrain where a direct line of sight is not possible.

The transmitter unit used in the model aircraft is equipped with its own crash power supply (1-cell LiPo 3.7 V/150 mAh) and can be connected to the onboard battery and installed with mechanical protection. This ensures a continuous power supply to the transmitter. The antenna must be routed in a straight line and kept away from electrically conductive parts. For carbon-fiber fuselages, it is recommended to route the antenna to the outside. The antenna length of all devices is calibrated and must not be altered. Operation is permitted in all EU countries without a license and at no cost.

The tracking system consists of the following components:

• Transmitter unit with GPS (in the model aircraft), with its own power supply and protection against overcharging and deep discharge
• Receiver unit with display and Bluetooth (worn by the pilot), with its own power supply and protection against over- and under-discharge
• Repeater, optional (in the “repeater model”) for long distances or terrain out of sight, with its own power supply and protection against over- and under-discharge

AVILOXX – GPS Transmitter Unit
AVILOXX – Repeater (optional)
AVILOXX – Receiver unit with Bluetooth and display
; smartphone/smartwatch (Android 4.1 or later) with memory card
; mapping software with precise landing point display, flight path recording, and routing; or a list-view app.

It’s amazing what modern technology can do. Using AVILOXX can be especially worthwhile for our valuable models. Not least, when using LiPo batteries, it’s advisable to be able to locate the model—if only for environmental reasons.

For more information and a list of suppliers, visit: aviloxx@gmx.at