Radio with frequency scanning and interference detection capability for remote controlled model aircraft

A remote control system for use with model aircraft, comprising:

• a model aircraft to be controlled by said remote control system;
• receiver means arranged in said model aircraft for receiving rf signals within a selected channel;
• transmitter means remote from said receiver means for transmitting rf signals to be picked up by said receiver means within selected channel to control the flight of said model aircraft;
• frequency interference detection means for detecting interference within the selected channel picked up by said receiver means;
• warning means arranged to communicate with said frequency interference detection means for providing a warning signal to a user that interference has been detected within the selected channel;
• scanning means for selectively scanning said receiver means through a plurality of channels so that said frequency interference detection means determines whether interference exists on the channels;
• means for permitting the user to selectively place said remote control system into a scanning mode wherein said scanning means and said receiver means are operational and wherein no rf energy is emitted from said transmitter means, said means for selectively placing said remote control system into said scanning mode comprises a jumper cable and means for temporarily connecting said jumper cable between a base unit housing and said model aircraft so as to electrically connect said receiver means to said scanning means to permit communication therebetween and wherein said base unit housing comprises said transmitter means, said frequency interference detection means, said warning means and said scanning means;
• and

A method of selecting a frequency bandwidth for use when flying remotely controlled model aircraft comprising the steps of:

• providing power to a remote control system including a transmitter, a receiver, scanning circuitry and frequency interference detecting circuitry and warning circuitry;
• placing the remote control system into a scanning mode by temporarily connecting a jumper cable between the scanning circuitry and the receiver wherein no rf energy is transmitted from the transmitter and the scanning circuitry is operational to actuate the receiver to scan through a plurality of channels so that the interference detecting circuitry determines whether interference exists on the plurality of scanned channels;
• providing a warning signal upon detection of interference by the frequency interference detecting circuitry;
• selecting a channel that is free of interference;
• tuning the receiver and the transmitter to the selected channel;
• and
• placing the remote control system into a transmitting mode wherein the scanning circuitry is nonoperational and wherein the transmitter transmits rf energy on the selected channel to communicate with the receiver so that a user can control the flight of said associated model aircraft.