Get more articles like this one absolutely free with every
Gibbs Guides e-magazine. Join the mailing list!

Ask Andrew:

Are Electric Fences a Problem for model flying?

Andrew Gibbs answers a question from Brian S

Hi Andrew, having read most of your guides, I wondered if you could help me please. I have permission to fly my electric gliders in a local field, but it is surrounded by a farmer's electric fence. Will this give interference to radio control, either 35MHz or 2.4GHz or both? Any advice you could give would be most appreciated. The fence is mains powered through a transformer.

Hi Brian,

Thanks for your question, which I asked the Gibbs Guides technical consultant Toni Reynaud about as he’s better qualified to answer this than I am. This answer is based on his response.

There can be a problem flying near to electric fences if the electrical connections to the fence are not good. Any wind could cause any loose connections to wobble about, making and breaking the electrical connection. This can give rise to sparking which in turn can lead to interference. Toni says he has read about this in connection with ham radio, so he thinks the level of interference as far as we are concerned is probably low.

I think it’s fair to say that you are unlikely to experience a problem, especially on 2.4 GHz. Nevertheless, a wise precaution would be not too fly too close to the fence on approach to land. A sensible distance to keep would probably be a minimum of 5 - 10 yards. Bottom line - be careful on approach over the fence!’

I hope this helps you out, and please let me know how you get on at your site.

Kind regards

Get more useful information absolutely free with every
Gibbs Guides e-magazine. Join the mailing list!