I have been designing a RC remote control for my plane/tricopter. I have documented the project at LetsMakeRobots

http://letsmakerobots.com/content/rc-remote-and-drone

Well,I have run into a problem with the RF modules. The NRF24L01+PA+LNA modules with SMA antenna I have been using so far has only been proved to give reliable connections upto 250m approx, but I want to make solid connections upto 600m atleast. Thus the NRF modules can't be used. I have some options here,either I will buy a radio from a online store, or I will plug in some RF link in my module.

1. The radio I am thinking of buying is this one

http://www.rcbazaar.com/product.aspx?productid=2011

or

http://www.quadkopters.com/product/tx-and-rx/flysky-fs-t6-2-4ghz-6ch-transmitter-and-receiver/

The first one provides about 1km range,so it is good for most of the applications, but the main problem for me is the price (4000 INR). Also I don't think the remote will display the charge left on the LIpo inside the plane(i.e no two way connection).

2.Basically a remote is a few pots connected to a MCU and then to a RF link. So,I can manage the rest of the part except the RF link, here are some choices

   a.http://robokits.co.in/wireless-solutions/wireless-rf-serial-link-865-869mhz-2km-range

   b.http://robokits.co.in/wireless-solutions/wireless-automation/wireless-rf-serial-link-433mhz-20dbm-2km-range?cPath=7&

   c.http://www.thehobbyshop.in/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=823

   d. there is also Orange OpenLRS Transmitters and receivers(modules, no the whole Tx-Rx),but I don't know if they can be connected to bare Arduino boards.                                     

no (a) and no (b) are serial modules, so they should work with Arduino RX-TX, But will it be ok? I want to get this job done in minimum amount of expenditure, but again who wants to lose a model aircraft in mid flight? 





I want your suggestions, tips on this. Looking forward to your help!

I cant help you in figuring out the rf stuff but my suggestion is buying a transmitter. Would you rather make a transmitter for 1000-2000 with glitches and then crash a model worth 3000 or have a transmitter worth 4000 solid transmitter thats tried and tested and has very few glitches if any and protects your investment. I would choose the latter.

And my suggestion is the Flysky i6(Fs-i6): http://rcmumbai.com/index.php/product/flysky-fs-i6-2-4g-6ch-afhds-rc-transmitter-with-fs-ia6-receiver/

Good tx for price and you can use two way receivers with this.