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RADIO SYSTEMS
RADIO SYSTEMS:
On this page is some basic explanation of Radio Control info and necessities a Newbie has to consider. Rather than load this page up with reams of info, wherever possible, I have provided links to where you can access detailed info - should you want to do so.
To start, follow this link to Tower Hobbies Easy RC.com - LOTS to read there. This is a comprehensive explanation of RC Basics.
It is absolutely imperative that when more than one radio controlled vehicle (boat, airplane, helicopter, car) is in use in a given location that their signals DO NOT interfere with each other.
The Government has, in the past, allotted 30 discrete frequencies/channels to surface (boat, car) Radio Control on the 75 MegaHertz (MHz) band and another 30 for use by RC airplanes, gliders, and helicopters on the 72 MHz band. These "channels" are controlled by paired crystals that plug into the Transmitter and Receiver. The user can change his system's frequency by changing crystals.
Today, more and more RC Hobbyists are using the "new" 2.4 GHz radio systems where the nature of these systems precludes control conflicts from occurring and there are no crystals.
Therefore, crystal controlled radio control systems, while still being manufactured, are to a great degree considered to be "old" technology and more and more modelers are using the "newer", frequency hopping, 2.4 GHz control systems.
WITH THE "OLDER", CRYSTAL CONTROLLED SYSTEMS, whether AM or FM, each individual radio system (transmitter and receiver) on these channels has two crystals, matched pairs, which are "tuned" to one of the 30 allotted channels. You plug in a transmitter crystal in your transmitter and a matching receiver crystal plugs into in your receiver. The Clubs assign frequencies to their members so there will be no conflicts. Many enthusiasts have several sets of crystals so they can easily change frequencies if they are not operating at their "home" location.
In addition to the 60 "model" 72 and 75 MHz frequencies allocated to modelers in the USA, there are six frequencies allotted on the 27 MHz band. They are designated as Channels 1 - 6. You don't see too many of these. I had one as did Ron S. When using them you are supposed to show a colored flag or ribbon on your antenna in the order of the six channels: Brown, Red. Orange, Yellow, Blue, Green. We didn't bother with this requirement because we never had more than one or two of those Transmitters being used.
At meets and regattas where crystal controlled systems might still in use there is always a Frequency Board. As long as there are crystal-controlled Transmitters/Receivers being used, there will be Frequency Boards at events which attract many participants from different Clubs.
There are various methods of using these boards.
On this board, when you sail, you remove the clothespin that has your frequency and return it to the board after your race or heat.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . On this one, when you are sailing (or flying or driving) you put a pin into the hole representing .your ................................................frequency/channel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NOTE:
With the now widespread use of radio systems operating in the 2.4GHz band, Frequency Boards are being seen less and less. I have attended Regattas where there was no Frequency Board in use because everyone was on 2.4 GHz. There was no frequency board in use at the 2012 All-Florida Cup Regatta in Orlando. We did not need one for the 2013 All-Florida Cup Regatta which was held at Kings Point on March 16, 2013. We had no need for one during our 2-day Inter-Club Regattas (with the South Broward Model Sailing Cub) in 2012 and 2013. Frequency Boards are "old" technology and have just about faded from the Regatta scene.
These "frequency board" references will eventually be deleted from our site as the last of the crystal-controlled systems are replaced by those still using them.
FEWER AND FEWER RC COMPETITORS ARE USING CRYSTAL CONTROLLED RADIO SYSTEMS. The future has arrived. The de-facto standard for Radio Control systems is now the frequency-hopping 2.4 GHz system in which a Transmitter and it's receiver(s) are "bound" (paired) and are immune to interference from other 2.4 GHz transmitters being used in the same location.
When we started this Club, cost was very much on our minds. We wanted to keep the cost as low as possible. We had no choice where the boat was concerned. We did however have a choice of Radio Systems. Because we did not want to discourage new members by suggesting an "expensive" radio system, we selected the Hitec Ranger II N AM radio. It was $39.99 at the time and came with the transmitter, a receiver, a charger and two HS-311 servos which work fine as rudder servos.
We used this R
adio successfully - until the Club started growing. We did have the occasional loss of control where a Transmitter's signal was not recognized by its receiver. We packed those radios up, returned them to Hitec who repaired them at no charge even if they were out of warranty, and returned them to us at their expense.
During the sailing season of 2007 - 2008 we had a terrible time. We had several Captains who could not sail due to glitching or total loss of control. My sailing club up North, the Eisenhower Park Model Yacht Club had already decided not to allow new members to use AM systems. They were recommending either the Spektrum or an FM system. We at KPMYC decided to strongly recommend the Spektrum - OR some other 2.4 GHz system. As of the 2012-2013 Sailing Season, almost all of us are using either the Spektrum or another other 2.4 GHz system. New members should to get a Spektrum or, as already stated, some other 2.4 GHz system.
The Horizon Hobbies Spektrum seems to be the most commonly used system. Their "Surface" systems are designed to be used by cars and powerboats. They use "pistol Grip" transmitters and are NOT suitable for sailboats. Therefore, for sailing, we use one of their aircraft transmitters. The Spektrum DX6i is a six-channel, ten-model transmitter. This is ideal if you sail more than one boat because it can be set to "remember" the control characteristics of up to ten different sailboats (or aircraft). On these transmitters, the Throttle stick controls the sails while the Aileron stick controls the rudder.
There are three distinct advantages to any of the 2.4 GHz systems:
1-
NO CRYSTALS! The transmitter/receiver finds a "free" frequency, locks onto it, and uses it while locking out any other 2.4GHz system from using that/those frequencies.
2-
TRANSMITS/RECEIVES CONTINUOUSLY ON TWO FREQUENCIES USING THE STRONGER SIGNAL OR Hops around using the strongest available frequency.
This link explains the technology. Be sure to follow the link at the end of each page which will take you to the next page. It's a good, comprehensive explanation.
ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2.4 GHZ RADIO CONTROL SYSTEM:
3-
Because the wavelength is so high (2.4 GIGAhertz as opposed to 72 MEGAhertz), both the transmitter and receiver antennas are quite short. No more forgetting to extend your antenna. No need for an eye protection ball on the end of the transmitter's antenna AND no need to run your receiver antenna up the mast because the antennas on the 2.4 GHz receivers are only about
2 1/2 inches long.
Here are the advantages of the Spektrum, HiTec, or Futaba 2.4 GHz multi-model systems:
All of the servo settings (travel adjust, trim, servo reverse, etc.) on these multi-channel Transmnitters are made at the transmitter which means you can make control settings adjustments at the lake. In order to program these settings on some of the Chinese transmitters below, you have to use a Windows Computer so you cannot make any changes/adjustments at the lake unless you bring your laptop.
For the above reason, it is recommended that you consider ONLY a radio system with which you can make changes and adjustments to your servo settings USING ONLY YOUR TRANSMITTER so that any necessary changes can be made lakeside using only your transmitter.
You do not want or need the Spektrum servos. They are too small and lack sufficient torque. The DX6i shown at the right, should run in the neighborhood of $200 with a charger, transmitter batteries (4), and receiver. This is a six- channel, ten-model transmitter. Read all about it here: Spektrum DX6i
Not everyone needs or wants the many control "refinements" or multi-model memory possible with the DX6i. For those sailing only one boat, the Spektrum DX5e offers basic 2.4 GHz control for ONE model in an affordable package at $99.00.
You can find the specifications here:
Spektrum DX5e
EDITORIAL:
I, personally, do NOT care for the Spektrum DX6i which is a full-range replacement for the Park Flyer DX-6. The screen is very difficult to see and I find the menu access clumsy. Ron Siegel feels the same way so he bought a DX7 which is a 7-channel version of the DX6. It costs a lot more but Ron so disliked the 6i that he went with the 7 as did Jim. I don't have that problem since I have more than one DX6 and have found them to be quite reliable.
================================================
IF I needed another radio system I would seriously consider the Hitec 2.4GHz Optic 6 pictured below. As of October 20, 2012, this system is available from several sellers for $180 - $200 with two receivers. ($189.99 delivered at) A MAIN HOBBIES
In early April, 2012, I posted the following question on the Yahoo S-1M Forum:
Skippers-
Are any of you using the HiTec 2.4 GHz Optic Six transmitter and receiver? If so, would you comment on your experience using this system?
Thanx- bob seiden
==================================================
I received only one reply - from a Captain who regularly sails his S-1M in HIGH winds. His reply is below-
Posted by: "heavywindlover"
Mon Apr2,2012 11:09am (PDT)
Bob, I bought the Optic 6 last year with three Optima 6 receivers and have not had a glitch. Receivers are mounted with Velcro under the deck and the short antenna is taped to the underside as well. Even on those rough waters in the 30+ mph wind days riding up and down the waves when you cannot see the boat it worked perfect.
The radio also receives battery info from the boats receiver and will offer beeps when the battery is under high drain. You can set the voltage you want the radio to warn you if you purchase one of the control devices but I just open the case and inserted soft cotton into the sound device,, I don't recall the last time I have had a battery go down while sailing so the warning is there for the fliers to use. I would certainly purchase the radio and receivers again if I was making the move to 2.4. Hope this helps. (signed) Derry
Here's two pix of Derry's #8 sailing in high wind:
MORE
==============================================================================
December, 2012:
A couple of our KPMYC Captains are now using a Tactic 2.4 GHz system.
You can read about this system at Tactic RC HERE: TACTIC RC
AND here:TACTIC RADIO SYSTEM
The price for the 4-channel system is $80.00. You can ake servo adjustments at the lake with this system.
Graupner, the German model company is now producing 2.4 GHz radio systems. Their "proprietary" system is called HOTT. What is HOTT?
HoTT refers to the Graupner frequency hopping spread spectrum system and literally stands for Hopping Telemetry Transmission. Using 75 channels in the 2.4GHz band, the radio combines reliability of 2.4GHz bidirectional communication between the transmitter and receiver, with integrated telemetry, voice output, and fast system response time.
This system, while pricey, allows you to check on what's going on in your boat (or airplane) with the addition of a telemetry module that you put into the vehicle being controlled. For our purposes, I do not think it is necessary. Spektrum (Horizon Hobbies) HiTec, and Futaba have repair facilities in the U.S. Graupner, while sold here, is a German company with no real presence in this country. I merely list this TX because it is
available,
On this page is some basic explanation of Radio Control info and necessities a Newbie has to consider. Rather than load this page up with reams of info, wherever possible, I have provided links to where you can access detailed info - should you want to do so.
To start, follow this link to Tower Hobbies Easy RC.com - LOTS to read there. This is a comprehensive explanation of RC Basics.
It is absolutely imperative that when more than one radio controlled vehicle (boat, airplane, helicopter, car) is in use in a given location that their signals DO NOT interfere with each other.
The Government has, in the past, allotted 30 discrete frequencies/channels to surface (boat, car) Radio Control on the 75 MegaHertz (MHz) band and another 30 for use by RC airplanes, gliders, and helicopters on the 72 MHz band. These "channels" are controlled by paired crystals that plug into the Transmitter and Receiver. The user can change his system's frequency by changing crystals.
Today, more and more RC Hobbyists are using the "new" 2.4 GHz radio systems where the nature of these systems precludes control conflicts from occurring and there are no crystals.
Therefore, crystal controlled radio control systems, while still being manufactured, are to a great degree considered to be "old" technology and more and more modelers are using the "newer", frequency hopping, 2.4 GHz control systems.
WITH THE "OLDER", CRYSTAL CONTROLLED SYSTEMS, whether AM or FM, each individual radio system (transmitter and receiver) on these channels has two crystals, matched pairs, which are "tuned" to one of the 30 allotted channels. You plug in a transmitter crystal in your transmitter and a matching receiver crystal plugs into in your receiver. The Clubs assign frequencies to their members so there will be no conflicts. Many enthusiasts have several sets of crystals so they can easily change frequencies if they are not operating at their "home" location.
In addition to the 60 "model" 72 and 75 MHz frequencies allocated to modelers in the USA, there are six frequencies allotted on the 27 MHz band. They are designated as Channels 1 - 6. You don't see too many of these. I had one as did Ron S. When using them you are supposed to show a colored flag or ribbon on your antenna in the order of the six channels: Brown, Red. Orange, Yellow, Blue, Green. We didn't bother with this requirement because we never had more than one or two of those Transmitters being used.
At meets and regattas where crystal controlled systems might still in use there is always a Frequency Board. As long as there are crystal-controlled Transmitters/Receivers being used, there will be Frequency Boards at events which attract many participants from different Clubs.
There are various methods of using these boards.
On this board, when you sail, you remove the clothespin that has your frequency and return it to the board after your race or heat.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . On this one, when you are sailing (or flying or driving) you put a pin into the hole representing .your ................................................frequency/channel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NOTE:
With the now widespread use of radio systems operating in the 2.4GHz band, Frequency Boards are being seen less and less. I have attended Regattas where there was no Frequency Board in use because everyone was on 2.4 GHz. There was no frequency board in use at the 2012 All-Florida Cup Regatta in Orlando. We did not need one for the 2013 All-Florida Cup Regatta which was held at Kings Point on March 16, 2013. We had no need for one during our 2-day Inter-Club Regattas (with the South Broward Model Sailing Cub) in 2012 and 2013. Frequency Boards are "old" technology and have just about faded from the Regatta scene.
These "frequency board" references will eventually be deleted from our site as the last of the crystal-controlled systems are replaced by those still using them.
FEWER AND FEWER RC COMPETITORS ARE USING CRYSTAL CONTROLLED RADIO SYSTEMS. The future has arrived. The de-facto standard for Radio Control systems is now the frequency-hopping 2.4 GHz system in which a Transmitter and it's receiver(s) are "bound" (paired) and are immune to interference from other 2.4 GHz transmitters being used in the same location.
When we started this Club, cost was very much on our minds. We wanted to keep the cost as low as possible. We had no choice where the boat was concerned. We did however have a choice of Radio Systems. Because we did not want to discourage new members by suggesting an "expensive" radio system, we selected the Hitec Ranger II N AM radio. It was $39.99 at the time and came with the transmitter, a receiver, a charger and two HS-311 servos which work fine as rudder servos.
We used this R
adio successfully - until the Club started growing. We did have the occasional loss of control where a Transmitter's signal was not recognized by its receiver. We packed those radios up, returned them to Hitec who repaired them at no charge even if they were out of warranty, and returned them to us at their expense.During the sailing season of 2007 - 2008 we had a terrible time. We had several Captains who could not sail due to glitching or total loss of control. My sailing club up North, the Eisenhower Park Model Yacht Club had already decided not to allow new members to use AM systems. They were recommending either the Spektrum or an FM system. We at KPMYC decided to strongly recommend the Spektrum - OR some other 2.4 GHz system. As of the 2012-2013 Sailing Season, almost all of us are using either the Spektrum or another other 2.4 GHz system. New members should to get a Spektrum or, as already stated, some other 2.4 GHz system.
The Horizon Hobbies Spektrum seems to be the most commonly used system. Their "Surface" systems are designed to be used by cars and powerboats. They use "pistol Grip" transmitters and are NOT suitable for sailboats. Therefore, for sailing, we use one of their aircraft transmitters. The Spektrum DX6i is a six-channel, ten-model transmitter. This is ideal if you sail more than one boat because it can be set to "remember" the control characteristics of up to ten different sailboats (or aircraft). On these transmitters, the Throttle stick controls the sails while the Aileron stick controls the rudder.
There are three distinct advantages to any of the 2.4 GHz systems:
1-
NO CRYSTALS! The transmitter/receiver finds a "free" frequency, locks onto it, and uses it while locking out any other 2.4GHz system from using that/those frequencies.
2-
TRANSMITS/RECEIVES CONTINUOUSLY ON TWO FREQUENCIES USING THE STRONGER SIGNAL OR Hops around using the strongest available frequency.
This link explains the technology. Be sure to follow the link at the end of each page which will take you to the next page. It's a good, comprehensive explanation.
ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2.4 GHZ RADIO CONTROL SYSTEM:
3-
Because the wavelength is so high (2.4 GIGAhertz as opposed to 72 MEGAhertz), both the transmitter and receiver antennas are quite short. No more forgetting to extend your antenna. No need for an eye protection ball on the end of the transmitter's antenna AND no need to run your receiver antenna up the mast because the antennas on the 2.4 GHz receivers are only about
2 1/2 inches long.
Here are the advantages of the Spektrum, HiTec, or Futaba 2.4 GHz multi-model systems:
All of the servo settings (travel adjust, trim, servo reverse, etc.) on these multi-channel Transmnitters are made at the transmitter which means you can make control settings adjustments at the lake. In order to program these settings on some of the Chinese transmitters below, you have to use a Windows Computer so you cannot make any changes/adjustments at the lake unless you bring your laptop.
For the above reason, it is recommended that you consider ONLY a radio system with which you can make changes and adjustments to your servo settings USING ONLY YOUR TRANSMITTER so that any necessary changes can be made lakeside using only your transmitter.
You do not want or need the Spektrum servos. They are too small and lack sufficient torque. The DX6i shown at the right, should run in the neighborhood of $200 with a charger, transmitter batteries (4), and receiver. This is a six- channel, ten-model transmitter. Read all about it here: Spektrum DX6i
Not everyone needs or wants the many control "refinements" or multi-model memory possible with the DX6i. For those sailing only one boat, the Spektrum DX5e offers basic 2.4 GHz control for ONE model in an affordable package at $99.00.
You can find the specifications here:
Spektrum DX5e
EDITORIAL:
I, personally, do NOT care for the Spektrum DX6i which is a full-range replacement for the Park Flyer DX-6. The screen is very difficult to see and I find the menu access clumsy. Ron Siegel feels the same way so he bought a DX7 which is a 7-channel version of the DX6. It costs a lot more but Ron so disliked the 6i that he went with the 7 as did Jim. I don't have that problem since I have more than one DX6 and have found them to be quite reliable.
================================================
IF I needed another radio system I would seriously consider the Hitec 2.4GHz Optic 6 pictured below. As of October 20, 2012, this system is available from several sellers for $180 - $200 with two receivers. ($189.99 delivered at) A MAIN HOBBIES
In early April, 2012, I posted the following question on the Yahoo S-1M Forum:Skippers-
Are any of you using the HiTec 2.4 GHz Optic Six transmitter and receiver? If so, would you comment on your experience using this system?
Thanx- bob seiden
==================================================
I received only one reply - from a Captain who regularly sails his S-1M in HIGH winds. His reply is below-
Posted by: "heavywindlover"
Mon Apr2,2012 11:09am (PDT)
Bob, I bought the Optic 6 last year with three Optima 6 receivers and have not had a glitch. Receivers are mounted with Velcro under the deck and the short antenna is taped to the underside as well. Even on those rough waters in the 30+ mph wind days riding up and down the waves when you cannot see the boat it worked perfect.
The radio also receives battery info from the boats receiver and will offer beeps when the battery is under high drain. You can set the voltage you want the radio to warn you if you purchase one of the control devices but I just open the case and inserted soft cotton into the sound device,, I don't recall the last time I have had a battery go down while sailing so the warning is there for the fliers to use. I would certainly purchase the radio and receivers again if I was making the move to 2.4. Hope this helps. (signed) Derry
Here's two pix of Derry's #8 sailing in high wind:
MORE
==============================================================================
December, 2012:
A couple of our KPMYC Captains are now using a Tactic 2.4 GHz system.
You can read about this system at Tactic RC HERE: TACTIC RC
AND here:TACTIC RADIO SYSTEM
The price for the 4-channel system is $80.00. You can ake servo adjustments at the lake with this system.
Graupner, the German model company is now producing 2.4 GHz radio systems. Their "proprietary" system is called HOTT. What is HOTT?
HoTT refers to the Graupner frequency hopping spread spectrum system and literally stands for Hopping Telemetry Transmission. Using 75 channels in the 2.4GHz band, the radio combines reliability of 2.4GHz bidirectional communication between the transmitter and receiver, with integrated telemetry, voice output, and fast system response time.
This system, while pricey, allows you to check on what's going on in your boat (or airplane) with the addition of a telemetry module that you put into the vehicle being controlled. For our purposes, I do not think it is necessary. Spektrum (Horizon Hobbies) HiTec, and Futaba have repair facilities in the U.S. Graupner, while sold here, is a German company with no real presence in this country. I merely list this TX because it is
available,
bobseiden |
Latest page update: made by bobseiden
, Apr 2 2013, 7:18 PM EDT
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