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[stevext]

Hi All

Excuse what might be a daft question to some but the last time i built a model boat it was 27mhz and now i'm looking for another radio (computer preferably.The spektrum radio's seem to pop up on fleabay at good prices with the 2.4 frequency and i was wondering if their ok or should i stick with 40mhz?

many thanks for the advice

stevext

[Martin (Admin)]

2.4Gig is very popular with boaters but not submariners as it don't work under water  :(
It's more expensive than 40Mhz but prices are rapidly coming down!

See:
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=12987.0
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=12995.0

[wideawake]

Hi Steve

In general I'd say the DX6 is a good buy, however it has got a lot of features you may or may not need.  It may be worth having a look at the DX5e as well.  I've not had any problems using my DX6 but there have been odd reports of loss of lock in high speed racing boats.  Not specifically Spektrum or Futaba sets though.   If you're using one in that context I'd suggest an external fail safe device even the DX6 and DX5e have one built in.

Cheers

Guy

[Faraday's Cage]

Stevext,
I've been using a DX6 for nearly 2 years now in my model boats.  First thing I noticed was how quickly the batteries ran down in the tx. After checking, the current used by the tx was 270mah. Having researched the problem I changed the voltage regulator in the set and got the current down to an acceptable 120mA. Alternatively, a larger tx battery pack could be used if you don't fancy butchering the set. I believe that this only affects the dx6 and not the dx6i model.

Because of all the different settings available for each of the 6 channels then the model memory is invaluable.
The DX5 only has 1 model memory but isn't so complicated to set up so shouldn't be an issue.

I've had no problems with either interference or range. ( I fit my receiver as high as possible in the models). The only problem I've had is trying to a operate wireless camera monitor (also on 2.4ghz) close to the R/C transmitter which totally wipes out the reception to the monitor once the R/C transmitter is switched on.
I can only recommend the Spektrum equipment as I've not used any other make of 2.4ghz radio gear.
FC

[stevext]

Hi All
Many thanks for that,i'll try and post some pics of the damen style tug mould when i get home.

cheers

[Colin Bishop]

There is a review update on the Spektrum DX6i by Guy Morgan and Paul Freshney in the latest (Nov 2008) Model Boats. Some interesting points about stick configurations and swapping plugs inside the TX to get the failsafe to operate on the throttle stick when using it for a model boat.

Colin

[wideawake]

There is a review update on the Spektrum DX6i by Guy Morgan and Paul Freshney in the latest (Nov 2008) Model Boats. Some interesting points about stick configurations and swapping plugs inside the TX to get the failsafe to operate on the throttle stick when using it for a model boat.

Colin

Oh good!  I knew it was due in but am away from home this week and haven't seen MB yet.

Guy

[Bunkerbarge]

I actually went a different path to that as described in MB and fitted the pieces required to make both sticks self centering.  It was a bit fiddly, and I didn't actually get all the bits I needed but one stripped down old and unused radio later and I now how two self centering sticks.

Perfect for controlling the twin screw models with independant speed controllers!!

[wideawake]

I actually went a different path to that as described in MB and fitted the pieces required to make both sticks self centering.  It was a bit fiddly, and I didn't actually get all the bits I needed but one stripped down old and unused radio later and I now how two self centering sticks.

That's part of the problem.  The bits aren't easily available.  In fact  Horizon Hobbies can only help if they have any dead TXs under the bench to rob.   I have the opposite need.  I want to make both sticks vertical axes non-self-centring for use with sail winches.

Guy

[garston1]

I use my DX6 with an external battery pack, namely a YUASA 12v 7Amp battery in a small custom made case over my shoulder. I've had 0.2 of a Volt drop (from 13v)  in 6 months, and never need worry about changing batteries ever!  Well recommended. Also no need to destroy your tranny, just unsolder the charging socket and run a wire through there. :)

[White Ensign]

Spektrum does a brilliant job with it, but if you want to have more channels to use there is the Graupner MC-19, which can be upgraded to 2.4 Ghz. There are Nautic-switchboards which make this R/C-system up to 26 channels. Unfortunately you need a seperate switchboard to convert them for the use of 2.4 Ghz too. And this is not available before early summer 2009. So you have to buy the MC-19 (i.e.) in the 40 Meg-system plus the upgrade kit to 2.4 Gig. MC-19ers are sometimes on Ebay at reasonable prices. The Upgrade-PCB is about 150 Euros (about 100 quid). So you`ll have the same price as DX-6, but the option for upgrade to 26 channels.

Hope that was out of any help,
Jörg

[mikgo]

Hi All
Hope someone could help me. I have being looking at spektrum dx6 to replace a old 27mhz system what type of servos would I have to use with this model as I was told you have to have special servos for 2.4 ghz sets.
Thanks for any advice

[wideawake]

Hi All
Hope someone could help me. I have being looking at spektrum dx6 to replace a old 27mhz system what type of servos would I have to use with this model as I was told you have to have special servos for 2.4 ghz sets.
Thanks for any advice

Basically what you've been told ain't true.   The output from the 2.4GHz receivers is in standard servo-drive format.  At least, my DX6 is happily driving hitec and futaba servos.   I don't have personal experience of the futaba 2.4GHz kit but haven't heard of any problems.

HTH

Guy

[mikgo]

thanks for clearing that up for me

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

I actually went a different path to that as described in MB and fitted the pieces required to make both sticks self centering.  It was a bit fiddly, and I didn't actually get all the bits I needed but one stripped down old and unused radio later and I now how two self centering sticks.

That's part of the problem.  The bits aren't easily available.  In fact  Horizon Hobbies can only help if they have any dead TXs under the bench to rob.   I have the opposite need.  I want to make both sticks vertical axes non-self-centring for use with sail winches.

Guy

Wouldn't you just remove the spring and centering bar, and add one of these?

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=SPM9007

[wideawake]

I actually went a different path to that as described in MB and fitted the pieces required to make both sticks self centering.  It was a bit fiddly, and I didn't actually get all the bits I needed but one stripped down old and unused radio later and I now how two self centering sticks.

That's part of the problem.  The bits aren't easily available.  In fact  Horizon Hobbies can only help if they have any dead TXs under the bench to rob.   I have the opposite need.  I want to make both sticks vertical axes non-self-centring for use with sail winches.

Guy

Wouldn't you just remove the spring and centering bar, and add one of these?

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=SPM9007

Hmmm that's interesting.  I've not seen that URL before.  My contacts have been with Horizon UK and there was no mention of general availability of the ratchet strip.

Might be worth trying to get them sent from the US.

Cheers

Guy

[wideawake]

I actually went a different path to that as described in MB and fitted the pieces required to make both sticks self centering.  It was a bit fiddly, and I didn't actually get all the bits I needed but one stripped down old and unused radio later and I now how two self centering sticks.

That's part of the problem.  The bits aren't easily available.  In fact  Horizon Hobbies can only help if they have any dead TXs under the bench to rob.   I have the opposite need.  I want to make both sticks vertical axes non-self-centring for use with sail winches.

Guy

Wouldn't you just remove the spring and centering bar, and add one of these?

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=SPM9007

[tomocj]

Im using a DX6i and have had no problems with it . I up until recently did aero modeling and at one time I had 40 mhz and 35 mhz Tx and Rx so went the 2.4 ghz route for simplicity but now find I am sticking to model boats.
The Dx6i can be picked up for about £90 at shows but the prices are coming down else where too.
A lot of futaba 2.4 sets had to be recalled due to problems might be worth knowing if you are in the market for a new set.
I went the spectrum route and as I said no problems and would recommend .
I use futaba servos with no bother what so ever.
                                                                        Chris
 

[craftysod]

When you get a dx6i the air ratchet strip comes with it
Mine did anyway

[wideawake]

When you get a dx6i the air ratchet strip comes with it
Mine did anyway

Yes what most people seem to need is the alternative self-centring bits so that the throttle channel can be used with an ESC for Forward/neutral/Reverse.  I wanted the opposite, to make both vertical axes ratchet operated for 2 sail winches.   Ideally I'd make one of the horizontal axes ratchet as well but the same strip doesn't fit and I've not had time yet to see if I can work out a way of doing it.

Cheers

Guy

[craftysod]

I understood what you needed for yours Guy,just thought i would mention that the ratchet strip comes with the kit in case anyone wants to go same route as you,for sail boats.
Would prefer my left stick to be self centering but wouldnt dream of taking it apart

Mark

[tigertiger]

Ref DX5E

I have seen an aircraft model for under $100 Tx an Rx.
http://www.advantagehobby.com/product.php?productid=101889&cat=278&page=1

But I read somewhere that airmodel radios are not set up for reverse. So could be a problem with electirc motors and revers.

Is this true, or is this just the pistol grip models?

I also assume spectrum suitable for any make of servo.

[wideawake]

Ref DX5E

But I read somewhere that airmodel radios are not set up for reverse. So could be a problem with electirc motors and revers.

Is this true, or is this just the pistol grip models?

I also assume spectrum suitable for any make of servo.

Answering the last question first.  Yes the Spektrum radios work with any standard servo.  At least, to be accurate, I've tried them with Hitec and Futaba servos, unbranded ones from Howes models and the ones supplied with my DX6.

WRT your first question - I think it depends what you mean!    The ratchet (throttle) stick is ceratinly set up with no reverse, however I've been experomenting with an Action ESC which self-senses where the stick is set at swirch on and assumes that is "stop".    If you centre the throttle stick before switch on you get forward and reverse on the ratchet stick.   However there is a catch (isn't there always!)   I've not found a way of overriding the default failsafe setting ( minimum throttle on loss of signal) on the throttle so once configured this way loss of signal causes full  reverse motor!   The solution is a separate freestanding failsafe unit.    It's possible to do two other things but AFAIK neither gets over the failsafe problem.   One is to swap the ratchet and self-centring components from one stick to the other.    The other is to you use the other (eleveator) vertical axis for throttle.

I'm still playing around to see if i can find a way of getting it to store a different throttle failsafe setting during binding.

HTH

Guy

[Sandy Calder]

I also assume spectrum suitable for any make of servo.

The person who can give you the gospel truth should have an oscilloscope,an AR500 receiver,a variable voltage supply a selection of servos and time to kill.
I suspect the receiver is one of those that does not work with the 30 amp Electronize esc.If so, it may also not like Hitec,Acoms or Fleet servos if you opt for a 5-cell packs.
The tech spec for Hitec receivers say 3 volt is the minimum signal voltage and I think a lot of Futaba radios and possibly some Spektrum ones output at a lower voltage.
In saying that,there should not be receiver/servo issues with 4-cell NiMH batteries.

You might want to consider the "one second delay" in question 3 from page 7 of http://www.spektrumrc.com/ProdInfo/Files/DX5eUsersGuideV2.pdf. It is a problem you can avoid but the time delay does not arise with old technology.
By the way,most servos happily operate with glitches below 3.8 volts and they are very quick at self correcting.