Model Boat Mayhem
Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Radio Equipment => Topic started by: sunnybob on April 19, 2008, 09:19:22 pm
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Now bear in mind I am a COMPLETE novice with R/c gear, ok?
I bought a cheap T/X just to get this boat going. Its running on number 73 crystal. I know, I know, (NOW) thats a plane frequency.
I shall be very carefull when testing the boat that there are no other r/c models of any description in the area when i use it.
So, now I get to the question,
can I just buy a pair of boat frequency crystals? and if so, where from and how much?
Ta, (again) O0
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No, unfortunately you will need another Radio Set.
27, 40 or 2.4 Hz
Plenty of cheap sets on Eba or a 6 channel set for under £30 under "anyone heard of these" thread.
Bob
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The radio is fixed on 35MHz and 73 refers to a particular frequency within the 35MHz range (35.130MHz )
Sorry but the radio is fixed on 35MHz and can be changed for 27MHZ or 40MHZ or even the 2.4GHz - the legal boat frequencies in GB.
How much did you pay for the radio?
Martin
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If your crystals are 73 then your Tx and Rx is on the 35MHz frequency
For Boats they need to be on the 27 or 40MHz so they will need renewing.
If you are feeling really rich you could buy yourself a 2.4GHz band set and then you wont have to worry about crystals. O0
Gonna have to learn to type quicker. >>:-(
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why did I KNOW this was going to cost me money? :'( :'( :'(
Like I said, I am a know nothing, in my ignorance I bought the cheapest T/X ebay could offer (£17 to my door, with a servo as well)
I've since learnt quite a bit thanks to you lot, and I now know that this kit is old, and I dont think its unused, either >:(
I've tried really hard to keep this budget low, I knew that just like all budgets, i was going to exceed it, but at this rate, I'm going to go over by 50%. "xxxxx"! :'( :'(
But the boat is looking good, and its the culmination of a 50 year project, so I cant complain (too loudly) :D :D
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I think i can safely say that most of us on Mayhem have at some point got a boat new or second hand and thought that it only needs a few quid spent on it but have all gone overboard and spent more then we needed ::)
Its all worth it in the end trust me O0
Try Howes models in the traders section cheap deals on radio sets, i for one a happy customer.
Jay
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Thats strange you should mention howes, I've just been ebay surfing and came up with theirs as below.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/acoms-40mhz-2ch-set-for-radio-control-cars-and-boats_W0QQitemZ380018714021QQihZ025QQcategoryZ34063QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262
So this time, I'm going to ask the question BEFORE I buy.
Is this what I need? I mean ALL that I need? and is this a good make at a good price?
Or have any of you got anything better and cheaper to sell?
Thanks Bob
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Good set nothing at all wrong with that I have got one myself
Stavros
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You need to think about what control you need. If you want the simplest setup then you will need a 2 channel TX, a two channel RX a servo for the rudder and a speed control for the motors. The Acoms set you have mentioned comes with two servos which is not what you want.
If you want independent control of the motors it gets a bit more complicated. Have a look at FullLeatherJacket's guide here: http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/
Colin
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He only needs the Tx and Rx Colin he has the rest. Dont think he will find cheaper even if he ends up with two spare servos. O0
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Colin, the overriding factor here is price.
I want the cheapest that will power and steer the boat.
If there is a spare servo for a future unspecified use, thats fine, but the price here and now is what counts. :-\
I have one esc controlling 2 motors, and one rudder servo at present so a 2 channel will do, any more will be abonus as long as I dont pay extra for them :o.
I may buy that acoms on monday, if nothing else is offered up ;)
bob
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Well, if you already have a servo and ESC then why not just buy the TX and RX off Howes. They are advertising Acoms TXs for £5 and an RX for £10 in the current issue of Model Boats. That's half the price you were looking at!
Colin
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remember I started this with "I know nothing"?
I have no idea what I need or can buy.
So youre saying i can buy a complete T/x for a fiver? does that come with battery?
remember, I really do know nothing :)
Bob
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After surfing the howes site, I'm now even more confused and I really need some one to spell out the total list of things that I need.
The site lists receivers at a tenner, but then list crystals for a tenner. HUH?
Does the receiver come with a crystal? or not. Do i have to buy a T/X, a R/X, ANd a set of crystals?
As I already have the esc and rudder servo, can someone oblige and tell me EXACTLY what i need to get the boat running legally?
Thanks very much,
Bob
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No battery, the TX probably has a battery holder to accept AA cells, the TX won't. Neither would the TX/RX setup you were originally looking at. It isn't clear whether crystals are included for either option, probably not but you would have to ask.
Your best bet would be to talk to Howes, tell them what you want to do and get them to quote you the cheapest option. You also need an assurance that your existing servo and ESC will plug straight into the RX - they probably will but you can't be 100% certain.
You also need to decide whether you want to use rechargeable batteries or dry cells. Howes do both TX and RX rechargeable sealed battery packs for around £6 each depending on capacity, then you will need a suitable dual voltage charger. An alternative would be to go for the dry cell battery box option and use rechargeable MiMH AA cells ( you'll need 12 altogether) in which case you will have to take them out of the battery boxes and charge them 4 at a time in a bog standard wall charger. These are all cheapo options which will be a bit inconvenient in practice.
I appreciate that you don't know anything about this but you will have to master the rudiments if you want to get the boat up and running. Don't be put off, it isn't rocket science!
Colin
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The Acoms, Futaba and Hitec TXs that I have have all had a moulded-in tray for AA cells - a pre-made pack just wouldn't fit.
At the prices Howes quotes I would be amazed if crystals were included, so they will be an "extra".
The original outfit from ebay may have had a battery harness (battery holder, switch, plug and wiring) for the RX.
If the servo is vaguely modern, with three wires, it will be compatible with any modern RX, even it it needs a few bits of the plug moulding sanding back as all manufacturers want to lock you in to their brand. As long as the wires go "black, red, white" and the black, when plugged in, is nearest the outside edge of the RX case, no problems. Sometimes brown is used instead of black, and yellow instead of white.
If your ESC has a label saying "BEC" you probably wont need a RX battery, it will derive the RX and servo supply from the main battery.
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Thanks for all your knowledge and help, but I think I'm going to stick at this time.
all those parts add up to another wadge of money that is not in the budget, and at this stage, I dont even know if I'm going to take up the hobby full time or not.
I shall take the boat down to the local lake, making sure there are no other r/c ers around, and try it out. If it all works ok, and I find I like it, I shall start over again with the correct gear.
Thanks again
Bob. O0 O0
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If you buy the complete set from Howes you get crystals, if you buy the component parts no crystals. If you search for Acoms on ebay you will find the crystals plus other parts, I know I have just brought a new set of crystals and an R/X from Howes.
Brian
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After surfing the howes site, I'm now even more confused and I really need some one to spell out the total list of things that I need.
The site lists receivers at a tenner, but then list crystals for a tenner. HUH?
Does the receiver come with a crystal? or not. Do i have to buy a T/X, a R/X, ANd a set of crystals?
As I already have the esc and rudder servo, can someone oblige and tell me EXACTLY what i need to get the boat running legally?
Thanks very much,
Bob
Hytec Ranger 4 RX complete with three servos battery and pair of crystals I dont think this set will break the bank.
Andy. O0
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Andy, where do I get this set from?
Howes does not list it in their search box. I've even tried an all the web search engine and got no results????????
Bob
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I got mine from a shop called Model Exchange here in North Wales, they will post it to you try phoning them 01352 713027 hope this helps.
Andy. O0
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Sunnybob word to the wise here Contact either Marc at A Model world,Shg,or scale hobbies for the best prices Model Exchange sorry to say it are very pricey Look in the Traders directory on this froum for the web and tel no's
Stavros
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Yes Stavros they are a bit, thankfully for the club discount. But you know more suppliers than I do. O0
Andy :)
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A Model world Hitec Laser 4 full and complete set £76.00
SHG £99.00
The Model Dockyard £89.95
Howes £75.00
Andy all you got to do is to use the traders directory to get good prices and that goes for sunnybob as well thats where I just got those prices
Stavros
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Sunnybob - try the shops listed in the traders section of the forum - O0
regards
Andi
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A Model world Hitec Laser 4 full and complete set £76.00
SHG £99.00
The Model Dockyard £89.95
Howes £75.00
Andy all you got to do is to use the traders directory to get good prices and that goes for sunnybob as well thats where I just got those prices
Stavros
I must admit I never think of looking at the traders directory on here :embarrassed:
Andy. ;)
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I must admit I never think of looking at the traders directory on here
All that work, wasted..... sob! :'( :'( :'(
Colin