Model Boat Mayhem
Mess Deck: General Section => Model Boating => Topic started by: Netleyned on October 12, 2009, 01:22:34 pm
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I hope someone amongst all
you knowledgeable guys can give me some idea on what RC gear to buy.
I am currently on my first build (Caldercraft Amaranth) which will only need the basic
RC gear but my next model will probably need at least four channels or more.
Can anyone recommend a 2.4gHz set up which would work on both with separate receivers
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Hi Ned,
You will see that I have had a recent listing entitled 'Problems with a Spektrum DX5e 2.4' but, with help from the Mayhemmers, I solved the problem and could now recommend these sets. Another one to take a look at is www.giantcod.co.uk who do some ridiculously cheap 2.4 sets and seem to be a very helpful company.
Hope this helps.
Derek. :police:
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Hi Derek
Thanks for the reply.
Looked at the web site, very cheap and very out of stock.
Spektrum seem to only do pistol grip sets which I dont really fancy.
I will have to look at a six channel Futaba or similar fo my next
model as i will probably have twin screws and a bow thruster
Yours aye
Ned
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Hi Derek
Thanks for the reply.
Looked at the web site, very cheap and very out of stock.
Spektrum seem to only do pistol grip sets which I dont really fancy.
Yours aye
Ned
Not sure where the idea that Spektrum only do pistol grip sets came from. They certainly do make a pistol grip unit dfor cars but do at least 3 conventional sets. DX5e, DX6i and DX7. The DX5e is more expensive than the less-well-known brands but is a basic 4+2 (2 twin axis joysticks and 2 on/off switches) channel set with no complex menu driven programming. As Derek says, beware of the lack of clarity in the binding instructions but otherwise they're pretty well bomb-proof (except in submarines!!)
HTH
Guy
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Hi Ned,
You will find that the Spektrum DX5e tx and AR500 rx (5 channel) would probably suit your purposes and it is the normal r/c set-up (not pistol grip). Horizon Hobby are the UK distributors so, if you have a look at their website they may show the full range. I have a Futaba 6EX 2.4Ghz set but I was considering selling it because additional receivers are so expensive and I would then stick with the Spektrum. Spektrum receivers are about 1/3rd the price of Futaba.
Another suggestion would be to Google Spektrum DX5e and see what comes up.
I believe that the giantcod site says that they are expecting stock shortly.
Derek. :police:
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I buy all my Spektrum gear off ebay, look for Spektrum DX5e and AR500 are about £74.00 or for just a DX5e £39.99
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Ned
Folk will say that if you buy the Futaba 6EX then you will get what you pay for.
Yep - what you'll get is a lot of computerised aeroplane/helicopter functions which you don't really want for a scale boat; four servos when you only need one; redundant-stock 700maH NiCads in the Tx instead of decent-capacity NiMH cells; two non-proportional auxiliary functions (they're only ON/OFF channels), and a bill for £60 if you want a second receiver. A small bird tells me that it is also no longer manufactured.
You'll actually have paid for two complete Spektrum DX5e's.........................or five of the fishy things!
Suit yourself, but you don't need any more than two channels for full control of a twin-engined boat (plus one for a bow-thruster). Check this link:
http://www.action-electronics.co.uk/pdfs/Twins%20Ver2.pdf
FLJ
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http://r2hobbies.com/proddetail.php?prod=rcps61206_61411 (http://r2hobbies.com/proddetail.php?prod=rcps61206_61411)
This website also advertises a nine-channel unit but i think that's a bit much for a boat. Extra receivers are 9.83 for the Turborix, 13.10 for the nine-channel monster.
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I've just had a look at the r2hobbies website. Don't know what shipping would cost from Hong Kong but these radios have got to be a bargain :-)).
Derek. :police:
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http://r2hobbies.com/proddetail.php?prod=rcps61206_61411 (http://r2hobbies.com/proddetail.php?prod=rcps61206_61411)
This website also advertises a nine-channel unit but i think that's a bit much for a boat. Extra receivers are 9.83 for the Turborix, 13.10 for the nine-channel monster.
I am also in the market for RC gear, but like netleyned am a bit naive, I am looking for a set up that will run my Ironsider and Bugsier 3 and any future models I add to my collection.
What governs, if anything, the number of models you can attach to Tx unit?
What I am looking for is a set up that is reasonably priced, fairley future proofed and easy to set up.
Looking at the RC site and reading FLJ's post are Tx units specific for Boats, as the 6 channel set the link takes you to is advertised for planes, heli's and gliders.
Peter
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What governs, if anything, the number of models you can attach to Tx unit?
What I am looking for is a set up that is reasonably priced, fairley future proofed and easy to set up
You can save the settings for 10 models on a Spektrum DX6i
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There is no tx specific for boats,most are for the fly boys who require more channels or adjustments.
If you buy a giantcod tx and rx for example for £26,you can bind as many rx as you want to the tx.
The same goes for spektrum dx6i,but holds 10 rx settings in the computerised memory,so if you need cranes or other things to move
this is in the memory.
I have both,but the giantcod rx is a fifth of the price of the spektrum,both work well though
Mark
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you could do worse than wait for me to take a photo and advertise my Futaba ( read reliable) 2.4 gear.
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You can save the settings for 10 models on a Spektrum DX6i
That is extremely useful if you need different settings for different models and the DX6i is a good menu-programmed TX. However it's not the same thing as the number of models that you can attach to a TX. Even leaving aside the fact that you can bind more than one RX to a TX, you can attach as many different receivers to the TX as you want. In effect it's just the same as having several 40 MHz RXs with the same crystal matching that in the TX. The worst you MAY need to do is to bind the TX and RX when you change model. That's a 30 second job.
Very few TXs are designed especially for boats even at 40MHz. The vast majority are built and labelled for the aircraft/heli market (which is much bigger than the boat market) but they work perfectly well in boats.
HTH
Guy
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The only issue which might be pointed out is that 2.4gz does not go through water very well. So if you fancy a submarine, the lower the frequency the better.
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The only issue which might be pointed out is that 2.4gz does not go through water very well. So if you fancy a submarine, the lower the frequency the better.
Indeed - not even a foot! I ususally try to remember to append "except for submarines" to every post :-)
Guy
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Thankyou gentlemen for all the info that has been posted
You have certainly pointed me in the right direction
especially FLJ
Just two last querys
Do they all need mods to the sticks for ahead and astern
and what are modes 1 &2?
Thanks in advance for any info
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999 out of 1000 4- and 6-channel transmitters are set up with a spring-centred up/down movement on one of the two sticks, and a ratchet action on the other. Both sticks are spring-centred in their side-to-side movement. The ratchet stick is usually assigned to the throttle of an aircraft, helicopter or I/C boat, where neither reverse nor a quick return to neutral (or "stop engine") is required. Many modellers obtain and fit the few parts to give a spring-centring action also to the ratchet stick, so that they can set up the throttle as centre = stop, up= ahead and down = astern. If you get into a panic then you just let go of the stick and the motor(s) stop.
Where the standard Tx is supplied with the ratchet on the LH stick, it is referred to as Mode 1, while Mode 2 has the ratchet on the RH stick. I haven't seen a set yet which can't be changed simply from one to the other by swapping over the spring and ratchet parts.
Hope this makes things clearer for you.
FLJ
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Hate to contradict you FLJ but Mode 2 has the ratchet/throttle on the left hand stick.
Derek. :police:
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Hate to contradict you FLJ but Mode 2 has the ratchet/throttle on the left hand stick.
Derek. :police:
I can never remember which is which either :((
The thing is you can normally, as FLJ says, swap the spring-centring components onto the other stick anyway and if you buy a DX5e, do the mod to access the mode switch under the front panel.
HTH
Guy
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Hate to contradict you FLJ
No you didn't!
Shame you're right................. :P
FLJ
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Hi, hopefully one of the experts can also clarify for me the matter of the relationship between the binding plug and the receiver. I have purchased a Spektrum Dx5e and two AR500 receivers but have not used them yet. Each receiver came with its own bind plug. My question is whether each plug is specific to its own receiver and do I have to be careful not to mix them up or can I use one plug and bind each receiver with the same plug ? Also if I take two boats to the lake with the two receivers in them do I have to bind each receiver to the transmitter each time I want to change from one boat to the other. I have friends with Spektrum radios who are very happy with them but none have tried to set up a second receiver yet and the instructions are not their strongest point. Thanks, Ian.
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Hi Kiwimodeller,
The bind plugs are interchangeable - all they do is to short the connection between two of the contacts on the receiver. You can bind as many receivers as you wish to one transmitter but bear in mind what has been said previously about releasing the trainer switch as soon as you switch the t/x on - DO NOT hold the trainer switch on for any longer period of time.
Derek. :police:
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Just as a matter of interest, the 6 channel Turborix Rx is compatible with the Eurgle 9 channel Tx. I'm waiting on delivery of one of their 3 channel Rx to see if it's also compatible. The cost of postage is very reasonable from R2 Hobbies, my last 6 channel Rx cost just over £9 delivered.
I'm filling my boots before the price of electronics in HK/China shoots up :-))
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You can bind as many receivers as you wish to one transmitter but bear in mind what has been said previously about releasing the trainer switch as soon as you switch the t/x on
Provided they are the same model. If you have a DX6i, you can have a different model receiver on each memory.
Barrie
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Have a look here for Spectrum gear, thats where the missus got mine last Christmas and it was about £70, off eaby I think, try them out.
http://www.sussex-model-centre.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=26392
Robert
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Got mine here. Good service and a reasonable price.
http://www.rcpitstop.co.uk/index.asp
FLJ
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Thanks for that Derek and Barrie. We all have the same models. Dx5's and AR500's as I arranged a bulk buy discount for the group. At our Sept sailing day there were 44 boats registered on the frequency board so I am looking forward to not having to worry about who else has the same channel and who is on or off the water. Cheers, Ian.
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The Planet 5 channel 2.4GHz Tx/Rx combo on the site that FLJ linked to, at £37.50, looks interesting. Anybody tried it?
Geoff
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I think that is just for the Tx. Pete M
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It does say Tx and Rx.
"From J Perkins comes the economical Planet 5 channel 2.4ghz transmitter and 6 channel receiver set.
Supplied in mode 2 and perfect for small model flight, indoor and mini helicopter not requiring a massive range.
The transmitter and receiver have been designed for precision helicopter and aircraft flying and feature Advanced 2.4GHz control and high quality adjustable height stick units.
The transmitter incorporates full 4-function control via dual axis control sticks and a 5th function for lights/retracts, etc, socket for an optional Flight Simulator cable set, reversing switches, moulded ergonomic rear and side grips, carry handle, neck strap hang point and a charging socket (for charging optional rechargeable transmitter batteries)."
Geoff
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not requiring a massive range.
Hmmmmmmm.......... Caveat Emptor again?
FLJ
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Yeah, I noticed the 'not massive range' bit. My impression is that the range is more of an issue for planes and fast boats. Scale boaters don't seem to operate very far from shore so they can still get the impression of the 'scaleness' of their boat.
Either way, now would not seem to be the time to buy a cupboard full of 27 or 40 radio gear as a hedge against inflation. :-)
Geoff
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It can't be long before 2.4G and above becomes the standard because its production methods and materials incline it towards bulk production and low cost.
At that point the steam driven stuff will start becoming museum pieces, with availability and prices to match. It could even be that, looking at the current rush to digital broadcasting, the analogue stuff will not only be unavailable, it might even become illegal. I am wondering where this is going to leave the submariners. Probably up a very expensive gum tree. :((
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the analogue stuff will not only be unavailable, it might even become illegal.
They'll have to catch you first, Doc. The Feds haven't enough troops as it is, and that's without chasing old geezers with model subs and 40 meg trannies!
FLJ
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They'll have to catch you first, Doc. The Feds haven't enough troops as it is, and that's without chasing old geezers with model subs and 40 meg trannies!
FLJ
Whats this 40meg stuff?
Point is, a time might well be near when for whatever reason, new analogue gear is unobtainable, and that means that as bits n pieces fall off, they are not replaceable, unless you go 2.4. Technology does gallop on - vinyl records and the things that play them are past items, the various tape systems are doing the same. Those nice ZN409 chips that lived in most ESCs vanished from the open market. The analogue channels might well wind up being occupied by the toys.
In our area, probably the first things to fall off the end of the shelf will be crystals. A mate of mine recently got himself a bargain of a Fleet TX to replace some gear that was stolen a few years ago. Trouble is getting it working, seeing as how his collection of crystals went with the stolen gear. The same could soon apply to anything else using crystals, so really, as soon as the price is right, 2.4G is the way to go.
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They'll have to catch you first, Doc. The Feds haven't enough troops as it is, and that's without chasing old geezers with model subs and 40 meg trannies!
FLJ
It's easy they just sell of the band to a business user and then it will be unusable like some of the armature band that we shared at one time till paging systems came along when you have a whacking great signal your 100mw will be just laughed at a bit like side band cb did to 27hmz and I believe there is still a proposal to harmonise us with Europe on that so 27 wont be usable at all in some areas
Peter
G0PAH
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They'll have to catch you first, Doc. The Feds haven't enough troops as it is, and that's without chasing old geezers with model subs and 40 meg trannies!
FLJ
If current practice is anything to go by, they will happily forgo the difficulties of catching fit active thugs and terrorists who can fight back in favour of arresting old geezers with techniclly illegal radios and young mothers whose babies have dropped a bit of ice-cream on the ground....
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They'll have to catch you first, Doc. The Feds haven't enough troops as it is, and that's without chasing old geezers with model subs and 40 meg trannies!
FLJ
Oi Mavis...less of the old!!!
Rich
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Technology does gallop on - vinyl records and the things that play them are past items, the various tape systems are doing the same. T
Actually, i learned to my surprise a few years ago that a number of artists still release vinyl records and that vinyl has come back due to the richer sound compared to digital audio.
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Thanks Gentlemen for all the input
G Cod has supplied some bits
Now I will have to talk to FLJ about esc
Thankyou