Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Radio Equipment => Topic started by: jcarse on January 10, 2007, 10:10:57 am

Title: Futaba Challenger R/C Transmitter
Post by: jcarse on January 10, 2007, 10:10:57 am

I have been given an old  (15 Years I think!!) Futaba Challenger FP-6NL 6 Channel Transmitter, still in it's box and never used, unfortunately;y it has a 35MHz crystal in it, how can I change this this to 40MHz for boats, I can't imagine it's just a case of changing the crystal, there's really got to be more to it!!  Can anyone help??

John

Title: Re: Futaba Challenger R/C Transmitter
Post by: Daryl on January 10, 2007, 12:39:34 pm

I don't think you can change the PCB inside the case for a 40mhz. It will only work on 35mhz, just changing the xtal  to 40mhz won't work. If you want to run 40mhz then its a new tx.

hope this helps
Daryl

Title: Re: Futaba Challenger R/C Transmitter
Post by: DickyD on January 10, 2007, 02:48:44 pm

Hi Daryl
portsideII apparently changed his 35mhz module for a 40mhz module in his Hitec tx. There is a thread in Electrics & Electronics about it.

Richard ;)

Title: Re: Futaba Challenger R/C Transmitter
Post by: Daryl on January 10, 2007, 03:13:44 pm

I beleive the Hitec was designed so that the factory could insert whatever module they liked depending on the frequency band.
But the Futaba as far as I could remember was designed a bit different and not so easy as the Hitec to insert a different frequency PCB. I think this model is very difficult to alter without circuit diagrams etc. I think the Futaba model was only supposed to be 35mhz?? but not sure on that.

Daryl

Title: Re: Futaba Challenger R/C Transmitter
Post by: DickyD on January 10, 2007, 03:39:45 pm

Beg your pardon :-[

Richard ;)

Title: Re: Futaba Challenger R/C Transmitter
Post by: barriew on January 10, 2007, 04:10:29 pm

There is (was) a Futaba with interchangeable modules, don't know the model number, and if this one is 15 years old, its unlikely there would be any modules still available. Best bet is to sell it on eBay and buy a new one ;D

Barrie

Title: Re: Futaba Challenger R/C Transmitter
Post by: Daryl on January 10, 2007, 04:43:36 pm

I agree with Barrie W, I think this Futaba was not intented to have the 35mhz module swapped out for a 40mhz or whatever frequency band module.

Long time since I saw the inside of one.

Daryl

Title: Re: Futaba Challenger R/C Transmitter
Post by: Shipmate60 on January 10, 2007, 06:28:26 pm

I have 2 of these transmitters.
They will need new circuit board, not worth the expense even if you can still get the parts.

Bob

Title: Re: Futaba Challenger R/C Transmitter
Post by: Ghost in the shell on January 11, 2007, 12:10:50 am

Futaba 6EXA has come down in price now, its a good solid 40 meg set :)

Title: Re: Futaba Challenger R/C Transmitter
Post by: Daryl on January 11, 2007, 08:57:46 am

I have a Futaba 6EXA and have found it very good. The newer model 6EXPA has a few more features which also I gather is very good.

Daryl

Title: Re: Futaba Challenger R/C Transmitter
Post by: jcarse on January 11, 2007, 09:58:24 am

Thanks to all who replied, looks as though this one might be Ebay bound!!

Thanks again

John