Model Boat Mayhem
Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Radio Equipment => Topic started by: triumphjon on November 09, 2010, 09:46:44 pm
-
i have seen several conversion kits available for various radios , having now gone the 2.4 route & buying myself a planet and three receivers , im left with an old hitec flash 4 tx that has no rx , can anybody advise me as to a suitable conversion please ?
-
Here is a 2.4GHz conversion but you may want to look at the new Hitec HTS-Navi telemetry TX/RX components coming out the next couple of months.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPhVcD4hyuM
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0093p?&C=MKL
These TX/RX components will produce live-view data.
Regards,
Giovanni
-
not sure i need live veiw information , what id like is some advise as to whats entailed in converting my tx from 40 mhz into the new 2.4 ghz ? ive got fed up with other people turning models on at the lakeside but failing to carry out any frequency checks first ! hence wanting to upgrade my tx . i know ive got to purchase a new rx to match the manufacture of the conversion kit , just that most of the info ive looked at covers the optic & laser 6 that use a plug in module system ? my radio dosnt use a module
-
I don't think there is a specific unit for the Flash 4, what you need is a 'hack' module that means you have to do some soldering and case hacks to fit the new aerial.
http://www.giantcod.co.uk/frsky-24ghz-conversion-hack-module-p-405206.html
This is the type of unit you need - couldn't see any instructions in a quick check, but I'm sure a search of the internet will find some.
Hope this helps,
Barrie
-
I don't think there is a specific unit for the Flash 4, what you need is a 'hack' module that means you have to do some soldering and case hacks to fit the new aerial.
http://www.giantcod.co.uk/frsky-24ghz-conversion-hack-module-p-405206.html
This is the type of unit you need - couldn't see any instructions in a quick check, but I'm sure a search of the internet will find some.
Hope this helps,
Barrie
Barrie,
Handy link :-)) :-)) :-))
-
There was a thread before on how to install the Hack modules. http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=24085.0
-
ive been looking at these set just not sure how the system is wired into mine tx , ive looked inside the case of my hitec tx , no buddy socket , and not sure where i would need to wire this unit up to on my board , will i need to obtain a wirig diagram of my tx first ?
-
Might be less hassle just to buy a 2.4ghz set.
-
Agreed, if its a basic 4Ch set you have then its not worth converting. If you have a more expensive multi channel computer radio then it makes sense to hang on to it and convert it
-
mine is the one with the digital display in the bottom right corner , and has electronic trim adjustment , & model memory
-
While it's nice to have an all singing, all dancing R/C system, the truth of the matter for most model boaters is that we only really want basic functions. The extra bells and whistles are really intended for the aircraft and helicopter boys. 4 channels is usually enough, 6 if you want some special effects. The computer stuff is just icing on the cake, fine if you can afford it but by no means essential.
Colin
-
its a transmitter that i bought second hand , ive now decided that im not going to continue using 27 or 40 mhz due to the inexperienced modellers that turn up at the lake ,walk past somebody who is already operating a model , and just turn on their radios without a care in the world that they could be causing interference OR loss of control of the model that is already in use !
-
Might be less hassle just to buy a 2.4ghz set.
Very good point :-)) :-)) and probably cheaper. O0 O0 O0
-
Very good point :-)) :-)) and probably cheaper. O0 O0 O0
The unit I linked to was I think about £13 - even the GC set is more than that!!. As far as I am aware you only need three connections - two of those must be power, so only the signal to find %) I'm off to Leamington today - I'll do some googling when I get back.
Barrie
-
Hello
I converted my old Futaba 35Mhz to 2.4 with the Corona module 2 of their receivers...no problems yet
Bill
-
Circuit diagram for TX would be good, but as stated you need +ve -ve and the output from the pulse train.
Regards Ian.
-
Here are some images and drawings for both synthesized RF MHz and 2.4GHz TX.
Regards,
Giovanni
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/sunworksco/rcshopeu.jpg)
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/sunworksco/graupner-ifs-systemde.jpg)
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/sunworksco/DUPLEXTUGMC.jpg)
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/sunworksco/clip_image010.jpg)
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/sunworksco/Jeti24GHzmoduleConversion.jpg)
-
To us non electrical types who might race in where Angels fear to tread and attempt a conversion the following comes to mind.
After you have converted the transmitter then it is necessary to buy the corresponding receiver or will any compatible (how is compatability determined) 2.4ghz receiver suffice.
Also, all existing receivers for any converted transmitters would now be redundant but not the servos.
-
The 2.4GHz TX/RX are pretty much standard throughout the world.
I would encourage a conversion with the TX/RX that completely match for live-view telemetry like FrSky, Hitec AFHSS and the like.
Giovanni
-
Pardon? {-) {-)
-
I was referring to the 2.4GHz modules being compatible with other 2.4GHz TX/RX modules, not that they are the standard frequency.
I use a synthesized 75MHz TX/RX myself.
Giovanni
-
The unit I linked to was I think about £13 - even the GC set is more than that!!. As far as I am aware you only need three connections - two of those must be power, so only the signal to find %) I'm off to Leamington today - I'll do some googling when I get back.
Barrie
Barrie,
Have Googled, ogled etc but can't seem to find the compatable Frsky receiver for the hack module. <:(
Have two new complete Futaba 4YF sets which are probably worthwhile converting to 2.4ghz. O0
Found a Frsky Futaba conversion module, (Frsky 2.4GHz V8 8ch FUTABA COMBO V2) Transmitter & Receiver but can't see where says it is compatable with the 4YF. Lists other Futaba sets but not the 4YF. <:(
-
Raarty,
Sorry - I haven't had time to do any googling - new Grandson you know! From what I have learned, there are two types of conversion kit - those made for specific 'host' sets, and what the call 'hack' versions. The former are designed to replace plug in transmission modules in sets designed for them. the latter require you to identify three points on the circuit board of the existing Tx, and solder connections to them.
I should point out that I haven't actually done any of this as I sold my 40Mhz equipment and bought new 2.4Ghz, both Spektrum and now Giant Cod. There was an article in Marine Modelling a few months ago about the latter type of conversion.
Barrie
-
i have done the Giant Cod (hack) conversion from Corona, on a Graupner 214 and a Robbe F14
-
Some of us are not able to digest reams of technical jargon/data let alone make heads or tails of it.
It is thereforefar simpler to ask questions some of which may be simple and should be readily known, but if you don't ask the question you will have to ASSume.
Plus electronics/Black Art is not my area of expertise, so here goes.
With "hack" conversions a comparable receiver is "bound" (bind/mated) to the transmitter and if I am understanding things correctly another receiver can be bound to the same transmitter.
End result one transmitter running two boats, not at the same time, each with one of the bound receivers installed.
Some questions come to mind.
1. Is there a limit to the number of receivers bound to a transmitter whether it is hacked or an originall 2.4ghz system.
2. Can receivers be "unbound" and rebound to another transmitter.
3. Is there a limit on the number of channels when binding receivers.
4. Are there any benefit, (and if so what) in binding say a 6 channel receiver to say a 4 channel transmitter
-
answer No
yes
no if the TX and rx have the capability
you only get the lower no of channels
peter
-
Peter,
Thanks O0
-
2.4 ghz systems are proprietary, and you can't swap manufacturers.
I went the Corona route with my FC16 and am very happy with the performance of the system. I have to stick with Corona receivers, but they're dirt cheap and readily available, and they do a nice range from 4-8 channels, which tallys nicely with the 8-channel TX.
As I like submarines, retaining 40mhz was important to me.
-
2.4 ghz systems are proprietary, and you can't swap manufacturers.
I went the Corona route with my FC16 and am very happy with the performance of the system. I have to stick with Corona receivers, but they're dirt cheap and readily available, and they do a nice range from 4-8 channels, which tallys nicely with the 8-channel TX.
As I like submarines, retaining 40mhz was important to me.
we are starting to get cheap receiver's for spectrum now from another vendor and people say they work well there are also I believe now some for futaba so things are looking up for people who have been paying a fortune for receivers.
peter
-
Yes there are cloned receivers appearing for some of the more popular systems, which should encourage the banded makes to lower their prices a bit.
-
I stand corrected.
I apologise for the misinformation :embarrassed:
Giovanni
-
despite my not being here for a week , im still in the unsure mode , i dont mind using a soldering iron , but how an earth do i know what to solder to what ? ive opened up my tx , finding a power source isnt a problem as it can be tapped from the power switch ? do i then take the output from where the original wire goes to the telescopic ariel ?
-
is you old system a 40 or a 27 ? would it be better to sell it to a sub enthusiast and use the money to get an 2.4ghz set?
-
its a 40 mhz hitec flash 4 with model memory and digital trim adjustments ! having looked at the price to convert it and buy the rx its almost as much as buying a new set up from gc !
-
Hi triumphjon,
the following links might be interesting. The first shows how to make your rc a 5 channel version, the second shows how to connect a hack module and deactivate the internal HF-module.
1. http://tanwh.blogspot.com/2009/08/hitec-flash-4-sx-radio-transmitter.html
2. http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3131412
Hope that helps.
btw: I just converted a simple 8 channel transmitter with the FrSky hack module from GC. The FrSky system seems to be one of the best system on the market because it uses 48 channels for frequency hopping while most other systems use less (Spektrum DSM2 system only uses 2!!!). The more channels are used the less interference there is. Have a look at this review: http://rcmodelreviews.com/frskyreview.shtml
-
Virtually Any TX can be concerted if you have a nice old TX with Good sticks that you want to keep using but are fed up with Xtals, even a two channel i got my last kit for £20 with receiver, I don't want to play subs so I would not want the old channels so it makes it simple, all you need is a + - and a pulse but break the track and also disable the out put to save a little battery power use just removing the the xtal only stops part of the output stage working. I have seen a two channel futaba twin stick that the owner was made up with. I have a pair of old Jr twins I want to do soon they have a nice alloy case and I wont have to plug it in to a pc to do simple servo reversing etc
Peter
-
Is my Hitec Laser 6 35mhz transmitter capable of conversion to 2.4 Ghz? + receiver. Many thanks, Geoff.
-
Hi Geoff,
as HS93 wrote before, most transmitters can be converted. Some by simply changing the HF module, others by adding a DIY hack module. Your TX needs a hack module. Here's a video which shows how to convert it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqGv4nUg5ro
-
thanks for the links chameo , its ok attacking the tx with the soldering iron IF you know what has to be done and where !
-
Thanks a lot Chameo, I've just ordered a Corona kit with Rx included for my hitec laser 6 35mhz from Giant Cod for £21 incl p+p. Regards Geoff.
-
I've just received the Corona 2.4ghz module I ordered the other day and fitted it today. The installation was easy and straight forward and the bonding proceedure was simple. All my servos work ok but my Viper Marine ESC is operating the motor on the R/H stick with left & right movement instead of on the R/H stick up & down ratchet throttle movement. What am I doing wrong? The Corona 2.4 Rx has channels 1 to 8 but doesn't show which one for battery or ESC to plug into. I'm using a Hitec Laser 6 Tx. Can anyone shed any light on this problem. Many thanks, regards Geoff.(http://)
(http://s1.postimage.org/1mhp1kc3o/CR8_Z.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/1mhp1kc3o/)
(http://s1.postimage.org/1mhu06dl0/DSCF1534.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/1mhu06dl0/)
-
Use a servo to find out on which channel of your RX the throttle is now and simply plug your ESC in there.
-
If the ESC has a BEC you wont need a battery
If not just plug battery pack into Ch 8 or any
unused channel
Ned
-
Thank you both very much indeed, Chameo & Netleyned. It works perfectly now with the motor on the ratchet stick. The ESC is now in channel 3, and it does have a BEC so takes its power from the motor battery. Again, thanks very much, I must have had another senior moment again, sorry. Kind regards Geoff.