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Author Topic: Which radio system please  (Read 6798 times)

barryfoote

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Which radio system please
« on: November 27, 2007, 02:47:07 pm »

Okay so I have not built a radio controlled model for going on 20 years, but I am putting that right. Starting a 1/32nd scale Tug, The Lady T, based on an MMM hull. It has twin screws and I have purchased 2 motors. Apart from standard throttle controls and rudder, I want to operate a smoking stack, lights and both steam engine sound and ships whistle. Any advise please on which radio to buy would be appreciated.
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Martin (Admin)

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Re: Which radio system please
« Reply #1 on: November 27, 2007, 04:24:36 pm »



Legally you can use 27Mhz, 40 Mhz and now 2.4GHz. (MHz = Megahertz, GHz= Giga Hertz)


There are 6 official 27Mhz - Crystal controlled & listed in colours ( there 6 more frequencies called splits but a lot of modellers don't like them)
There 30+ on 40MHz frequencies - again crystal controlled and listed by channel numbers or frequencies.
The new 2.4GHz is transmitter controlled ie. in theory you can just switch on and go as the transmitter detects what 2.4GHz channels are clear and uses those.

In your case Barry, you will need at lease a 4 channel set but if you are investing, have a look at a 6 channel set.

Futaba, Hitec, Robbe, Accoms, Multiplex & Spektrum are the big names in RC radio.

The other guys will follow up and correct me where I'm wrong.....


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wingertaz

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Re: Which radio system please
« Reply #2 on: November 27, 2007, 06:46:44 pm »

Apart from Sanwa, JR and Graupner  ;) Martin has said it all. O0 2.4 sets although more expensive at present seem to be the way to go.

Gary
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justboatonic

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Re: Which radio system please
« Reply #3 on: November 27, 2007, 09:17:52 pm »

As someone once said to me, 'you cant beat Futaba!' Very good cost effective reliable radio. Used to swear by Sanwa for flying but they dont seem to have the range of servos, transmitters etc.
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barryfoote

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Re: Which radio system please
« Reply #4 on: December 01, 2007, 09:48:33 am »

Thanks chaps.....I have a good bid in at the moment on ebay for a Futaba 6 channel so fingers crossed. A test for Martin though. I live in Spain...Are you sure of youyr legal frequencies?? I dont know
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Peterm

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Re: Which radio system please
« Reply #5 on: December 01, 2007, 11:31:34 am »

Barry,  did a Google check for you.   The legal RC frequencies for Spain are:
Boats/cars :  40.665 MHz, 40.675, 40.685, 40.695
Aircraft :   35.030 MHz to 35.200 in 10 khz steps.   Pete M
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Subculture

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Re: Which radio system please
« Reply #6 on: December 01, 2007, 04:26:12 pm »

If you ever plan to enter the world of model submarines, then i would avoid the 2.4GHZ sets like the plague. That frequency does not transmit through water at all well.

I've used kit from most of the major manufacturers. I have to say I find it all much of a muchness now, and I would base my choice on the features that the equipment presents and how you wish to incorporate that into your model, rather than the company that builds it.

For the record I own sets by Futaba, Sanwa, Acoms, Multiplex and Digifleet. I find the Sanwa (RD6000 my 35mhz flying TX) and Futaba (FC16) gear particularly user friendly.

Andy
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wingertaz

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Re: Which radio system please
« Reply #7 on: December 01, 2007, 04:36:28 pm »

Hi Andy, is that just salt water or is it fresh water as well ?

Gary
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wombat

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Re: Which radio system please
« Reply #8 on: December 01, 2007, 04:48:47 pm »

I suspect that it will be both salt and fresh water -  the operating frequency is not that far from the standard frequency of microwave ovens (2.45GHz) so is high enough to cause the water molecules to spin. All you will do is raise the temperature of the lake by a few micro-kelvin.
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Re: Which radio system please
« Reply #9 on: December 01, 2007, 05:18:22 pm »

You'll get no signal in salt water regardless of the frequency (the salt is highly conductive).

If you want to run in salt water with a submarine, it's essential to run an aerial or buoy to the surface.

The 2.4mhz is lousy in fresh water.

Andy
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Stavros

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Re: Which radio system please
« Reply #10 on: December 01, 2007, 06:52:13 pm »

Personally I use the Futaba F16 computer set no probs at all Highly Reccomended


Stavros
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barryfoote

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Re: Which radio system please
« Reply #11 on: December 07, 2007, 08:28:06 am »

Thanks guys,
Got plenty to work with. I will update when I have decided.
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Martin13

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Re: Which radio system please
« Reply #12 on: December 07, 2007, 10:45:32 am »

If you ever plan to enter the world of model submarines, then i would avoid the 2.4GHZ sets like the plague. That frequency does not transmit through water at all well.

For the record I own sets by Futaba, Sanwa, Acoms, Multiplex and Digifleet. I find the Sanwa (RD6000 my 35mhz flying TX) and Futaba (FC16) gear particularly user friendly.

Andy

Andy,

That's a useful tip regarding 2.4Gig for sub's - never crossed my mind.

I also fly RC Gliders and presently need a new radio with 6 to 8 channels to fly my soon to be Christmas present. The Futaba and Hitec radios are most popular here in Australia. Which set do you believe would be okay keeping in mind that I would also want to use the radio on model boats and a planned sub.

Also what are your thoughts on a computer radio - would be good for my gliders.

Martin Doon Under
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Re: Which radio system please
« Reply #13 on: December 07, 2007, 05:43:49 pm »

Well here in the UK, we use 40mhz for ground and aquatic craft, and 35mhz for aeroplanes and choppers- the two shouldn't mix. 27mhz can technically used for both surface and air, but I think you'd need your head testing to use it in an aeroplane these days!

So if you're looking at a set for both, then you need to be looking at a TX with interchangeable tuning rigs/modules. These are available, but they're far from cheap.

Given the choice between Futaba and Hitec, I'd say they're fairly even in terms of performance, just go for waht suits your budget and the set you find easiest/comfortable to use.

Andy
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MikeK

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Re: Which radio system please
« Reply #14 on: December 08, 2007, 09:21:02 am »

Beware E-Bay (now when have I heard that before  {-) ) I bought a 40Mhz Futaba 4EX  from the deepest Far East on there, then somebody at the club mentioned the CE mark and lo and behold it doesn't have it  >:( When sailing amongst a few other boats it gets terrible interference and I'm not sure of its legality in the UK/EEC

Mike
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barryfoote

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Re: Which radio system please
« Reply #15 on: December 08, 2007, 11:01:03 am »

Thanks Mike. Just saved me from the same mistake. Happy Xmas.
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MikeK

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Re: Which radio system please
« Reply #16 on: December 08, 2007, 02:20:56 pm »

No problem Barry, up to now I have had good service/prices from Howes Models (E-bay site and web site) Just got my Chrimmly present from there - 2.4 Ghz 6EX to replace the E-Bay disaster, which I have had to put down to experience  :( ( I have no connection whatsoever with them, as people always say !)
Merry Xmas to you and yours - especially the little star in your picture  {-) {-)

Mike
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barryfoote

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Re: Which radio system please
« Reply #17 on: December 08, 2007, 03:49:20 pm »

Thanks again Mike, I have Howes web site in my favourites. SWMBO syas to wait till new year, so probably will do now and just enjoy building the new Tug when the hull finally arrives. Postage to Southern Spain at this time of year is murder. All the best.
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barriew

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Re: Which radio system please
« Reply #18 on: December 08, 2007, 06:11:05 pm »

Well here in the UK, we use 40mhz for ground and aquatic craft, and 35mhz for aeroplanes and choppers- the two shouldn't mix. 27mhz can technically used for both surface and air, but I think you'd need your head testing to use it in an aeroplane these days!

Andy

Of course, 2.4ghz can also be used for surface or air. Only problem seems to be the (relatively) high cost of receivers.

Barrie
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MikeK

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Re: Which radio system please
« Reply #19 on: December 08, 2007, 07:15:59 pm »

Well here in the UK, we use 40mhz for ground and aquatic craft, and 35mhz for aeroplanes and choppers- the two shouldn't mix. 27mhz can technically used for both surface and air, but I think you'd need your head testing to use it in an aeroplane these days!

Andy

Of course, 2.4ghz can also be used for surface or air. Only problem seems to be the (relatively) high cost of receivers.

Barrie

Agree with you there, Barrie. Sixty odd quid a throw for the Rx is a bit daunting - adds that little extra thrill when you shove it in something you have stuck together and launch it into a bloomin' big pool of water  :-X :-X

Merry Xmas all  O0 O0

Mike
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