Topic: RC Equipment (Read 5430 times)

rats · « **on:** July 08, 2006, 01:42:42 pm »

Couple of years ago I bought a Robbe F14 system , reasonably happy with it except for the cost of upgrades when using it on more than one model ( new reciever, switched function reciever etc) I was wondering - if starting from scratch again what system would forum members recomend ?
I know you can buy computerised systems costing several thousand pounds but reallistically talking about ?100 - ?300 ?

cheers rats

CAD2 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 08, 2006, 02:15:22 pm »

Rats
You'll get a different answer from everyone - rather like asking for a recommendation for a brand of car. It all depends on what you require from the system, but I'd make sure it was 40 MhZ FM; that it is the latest version of the set; that you can obtain spare crystals in all available frequencies; that second receivers etc don't cost the earth and that you've seen and handled the set before you buy one. A personal recommendation from a trusted club member is also worth taking into consideration. I'm not sold on the need for computerised transmitters for general use but I would investigate those new dial-a-frequency sets which don't need crystals. Named brands include Hi-Tech, Futaba, JR and Multiplex. I use Hi-Tech gear (Ranger 3 and Focus 6).
CAD2

croakle · « **Reply #2 on:** July 08, 2006, 10:23:20 pm »

Rats

Out of interest is there anything apart from the cost you don't like about the Robbe?

Best wishes

Julian

Doc · « **Reply #3 on:** July 08, 2006, 10:36:45 pm »

Rats,
"CAD2" is right, you'll get almost as many different answers as there are people answering. So, to proove him right here's a suggestion from me (Take Only Under Doctor's Advice, and pay no attention to the nickname).
One of the newer radio systems 'over here' uses 2.4 Ghz and has several very nice features. It looks for a clear frequency when turned on, can be made to work with any receiver made for it (your's, your friend's, whatever), has a control mixing option, and 6 channel controls. I think you guys have it 'over there', but can't really say if it's the same, or the same price. Made by 'Spektrum'. It's a very nice radio system. I also woould not recommend it for everyone, it's just not needed in most cases.
'Best' advice is basically the same as 'CAD2's, stay toward the high end as far as frequency goes, get your hands on the thing before buying to see if it 'suits' you, look for something that's a bit more than you think you'll need, be frugal, and buy from a reputable dealer (that warranty really is worth having!).
And of course, you didn't know about any of that (and that 'bet' is worth almost as much as my last lottory ticket)...
- 'Doc

flag-d · « **Reply #4 on:** July 08, 2006, 11:27:40 pm »

I also have a Robbe F-14. I only use it for 1 model at the moment, but I plan to use it in several (or planned, at least!) I think it is a nice set, particularly the Navy twin-stick feature which I have. But I have to say that it does look like a set built in someone's garage: somehow not quite 'professional', as it were. As it is a Futaba set (I understand) can RX's other than Robbe F-14 units be used with it, ie Futaba units?

Sorry rats, slightly off topic I realise.

Mike

Welsh_Druid · « **Reply #5 on:** July 09, 2006, 10:17:42 am »

I would not go so far as to actually recommend a particular manufacturer but I will comment on the transmitters I have.

These are a JR Max 6 (aircraft use only) a JR X-3810 (aircraft and boats- using? interchangeable plug in frequency modules for? 35 & 40 megs) and a Robbe F14 twin stick for twin engined boats. All on FM of course.

I use a variety of receivers, JR, Futaba, Hitec, and GWS. All work with all Txs. Just ensure that the RX crystals are from the RX manufacturer.

However - the available range does vary. With the JR TX's I have never had any problem no matter how far away any models have been. The Robbe F14 is not as reliable. I find that maximum aerial length must be out on the F14 once the boat is more than 10/20 yards away, whilst the JR can have just a few inches out and still give good control even when the model is nearing the limit of sight (yes our lake IS that big

)

Of course it may be the positioning of the RX aerial in the boats needing the twin stick controller but I dont think so, changing it has not helped. Maybe Robbe/Futaba TXs are not so good with other makes of Rx ? No problem with JR though.

What don't I like about the F!4 ? - The fact that you have to take the whole back off to change the crystal, the fact that it is so basic - for the same price other TX's have more switches already built in-? it has a very light, insubstantial feel to it,( I have had lots of problems trying to stop the aerial connection coming loose), it has no reversing switches on the outside of the case- once again you have to take the back off if you want to reverse anything- awkward if you are sailing two different layout models that day :(

But if you need twin sticks what alternative is there ??

Don B?

rats · « **Reply #6 on:** July 09, 2006, 01:45:38 pm »

The main things I dont like about the F14 are - as Welsh Druid has said - having to take the back off to servo reverse and change crystals: also its feels so cheap and plasticy ! Never looked at (or seen) JR systems before they do look well made
Flag-d No problem using futaba eqiupment with Robbe - look identidal

cheers rats

Doc · « **Reply #7 on:** July 09, 2006, 06:18:15 pm »

One alternative about 'removing the back' would be to move the switches and crystal socket. That isn't exactly the easiest/simplest thing to do, but possible.
- 'Doc

PS - Being naturally greedy and lazy, please don't ask me to do the modifications! ... None of you are ~that~ silly anyway.

Welsh_Druid · « **Reply #8 on:** July 09, 2006, 07:02:02 pm »

Doc

Why do I get the impression that you have not actually seen the inside of a Robbe F14 ?

There aren't any servo reversing switches to move ! The leads from the various pots and switches ( if you have fitted any) plug into a row of sockets. These sockets equate to the various channels. In one way this is very convenient as it is so easy to alter the function of any lever or switch simply by plugging its lead into the appropriate channel socket.

To reverse the operation of any servo the lead is plugged into the socket the opposite way round. So to do what you suggest would involve removing all these eight sockets plus the socket for the crystal from the circuit board on which they are all soldered and somehow mounting them externally - and then bringing all the leads out as well.

Nice idea - but totally impracticable I'm afraid.

Don B.

Shipmate60 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 09, 2006, 11:10:54 pm »

I just dont like the width of the transmitter, feels like a coffee table!!
And the Navy twin sticks, YUK, too close together.

Bob

Doc · « **Reply #10 on:** July 10, 2006, 05:43:56 pm »

Don B.,
Maybe you get that impresion because I haven't seen the insides - lol. You're right that this kind of 'mod' would require running leads to where the extrenal switches were, but that may not be as difficult as you might think. Not having seen the insides, I could certainly be wrong too. Which says nothing about what it would cost. But, hey! Those R/C people are crazy anyway...
- 'Doc

The electronic part I can do. The mechanical part is where I'm totally lost. And 'those' people just aren't silly enough to want me to do it... I'm too lazy, you know.

cbr900 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 11, 2006, 12:32:25 am »

Would it not be simpler to purchase the correct type of radio and consign the other one to something simple llike a yacht. there you go problem solved...

Roy

A Model World · « **Reply #12 on:** July 14, 2006, 03:53:49 pm »

Rats Id stay with the F14 crystals inside protect them longer and how many times do you need servo reverse facility added to which its not as if its a pile of screws to get the back of merely two sliders (incidentally robbe and Futaba are the same ) but you can find problems with all sets the main thing the F14 has above any other set is its expandability and if you set all your boats up on the same channels you shouldn?t even need servo reverse Yes the others are right its like which car do you recommend but as a seller of all radios we are actually saying save your money and stay with the (car) F14 you?ve got

Regards Mark

rats · « **Reply #13 on:** July 14, 2006, 04:12:15 pm »

Thanks again for your answer Model World I was hoping someone would tell me to stick with what I've got !

cheers rats

Shipmate60 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 14, 2006, 11:09:01 pm »

Bin it and go for Futaba.

Bob

Youngat65 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 14, 2006, 11:14:25 pm »

It is Futaba ::) ::)

PIT · « **Reply #16 on:** July 14, 2006, 11:34:48 pm »

I've used four of the switch expantion holes to rig up reversing switches in the wires runing from control pot to the board. Works well. Useful if you are running more than one boat in a day (F14)
I agree it feels cheep and plastic for the price. PIT :-\

Tug · « **Reply #17 on:** July 15, 2006, 11:05:02 am »

Quote "I've used four of the switch expantion holes to rig up reversing switches in the wires runing from control pot to the board"

I have done this with most of my Futaba sets, even the humble attack 2 chanel set I now switch limiting resistors in Tx for different sail throws, or to stop just short of operating micro switches to sounds or lights doubling functioning of unit.
and saved ?130 at the same time

but I do like the double throttle idea. Tug

PIT · « **Reply #18 on:** July 15, 2006, 11:07:59 pm »

Glad you've done it too, Mine cost ?4.00 to put the switches in. PIT

Mankster · « **Reply #19 on:** July 15, 2006, 11:26:21 pm »

Why not just get the Fc-16 instead of the F-14? Its the computer version of the F-14. Esay servo reveral etc with the computer. Lost of European on line stores sell it for about ?155 (EUR220) delivered to the UK.

PIT · « **Reply #20 on:** July 16, 2006, 11:23:06 pm »

Interesting, has it got twin sticks? PIT :-\

A Model World · « **Reply #21 on:** July 17, 2006, 12:22:56 pm »

no the FC 16 is normal stick configuration the twin stck can be added there is also the FX18

Tug · « **Reply #22 on:** July 17, 2006, 05:39:04 pm »

What we want is the twin stick bit and blu-tack it onto the front of the Futaba.
(there again the twin stick bit is the same cost as a Futaba Tx. com-po-leto.

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Author Topic: RC Equipment (Read 5430 times)

CAD2

croakle

flag-d