Radio interference and 2.4 ghz solution

[hawkman]

Smashed my plane the other night....nothing too bad as its a Phoenix model products 'Kerfuffle' which is incredibly tough....if you dont have one...get one!!! they are very good value for money....just wish helis were as tough.

The crash happened because of radio interference....I was shot down

when it happened there were two of us on different channels...of course....both PPM...and both standing very close to a wire fence....COULD this cause problems? I cant pretend to know much about radio systems...and how they can get interfered with...the obvious thing is..is safety...especially with the rather large and powerful gasser heli I fly.

Spoke to my Brother about 2.4 ghz radio system....He is an electronics person....He told me about people using 2.4 ghz for wireless links and whatnot...around here where I live...cautioned me about possibly wasting money getting a 2.4 ghz system.

What do you guys think? the UK must be crowded with radio systems etc....I have heard nothing but good things about the new system for RC flight.

Any opinions?

Rob

[nellster]

Hi Rob,
I never thought I'd get the chance to give you some advice!.
35mz is a bit dodgey anyway. We work on a low power output and a good percentage of our transmitted signal goes straight up. We also suffer with field effect, which I am lead to believe that if you transmit next to a solid object or "METAL" your signal will either be absorbed or reflected (might be ground effect, can't remember which).
2.4ghz is for better discription "micro-wave". You need a lower output to acheive the same coverage, and it will penitrate most objects. As long as the antenna on your radio is vertical, you are pretty safe.
The new Spectrum system comes with TX, Rx and 4 digital servos for about £250 and it also has a recognition system that will not allow you to fly a model with the wrong set-up, ie:- you want to fly your Raptor and your radio is on T-Rex. Also the system checks the area for anyone using 2.4ghz and gives you a clear frequency that is yours!

It's a great system Rob, DJL Flapper and myself had a complete radio close-down a month ago. I phoned Daz because I thought my Tx or Rx had died, he tried his heli's and they had died too!!! 3 hours later everything was OK, I might add, we live 1Km apart. Hope this has helped


Neil..

[hawkman]

We all have something to give...and we all have something to learn...many thanks for the advice.

Radio rules here can be a bit different....I own a small frequency checker for 35mhz and some channels are in use...intermittently...its odd.

I understand that some folk are using 2.4 gig for links to computers etc.

Getting shot down is a bummer....really off putting....a pilot error crash is bad enough but at least you know its your own fault....radio problems can be that mysterious....just shows how I take it all for granted.

So....a 2.4 gig it is then....I hope to get something as easy to use as the FF7 I have....its been a great radio.

Rob

[nellster]

Hi again Rob,
There is a very good write-up in the March issue of Rotorworld on the Spectrum system (Issue 20). The system is distributed here by Helger Distributions Ltd. Or www.servoshop.co.uk has the full kit (Tx, Rx & 4 digital servos) for £242.99. Here are two links to try...

All the best

Neil...

[uneverno]

Hey Rob,

been too busy to check in in a while, but here's my 2 cents:

2.4 is prolly the way to go, especially with the model recognition etc. that it has built in.

Do be aware that it's not as foolproof as it's touted to be though. My brother has had issues with his 2.4GHz cordless landline phone interfering with bluetooth and other wireless lans etc. That's not supposed to happen. Spectrum technology is essentially the same as bluetooth.

My thought on it is that the computer gadgets do a very good job isolating themselves because the digital info is encrypted, but the phone isn't as clean as it should be. You may not even operate 2.4gig phones where you're at, and even if you do, they have a very short range - only 100 ft or so - so may not be an issue.

[hawkman]

Hi there....good point about the bluetooth stuff....my Brother used to work with telecoms and told me about folk with 2.4 ghz links etc....not sure on how widespread this is.

Hardly flying at all now....winter is here....daylight hours are short and I am at work.

Rob

[w102mca]

Hi everyone,

I am very new with helis. I am looking into purchasing a helicopter and was wondering what type of radio to get. I have a Spektrum DX-6 transmitter already but the salesman told me that they were only recommended for "park flyers" and I should get a DX-7 for helis. Any idea what this means, or should I just buy another receiver for the DX-6?

Thanks,
Mark

[hawkman]

I have wondered about this too....it might be down to a range issue...the dx6 might be ok for a limited range?

For the money the dx7 would be better....always buy the best you can afford...such a radio will last a long time.

Rob