Topic: Should I upgrade/change my radio? (Read 6185 times)

samuelmerry · « **on:** March 02, 2011, 10:30:07 am »

Hi all,

I am currently running an Acoms Technisport Hayabusa 4 Channel 27Mhz Radio (http://www.fusionhobbies.com/AP4507-Acoms-4-Channel-27Mhz-Radio-p/ap4507.htm) on my boat and was wondering if I should consider changing it? I have read that 27mhz can be subjected to interference from CB frequencies.

My boat is a petrol (zenoah) powered waverider mouldings sea dancer.

Roadrunner · « **Reply #1 on:** March 02, 2011, 10:41:40 am »

Although interference is a risk , it is with ANY Rc project, engine type, being IC or Electric, with ANY type of radio, 40mhz, 27mhz or 2.4ghz. im not sure if changing the radio gear will be much different in your case, as a suggestion perhaps you should look at fail safes for your throttle should you have any radio glitches, or loss of signal, these little devices plug into the throttle servo and should you have a failure with the radio it forces the throttle shut, either killing the engine, or putting it to idle (how ever you decide to set it up).

With all IC driven items a fail safe should be a necessity for such events.

http://www.modelsport.co.uk/?CategoryID=9910&SubCategoryID=991035

It is worth looking at changing your radio or at least purchasing the (or some) other sets of crystals for your radio (6 frequency's as standard and you have 6 others called splits) just in case others pop along and don't check frequency's, you could end up with a dead or uncontrollable boat.

2.4 ghz is the only way to eliminate this problem as they the radio gear is binded together so only your TX will work with your RX.

The choice is yours but they are the facts.

samuelmerry · « **Reply #2 on:** March 02, 2011, 10:44:29 am »

Forgot to mention, i do have a failsafe on my throttle!

Roadrunner · « **Reply #3 on:** March 02, 2011, 10:52:37 am »

Quote from: Roadrunner on March 02, 2011, 10:41:40 am

It is worth looking at changing your radio or at least purchasing the (or some) other sets of crystals for your radio (6 frequency's as standard and you have 6 others called splits) just in case others pop along and don't check frequency's, you could end up with a dead or uncontrollable boat.

2.4 ghz is the only way to eliminate this problem as they the radio gear is binded together so only your TX will work with your RX.

The choice is yours but they are the facts.

The above still apply's, remember if your going to buy a bit of hardware such as a new radio, the radio link 2.4ghz from giant cod is a cheap entry level system (£26 + p&p) but i would suggest buy the best you can afford, such as the Planet 5 (£50) or Spectrum DX5 (£80) would be my personal choice (which i use) but there are others that are pistol grips which may be better suited to your boat, i think its the Spectrum DX 3. (subject to correction, i ain't goggling to check)

Circlip · « **Reply #4 on:** March 02, 2011, 01:58:35 pm »

A 40 moggie FM set up is much less likely to be subject to external influence than a 27 moggie AM one. There is also a wider range of split frequency crystal pairs for 40 than 27.

Seems to be a big drift towards 2.4 gigglies, but NOT if you intend going submerged at some future point.

There's the thing, if you DO manage to "go under" with your present boat you still have control with 40 meg gear

Regards Ian.

samuelmerry · « **Reply #5 on:** March 02, 2011, 02:05:23 pm »

I have looked at the Planet 5 system, is it any good? I cant seem to find much info on it, aside from the review on here that is.....

DickyD · « **Reply #6 on:** March 02, 2011, 02:13:53 pm »

I have the Planet5 system. Works well for me.

TomTheKraut · « **Reply #7 on:** March 03, 2011, 09:23:53 am »

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

This (methinks) would describe your situation, Samuel.

Why rip a perfectly working radio gear out of your boat and replace it with something else? Just because everybody and their dog run for 2.4GHz stuff? Well, that leaves more frequencies in the 27MHz band for you to use.
Actually, I have retro-fitted a MicroMagic and a Windstar from 40MHz to 27MHz... don't need more than two servos in there (same as in an IC-powered raceboat) and had no trouble with that whatsoever. Additionally, many people tend to give away their 27MHz gear for free or for really small money.

On the other hand, if you have money to burn...

samuelmerry · « **Reply #8 on:** March 03, 2011, 01:11:36 pm »

That is what I am thinking too!
My 27Mhz radio has very good range and less and less people use CB these days so the frequency is usually pretty clear.
Just thought I would get a few opinions to make sure i dont have any troubles later down the line.

dodgy geezer · « **Reply #9 on:** March 03, 2011, 03:11:09 pm »

Quote from: samuelmerry on March 03, 2011, 01:11:36 pm

Just thought I would get a few opinions to make sure i dont have any troubles later down the line.

If you want to try a 2.4 Ghz system out, the Radiolink - review here: http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=27616.0 is only £25 for a TX/RX combo - worth it as a spare....

samuelmerry · « **Reply #10 on:** March 03, 2011, 04:02:51 pm »

I think that is something to consider.
I have ordered a set of 6 crystal pairs, to go with the 2 i have already, that should keep me going, if i do have any issues in the future i can always go 2.4GHz then....

dodgy geezer · « **Reply #11 on:** March 03, 2011, 04:08:24 pm »

Quote from: samuelmerry on March 03, 2011, 04:02:51 pm

I have ordered a set of 6 crystal pairs....

I would guess that 6 pairs would have cost you the same as a Radiolink 2.4Ghz set...

andyn · « **Reply #12 on:** March 03, 2011, 04:55:54 pm »

27mhz in a Zenoah powered boat? Despite what everyone has said here, that's suicide. Good grief....

samuelmerry · « **Reply #13 on:** March 04, 2011, 08:53:53 am »

Quote from: dodgy geezer on March 03, 2011, 04:08:24 pm

I would guess that 6 pairs would have cost you the same as a Radiolink 2.4Ghz set...

£9 off fleabay!!!

samuelmerry · « **Reply #14 on:** March 04, 2011, 08:55:36 am »

Quote from: andyn on March 03, 2011, 04:55:54 pm

27mhz in a Zenoah powered boat? Despite what everyone has said here, that's suicide. Good grief....

Why?
I have had no problems?

andyn · « **Reply #15 on:** March 04, 2011, 03:38:46 pm »

I'm presuming by this you're not in a club and don't have insurance either?

samuelmerry · « **Reply #16 on:** March 04, 2011, 04:05:19 pm »

I ran once or twice at the end of my build with Bristol Pegasus and before I start running this year I will be joining the BMPRS, so yes, I was in a club until I moved from Bath to Cheltenham (although very briefly) and I will have insurance when I next run.
I am looking for a more local club (as can be seen in the Club section) but as yet I have been unable to find many people or clubs that run this type of boat in the local area and therefore may consider approaching Phil Locke again this year....

samuelmerry · « **Reply #17 on:** March 05, 2011, 01:02:22 pm »

Am now considering one of these...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/220747026249

triumphjon · « **Reply #18 on:** March 05, 2011, 05:37:19 pm »

pity its not showing the cost of spare receivers , same price as a 5 chanel planet set though !

samuelmerry · « **Reply #19 on:** March 06, 2011, 01:38:53 pm »

After reading a bit about the fly sky stuff it seems that they as good as the futaba sets which are 3 or 4 times the cost!!
The range is supposed to be excellent!
Not bad for a £50 set!!!

DickyD · « **Reply #20 on:** March 06, 2011, 02:10:00 pm »

Quote from: samuelmerry on March 06, 2011, 01:38:53 pm

After reading a bit about the fly sky stuff it seems that they as good as the futaba sets which are 3 or 4 times the cost!!
The range is supposed to be excellent!
Not bad for a £50 set!!!

Only 3 channel though. Doesn't say how much extra receivers cost.
Planet5 has five channels and is about the same price.

samuelmerry · « **Reply #21 on:** March 08, 2011, 04:13:40 pm »

Went for the flysky kit, after reading about a few things that people had to re-work the soldering on the planet stuff and channels not working and the fact i prefer the gun type controllers. I also have no need for more than three channels so this will do me just fine.

dodgy geezer · « **Reply #22 on:** March 08, 2011, 04:22:32 pm »

I've never heard of any soldering problems with the Planet kit. The one to check is the Radiolink T4U - that's half the price of the Planet so it really is a rock-bottom price. Any cheaper and people will be using them once and throwing them away when the batteries run down...

essex2visuvesi · « **Reply #23 on:** March 11, 2011, 05:56:21 am »

Quote from: samuelmerry on March 06, 2011, 01:38:53 pm

After reading a bit about the fly sky stuff it seems that they as good as the futaba sets which are 3 or 4 times the cost!!
The range is supposed to be excellent!
Not bad for a £50 set!!!

The flysky stuff is rebadged turningy kit
http://www.flysky-cn.com/eindex.asp

Just bought the TS9B for a project Im working on

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Author Topic: Should I upgrade/change my radio? (Read 6185 times)

samuelmerry

Roadrunner

samuelmerry

Roadrunner

samuelmerry

TomTheKraut

samuelmerry

samuelmerry

andyn

samuelmerry

samuelmerry

andyn

samuelmerry

samuelmerry

triumphjon

samuelmerry

samuelmerry