Topic: 40Mhz Radios (Read 7262 times)

Nordsee · « **on:** February 09, 2013, 11:56:01 am »

Hello, I have encountered a problem. I decided to build a model Submarine, using Glynn Guests free plan from a couple of years ago, only a couple of inches longer and a tad wider, just so there is a bit more room inside for the bits and bobs. As I do not have any 3 channel 40 sets, I thought I would buy a cheap one, the Zebra 3,from Howes for example. Nasty shock, there aren't any listed, anywhere! Plenty of reasonably priced 2.4s, but those of course are no use for a sub. Not even cheap 4 channels either, does anyone here know of any out there? If so an address would be nice!!

Subculture · « **Reply #1 on:** February 09, 2013, 12:21:13 pm »

I'm afraid this is becoming a problem now. Not surprising really as 2.4ghz is a far superior system, as you can use it with surface and air models, plus no frequencies to worry about.

Receivers are still relatively easy to find, but transmitters are getting very thin on the ground.

Engel sell the Robbe/Futaba amd Graupner/JR sets, but these are probably a little more than you require. Sussex Model Centre are selling Futaba 40mhz sets, but again, fairly high end computer radio- £200. They are also selling off their stock of 40mhz receivers at dirt cheap prices

The best option is to look secondhand, ebay, small ads etc for a decent used set. A lot of people are crossing over to 2.4ghz, so plenty of bargains about.

You can get very cheap and basic sets like this one-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GRAUPNER-RC-MICRO-MAGIC-40Mhz-FM-RADIO-SET-BRAND-NEW-/130842212664?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item1e76cdb938

However I have no idea how these pan out in use, and whether they are compatible with other brands of receiver.

essex2visuvesi · « **Reply #2 on:** February 09, 2013, 12:29:52 pm »

There are plenty of used ones around, post a wanted ad in the classifieds here and I'm sure someone will bite. New is a different matter, not many new ones around these days and those that are command quite high prices

Also couple on evil bay

New there is this one thats quite reasonable
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RC-Submarine-KENI-RC-10ch-PCM1024-PPM-FM-40-Best-for-RC-Submarine-/281055249846?pt=US_Character_Radio_Control_Toys&hash=item417032c5b6

The micro magic TX I beleive will accept futaba and Hitec receivers or clones of them

Stan · « **Reply #3 on:** February 09, 2013, 01:31:22 pm »

What would be a fair price for a Samwa conquest 6 channel Set plus spare receiver and 4 sets of crystals JR 4 channel set with spare receiver and Hitec 6 channel focus with spare receiver.If I decide to sel would want best offers only. More info to follow Please send p/m .

Stan

Subculture · « **Reply #4 on:** February 09, 2013, 01:52:05 pm »

Basic analogue sets. £20-30 per set.

essex2visuvesi · « **Reply #5 on:** February 09, 2013, 02:43:07 pm »

I paid I think it was 50 quid for my Hitec laser 6 with Receiver a fews years ago, from a the loud shirted one on this site.

barriew · « **Reply #6 on:** February 09, 2013, 03:23:51 pm »

Howes currently have one 40 Mhz Tx listed - its a Futaba AM. They also have 27 mhz available according to their web site a few minutes ago.

Barrie

Subculture · « **Reply #7 on:** February 09, 2013, 04:31:43 pm »

I doubt if they're more than 2-channel, and you need a inimum of three for a submarine unless you're going to go without a proporitonal channel for throttle control.

The Keni radio looks an interesting set, although I think you are locked into their system, as it's listed as PCM, with no mention of PPM. PCM is generally proprietary, so if you wanted additional receivers you would ahve to purchase that make i think. Having said that, I used PCM in my first submarine (despite 'experts' advising me not to) and always found it worked really well.

essex2visuvesi · « **Reply #8 on:** February 09, 2013, 05:43:54 pm »

Quote from: Subculture on February 09, 2013, 04:31:43 pm

I doubt if they're more than 2-channel, and you need a inimum of three for a submarine unless you're going to go without a proporitonal channel for throttle control.

The Keni radio looks an interesting set, although I think you are locked into their system, as it's listed as PCM, with no mention of PPM. PCM is generally proprietary, so if you wanted additional receivers you would ahve to purchase that make i think. Having said that, I used PCM in my first submarine (despite 'experts' advising me not to) and always found it worked really well.

Interesting, I contacted the seller about this controller and he claimed it will work with most futaba compatible receivers, not sure if this is true or not

Subculture · « **Reply #9 on:** February 09, 2013, 06:13:59 pm »

Having another look, I notice now that says PPM in the title, but no other mention of it in the description. if it conforms to the standard PPM system, then it should work with other receivers. Might be worth asking what crystals you use in the TX, unless it's synthesized. That would make it a serious bargain.

RMH · « **Reply #10 on:** February 09, 2013, 10:14:19 pm »

Here's one on flea bay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Futaba-6Y-Skysport-40-Mhz-fm-Transmitter-VGC-/330871456904?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item4d0979c488 personally I'd stick with quality gear rather than cheap stuff it will last you a lot longer

Nordsee · « **Reply #11 on:** February 12, 2013, 01:49:50 pm »

I have found one, a Futaba F14 standard with RX, brand new. It is in our local Model Shop, he says I can have it for 80€ as it has been hanging around since last year. "No one wants them anymore, the aerials are too long" I told him "Yes" and he has put it to one side for me, suppose I had better go along and pay a deposit on it. ( Lots of Bills, a bit cash strapped right now) Thanks for all the suggestions, this is always te best place to ask!

essex2visuvesi · « **Reply #12 on:** February 12, 2013, 02:01:06 pm »

80€?

Dont suppose he has another?

Bob K · « **Reply #13 on:** February 12, 2013, 02:41:46 pm »

That's a snip. A year ago I paid 250 Pounds for a 4 channel F14 plus a slider channel and a switch channel. Did did not even come with a battery holder, let alone a battery. Still trying to figure out where a battery would fit in there. Only F14 compatible battery found online cost 65 Quid.

With the low price of Planet T5's it's not hard to figure out why 40Mhz is declining in popularity, unless you're building a sub or semi submersible - in which case you have no choice.

Subculture · « **Reply #14 on:** February 12, 2013, 03:51:24 pm »

I can tell you where the battery fits, Bob. There is a small two pin connector on the same board as the on-off switch, and it's mounted rather poorly on the underside of the board, making it tricky to access.

You can buy suitable connector plugs from maplin e.g.- http://www.maplin.co.uk/0.1-series-socket-housing-1490 you will need to buy some pins too, which i can't find on their site- typical.

However I didn't like that connector, and what I did was solder on a pair of flyleads to the socket, heatshrinked for strain relief, and soldered on a deans connector, which I use to hook up my battery packs. I use 3 lithium ion cells in my FC16 (basically a computerized F14) and it works fine. However if you want to run the standard voltage eight NiMH AA cells will keep you going all day long.

RMH · « **Reply #15 on:** February 12, 2013, 04:13:53 pm »

Here's a picture of where it fits. Engel have the empty battery box listed on their site for 8 euros although showing as not in stock. Westbourne have a 1500mah NiMh battery pack for £32.00 and they also sell a short helical aerial for £36.52 don't know what that's like though.

Bob K · « **Reply #16 on:** February 12, 2013, 04:58:56 pm »

Thank you both for the info, especially the photo. The F14 manual shows the inside, but without any battery!

The external charging connector looks like a Robbe special too. Once I get a battery connected I can measure if the centre pin is positive or nagative, then wire up a coax DC connector of the right size. The manual says it's 9.6V.

malcolmfrary · « **Reply #17 on:** February 12, 2013, 05:25:09 pm »

Quote from: Subculture on February 12, 2013, 03:51:24 pm

You can buy suitable connector plugs from maplin e.g.- http://www.maplin.co.uk/0.1-series-socket-housing-1490 you will need to buy some pins too, which i can't find on their site- typical.

Could be these. http://www.maplin.co.uk/0.1-series-socket-housing-1490 Cunningly hidden by Maplin in their own unique way.

Subculture · « **Reply #18 on:** February 12, 2013, 05:29:20 pm »

The centre pin is positive. When I ran nicads in the TX, I made an adapter plug to trickle charge them via my fleet charger, which uses a DIN plug. I don't use it now, as the Li-ions are balance charged via their own connector.

Netleyned · « **Reply #19 on:** February 12, 2013, 05:37:38 pm »

Component shop will make you a pack with greater capacity and less cost

Ned

Nordsee · « **Reply #20 on:** February 13, 2013, 09:34:12 am »

Quote from: essex2visuvesi on February 12, 2013, 02:01:06 pm

80€?

Don't suppose he has another?

Have just seen on the Conrad Site (WWW.conrad.de) they still have them listed and available, but costing 118€ but that includes switch,Rx battery box, one servo and crystals. So still good value. They deliver to UK too.

Bob K · « **Reply #21 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:31:51 am »

Thanks Ned. I now have a 9.6V NiMh 2500mAh battery pack that fits inside my F14, thanks to Component Shop who even identified the unusual PCB connector and fitted it. It plugs into the board nicely.
It was a fraction of the cost of batteries specificly advertised for the F14.

Next problem is the DC socket soldered to the board. I have a fairly comprehensive range of coaxial DC charging plugs, and some adaptors, however none of them seem to fit. I did write last time the connector looked an unusual size.

I may end up having to wire an inline socket direct to the board so I can charge it up.

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Author Topic: 40Mhz Radios (Read 7262 times)