Last update, December 13, 2007

Well. . .

It is The Radio System now

Before 2005 there were bands in 75, 50, 26 and 27 MHz with limited channels in all. Channel management was a skill at events. Well, they are still with us but the 2.4 GHz rising swell will sweep radio control operations in nearly all hobbies and recreations. Why? There are no managed channels or frequencies to deal with...no crystals! About 30% of the EC12 Class that travels the National Schedule has converted already.

In 2005 Spektrum broke ground for the 2.4GHz band. It was a rough start with conversions and specially ordered patches. Well into 2006 they were offering a manufactured system in a box and the price was coming down. Into 2007 Futaba entered the market with two units and we now have availability priced at around $220. Actually, at this writing you can buy a TX only, at Servo City for $169. All units sold by Spektrum and Futaba are processor programmed for operation and managed use with 6 servo controls or more. Four-servo control models should be coming.

The unit shown here is the Futaba T6EX-2.4GHz, latest for entry for this band.

Vern says it needs to be simple. Any other explanation produces a glassy look. Here is the simplicity of it.

When you turn the TX on and then follow with the RX, the mated system scans the area for an available frequency (one not in use) and secures it. The TX and the RX communicate this operation and before you can reach for the rudder stick to test it, it is done. This occurs every time they are turned on. Uncle Frank will be out of a job soon. How cool!

So, this is the system that you want to buy. If you have been around a while, you will want to upgrade to this system very soon. Many of us have a $100 worth of crystals that just went obsolete. All the stubby TX antennas are not needed and with smart fast NiMH chargers and high milliamp capacity batteries life will be good, simpler and cheaper. In the last seven years we have truly seen we are in a new century.

Control functions

The unit is delivered in the standard US mode 2 configuration you have seen for 6-channel airplane transmitters and the same issues remain. However, in addition to the frequency control technology, we have programming options not available to us in previous processor units. The Dual Rate switch has expanded with End Point Adjustment (EPA) that allows you to set the maximum throw of a servo. All exponential programming is still selected off this switch. Programming can now mix servos to a single control, which will stir some thought. The channel 5 knob is replaced with a switch. Duh?

The Issues

Battery Access: Futaba has finally placed a plug in for the battery where you can see it but you cannot get to it easily.

Jib Trim Control: This is not their fault. This is an aircraft radio being used for a sailboat.

Antenna Location: Again this is not their fault. It is just that your sailing buddies have figured out that it can be placed in the TX case where it won't get damaged.

These issues are addressed on the Radio Equipment page of the System Board section in the Electronic Checklist menu links. Three modifications are explained.

The ID SET Switch

When you buy a full system package (like at Tower Hobbies) the TX and the RX are mated and ready for use. If you buy the TX and the RX only, like at Servo City, they will not be mated. This is not a problem, is easy to do and will be needed at some time in the career of the system anyway. While the process is clearly explained there is no mention in the manual or the graphics where this switch is. It is a pinhead-sized button recessed on the RX between the antennas. Yep!

The Signal Switch

Because there is a small (hardly noticeable) delay between the TX and the RX when the TX power switch is turn on, it confuses the RMG winch processor in its programming process. The fix is a SPST switch in the signal wire of an extension between the RMG lead and the RX. With the switch in the off position, this allows the TX to be on all the time during the winch programming process using the signal switch instead to turn off the signal where stated in the winch programming instructions. This is worth the preparation than trying to stab the RMG lead in the RX when needed.

The Surprising Pro

Once you are past all this and it is not that bad, you will be surprised at the smoothness of the transmitter and the motion resolution of the servo. One bump on the ratcheted sheetline stick will be hardly noticed in boom movement.

The trim input for the stick functions is not a lever but an electrical input through a momentary switch. One push and you will not see it translated on the rudder. Serious!

There is a light system on the back of the TX that will tell you if it is working properly. There is a light on the RX that will tell you if it is receiving a mated signal or if it is not. This beats previous trial and error testing.