If you are considering changing your old transmitter for a new one why not look at
the New SPEKTRUM DX6. This is one of the “next generation” of 2.4 GHz transmitters
available from many of the better Suppliers.
The standard 27 MHz and 40 MHz systems rely upon crystals *(see below) to stabilize
frequency between transmitter and receiver. This system can be open to problems
of cross channel chatter and interference from other sources as well as being reliant
upon people not having the same crystals.
The 2.4 GHz transmitter and receivers work on a much higher frequency and there
are 80 channels available for the unit to lock on to. The way it works is for the
transmitter to scan the airwaves and select an unused frequency; it then sends the
info to the receiver which it has been binded with it at manufacturer. Each transmitter
has a Globally Unique Identifier code (there are 4.2 billion codes worldwide). The
2 receivers then lock to the transmitter and hey presto away you go. The system
has 2 receivers with 2 aerials this reduces the risk of loss of contact between
the transmitter and receiver.
The transmitter has a mini computer that is very easy to program for your different
boats. You can set up winch and rudder throws (movement). Another good programmable
function is exponential rudder control. This sets how sensitive the rudder stick
is in the middle section of its movement. Move the stick a little and the movement
of the rudder can be programmed to move a fraction of its normal movement or a lot,
without effecting the full rudder movement achieved by pushing full over. This is
great when you are beating or running and only want a little rudder movement at
a time.
Make sure if you buy one of these units you also buy a 2400Mha battery pack. The
600Mha pack that comes with the unit will give you only 2 hours use. But remember
you will never have to buy another crystal or have a problem of being controlled
by the mass produced boat purchased for £20 from the toy shop. There is more info
on the web and suppliers include Kbits, CM Yachts and most other good model shops
*Editors Note. There are 40MHz systems available that do not use Xtals but still
operate on discrete channels in the 40MHz band and suffer many of the problems outlined
above.