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All Forums >> RC Airplanes >> RC Gliders, Sailplanes and Slope Soaring >> old radio vs new
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old radio vs new - 11/19/2009 8:02 PM   
forrest adams


 

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From: benbrook, TX,
Status: offline 		hello,

i have a jr xp8103 i bought in about 1998 and want to start flying again (i used to fly often - dodgson designs, olympics, etc) - would it be worth looking into buying another radio, or is my 8103 fine (safe, stc - have radios improved enough to warrant the added cost) - i welcome opinions - thanks

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RE: old radio vs new - 11/19/2009 11:29 PM   
Rafael23cc



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From: Junction City, KS, USA
Status: offline 		Have you kept up with the lithium battery of your 8103? If the battery goes dead, you will loose all the memory stored in the radio. Don;t ask me how I know. In the middle of a 3 day event, 200+ miles from home.......

Otherwise, no, technology has not changed that much on the 72mHz side. If your gliders do not have carbon fiber in them, you might want to consider the 2.4 band. Although researching the newer 2.4 radios would not hurt. It all depends on how mcuh radio equipment you own and how much you intend to buy new. (receivers)

I have 3 radios that are module based. I have 3 types of modules to plug into them. One is a 72mHz module that works as you are used to. Discrete frequencies and needs a frequency board or some sort of frequncy control. I have 2 2.4 modules. One is a spektrum module, and the other is an XPS module. They both work good for the intended purpose and they do not require frequency control. on my wish list I have a "native" 2.4 radio (not module based) that will have a few additional features like model match for extra safety.

Bottom line is: If you still have the 8103 and is operational (backup battery replaced) then I would stay with that radio for a while. I would still research the 2.4 radios and equipment and make a decision from there.

Rafael

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RE: old radio vs new - 11/20/2009 12:03 AM   
snuts


 

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From: camrose alberta, AB, CANADA
Status: online 		As Rafeal has stated, Your 8103 is fine. Depending on weather you are flying in a crowd, or just a couple of glider guys flying together. Freshen up all your batteries, and or cycle them. I would hold off on a transmitter purchase, or upgrade until after January. Advances in gear, and post christmas retailing I beleive will will see good savings on our future purchases. As you resurch 2.4Ghz you will be better equiped as to how you would like to upgrade, module or new equipment. And as to when you feel the need to. I have resently gone module on my J.R. equipment, simply for contest,and funfly convenience. But when with a couple of friends on the slope, or on the farm my 72 gliders are very comfortable.
-Snuts-

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RE: old radio vs new - 11/20/2009 12:10 AM   
scaflock


 

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From: Bonaire, GA, USA
Status: offline 		At least for you it's an option to upgrade your radio. When I came back to the hobby after a 15 year lapse I had no choice but to replace my old AM radios due to the freq changes. My old gear was not upgradeable so it was time to get a new system.

I do know that the next radio I get will be a 2.4 system so I don't have to worry about others on my frequency. Yes... I'm a greedy sot and like to actually fly when I'm at the field.

Jeff

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RE: old radio vs new - 11/20/2009 1:34 AM   
AH1G


 

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From: Oroville (Chesaw), WA, USA
Status: offline 		I'm still flying an EK Logitrol from the mid 70's in my Maestro (same vintage), I've to change the batteries a few tmes. Don't see why a radion from the late 90's shouldn't be OK as long as the frequency is legal. Replace the batteries, range check it and go for it!

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RE: old radio vs new - 11/20/2009 2:08 AM   
forrest adams


 

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From: benbrook, TX,
Status: offline 		thanks guys!

I forgot about the lithium batt (i've never replaced it - it's got to be at least 10 years old) - better do that first - so, if the lithium batt dies, so do all my sailplane settings - oops!

thanks again!

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RE: old radio vs new - 11/20/2009 2:27 AM   
forrest adams


 

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From: benbrook, TX,
Status: offline 		I just noticed in the paperback manual that came with my radio,

"if voltage level of lithium batt < 2.2v => "L" will appear and flash to the left of the model number ... when the flashing "L" appears on the screen, the system should be sent to JR for a lithium batt replacement"

in my ti-89 scientific calculator (retired aircraft designer), the lithium batt that maintains all my programs is easily accessible (one little screw on the back).

I don't see any access to replace the lithium batt in my JR - any suggestions (possibly, remove the back (6 little screws).

thanks



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RE: old radio vs new - 11/20/2009 3:24 AM   
Rafael23cc



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From: Junction City, KS, USA
Status: offline 		The lithium battery is soldered to the board, you have to send it in unless you feel comfortable soldering on the board. And you WILL loose the programing when you replace the battery. Make sure to use the forms on the back of the book to record the programming of your radio.

Rafael

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RE: old radio vs new - 11/20/2009 5:19 AM   
snuts


 

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From: camrose alberta, AB, CANADA
Status: online 		I,m not going to tell YOU how to do it. But if you were to ask me how I did MINE. Remove the back cover, unplug the 9.6v battery, go down a couple of layers of PC boards. You will find the lithium battery. It is a common drug store item. Sorry I can't remember the number off hand. I changed them in both of my 8103's a few years back. My memory says in was a pop out type. My older X347, was a solder job 15yrs ago. Hope that helps.
-Snuts-

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RE: old radio vs new - 11/20/2009 2:54 PM   
forrest adams


 

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From: benbrook, TX,
Status: offline 		thanks,

here's a picture of my favorite (best flying) sailplane (v-gilante) - it does everything right (thermals easily from a hand launch) - retains energy like crazy - clean, light, responsive. now the bad news, lots of work to build (that wing attachment gizmo was tricky to install).

Attachments
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RE: old radio vs new - 11/21/2009 2:33 AM   
forrest adams


 

Posts: 119
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From: benbrook, TX,
Status: offline 		took my radio back cover off - removed circuit bd - on other side of circuit bd is lithium batt - soldered to the board - there is an indicator for low lithium batt on the display - 8 little springs pop out (buttons) - a little tricky to re-install springs and buttons - gee, it seems like it would certainly be easier to design a small access panel like my ti-89 (easy access to lithium batt - easier for everyone - jr included) - maybe an ee (electrical engineer) out there can tell me why the current config is better - i'm just an aircraft designer and do not know about such things - later.

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RE: old radio vs new - 11/25/2009 1:09 AM   
Cloudsoarer



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From: Auckland, NEW ZEALAND
Status: offline 		Most 2.4gHz manufacturers have modules to convert your JR to 2.4gHz if you want to go that route.
Some of the Chinese ones are very cheap:
http://www.unitedhobbies.com/UNITEDHOBBIES/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=8287&Product_Name=X8_2.4GHz_Combo_pack_for_JR_W/_Module_&_RX
http://www.rcmodelreviews.com/assanv2review.shtml
http://www.unitedhobbies.com/UNITEDHOBBIES/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=7380&Product_Name=Corona_2.4Ghz_JR_Module_&_Rx_%28V2_DSSS%29
http://www.rcmodelreviews.com/corona_dsssv2.shtml

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RE: old radio vs new - 11/26/2009 4:51 AM   
aeajr



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From: Long Island, NY, USA
Status: offline 		The 8103 is still a very viable, and even a competition worthy radio. If you like it, stay with it.

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RE: old radio vs new - 11/28/2009 7:57 PM   
forrest adams


 

Posts: 119
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From: benbrook, TX,
Status: offline 		thanks aeajr - i knew a aeajr in high school - where did you go to high school?

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RE: old radio vs new - 12/3/2009 2:05 AM   
aeajr



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quote:

ORIGINAL: forrest adams

thanks aeajr - i knew a aeajr in high school - where did you go to high school?

Long Island, NY

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RE: old radio vs new - 12/4/2009 1:59 AM   
forrest adams


 

Posts: 119
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From: benbrook, TX,
Status: offline 		nope, not you - thanks - i attended high school in ft worth, texas

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