Changing out Hitec radio crystals
11-28-2008, 07:58 PM
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Changing out Hitec radio crystals
I got a new in box Hitec 6 channel computer radio the other day at a swap meet , channel 49. Can I safely change my futaba receivers crystals (channel 59) to 49 and they still work right ? Can I change the crystal in the radio to say channel 59 or something like that?
11-28-2008, 08:57 PM
#5
RE: Changing out Hitec radio crystals
ORIGINAL: BarracudaHockey
You can change the reciever crystals safely and legally.
You can't change the transmitter crystal legally.
You can change the reciever crystals safely and legally.
You can't change the transmitter crystal legally.
[link=http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/47cfr95_04.html]FCC Title 47, Part 95 - Personal Radio Services[/link]
Copied from Futaba's website
How do I change the frequency of my transmitter?
For a unit with crystals: We CANNOT recommend changing crystals to a different frequency. Changing the crystal on your transmitter is illegal unless you have the proper license. The FCC has established guidelines for the modeler's safety and for the safety of spectators. For safety and FCC reasons we must request that both TX and RX be sent to the service center to ensure proper crystal change and retuning to the new frequency. Crystal based radios cannot be converted to another band without parts replacement, and may not be able to be converted at all. Certain radios can be converted, for example, from 72 to 75MHz. Please contact the service center for any other conversions.
The applicable Federal Regulation is as follows:
TITLE 47—TELECOMMUNICATION COMMISSION (CONTINUED)
PART 95—PERSONAL RADIO SERVICES
Subpart E—Technical Regulations
Sec. 95.645 Control accessibility.
(a) No control, switch or other type of adjustment which, when
manipulated, can result in a violation of the rules shall be accessible
from the transmitter operating panel or from exterior of the transmitter
enclosure.
(b) An R/C transmitter which incorporates plug-in frequency
determining modules which are changed by the user must be certificated
with the modules. Each module must contain all of the frequency
determining circuitry including the oscillator. Plug-in crystals are not
considered modules and must not be accessible to the user.
For a unit with crystals: We CANNOT recommend changing crystals to a different frequency. Changing the crystal on your transmitter is illegal unless you have the proper license. The FCC has established guidelines for the modeler's safety and for the safety of spectators. For safety and FCC reasons we must request that both TX and RX be sent to the service center to ensure proper crystal change and retuning to the new frequency. Crystal based radios cannot be converted to another band without parts replacement, and may not be able to be converted at all. Certain radios can be converted, for example, from 72 to 75MHz. Please contact the service center for any other conversions.
The applicable Federal Regulation is as follows:
TITLE 47—TELECOMMUNICATION COMMISSION (CONTINUED)
PART 95—PERSONAL RADIO SERVICES
Subpart E—Technical Regulations
Sec. 95.645 Control accessibility.
(a) No control, switch or other type of adjustment which, when
manipulated, can result in a violation of the rules shall be accessible
from the transmitter operating panel or from exterior of the transmitter
enclosure.
(b) An R/C transmitter which incorporates plug-in frequency
determining modules which are changed by the user must be certificated
with the modules. Each module must contain all of the frequency
determining circuitry including the oscillator. Plug-in crystals are not
considered modules and must not be accessible to the user.
Copied from FCC regulations concerning this issue
[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 47, Volume 5]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 47CFR95.221]
[Page 539]
TITLE 47TELECOMMUNICATION CHAPTER IFEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED)
PART 95_PERSONAL RADIO SERVICESTable of Contents
Subpart C_Radio Control (R/C) Radio Service
Sec. 95.221 (R/C Rule 21) How do I have my R/C transmitter serviced?
(a) You may adjust an antenna to your R/C transmitter and you may make radio checks. (A radio check means a one-way transmission for a short time in order to test the transmitter.)
(b) You are responsible for the proper operation of the station at all times and are expected to provide for observations, servicing and maintenance as often as may be necessary to ensure proper operation. Each internal repair and each internal adjustment to an FCC certificated R/C transmitter (see R/C Rule 9) must be made in accord with the Technical Regulations (see subpart E). The internal repairs or internal adjustments should be performed by or under the immediate supervision and responsibility of a person certified as technically qualified to perform transmitter maintenance and repair duties in the private land mobile services and fixed services by an organization or committee representative of users in those services.
(c) Except as provided in paragraph
(d) of this section, each internal repair and each internal adjustment of an R/C transmitter in which signals are transmitted must be made using a nonradiating (``dummy'') antenna. (d) Brief test signals (signals not longer than one minute during any five minute period) using a radiating antenna may be transmitted in order to:
(1) Adjust a transmitter to an antenna;
(2) Detect or measure radiation of energy other than the intended signal; or
(3) Tune a receiver to your R/C transmitter.
(Secs. 4(i) and 303(r), Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and 303(r), and sec. 553 of the Administrative Procedures Act, 5 U.S.C. 553) [48 FR 24890, June 3, 1983, as amended at 49 FR 20673, May 16, 1984; 63 FR 36610, July 7, 1998]
[Title 47, Volume 5]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 47CFR95.221]
[Page 539]
TITLE 47TELECOMMUNICATION CHAPTER IFEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED)
PART 95_PERSONAL RADIO SERVICESTable of Contents
Subpart C_Radio Control (R/C) Radio Service
Sec. 95.221 (R/C Rule 21) How do I have my R/C transmitter serviced?
(a) You may adjust an antenna to your R/C transmitter and you may make radio checks. (A radio check means a one-way transmission for a short time in order to test the transmitter.)
(b) You are responsible for the proper operation of the station at all times and are expected to provide for observations, servicing and maintenance as often as may be necessary to ensure proper operation. Each internal repair and each internal adjustment to an FCC certificated R/C transmitter (see R/C Rule 9) must be made in accord with the Technical Regulations (see subpart E). The internal repairs or internal adjustments should be performed by or under the immediate supervision and responsibility of a person certified as technically qualified to perform transmitter maintenance and repair duties in the private land mobile services and fixed services by an organization or committee representative of users in those services.
(c) Except as provided in paragraph
(d) of this section, each internal repair and each internal adjustment of an R/C transmitter in which signals are transmitted must be made using a nonradiating (``dummy'') antenna. (d) Brief test signals (signals not longer than one minute during any five minute period) using a radiating antenna may be transmitted in order to:
(1) Adjust a transmitter to an antenna;
(2) Detect or measure radiation of energy other than the intended signal; or
(3) Tune a receiver to your R/C transmitter.
(Secs. 4(i) and 303(r), Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and 303(r), and sec. 553 of the Administrative Procedures Act, 5 U.S.C. 553) [48 FR 24890, June 3, 1983, as amended at 49 FR 20673, May 16, 1984; 63 FR 36610, July 7, 1998]
[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 47, Volume 5]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 47CFR95.222]
[Page 539-540]
TITLE 47TELECOMMUNICATION
CHAPTER IFEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION (CONTINUED)
PART 95_PERSONAL RADIO SERVICESTable of Contents
Subpart C_Radio Control (R/C) Radio Service
Sec. 95.222 (R/C Rule 22) May I make any changes to my R/C station transmitter?
(a) You must not make or have anyone else make an internal modification to your R/C transmitter.
(b) Internal modification does not include:
(1) Repair or servicing of an R/C station transmitter (see R/C Rule 21, Sec. 95.221); or
(2) Changing plug-in modules which were certificated as part of your R/C transmitter.
(c) You must not operate an R/C transmitter which has been modified by anyone in any way, including modification to operate on unauthorized frequencies or with illegal power. (See R/C Rules 9 and 10, Sec. Sec. 95.209 and 95.210.)
[48 FR 24894, June 3, 1983, as amended at 63 FR 36610, July 7, 1998]
[Title 47, Volume 5]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 47CFR95.222]
[Page 539-540]
TITLE 47TELECOMMUNICATION
CHAPTER IFEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION (CONTINUED)
PART 95_PERSONAL RADIO SERVICESTable of Contents
Subpart C_Radio Control (R/C) Radio Service
Sec. 95.222 (R/C Rule 22) May I make any changes to my R/C station transmitter?
(a) You must not make or have anyone else make an internal modification to your R/C transmitter.
(b) Internal modification does not include:
(1) Repair or servicing of an R/C station transmitter (see R/C Rule 21, Sec. 95.221); or
(2) Changing plug-in modules which were certificated as part of your R/C transmitter.
(c) You must not operate an R/C transmitter which has been modified by anyone in any way, including modification to operate on unauthorized frequencies or with illegal power. (See R/C Rules 9 and 10, Sec. Sec. 95.209 and 95.210.)
[48 FR 24894, June 3, 1983, as amended at 63 FR 36610, July 7, 1998]
[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 47, Volume 5]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 47CFR95.645]
[Page 561]
TITLE 47TELECOMMUNICATION
CHAPTER IFEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION (CONTINUED)
PART 95_PERSONAL RADIO SERVICESTable of Contents
Subpart E_Technical Regulations
Sec. 95.645 Control accessibility.
(a) No control, switch or other type of adjustment which, when manipulated, can result in a violation of the rules shall be accessible
from the transmitter operating panel or from exterior of the transmitter enclosure.
(b) An R/C transmitter which incorporates plug-in frequency determining modules which are changed by the user must be certificated
with the modules. Each module must contain all of the frequency determining circuitry including the oscillator. Plug-in crystals are not
considered modules and must not be accessible to the user.
[53 FR 36789, Sept. 22, 1988. Redesignated at 61 FR 28769, June 6, 1996, and further redesignated at 61 FR 46567, Sept. 4, 1996; 63 FR 36610, July 7, 1998]
[Title 47, Volume 5]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 47CFR95.645]
[Page 561]
TITLE 47TELECOMMUNICATION
CHAPTER IFEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION (CONTINUED)
PART 95_PERSONAL RADIO SERVICESTable of Contents
Subpart E_Technical Regulations
Sec. 95.645 Control accessibility.
(a) No control, switch or other type of adjustment which, when manipulated, can result in a violation of the rules shall be accessible
from the transmitter operating panel or from exterior of the transmitter enclosure.
(b) An R/C transmitter which incorporates plug-in frequency determining modules which are changed by the user must be certificated
with the modules. Each module must contain all of the frequency determining circuitry including the oscillator. Plug-in crystals are not
considered modules and must not be accessible to the user.
[53 FR 36789, Sept. 22, 1988. Redesignated at 61 FR 28769, June 6, 1996, and further redesignated at 61 FR 46567, Sept. 4, 1996; 63 FR 36610, July 7, 1998]
11-29-2008, 08:34 AM
#6
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RE: Changing out Hitec radio crystals
Looks like one needs to leave the transmitter alone. However on this transmitter, the crystal is very much accessible. Which brought me to this question. Pop the crystal cover off and the crystal comes out with it.
11-29-2008, 08:41 AM
#7
RE: Changing out Hitec radio crystals
All very true but when you change to another crystal frequency, the transmitter will no longer put out full power unless you go inside and re-tune each RF stage to maximum output.
This has to be done at a model airplane radio repair facility.
This has to be done at a model airplane radio repair facility.
11-29-2008, 09:02 AM
#8
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RE: Changing out Hitec radio crystals
Hitec does not sell transmitter crystals on the open market.
They charge $10 plus shipping to do a transmitter channel change properly
http://www.hitecrcd.com/pages/support/75
That's a fantastic deal.
Transmitters are sold all over the world, and many countries do not have the same rules as the US. I own 3 transmitters that use crystals. One is Hitec. All three had a tiny drop of glue holding the crystal cap to the transmitter case. It took very little force to "break" my transmitter and remove the crystal, but, I assume the corporate lawyers think that was a good faith attempt at making it inaccessible.
The next post will probably be a definition of inaccessible. It really doesn't matter what the dictionary says. It matters what a lawyer thinks can be defended in court if a product liability suit is filed.
They charge $10 plus shipping to do a transmitter channel change properly
http://www.hitecrcd.com/pages/support/75
That's a fantastic deal.
Transmitters are sold all over the world, and many countries do not have the same rules as the US. I own 3 transmitters that use crystals. One is Hitec. All three had a tiny drop of glue holding the crystal cap to the transmitter case. It took very little force to "break" my transmitter and remove the crystal, but, I assume the corporate lawyers think that was a good faith attempt at making it inaccessible.
The next post will probably be a definition of inaccessible. It really doesn't matter what the dictionary says. It matters what a lawyer thinks can be defended in court if a product liability suit is filed.
11-29-2008, 11:13 AM
#9
My Feedback: (2)
RE: Changing out Hitec radio crystals
On a side note, the FCC stopped licensing radio technicians back in the 1980s. My FCC Commercial First Class License is now just an historical artifact. Today, places that do RC radio repair like Radio South, Futaba, and HiTec presumably maintain their own requirements on training.
11-29-2008, 11:54 AM
#10
My Feedback: (2)
RE: Changing out Hitec radio crystals
My prior post was incomplete...
Prior to about 1987 the FCC licensed technicians to work on radio transmitters . The license they needed was called the Second Class Radiotelephone License. To obtain the license you had to sit for an extensive set of exams on radio theory, radio practice, and FCC rules and regs. The First Class license was an additional exam that allowed the tech to be "chief engineer" at a TV station, among other tasks. Both these licenses were eliminated sometime in the 1980s. The FCC passed the burden of regulating technicians to industry. Existing licensees were given something called a General Radiotelephone Operators License or something like that. I think I threw mine in the trash. The new license was required for a few very narrow specialties. The exam for new applicants for the General Operators License was very dumbed down compared to the original 2nd class.
As far as I can determine, the FCC today does not license technicians or radio shops that repair RC Transmitters. They rely on the industry to be self regulating.
Prior to about 1987 the FCC licensed technicians to work on radio transmitters . The license they needed was called the Second Class Radiotelephone License. To obtain the license you had to sit for an extensive set of exams on radio theory, radio practice, and FCC rules and regs. The First Class license was an additional exam that allowed the tech to be "chief engineer" at a TV station, among other tasks. Both these licenses were eliminated sometime in the 1980s. The FCC passed the burden of regulating technicians to industry. Existing licensees were given something called a General Radiotelephone Operators License or something like that. I think I threw mine in the trash. The new license was required for a few very narrow specialties. The exam for new applicants for the General Operators License was very dumbed down compared to the original 2nd class.
As far as I can determine, the FCC today does not license technicians or radio shops that repair RC Transmitters. They rely on the industry to be self regulating.
11-29-2008, 02:40 PM
#11
RE: Changing out Hitec radio crystals
As far as I can determine, the FCC today does not license technicians or radio shops that repair RC Transmitters. They rely on the industry to be self regulating.
11-29-2008, 04:00 PM
#12
Senior Member
RE: Changing out Hitec radio crystals
I expect that if push came to shove on changing transmitter crystals, the law against it would be discarded.
What isn't a good idea is swapping between brands... Futaba into Hitec, say.
These may pass a ground range check, but the aerial range may be affected.
Stay with the OEM of the transmitter.
What isn't a good idea is swapping between brands... Futaba into Hitec, say.
These may pass a ground range check, but the aerial range may be affected.
Stay with the OEM of the transmitter.
11-29-2008, 05:17 PM
#14
RE: Changing out Hitec radio crystals
ORIGINAL: Tall Paul
I expect that if push came to shove on changing transmitter crystals, the law against it would be discarded.
What isn't a good idea is swapping between brands... Futaba into Hitec, say.
These may pass a ground range check, but the aerial range may be affected.
Stay with the OEM of the transmitter.
I expect that if push came to shove on changing transmitter crystals, the law against it would be discarded.
What isn't a good idea is swapping between brands... Futaba into Hitec, say.
These may pass a ground range check, but the aerial range may be affected.
Stay with the OEM of the transmitter.
11-29-2008, 05:54 PM
#15
My Feedback: (2)
RE: Changing out Hitec radio crystals
There are very valid reasons for having a qualified shop change transmitter crystals. The shop will tweak the oscillator circuit to put the transmitted signal exactly on frequency. They will check the shift frequency and adjust if necessary. They will tune the amplifier stages for maximum output.
While the FCC requirement may or may not eventually fall to the trend toward deregulation, having your crystal changed by a qualified shop will always be the best policy.
While the FCC requirement may or may not eventually fall to the trend toward deregulation, having your crystal changed by a qualified shop will always be the best policy.
11-29-2008, 09:32 PM
#18
RE: Changing out Hitec radio crystals
Some high end Hitec radios have a RF Module in the rear that can be exchanged between other Hitec radios with the same type module and the radio will work perfect without retuning. Some Futaba transmitters also have a similar model.
The old Hitec Prism and current Eclipse comes to mind
Here's the module and some of these modules have a phase locked loop tuner where you can adjust the transmitter to any of the US frequencies without replacing the module
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXN550&P=V
The old Hitec Prism and current Eclipse comes to mind
Here's the module and some of these modules have a phase locked loop tuner where you can adjust the transmitter to any of the US frequencies without replacing the module
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXN550&P=V
11-29-2008, 09:33 PM
#19
RE: Changing out Hitec radio crystals
Curious, was unaware there was an Optic 6 without a module and of course if it did have a module the answers would have been different. but then agine perhaps what he has is the focus but not really a computer radio save for a few features.
John
John
11-29-2008, 09:42 PM
#21
RE: Changing out Hitec radio crystals
The Optic does have the module according to this quote from Tower
" This is the Spectra Synthesized Transmitter Module for the
RCD/Hitec Eclipse, Prism, or Optic Radios"
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXN550&P=V
Here is the non synthesized Hitec module that also fits the Optic 6
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXFMJ5**&P=7
" This is the Spectra Synthesized Transmitter Module for the
RCD/Hitec Eclipse, Prism, or Optic Radios"
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXN550&P=V
Here is the non synthesized Hitec module that also fits the Optic 6
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXFMJ5**&P=7
11-29-2008, 10:52 PM
#23
RE: Changing out Hitec radio crystals
Was pretty sure the Optic six's were all module type as well as the Prism 7X and Eclipse 7 Those I certainly do know having four of each. So my guess is he is talking about a Focus six which is not a computer radio. The only oher Hitec computer types were the flash 4 or the flash 5 which are not module types and not 6 channels.
So What exact Hited Tx do you have David. Agine this affects the answer you would receive regarding frequency changes of the transmitter. And yes all the answers you have received so far is quite accurate So what do you have?
Anyway the first part of your question never got answered and the direct answer is yes your Futaba Rxs will work with your Hitec Tx if they are FM(PPM) and you use the appropriate Futaba Crystal in the RX's. If they are the type that permit only hi or low band channel changes since the mid point is CH 35 and your proposed changes for the Rx's are still hi band. Please note this hi/lo band thing only applies to some (older) Futaba RX's.
John
So What exact Hited Tx do you have David. Agine this affects the answer you would receive regarding frequency changes of the transmitter. And yes all the answers you have received so far is quite accurate So what do you have?
Anyway the first part of your question never got answered and the direct answer is yes your Futaba Rxs will work with your Hitec Tx if they are FM(PPM) and you use the appropriate Futaba Crystal in the RX's. If they are the type that permit only hi or low band channel changes since the mid point is CH 35 and your proposed changes for the Rx's are still hi band. Please note this hi/lo band thing only applies to some (older) Futaba RX's.
John
11-30-2008, 10:12 AM
#25
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RE: Changing out Hitec radio crystals
ORIGINAL: JohnBuckner
Was pretty sure the Optic six's were all module type as well as the Prism 7X and Eclipse 7.
Was pretty sure the Optic six's were all module type as well as the Prism 7X and Eclipse 7.
Optic 6
Optic Sport
Here is a feature comparison
http://www.hitecrcd.com/product/comp...adio_Chart.pdf
Under "Spectra Module Capable" the Optic Sport says 'no'
The Optic Sport gives up several features. Some may not be important to me but might be a deal breaker for you, or it could be the opposite.
