<div>Hello!</div><div><div>
</div><div><span style="white-space: pre; "> </span>I have been using a 1997 Skysport for flying my sailplanes for a while now, and it is quite a reliable radio. When using an older radio, there are a few things you should check into. First off - if the radio is using rechargeable batteries, commonly NiCd's, there is the chance that they could be too old for reliable use. Even if they are called "brand new", I would replace them immediately. It's better to do so than loose a model! As it is post 1991, the radio should be on the correct band and be compatable for a club environment. </div></div><div><span style="white-space
re"> </span>Before flying, do a full range check of about 90 feet with the antenna collapsed. You should still have full control, provided you are using a full range receiver. Also check that all the functions are working, i.e the channel reverse switches, rate switch, and all 4 basic control surfaces without jitter or unwanted movement.</div><div><span style="white-space
re"> </span>When buying a receiver, I would look for a proper Futaba product, although I have had great experiences with Hitec and no-name products on electric park flyers. Ensure it is on the correct band, and that the crystal is compatible. If you order it over the phone or buy if from a hobby shop, they should be able to help out in this respect. It may be wise to buy a new receiver, as older Futaba receivers are quite large and heavy. If you are looking at smaller electric models, go for Hitec products and look at their 4 channel receivers. </div><div><span style="white-space
re"> </span>Be advised that this is a simpler radio compared to the computer radios used today, but it is very high quality. I've had no problems with my older radios and find they have less problems and last longer. Perhaps it's the throwaway-sell-it-cheap attitude, but my Skysport is probably the least likely to break of all my radios! Don't expect to be able to program complex mixes or have digital trim, but the basics needed when setting up a model. Centre all the trims mechanically in the model, so that middle trim has the control surfaces level, and work with it from there. </div><div>
</div><div>Hope this helps, and happy flying!</div><div><span style="white-space
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