No, it implies that the satellite RX provides for better multipath rejection and less chance of polar dropouts that other RX's can experience with a single antenna/node.
This is true.

Try one sometime without the satellite and you'll see it works fine, but it is not optimal. For best reception use the satellite as it is designed and supplied.

As a very loose analogy: Your car will drive just fine without the spare tire too, but your better off with it in the trunk.

And there's that specious implication again...that some how multiple nodes equates to "inferior" when the exact opposite is true.... it is a SUPERIOR technique, Futaba's and Airtronics choice NOT to use one not-with-standing. The latter two vendors are relying upon other mechanism to even the playing field vis-a-vis marketing claims and product tests.


Here it is:

Multiple reception paths are almost always better than single ones.
Multiple reception paths help overcome the polarized nature of antenna transmission and reception patterns.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antenna_diversity


Spektrum/JR includes the satellite on many RX's and makes it optional on others.
You DO NOT HAVE TO BUY the satellite if it is not included, but your assured better performance/reception if you do.

I'd advise people not to sweat it on the smaller planes, but maybe opt for the satellite options on the larger ones, and/or planes with a lot of internal wiring/plumbing...


Futaba came out with their nice S-Bus system... is it marketing BS to get you to buy more stuff from them?

Some might argue it is... others may tell you that this is a superior way to hook up multiple servos on larger planes.

I agree with the latter, but those who argue the former, probably don't have the larger planes that may take advantage of it so they can't see the rational.